Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. We have made it to the first weekend in October. The recent rain has triggered coloring in the leaves, and it’s beginning to look more like Fall.
Happy birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week, and happy anniversary to those of you who reached another milestone year with your loved one.
Quote of the Week: “Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this, their only chance to soar.” –Delia Owens, Where the Crawdad Sings
Book of the Week: To hit a spooky theme and Fall at the same time, I want to recommend The October Country by award-winning author Ray Bradbury. This book is an illustrated compilation of 19 just-scary-enough stories that fit the “weird gothic horror” feel. Bradbury also produced the bestseller Fahrenheit 451, and his work covered many genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: The recent deaths and regional devastation caused by flash-flooding in the wake of Hurricane Helene is a reminder that we all need to take extra precautions during hurricane season. Since inclement or dangerous weather could strike at any time, and you never know when you will need to leave abruptly, it is important to prepare your home as well as your vehicle.
It’s a good idea to have the following items already packed in your car or truck, perhaps in a small plastic container reserved for emergencies. Keep spare charging cords stored there (or in your glove compartment, if you need to access them regularly). Having a paper map of the states where you would travel to shelter with family or friends would be helpful, in case cellular service is not working. This way, you could get where you need to go without depending on GPS. You may also want to pack a lighter and maybe some tealight candles or some other candle for any unexpected stops on the side of the road. A flashlight and extra batteries would also be helpful. Next, gather a variety of snacks and small water bottles and place them in a tote bag or a backpack. And be sure to have at least one extra blanket to use for warmth. Last but not least, it might also be a good idea to hide a small amount of cash, maybe $100, somewhere in your car to use for gas, because in some emergencies the gas stations can only take cash.
When it comes to your home, it is vitally important to heed any warnings/recommendations to evacuate. You don’t want to get caught at home and then need to be rescued. Many of the items you need to gather and keep on hand are the ones same listed above…candles, lighter, flashlights, etc. You also want to make sure you have stored a two-week supply of water that allows each member in your household one gallon per person per day. You’ll want a handheld can opener to open canned foods and a supply of foods that can be eaten without being heated, in case you have no power. If you grill, buy an extra canister of propane for preparing food. It would be a good idea to keep some paper plates and plastic tableware to help you conserve water. Try to keep your prescription medication filled, so you are not caught without it. And finally, if you have pets, be sure to have enough food on hand for them, as well.
Recipe of the Week: Brownie Pie
What you’ll need:
6 Tbsp. butter
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup flour
¼ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1 ready-made pie crust
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a greased pie plate or use a 9-inch springform pan. In a glass bowl, melt together the butter and 2 cups of the chocolate chips until smooth. You can do this either in a microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals or in a double boiler. Let chocolate cool. Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla for approximately 3 minutes on medium until the mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in the cooled chocolate mixture. Fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Add the remaining chocolate chips, stirring thoroughly. Pour batter into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is puffed, but note that the top may crack. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Drizzle with hot fudge, if desired, before serving.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who worked overtime this past week to rescue or assist people from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. From firefighters and police workers to volunteers finding abandoned animals and neighbors looking out for one another…thank you for doing what you do. We appreciate your willingness to risk your safety to aid others during an emergency.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.