Hobo Stew Foil Wrapped

There Are Only 57 Days Left. What Will You Do With Yours?

When I moved to Madison seven years ago, it was summer, but you wouldn’t have known it by my behavior. I stayed in the house unpacking boxes, ignoring the sights outside my windows.

People were walking, biking, rollerblading. People were going to the beach. With one memorable exception, I was indoors with the boxes.

That summer, my son and I set off on an adventure. We loaded up our backpacks, jumped on our bikes and rode to Hammonasset State Park where we cooked dinner over one of the barbecue grills. We made hobo stew (ground beef and chopped potatoes in aluminum foil) that you cook outdoors. He was going into sixth grade at the time.

It was a simple thing that took only a couple of hours.

I’m so glad we did that. Now that son has graduated from high school and is on his way to college.

In retrospect, I should have done more things like that afternoon bike ride. I’m sure the boxes would have been right there where I left them when I returned.

Summer is precious around here. There’s just 57 days until Labor Day. Will you be unpacking boxes, or the equivalent?

I, for one, will not be.

Even if you’re working, and not technically on vacation, summer affords opportunities to feel like you’re on vacation on weekdays. You could go out after work and hit a bucket of balls at the local driving range. Or you could stay at home, Facebooking on the computer.

Instead of just walking the dog, you could take that dog to a lake or beach and let him swim! Or, the two of you could sit on the couch and watch TV, as usual.

You could drive to Stop & Shop, shiver from the air conditioning while filling your cart, or you could get the bike out of the garage, pump up the tires and ride to nearest farm stand to buy your corn.

Fishing? Crabbing on the rocks with a piece of string and a raw chicken drumstick on the end of it? Can’t do that (as easily) in the winter.

Cooking dinner? Why bother when there’s Lenny and Joe’s and the Clam Castle in our midst. Conduct an experiment about who makes the best lobster roll.

And what about s’mores? Does anyone even eat s’mores at any other time than during the summer? Take your marshmallows down to the Surf Club and roast them. [["validates_presence_of",{"message":"Please enter your email address."}],["validates_length_of",{"too_long":"Your email address must contain between 5 and 100 characters.","maximum":100,"allow_nil":true}],["validates_email_format_of",{"message":"Your email address is not properly formatted. Mind giving it another shot?"}],["validates_uniqueness_of",{"message":"The email address you entered is being used by another member. Please try a different address.","client_can_validate":true,"exists_url":"/users/exists?email="}]] [["validates_presence_of",{"message":"Please enter your password."}],["validates_length_of",{"too_short":"Your password must contain between 4 and 40 characters.","too_long":"Your password must contain between 4 and 40 characters.","allow_nil":true,"minimum":4,"maximum":40}],["validates_format_of",{"message":"Your password may contain only letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. No emoticons, please. :p","with":["^[a-zA-Z0-9\\_\\-]*?

Educating Our Own: Hobo Stew

Well what do you know its summer which for many families also means camping and or cook outs. A family tradition of ours is to head up to the mountains for family camp and while we are there we ALWAYS make Hobo Stew over an open fire. It’s become a favorite among all the families and a favorite we have brought back home with us to share with family and friends. Spray the foil with cooking spray. Add meat first, then desired toppings. Top with seasonings and then butter and about a tablespoon of water. Close foil on all sides, leaving some room for steam to build in the middle (it will resemble a chocolate kiss in the wrapper), put your name on the end of the popsicle stick and place popsicle stick in the top of the bundle sticking out so you can see the top , tighten the aluminum foil around it.. Be sure to mark your packet so it doesn't get mixed up with anyone else's. Welcome to the Educating Our Own (EOO) homeschool support group! We are an inclusive homeschool group that serves families in Carroll County, Maryland. Our mission is to provide group activities through the year, to arrange field trips, to foster children's friendships, and to provide parent support. EOO is a cooperative effort. Activities, field trips, clubs, and classes are planned and carried out by individual members and vary as needed. This homeschooling support group is the result of what our current members are willing to contribute. All members are encouraged to setup and/or participate in activities that they feel meets their individual family needs. Mia has been married to Chris, her "knight in shining armor," for 10 years. Along with 2 wonderful homeschooled children, Mia and her family enjoy medieval re-enactment, camping, gaming (between her husband and son), and listening to the stories her daughter makes up. Some favorite activities include sewing, leather work, knitting, and traveling to Pittsburgh to see family. As a homeschool teacher, she has traveled a path from boxed curriculum to Charlotte Mason to a current eclectic mix of freebies, store bought, and homemade materials. Mia feels very blessed to be surrounded by such a warm and loving community such as EOO, one that accepts all parents and children, supporting them as they stretch their wings and fly. Teresa has been married to Matt since 2000. In that time they have had 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls) that have brought them much happiness along with a healthy dose of insanity and laughter.

Scouting

Fun & games for family gatherings, with a focus on reunions

The Field & Stream Wilderness Cooking Handbook, How to Prepare, Cook, and Serve Backcountry Meals

Scouting

Joy of cooking, All about grilling