"Bilbo was sadly reflecting that adventures are not all pony-rides in May sunshine..." -Tolkien from The Hobbit

Soupy Afternoons

As we cruise toward a long winter break, the boys study quietly in their rooms preparing for the last tests of the semester, and I steam the floors, organize books, fold laundry and decorate for Christmas. December will bring late mornings, advent readings and a flurry of craft projects and baking that we’ve been saving for a simpler time. Social engagements have been kept to a minimum to maximize on happy family time. We take a short break for lunch after a morning of busy activities. The fridge is bursting at the seams with leftovers as is common at the end of November, and I decide to let my picky eater make his own pot of soup. What a great idea this turned out to be. He simply made some instant beef stock and threw in the bits that looked appealing to him. I ended up scooping a bowl for myself as well. Then we sat around slurping while listening to our recording of “The Hobbit” and fell under the spell of an afternoon nap before going back to work refreshed. It is days like this that make me appreciate the home schooling life. Life moves too fast outside this red door. People seem to have lost an appreciation for hearth and home, for close family ties and time to replenish one’s soul. Soup is one of the things that brings us back to it. Here is the left over soup recipe, substitutes welcome. Happy slurping! 4 cups water 3 teaspoons beef base or bullion Handful of chopped broccoli Handful of leftover turkey meat Handful of elbow noodles Leftover mashed potatoes 1 small can bushes baked beans Dash of oregano Dash of basil Simmer until noodles are cooked. Top with cheese. Slurp with a side of literature