Cupid Awakes....

Hello, everyone!

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day... My celebration began last night.... Actually earlier. After a long and very VERY stressful two weeks of school, we had a wonderful teacher's workshop presented by a dear friend of mine. We learned all about grant writing and school improvement writing, but mostly she demonstrated just how much fun it can be to work together as a group of faculty members. I personally am so very tired in my soul of professional development workshops on test scores. This one was actually geared to something else, and it was just wonderful.

Then two dear friends and I flew across the miles to a nearby town and had a wonderful early Valentine's Day Supper. One of them gave me the cutest purse/cosmetic bag and some lovely Valentine's Day tea. The other one has been spoiling me for weeks with hot plate lunches at school, strategically placed ice cold Diet Cokes after a stressful day or right before Parent Teacher Conferences. I love my girlfriends with all my heart. You might say my love life has had its ups and downs and downs and ups, but one thing is certain. My friendships ROCK!!!

Then my cousin (of the upcoming apron party fame) brought us down a plate of iced sugar cookies. Mmmmm.. I told you that was the taste of Valentine's Day... Delicious and so sweet......

Today instead of our usual car trip, Mom and I opted for a quiet morning at home. Neither of us felt 100 percent, so I think I'm being dubbed as gopher and a little Taco Bell is in order for lunch. At the same time I'm picking up some gift certificates for my son. I bought Mom a new Beverly Lewis Trilogy... so we're set.

Here is a Cheese Ball Recipe I just adore..... I have a little left from Parent Teacher Conferences, but I'm making another for the party next Saturday.

Red Pepper Cheese Ball

2 softened 8 oz. pkg. Philly Cream Cheese
1/4 c. softened butter
2-3 c. grated Cheddar or American Cheese
1 bunch minced green scallions or green onions
1 tsp. minced garlic (I use the kind in the jar with olive oil)
1/2 + c. chopped roasted red bell pepper from jar or freshly roasted
1/2 jar Harry and David Pepper 'n Onion relish (I think there are substitutes out there, as well... Just a red pepper relish with a sweet hot flavor... Could add a little sugar or a little dash of cayenne if your relish isn't cooperating... Nothing beats Harry and David, though, in my opinion)
1/2+ c. chopped pecans
dash of green parsley flakes

Reserve about 3/4 c. cheese, the parsley, and the chopped pecans. Mix other ingredients well (I use my hands). Form a sloppy ball and roll first in cheese, then in nuts. Sprinkle with parsley... Chill at least two hours and enjoy... Keeps tightly covered for at least a week (so they say....)