Do not attempt an Italian meringue buttercream frosting (with rum) when the temps are in the upper 90’s and the humidity is palpable.

Also note that putting soupy Italian meringue buttercream frosting (with rum) in the refrigerator will thicken it up, but not in time for the party that begins a half hour after you discover that Italian meringue buttercream frosting (with rum) won’t take in your sauna- esque kitchen.

Also note that Italian meringue buttercream frosting (with rum) tastes quite good soupy, slightly thick, and been-in-the-fridge-since-yesterday thick. Failure to have useable icing for my party yesterday just means more for me.

For the first time in weeks, I actually have the windows open and a lovely breeze is coming in. It’s even a tiny bit nippy on the porch swing. Things are expected to be back to normal tomorrow. Drat.

But it feels oh so good to catch up to and pass another runner.

Even if…

…the other runner…

…is as old as your mother.

Last month, we had some people from my husband’s office over for a party. I think the food turned out well. Next month, he wants to invite a different group of people over.

“Hmmm, I wonder what I should make,” said I.

“Make the same thing you did last time,” he suggested. I rewarded him with a blank stare. The same thing? Why?

*******

“Hey, Mikey, whatcha doing, staring at that hunk of rock?”

“I’m thinking about carving a statue out of it.”

“Yeah? Why doncha make another one a them Davids? That was cool.”

*******

The great thing about my husband is that he is so very easy to please. I know some husbands who are a bit…finicky…with what they will eat. No breakfast food for dinner…ever. No fruit (sauces, garnishes, etc) with meat. Not Bill. He will eat what I serve him without complaint.

He did complain – once – early in our marriage, but the cast iron skillet seemed to knock some sense into him.

But the difficult thing about my husband is that he is so very easy to please. If time, money, and nutrition were no concern, this would be his daily menu:

Breakfast: western omelet, coffee (black) and possible add-ons of rye toast, hash browns, bacon and OJ.

Lunch: turkey and provolone on a hard roll with a bit of Dijon mustard, Dr. Pepper, maybe some chips.

Dinner: whatever I make him.

And he would eat this, without variety, every day for weeks and weeks and weeks. I can’t do that.

My friend’s husband recently came home on R&R from Afghanistan. He had a long list of favorite foods that he wanted her to make. When Bill came home last December, I made some things that I knew he would like, but none of them were by his request (despite repeated interrogations).

And despite knowing this man for nearly 21 years, I only learned last spring that chocolate cake isn’t his favorite; he prefers vanilla.

Every year I ask, “What would you like me to make for your birthday?”

“Oh, whatever…”

“O-kaaaay…” So I’d make chocolate cake…because everybody loves chocolate, right? He doesn’t understand how much it bothers me to think I’ve been disappointing him for 20 years. Of course, he’s probably not disappointed. He’s just happy there’s good food magically appearing in front of him every night.

Apparently, I have a much greater attachment to food than he does. My hips attest to this fact. Food is art. Food is hospitality. Food is love.

So, no, I can’t make the same menu that I did for the last party. And since my wonderful husband is no help in the planning department, I’m soliciting suggestions. One thought I had was to have burgers, but to provide a very large selection of toppings…or to have different types of burgers (have you had burgers with bleu cheese? – yum). I’m definitely casting about for some sort of theme. The tequila is almost gone, so that’s out. Any ideas?

“Mom, how hot is it going to be today?” I was sitting at my desk, so I clicked over to my bookmarked 10 day forecast.

“91.”

{smack} That was his forehead hitting the desk.

“Wait, Fritz, let’s look at the next week or so: 93, 94, 92, 94, 95, 91…oh, next Wednesday, they’re saying only 88. Don’t hold your breathe, though.”

“Ohhhhh….” He groaned and walked away.

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that summer doesn’t even begin for 2 more weeks.

Today, we attended a ceremony kicking off the national campaign for The Matthew Freeman Project. Matthew Freeman was a Marine Captain who died last year in Afghanistan. Two days before he was killed, he talked to his mom and asked her to collect pens and paper for the kids of that country. Despite his death, she accepted his challenge and began this project.

I am always inspired and amazed by people who heroically turn life’s sorrows and trials into hope and meaning for other people.

The mission of The Matthew Freeman Project is: To honor the memory of Marine Captain Matthew C. Freeman by realizing his vision of helping children in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries worldwide, principally where American armed forces are, or have been present, by delivering school supplies, especially pens and paper, to help continue their education and improve literacy; to honor God by promoting communities of promise, prosperity, and peace.

It was a nice ceremony.

The website does not yet have information on how to donate supplies, but the project is aimed toward school children. There is an email address for any military personnel who are deployed and wish to distribute school supplies to children in their area.

I hope your Memorial Day was lovely. Please remember to pray for the souls of all those who died for this country, and also for those who are currently in harm’s way.

Read my pool safety rules here.

How many ringpops does it take to keep the under 5 crowd amused through double header playoff games? I stopped counting after 3. I only wish that I had realized how effective they were and bought them at the grocery store instead of at the snack bar for $0.50 each.

The boys won. I’m happy for them. I’m happy that the season is over.

Now I need to look into fall ball.

Blue Star Museums:

This summer, more than 600 museums in all 50 states are offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, through Labor Day, September 6, 2010 to show their appreciation for those who are serving this nation.

You can click on the map to see what museums near you (or your vacation destination) are free.

For breakfast, I had a huge bowl of sliced apples (with a side of fruit dip). For lunch I think it will be pineapple and strawberries.

I have tons of leftovers here, so if you’re hungry, come on over.

Party seemed to go well. Funny that the BBQ chicken – no recipe – using homemade leftover sauce – is all gone. I didn’t even get a piece.

I didn’t get any margarita cupcakes either. I will definitely make a double batch next time. My bottle of tequila is half gone.

And our stock of Jack Daniels, Maker’s Mark and vodka took a hit. If we have this crowd over again, I think we’ll need to restock.

*****

Public schools down here ended last week. My school still has some lingering material. Motivation is sorely lacking this morning, but, nevertheless, off we go.