Hello there, and how are you? Settling in to the new normal? Or still wandering around, dazed and confused? The spring weather has really helped us feel better about the current situation, that’s for sure.
I thought I’d try a new series for Best Bets and feature things that we’re reading, eating, making and doing each week. I’ve also loved seeing and hearing from each of you about what’s working for your household. So, without further ado, this week’s list:
- It’s been really, really tough without the library open. We check out about 100 books a week (and that’s during non-quarantine times). But of course, we’re taking the opportunity to revisit some old favorites. For me that includes everything by Kent Haruf, a national treasure whose sparse but impactful prose spoke directly to the Kansan in me (though his books were technically set in eastern Colorado). Plainsong and Eventide are pure magic and I can’t recommend them enough.
- Like many people, we are currently eating well. Something we’ve always loved and have gotten back into with the mild weather is grilled bread. Just grab your favorite loaf (we love Italian, sourdough or country), slice it thick, and brush or spray on some oil. Grill over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. We like to top it with ricotta and tomato salad, but the possibilities are endless – prosciutto and fig spread or scrambled eggs and asparagus are also winners.
- Sometimes we struggle with getting the kids to be active outdoors, especially when the playgrounds are off limits. We had fun this week doing a scavenger hunt that my mom sent us from the Tuttle Creek Lake US Army Corps of Engineers. Of course, they had a candy reward when it was completed, but it kept them happily occupied for over an hour.