I have high hopes that this week will be a little calmer than the last few have been.  It seems like they are full to the brim before they even begin.  Jimmy is going on his first overnight field trip this week.  They are leaving on Thurs. to go to Cincy.  First to the museum center and then to the zoo, where they will spend the night.  They should be back at school by 2 p.m. on Friday.  He is really looking forward to it.

Last time MB was home she found some dishes she likes.  Three guesses where - that's right, the Disney Store.  Those of you who know her are not surprised I'm sure! 

I enjoy making a snack for the Wed. eve Men's Bible study.  It started as an excuse to make something besides Texas Sheet Cake!  Sometimes I try something new and sometimes I make something that I haven't made in a while.  In my last issue of Taste of Home's Simple & Delicious magazine there was a recipe for Pecan Candy Clusters (aka Turtle's).  They were easy and turned out great.  A new addition for my Christmas baking list.  So try it and enjoy!  They were a big hit, now I have to come up with something for this week!

Pecan Candy Clusters

(or Turtle’s)

2 cups milk chocolate chips, divided

64 pecan halves (about 1-1/2 cups)

28 caramels

2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside.  In a microwave-safe bowl melt 1 cup chocolate chips; stir until smooth.  Drop the chocolate by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.  Immediately place four pecans on top of each chocolate drop.

Place the caramels in a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish; add cream.  Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes, stirring once.  Spoon onto the middle of each cluster. 

Melt the remaining chocolate chips; stir until smooth.  Spread over the caramel.  Let stand until set.  Yield:  16 candies.

I know, April is almost over and I am still talking about March.  I ended up having to report for jury selection on March 18.  There were about 60 potential jurors and we were there from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  We were questioned by the judge and 3 different attornys.  It was a Federal case and I guess those are a whole different ball game.  Bottom line was at the end of the day I was not selected.  I don't know if it was the letter from my boss or the fact that I knew the one person in the group of potential jurors that had cocaine problems in the past and this case dealt with drugs.  So to sum it up I was glad to see March in the rear view mirror.  Besides being tied to the phone for jury duty, Jimmy had a 5 day intestinal virus and his school was closed for 2 days because of a small fire.  Toward the end of the month I had a dr. appt. and she mentioned that my blood pressure was a little high - gee, ya think so!!

MB will be home in 2 weeks for the summer - I know that she will be glad that the semester is over.

Guess that's it for tonight - Catch ya later.

Jury duty - gotta love it.  Last week was easy - don't show up, don't call until Fri. after 7 p.m.  This week is a different story.  The message on Fri. said to call back Mon. after 5 for a possible reporting time on Tues.  Yeah - I am supposed to work Tues. so now the other secretary is also hangin' on to see if our schedule will change.  I called today after 5 and was told not to report tomorrow but to call back tomorrow after 5 for a possible reporting time on Wed.  Of course I am also scheduled to work Wed.  So we are both still hangin' on.  And now I also have MB hangin' on to see if she will have "Jimmy duty" on Wed.  He goes to a district elem. choir practice on Wed. between school and AWANA's and we sure didn't plan on me having jury duty when we decided to do this.  Oh well, the word for the month is once again - flexibile!!

Good weekend - had the family over for an early birthday dinner for my brother.  Family, food & fun - it was a great evening.  He got to request the meal and dessert - Boston Cream Pie.  Nice change and easy to make.  Yellow cake mix, box of pudding (for the filling) and choc. frosting.  There is your recipe for the day!