Apple Pies ~It's What You Make After Picking Apples ~~And Then You Entertain Guests

There are some excellent Pie Artists in my Foods classes.

In each lab, two students make the homemade pastry...

and two students make the apple filling.

Then, together, they assemble their pie.

All together, we made 21 pies.

Each lab invites an adult guest to join their table for

pie, ice cream, and coffee.

While everyone uses the same recipe,

each pie looks a little bit different,

Click here for a printer friendly version of our recipe.

Guest Day involves learning the proper way to set the table.

We discuss the Host and Hostess duties when you are entertaining...

One student serves the pie, another scoops the ice cream, 

while a third student pours the beverages.

Plus, I expect them to be on their best behavior 

and use their best manners while eating with their adult guest.

Today, we enjoyed visiting with parents,

grandparents, a youth pastor, teachers,

our librarian, and our school resourse officer.

Enjoy the sweet taste of the autumn harvest.

Take care,

~Natalie

Apple Picking...It's What You Do On the First Saturday in Autumn

and when your favorite college football team has a bye week,

and when your Foods classes are making Apple Pie on Monday!

Our good friends have an apple tree in their backyard,

with branches heavy with luscious fruit.

The guys went up on ladders 

to reach the top branches...

While Patty and I stayed below 

to gather those that fell to the ground.

Just the right amount of tart and sweetness!

An added bonus...

The neighbors down the street have a pear tree.

The fruits of our labor.

And later that evening...

after our afternoon chores

(and maybe a nap),

We gathered downtown for some live jazz music

and dinner with friends.

Enjoy what's left of the weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie

Homecoming 2016 ~Now a Memory ~~In the Presence of Royalty

Tuesday's Dress Up Day was designated by grade.

Seniors wear black.

Technically, I am a Senior.

Freshmen wear white.

Here they are gathered around my demonstration counter 

to evaluate their Banana Breads.

Out of 21 loaves, there were only two that did not look right.

Perhaps they used the wrong leavening agent...

Wednesday...Jersey Day.

But bigger news was about our Homecoming Royalty.

These lovely young women are in my super study.

.

Congratulations to our Queen, Madison,

and to Kate, a member of the Royal Court.

Of course, this was a perfect opportunity for Sweet Treats!

Thursday's Dress Up Day...

Wear a Wacky Random Outfit.

We have some creative students,

and this day was quite entertaining!

And Friday...Spirit Day.

You might wonder if there was any 

teaching and learning going on?

We all did our best!

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Mania ~High School Homecoming Week ~~It was Pajama Day Today

It's Homecoming Week here 

at Central High School.

Today's theme was 

"Come As You Are"

aka "Pajama Day".

It is surprising that any of the the students 

took the teachers seriously today!!

Show your School Spirit!

Take care,

~Natalie

Labor Day Weekend ~It was a Tough One ~~Why Do Some Find Pleasure in Destroying People's Personal Property? #heartbreaking

This weekend we visited our family farmstead.

Many of you remember that the waters of Devils Lake 

have swallowed up farmland and destroyed the homes in the community.

For generations, our family had cared for this home...

painting and repairing to preserve this treasure.

Last year, the water had receded and it was the first time

in years that we could get near the house. 

Click here to see my post from last summer.

While the water damaged the home beyond any hope of restoration,

this weekend's visit was disturbing.

As we approached the yard, I sensed something very wrong.

Someone...had broken every window in the house.

...every single window.

I am angry.

I am sad.

I am frustrated and disappointed.

Why would anyone in their right mind think it is okay to

trespass onto private property and intentionally damage

personal property?

What is wrong with people?

Equally upsetting,

people are using our property as a dumping ground.

Old television...

Old furniture...

Old shingles.

I am heartbroken.

Where the Weekend Went ~We Love Bison Football

Hubby scored a couple of tickets for 

the college football season opener.

Bison Football Eve was celebrated at the Wurst Bier Hall 

with our good friends, the LaFaves.

Ashley and her fiance, Logan, were able to join us too.

It was fun to chat with her, as she had also just finished her first week of school.

We compared teacher stories...

some things similar, some things very different.

She teaches second grade, and I teach high school.

The next morning, we donned our gold apparel.

It was to be a Gold Rush in the Dome.

First stop...Downtown Fargo.

We visited some quaint little shops,

and another downtown brewery, Drekkers.

We stopped by before opening hours, and since it was raining,

the owner invited us in off the sidewalk.

Hubby got to visit with one of the owners/brewers.

Their brew menu reflects creativity and a great sense of humor.

We enjoyed a beverage...

...and shelter from the rain and hail!

Next stop...campus and the tailgating lot.

Of course, these two took much interest in

The Gold Star Marching Band.

We found our seats before the pre-game festivities,

raising the National Championship Banner.

You can see our seats were up in the rafters!

I found this photo on-line...

someone on the other side of the banner!

The game was exciting, ending in a tie.

The first over-time in the history of football in the dome!

In dramatic fashion, the Bison pulled off a touchdown,

a defensive stop, and a win!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and are

ready for another week of work!

Take care,

~Natalie