I just checked out the Official Job Description Manual listing for "Minions, Assorted & Various," and the Picking Blueberries portion is optional, Kate. So...I guess if it is going to cause dissention in the ranks, Marcia's Minions no longer have to pick blueberries. Seeeeeee...I'm a kind and generous SpiritGuide/ProcrastinationPriestess/Queenie! I can be MOST benevolent when I need to be. Therefore, no need to turn in your Minion Membership just yet. I rather enjoying having minioning going on whilst on road trips with you and Nicki. Makes me feel Queenly an' all! *waving regally, but kindly* Marcia (Who still has NOT planted a single thing...but who thinks having the excuse of not feeling well yesterday will get her off the hook. Going to do better today, for sure!)

I am shaking my head in amazement! Just when you think you have seen it all, a package like this comes along! That cookbook looks like a lot of fun, but it's those pans that are the "eye candy" for me! LOL And ya just can't go wrong with anything from Penzey's! Great job, May! Nancy girl, now you get a-bakin' and a-BBQ'in and a-photographin' and a-postin'! (she says in her smoothest Texas drawl...) Linda

Oh, that sounds like a good gift. I'm glad that he will get to enjoy the Cooking Forum favorites. If you need any inspiration on selecting a recipe, let me know. From what you've said previously, I think he'd like the Flank Steak made with the Pickapeppa sauce. The first time I made it, the marinade tasted odd but once you grill the meat and cook the sauce, it all comes together. I think my DH said it was "amazing." Good luck with all that cooking! Karen

Thanks again everyone. I asked Max if he was happy to be married a couple days ago. He said, "I'm VERY happy." Isn't that all a mom really wants to hear? The kids just received news they got an apt in Sebastopol so they are moving out of San Francisco. Courtney has been accepted to Sonoma State for grad school and Max's plans to go to the middle east was upset by all the unrest. The school recommended he postpone his schooling for a semester, much to our relief. Now I doubt he will leave her next semester. I'm loving having another daughter. I do love my girls! She is a grounding force for Max, who has so much drive he can forget to enjoy the present. I love how much respect they demonstrate toward each other and I'd love to think we had a major influence on showing him what a good marriage looks like. While they are young to be married, Max has always been mature beyond his years and values deep relationships. Robert doesn't think they are too young at all. We all knew he was smitten by her and we certainly approve of her. They are both frugal and have managed to accrue savings accounts - impressive for their age! Courtney's mom is younger - only 4 years older than Aimee. She isn't that close to her parents but loves her grandmother. I think there is a cultural difference that can be somewhat common when people move to another country and raise their children in a different culture than they were raised. She was raised down South, near San Diego. Max will stay in the West until she gets through grad school. He is a bit behind her in school due to his middle east travels. While he attended language school, much of his middle east education doesn't count here but he has built an impressive resume, nevertheless. Max has always wanted to go to grad school in the East, where he can obtain more expertise on the Middle East. I hope to be a cool MIL. LOL! Max says she really loves us and I feel that. The feeling is mutual but I had no doubt Max would pick a good one. They plan to adopt rather than have their own children down the road. This goal is the ultimate compliment to us, since Max is adopted. We'll see about that. The biological need to have a child may surprise them and kick in. Dubs is really sick right now so I'm pretty tied to the house but when all is said and done with him, we intend to visit them in their new place and set up their bedroom as a wedding gift. There is a major peace knowing that Max has a partner in life who is willing to support him. I have no doubt that Max will support her any way he can.