I know it is well past the time of boiled eggs for Easter, but we are well on the way for summer picnics and the tradional "deviled egg". The thing is - how do you get the shell to easily let go of the boiled egg inside? I have tried any way that has ever been suggested but nothing seemed to work - until today.

Theron said he had read that if you put a tablespoon or two of cooking oil into the boiling water the oil absorbs into the poroused shell and coats between the membrane and the egg white allowing the shell the virtually slip off. I tried it, it works, I was amazed! I asked Theron where he got the information and his answer was "the internet". I asked for a specific because I had also searched the internet for advice but never found idea. Theron turned away as he sheepishly said "from somebody's blog".

Thanks Theron! and thanks whoever you are that enticed Theron to read it on your page.

I just got back from Cleveland and have another little tip to pass along.

When I arrive at Rachaels's home I found that Christopher had a sliver in his hand. The kind that sits right by the palm and you can't get to it. Rachael had tried the needle approach but the sliver was determined to stay and Christopher was determined that he would not let her near him with a needle again.

I remembered the trick I learned from my dad while I was little and used on my kids.

Fill a bowl with hot water, large enough to fit the hand or foot that houses the sliver. Add about 1/4 cup of salt and stir. Soak the affected appendage until the skin starts to get pruney. You may find the sliver sitting on the surface. as soon as it comes out of the water, if not pinch a little as if squeezing a pimple and the sliver should pop right out.

Thanks, Christopher for reminding me of this llittle trick and for saving other little kids from the needle.

Home again - for awhile!

I got harrassed last night for not updating my "BLOG" and leaving those interested hanging with the thought that I never made it home from my last excursion. I guess you can never take too many vacations. I have decided however that you should not take a cruise while you are young or you may never have the desire to see Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, the purple mountain majesties or the fruited plains. We recently returned from a cruise to Belize and Guatemala (our 2nd trip there and our 3rd cruise). It becomes very addictive to vacation that way and we found ourselves wishing that our kids and grandkids were there to enjoy it with us. I am doing my share to keep the airlines from going under during this recession. I will be going to see Megan for her 4th birthday in two weeks. Rachael and her kids are coming to spend Easter with us and we are hoping that Allen will bring his girls up to visit at the same time. We won't be able to classify "Allen and his girls" much longer since they are expecting a baby boy in July. We are more than excited. Jessica's baby Parker is in the hospital with RSV and we are all praying for him to get better soon. You don't fully realize the joy of being a parent until you see your own kids being parents and even doing it the way you did.