Are You Packing Lunches?

Back to school means searching for lunchbox ideas. I've discover a great one...Oatmeal Crips from Fredericksburg's own Rebecca Rather, author of The Pastry Queen. Quick, easy and delicious homemade energy bars. Wrap up and keep in freezer for 3 weeks...if you can get them to last that long.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 T light corn syrup
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 t baking powder
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Melt butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a pan a cook until sugar is smooth (2 to 3 minutes). Stir into other ingredients. Press firmly into 9 x 13 pan and bake for 20 to 25 min in a 350 degree oven. Cool for 20 minutes then cut into bars.Think of the possibilities with various nuts, chocolate chips and dried fruit added in.

The Broken Bird

One of the few great things of this incredibly hot and dry summer has been birds. We put up a finch feeder for the the first time, and dozens came. They are the lesser finches...tiny little things flocking to the feeding sacks in large groups. Our early mornings on the deck with coffee is enhanced as we watch their morning rituals. They don't even mind the hummingbirds whizzing pass to get to their feeder.

Lately, we've observed a bird which tries to eat on the wing. She seems to struggle so hard to get feed, but quickly turns away. For some reason, Walt decided to leave some feed sitting atop the railing just under the hanging feeder. Soon, a tiny bird was resting peacefully...feeding. We continue to leave feed in this way, and the little bird continues to come.

I've had a chance to watch her in my binoculars. Her body rests on the railing...no legs are seen. Walt, who possesses an eagle eye, tells me she has a club foot, or, a foot that has been damaged. It obviously prevents her from grabbing hold of the mesh to feed.

I'm amazed that she survives. We'll continue to make sure her food is there, but what lies ahead is less certain than for the rest of the little birds. Still, she greets each day with hope, and probably with more appreciation than the others.

I Looked Really Good

Boy, you better believe it! How did this happen? I got behind the wheel of a silver Thunderbird. Yes! That'll do it. Takes 10 years off you. I found a 2004 model on the lot near my house. I am seriously considering this toy. Everything is acceptable about it. Now, do I have the courage to do the stupid?

Toyota Fun

We make the Toyota Tundra trucks here in San Antonio. It was a big deal when our city landed the plant. Recently, the plant started giving public tours of the facility. We took two of our grandsons and their parents on one of these tours last Friday. What a pristine factory! I was quite impressed and had a great time. Make a reservation and go. It's a great outing.