When I made my recipe binder, I consolidated my cookbooks, getting rid of most of them. But I kept a 1979 PTA fund-raising cookbook from my elementary school; it’s so old now it’s vintage cool.
That was back when I looked like this as I headed off to school with my Star Wars lunch box. Look at that pose: I was rocking that Dorothy Hamill ‘do (and footwear that looks remarkably like bowling shoes; what the heck?).

Anyhoo… in that little recipe book, I found this oldie but goodie, perfect for the rapidly approaching summertime:
RECIPE FOR PRESERVING CHILDREN
Take 1 large grassy field
1/2 dozen children (all sizes)
3 small dogs
1 narrow strip of brook (pebbly if possible)Mix children with dogs and empty into field, stirring continually. Sprinkle field with flowers. Pour brook over pebbles. Cover all with a deep blue sky and bake in hot sun.
When all the children are well browned they may be removed from field. Will be found just right for setting away to cool in the bathtub.
















I love this so much I got a tear in my eye! That is so the perfect day! I am planning our summer, but I want to leave plenty of time for days like this and not over-fill us with activities…sometimes these kind of days are the most enriching!
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Twitter: jamieworley
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It does sound quite lovely, doesn’t it? Reminds me of my childhood days spent playing in the neighborhood creek, catching tadpoles, getting in trouble for forgetting to take my muddy shoes off at the door… but all so fun!
LOVE the picture. I do remember reading this before. Isn’t it a PERFECT recipe for kids? Reminds me of my childhood playing in the creek, building bridges, playing hide and seek. Hopefully it will remind Keilee of her childhood one day looking back.
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That is so the perfect day! I am planning our summer, but I want to leave plenty of time for days like this and not over-fill us with activities…sometimes these kind of days are the most enriching!
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What a wonderful photo!

Great recipe, too…not many people use it these days though. Aren’t we lucky?!
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Twitter: embarski
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Very true! That’s one reason I treasure our time at the lake. Himself has made noises about selling the cabin and trying to find something closer (his flights to and fro are getting expensive!), but I shush him every time. We need that getaway, that different life.
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Love it but I have to tell you that what really caught my eye was your Dorothy Hamill cut. I had the same cut when I was in kindergarden! Not my favorite cut- you definitely sported it better than I did.

Tonya @ The Traveling Praters recently posted..A Brief Visit to Hocking Hills State Park for Shoot the Hills Photography Competition
I just love that recipe! It reminded me of those day I spend summer with my sister and our friends. By now, it is our children who are now enjoying the same privilege.
I had the same cut when I was in kindergarden! Not my favorite cut- you definitely sported it better than I did. Thanks that you’ve shared.
Love it!! I have this cross-stitched and hanging on my wall in our family room. I think Nana cross-stitched it but I’m not sure… Perfect summer recipe!
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Okay, the “recipe” is really cute, but not as cute as you were in that pic!! Love it:)
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