On Sunday, we arrived at St. Joesph beach in Michigan only to find the dreaded red flag waving strong. Overcast and dangerous waves. No swimming today. It was the perfect day to relax and read on the beach.
After several hours of baking in partial sun and reading, we made our way through the local shops. Our first stop was Cabanas for some delicious Black Cherry ice cream. Afterwards, we strolled and browsed the local shops. A visit would not be complete without stopping by the local independent bookstore Forever Books. As you walk in, you are greeted with the fragrance of possibility. While browsing, I came across two exceptional picture books. The Legend of Sleeping Bear is beautifully written and illustrated. I’m looking forward to integrating this lovely into my classroom. Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall’s Hello Lighthouse was the second lakeside treasure that I discovered. Hello Lighthouse “is a luminous tribute to a steadfast lighthouse and its reassuring light.”
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshop linked above (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
While enjoying my morning coffee, I came across this little nugget. Love, love, love Katherine Applegate and her books. At the risk of completely fan girling, oh my gosh she is going on a book tour!!! Fellow literature enthusiasts, this is a must attend event. Click on the link below to reserve your ticket, which includes a copy of her book and a spot in the signing line. The author talk has yet to be posted on Andersons’ website. It came across her Facebook feed and I’m still recovering. Oh my gosh! I’m going to meet Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko!!!!
The idea for Yes Chef! Tasty Reads was “cooked up” one Sunday evening while making pasta sauce from scratch. Since my daughter graduated college and moved home, she asked me to teach her to cook. The shear comedy that ensued. In the directions, the recipe stated “blanch the fresh tomatoes.” Giggle. Giggle.
A little backstory. Our stovetop has been periodically dusted while she was away at college. It seemed ridiculous to cook an extravagant meal for one person leaving days on end leftovers. My meals consisted of coffee, microwavable dinners, soup, and frozen pizza. As an exhausted teacher, the mere thought of cooking was out of the question. Yes, it was not the healthiest meal plan.
Back to cooking. After searching, I located my favorite cooking apron. Ok. I am now wearing the apron that I excavated from the bottom kitchen drawer. Said apron has what I believe to have permanent creases from being folded for too long. Sigh. By now, we both are armed in aprons and ready to conquer the culinary world.
Stovetop. Blanch the tomatoes. When I was younger, much younger, my mother would spend hot summer days canning vegetables and fruit from our garden. I recall hearing the term “blanch.” Also, there is a glimmer of a memory of Mom standing over a pot of boiling water.
My daughter proceeded to ask me, what do they mean “blanch the tomatoes?” Little, grown girlie I can’t remember. That’s when the banter went back and forth. You blanch the tomatoes. No, you blanch the tomatoes. Finally, it was decided to check YouTube. Yup. There it was. How to blanch tomatoes. It was exactly how I remembered.
How did the sauce turn out you ask? It was delightful and we are now fighting over who will finish the rest.
Fast forward to Thursday. We are at Target and I find a magical gadget that makes a mug of ice cream. No really. A sweet, cute little mug of ice cream. Yes Chef!! You’re coming home with me. I spent most of today researching the perfect recipe for my new treasure. YouTube for the win! 5 Easy Ice Cream Recipes! I’m now researching new salad recipes. A girl needs balance in her life.
We are open to trying new recipes, please share below. Keep in mind I am brushing off my culinary skills and adding a new fire extinguisher to the shopping list. Just in case.
Sidebar: Speaking of new recipes/cookbooks, in August I have a new cookbook arriving from Chef Gary Maclean. In June, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting him at a cooking demonstration at the Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Itasca, Illinois. And that is a conservation over coffee for another day.
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshops linked above (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
It’s raining. It’s been raining since yesterday. We are currently under a flood watch. Occasionally, there is a rumble of thunder and some lightening. I’d rather be hiking or at the beach, but here I sit waiting on the rain. So far, I am on my third cup of coffee and unmotivated to read or sort books. I’m in a rain stinks-I’m stuck inside-I want to go hiking or the beach-funk. I’m wallowing. It’s not attractive. Not even my pink flamingo slippers are cheering me up. I tried turning on music and dancing it out. Nope. So, I’m now sorting through books. I didn’t realize how may picture books I had on rain/weather. Break out your favorite coffee mug and join me for a walk in the rain. Well, not the actual rain because it’s raining cats, dogs, and hippos.
—Jenn
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshops linked below (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
I come from a long line of farmers, loggers, police officers and engineers. It’s only natural that I have a soft spot for farm life. This past school year my class adopted a calf through the Discover Dairy program. We were blessed to work with Berning Acres, which is an amazing dairy farm and must visit.
So, break out those overalls and tall rubber boots. Whatever destination that you choose, I wish you and yours a “moo”velous time.
