All things must pass

I got released from my calling on Sunday. The last time I didn't have a calling was before Kelly was born. Not that I think they won't give me something else soon. And I actually have quite a bit to get up to date for the next person. So...I have things to do.

But there's this strange, kind of empty feeling. A sort of melancholy. I almost felt like it was part of me, now I don't know who I am. Silly, I know.

I liked being in Primary and being the secretary. I like the kids. I like my job to have variety. I like to organize. It was an almost perfect call for me.

And there's something more. A little bit of sadness for the closeness I shared with the people I worked with. We will drift apart and never quite be the same. One of us will be moving away. The next time I see those kids' faces, I won't even recognize them. Well, maybe if we become Facebook friends.

It just reminded me of that song from the Carol Burnett show. I'm so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh, or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long.

Four months later: I don't know just how much God directs our paths, but I realize this release was a blessing in disguise. A few weeks later, when Bob died, I was free to be a help to my family who needed me.

Sweet Potato Fries

After watching Dr. Oz one day last week, I determined to start making a few healthier dishes. I knew not to try the things they were talking about. I've never even heard of a lot of their ingredients. I do have a picky husband and teenager to consider. It doesn't help anyone to make healthy foods if no one will eat them. And I'm not real sure I would want to eat some of that stuff.

We had a very nice sweet potato crop for two years now, so I was looking for recipes using sweet potatoes. I was going to make muffins, knowing husband wouldn't taste them, but thinking I might cajole the daughter. When I came upon a recipe for sweet potato fries. Not fried, but baked. Don even suggested this once in the past. So I just did it. And what do you know? He not only tasted them, but liked them. She did too, less enthusiastically. Oh, well.

Sweet Potato Fries

Peel one large sweet potato. (you could leave the skin if you prefer) Cut into slices, then french fry shape. Toss with olive or canola oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The recipe I had called for cayenne pepper, which I chose not to use. Bake at 450 F for 15 minutes. Toss or flip fries and bake another 10 to 15 minutes.

This was so easy. I especially like recipes with not too many ingredients. I would probably like to try some different seasonings in the future. Just for fun.

I'm still rather shocked that Don ate them and liked them. He has a reputation for not liking vegetables. Now I'm wondering what else I can put on the table.