1. Today’s Recipe: 

Banana nut bread (we made half with chocolate chips for my son, and half plain for my mom.) Click here for the recipe!

2. Top Song Picks:

I’m a big “jam band” fan, so I have to start with “Down With Disease” by Phish & “Sitting Here in Limbo” by Jerry Garcia Band!

I’ve been listening to lots of different genres, and some artists I have on repeat lately have been Maren Morris, Greensky Bluegrass, Old Dominion, Mandolin Orange, Billy Strings, The Avett Brothers, Brothers Osborne, Sister Sparrow... My list of favorite musicians is very, very long & varied. I even listen to classical music when I really need to concentrate & am having trouble focusing (just like I did in college when studying for exams.)

3. Good Kid-Friendly Activity:

I can be old school at times, so I like to keep us unplugged as much as possible. We pulled out the simple (& not new) entertainment including lite-brite, puzzles, books, uno, clue, sorry & Legos . Just getting outside for a simple walk around the local trails helps us when we’re feeling stir crazy. 

4. Proud Moment:

I’ll give my son credit for this one. He has been really good about entertaining himself by pulling out old toys he hasn’t played with in a long time, or going outside to play when the weather is nice. I’m definitely proud of his good nature & imagination (& so grateful for it, especially when I need to get work done!)  

5. Not-So-Proud Moment:

Don’t ask me how long this Ben & Jerry's lasted! (Yes, I did support our local Bedford Farms Ice Cream as well, but the pictured flavor is my all-time favorite.)    

6. Whatcha Reading: 

I finally downloaded Audible and have been listening to "Educated" by Tara Westover. I love it since I can close my eyes and still be entertained at the same time (great for when you have a headache!) If you’re one of the few that hasn’t read this book yet, I think this story is fascinating!  

7. Who was the Helper in your Community Today (Inspired by Mr. Rogers, of course!):

My son’s Cub Scout leader, Dave Todd, brought a few of the scouts on a hike to Great Brook Farms State Park so they could earn a merit badge even though the meetings and other events have been cancelled. Thank you DT! (We all stayed 6 feet apart for the 3 mile hike.)

8. Movie/Show Recommendation:

If you have Prime Video, (through Amazon) I just discovered “Jamestown” on it and I’m hooked after 2 episodes.   

9. Any Advice You Want to Share:

Try not to stress too much! Take time to connect with the important people in your life. My mom & I just had a video call with my sisters so that we could all catch up on what’s going on with each other all at the same time so that was cool. (I also had a video call with my college girlfriends and think it’s my new favorite way to talk to them because we’re all catching up simultaneously, while getting to see eacho ther! Our kids popped in to say hi, and we all got to “meet” our friend’s newborn baby, which was amazing!) Also try to do what makes you happy, even if you have to adapt to a new way of doing it.

We would love to hear from you all as well! The more we engage, find humor, share encouragement and challenges, the stronger we can come out of this!!!

Stay safe and be well- signing off- "DJ” Steph