*See the Classroom Connection tab for details on Discover Dairy plus related reading & additional resources.
—Jenn
Field Trips for Families & Classrooms
Illinois Adventures
Berning Acres – East Dubuque, Illinois
My daughter and I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Berning Acres in June. We traveled a little over four hours (one way) on our adventure. Our visit was quite memorable. We played and bottle fed some calves; visited with the goats, sheep, chickens, ponies, and pigs; milked a cow (harder than it looks); and toured the farm. Before leaving, we ate some ice cream and took pictures. Our guide was informative and extremely personable. My daughter is still talking about the teeny, tiny, baby cows. We thank Berning Acres for their time and hospitality.
If you plan on visiting, click the link below to make your reservation in advance. Once on the website, you will notice there are numerous options to choose from.
On our way to Berning Acres, we stopped at Hoof It for a quick hike with some goats. My daughter thought the idea was complete bananas. Summer is meant to explore and try new adventures. That was my selling pitch and I quickly won her over. Our morning hike was beyond entertaining. When we arrived, we were greeted by a small herd of goats wandering about eating leaves off of low plants. During the hike, which lasted about an hour, we stopped occasionally to take selfies and pictures of the goats. As we hiked, our guides were informative and most were personable.
If you plan on visiting, click the link below to make your reservation in advance. Once on the website, you will notice there are numerous options to choose from.
My daughter’s Girls Scout Troop went ages ago. It’s wonderful place to visit with your family and class. Click the link below to check the schedule and secure a reservation.
The Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago is a family favorite. Farm Tech: Growing Smarter is an interactive exhibit, where your budding farm enthusist can try their hand at milking a cow and “driving” a tractor. It’s truly a moo-velous time! Sorry I couldn’t resist one last pun.
Fair Oak Farms is super family friendly and offers tours of a modern working dairy farm. Family passes are available to experience all the farm has to offer. While visiting the farm, make certain to visit the Cowfe & Ice Cream shop. I highly recommend the grilled cheese sandwich and fresh ice cream. So yummy! Plus, there is super cute merch available for purchase.
For those of you that are traveling, advance reservations at the Fairfield by Marriott is a must. Marriott describes the hotel as “a beautiful contemporary barn, this one-of-a-kind hotel is filled with custom art and upgrades all celebrating the American countryside of Fair Oaks Farms.” A great family getaway.
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the field trip destinations (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
Adventure Recommendation
I am always ready for an adventure! Please post your recommendations below.
July is an excellent time to snuggle in a read a new book. The picture books below are my absolute favorites that I read in the final days of school. Corresponding classroom resources and links are posted under the “Classroom Connection” tab.
Picture Books
And Then Comes Summer, by Tom Brenner
Fireflies, by Julie Brinckloe
Down by the Cool of the Pool, by Tony Mitton
There was an Old Mermaid who Swallowed a Shark, by Lucille Colandro
Wish for a Fish: All About Sea Creatures, by Bonnie Worth
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist, by Jess Keating
The Big Tan Van, by Sindy McKay
Pig the Tourist, by Aaron Blabey
Tacky Goes to Camp, by Helen Lester
The Pigeon will Ride the Roller Coaster, by Mo Willems
Bonus – Camping Picture Books
The Camping Trip, by Jennifer K. Mann
Our Great Big Backyard, by Laura Bush & Jenna Bush Hager
Frank & Bean, by Jamie Michalak
Fatima’s Great Outdoors, by Ambreen Tariq
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, by Chris Van Dusen
Chapter Books
Flora & Ulysess, by Kate DiCamillo
Magic Tree House: #35 Camp Time in California, by Mary Pope Osborne
Conversations-Over-Coffee has been “brewing” for some time. For several months. I tinkered with the idea of writing a blog. The idea of sharing my passions for coffee, literature, and classroom connections was most appealing.
This fall marks my fifth year teaching Second Grade. Literally feels like seconds teaching Second. Most of my students arrive in August with a feeling of meh when it comes to literature. By June, they are asking if they can read five more minutes. During the school year, literature in my classroom is celebrated, devoured, and analyzed. Keep an eye on the “Classroom Connections” tab. Over the next several weeks, I will be posting my favorite author websites and adventures (some virtual) for your classrooms and family.
Like many of you, I am looking forward to a gorgeous weekend. I’ll be checking back in a day to two. Time to pack my bag for the beach and select the perfect read. My daughter will be driving, so I will be catching up on my reading.
Before we begin our Wednesday poll, grab your coffee.
Poll for today:Where is your favorite place to read? And you can’t say everywhere. That’s cheating. For me, I love to read at the beach. AirPods in, chilly bottle of water, sand, waves and no regard for time. Yup. Definitely at the beach.
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