Grant Opportunity!

     You really never know what's around the corner in education so, adopt the motto to always be prepared and flexible for the unexpected!
     After applying for an FDA grant to study food safety and nutrition this past spring I was notified in May that because of a small technicality I was declined acceptance.  However, all that changed in an instant this week when I got the "call".  I was notified by the national training coordinator  that a member of the selected class had to cancel because of an emergancy and since I was next in line was asked to attend.  I have been running to get packed and ready for the last few days.  It is a very exciting opportunity to study with experts in the field at the FDA, in the microbiology labs at the University of Maryland and at the USDA Agriculture Research Center.
    The purpose of this grant is to learn and teach.  I will be sharing this experience and information with my students in the classroom.  Then after attending the NSTA conference and an FDA teacher training in Long Beach, California in December I will hold a professional development training on this topic for FACS and Science teachers.  This is an all inclusive grant and should prove to be an awesome experience.  Cheers to the FDA class of 2014!
    Please pray for safe travels as I will be leaving soon!

Summertime Bliss!

   Update:  For those of you who are interested in the *Hand Painted Wedding Gown Portraits I've updated the Gallery on this website to include more samples of the dresses. 

    Check out the Gallery!   A keepsake wedding dress portrait would make a unique Christmas gift for the lady who has everything.  Contact me at fcscyndie@bellsouth.net

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  This summer has been such a peaceful and joyful time!  I have had time to work on projects that have been on the "back burner" for quite sometime.  I'm a list making person and to finally scratch off things brings joy to my heart!
     Today I made Fig Preserves for the first time in my life!  My mother was the "Queen of the Kitchen" making delicious seasonal preserves and jams.  Sadly, it comes a time when we have to step up to the plate and learn to do things on our own.  I must say that I was successful in making the preserves even though they are a tad short of a home run (missing Mom's loving touch).  Recipe below:

Fig Preserves  

16 cups fresh figs                     7 cups of white sugar

4 cups water                             1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

1. Wash figs in cold water

2. Place in a large bowl or in a clean sink, cover with water and soak for 20 minutes

3. Make syrup by boiling the 4 cups of water and 7 cups of sugar for 10 minutes in a very large   pot.

4. Add figs and lemon slices to the syrup and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally

5. Pour figs into hot, sterilized jars and spoon syrup over figs, leaving 1/2 inch of head space.  Top jars with lids and screw bands on tightly. 

6. Enjoy with your family--great on hot biscuits!  Great thoughtful gifts!

     Have a blissful day!