My new old part time "job"

No sooner had I exhaled a tiny "whew" when L obtained her driver's license than I have slipped back into my role as swim practice chauffeur--and school swim team has not even started for the coming school year.  To have been on the high school swim team and then to try going back to summer city swim team that she's done for years, L has realized that she needs the levels of practice and instruction available at the high school level, so this week we signed her up for summer swim practice.  Actually, this decision has been wrestled with since about March, but came to the decision point this week. 

This new commitment involves traveling to the Neighboring Cities (southwest of the Tri-cities) mornings and evenings for two-hour practices each time (up to seven or eight practices per week).  This would not be such an inconvenience if L could just drive by herself to some of them, but we need to take along a fellow swimmer (because it is the right thing to do and when you do the right thing, it is not always convenient). Legally, and for several more months, L cannot take passengers without a parent in the vehicle and the other swimmer does not have a license.  So whether L drives or I drive, it is irrelevant.  I will need to go along.  Hopefully, the other swimmer's mother can drive once in a while. 

I have experience at this kind of thing--driving to practices, keeping myself occupied for two hours, driving home--although in the past it has been just once per day. There are only so many things to do in the Neighboring Cities when one is without money :o/ and only so many things one can take along to do away from home.  I also felt much more comfortable catching a nap last winter under cover of darkness, than napping in broad summer daylight (not to mention the dangers of sleeping in a vehicle in 100+ degree heat).  And there are no things that just take care of themselves at home when I am away. Zero, zip, nada.

However, these are the things mothers do sometimes, and even want to do, to help their children when these activities mean a lot to their children. I am not a stage mother.  I do not care if L is an Olympic swimmer.  Swimming isn't even the point.  I care about helping her, particularly when she works so diligently.  There is a window of opportunity for this type of thing; it is called "youth," and that window is now.  Other things will just have to give and we will need to make it work. 

And L and I will have some sweet times together.

Advisory note

This is an advisory note for those who want to try the 4 Packet Roast recipe that I posted a few days ago.  I cooked the recipe today and did two things differently.

One, I forgot to put any vegetables in the crock pot.  Normally, I have included approximately three carrots, cut in half, and an onion, cut in big wedges (I haven't tried potatoes). I have included them not necessarily intending eat them (although I like them) but to add flavor.  Today's roast tasted very . . . salty.  This is the third time I've made the recipe and the first time I've forgotten the vegetables, and the first time it has been salty. I'm surmising that the vegies soak up some of that salty flavor while adding a bit of flavor to the gravy. So don't forget the vegies.

Second, I cooked the frozen roast in the crock pot on high for 7-1/2 hours instead of six. I wonder if I should have added some additional water right up front if the roast was cooking longer than usual, and if that would have helped to alleviate the salty taste.  I did add about 1/4th of a cup of water at the table and subsequent servings were a little less salty but not completely.  So, add extra water if you're cooking the roast for an extra-long time.

As a side note, the first roast I cooked with this recipe was not frozen and I think I cooked it on low.  The last two roasts were frozen and cooked on high (six hours).  Today, unlike the past two times, the roast was fall-apart tender.

Another favorite recipe

Our family has become hooked on a great guacamole recipe.  It is from the Costco magazine from April 2010.

Chunky Guacamole
1 medium tomato, finely diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 small red onion, finely diced (about 3 tablespoons)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro [sometimes we forget to buy this]
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice [we use lime juice from a bottle]
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 large Hass avacados (about 1 pound total), cut into 1/2 inch dice
In a medium bowl, toss the tomato with the onion, cilantro, lime juice, red pepper flakes and salt and let sit for about 5 minutes.  Add the avacado and gently mash it into the tomato mixture with a fork.  Serve immediately.  Makes 2-1/2 cups.
[It is supposed to be chunky so don't overdo the mashing.]

This makes a nice side mixture to serve with chicken, with or without the tortilla chips.
Of course, it is best fresh.  It does not look quite as good the next day because the avocado begins to go brown.