I like to add some oyster sauce to fried rice when I am cooking it. You can find it in most grocery stores, but the best quality sauce is found in the Asian markets. I can't remember the brand that I buy, but I would stay away from the oyster-flavored sauce sold in the grocery stores. That stuff is awful! Anyway, we like it because it adds some saltiness and flavor to the rice. Otherwise, I add the usual veggies and also diced ham when I make it. Fried rice is really kind of a clean-out-the-fridge kind of food. Anything goes. Make sure that you add the scrambled egg at the very last. We like to eat fried eggs on top of steamed rice for supper sometimes. (I personally like to add some grated cheese on top of the egg over the rice. It is so yummy when it melts.) If I have ham in the fridge, then I fry a few slices to go with the rice and eggs. editing....The really good sauce is made by Lee Kum Kee and is the one with *Premium* on the label.

:iagree: It's what I've thirsted for, and why I've read so many books for self-ed and self-help. It's also what draws me to this board---to hear from so many of you--including you, Angela--who have been at this so long and know what's at the end of the path we're traveling. I would love to attend a gathering or conference which covered just these very things.

Totally understandable, which makes this book all the more of a treasure. :)

:grouphug: I'm so sorry I overlooked your post. I agree with what you've said, and even though I was never in your same situation, I thought the same thing while reading the book. I guess that's why he is such a beloved character and enduring character for all of us. I still wonder if there was another *great Southern novel* hidden somewhere inside Miss Lee that we'll never have the opportunity to love as we do this one.

When I think about it, I'm truly surprised to find that it never was on my radar. I knew it existed, but for some odd reason, it never became one of those *I have to read that* kind of books. I'm sad that I hadn't discovered it much earlier. It's really odd to think that as amazing as this book is, there are no more by Harper Lee, except for some magazine articles (as I understand). What a great writer! We want more!!

Thank you!

I loved The Magic of Ordinary Days, by Ann Howard Creel.

Just finished reading To Kill A Mockingbird, having read it for the first time ever. How did I miss this wonderful book? Anyway, I thought that I read somewhere in the first of the book that Atticus said he never went to school. I can't find where I read it though, and it's driving me crazy. Was he taught at home?

Sounds like a great plan to me, and is very similar to what we do. Have fun and enjoy the days! Editing to add..... I think that the less you stress on which books you use, the more likely you will cover those subjects, and the more likely everyone will enjoy them more. I have found that over time, it is not about a certain booklist, but more about how I use what I have to teach with that works.

We have used both at the same time. I think they work well with each other. Since both programs are *free*, there is really no investment except for paper and ink to print. I think they are both fabulous programs.

I thought from previous posts that you were considering Builders of the Old World, right? If so, do you mind sharing why you changed your mind about it? We have that book and love it. It's easy to read and even outline from, and it has a very nice narrative quality.

I remember studying it in 9th grade. I had a very dramatic English teacher that year, and needless to say, she did a right dandy job with this one. I still have some of those words rattling around in my brain! I will confess, though, that this poem was probably one of my favorites of all time.

Just my thoughts.... I would drop everything else, and focus my time on grammar, Latin, math and writing. As you build up a groove with these things, which are the core (in my lowly, but honest opinion), you can then add in the others, slowly building up to speed.----But I would not skip writing to cover history or science. Those can be covered a la 8's way independently.

The audio book version read by Jim Dale is fabulous, if you would like a different option. We loved it. I'm reading through all the other comments, and just scratching my head.... I loved the whole Oz series---read 'em through during the summer after 5th grade. I will admit some of them got a little on the weird side, though. The carrot people come to mind.... The Wind in the Willows is such a treasure! Mr. Toad is a real hoot! I don't know, but we loved this one. Haven't read any of the Robinson books------yet. The Little House books have been a big hit here. Farmer Boy has been the favorite so far. I loved all of the Marguerite Henry books as a child. Black Gold was my very favorite. I'm trying hard to think of one that's just been really odd, but can't come up with anything yet. I guess we'll keep reading until we find one.

:iagree: ---as well as her other book, Onions in the Stew

We were given a huge box of tomatoes last month, so I canned about 8 pints of salsa. It's going fast, but I don't think I'm up to making more anytime soon. I sure will miss having it if we eat it all before winter! :glare:

* Big platter of roasted vegetables made with olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, sea salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar---serve this with a pot of rice and a loaf of crusty bread * Lentil burgers on whole wheat buns, with all the fixings * Baked potatoes topped with steamed broccoli and sour cream and shredded cheese * Quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas, served with salsa and chips

:iagree:And he creeps me out, too.

:grouphug: I hope the rest of the week brings some rest, calm and peace to you, and that the job situation brings forth more and better leads for your dh.

What a sweet and touching tribute to your mom. I know you must miss her terribly. :grouphug:

Here's a few---- * Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar * Frosty, A Racoon to Remember * Brighty of the Grand Canyon

nt

I got a mailer catalog showing a sale for 80% off, but can't find it now. I guess it was tossed, so I have no idea of the dates of the sale. It was a very recent mailer, though.

It's really horrible this year! Makes you long for the days of ABC and Jim McKay. editing..... I fell asleep last night, waiting what seemed to be an eternity for the women's 4 X 200 free relay. Now I can't find it anywhere online to see it in a replay. Oh, and really----get rid of Andrea Kremer! Those questions she asks are beyond belief!! Oh, and one more thing---Please acknowledge some of the other athletes who don't win gold. Like the swimmers who helped the final relay swimmers get their *lane* for finals. They worked hard to get there, too. Oh, and one more---There are more moms and dads there beside Debbie Phelps. Find them in the crowd and let us see their exuberance over their children's races and events!

Wow! I guess I'll make a trip to the store tomorrow. Thanks for your help.