ASHLEY’S CORNER A New Phase: Reclaiming Past Hobbies
A funny thing happens to moms when their kids start going to school all day. My friends and I look at each other and say, “Omigosh, what am I going to do with myself?” And I’m thinking, ‘I don’t know. What did we do before we had kids?’ It seems like a different lifetime. I am not there yet; only three of our six kids are in all-day classes this fall. But two of the other three are in preschool two mornings a week, so I will have only baby Nelle from 9 a.m. to noon. And I am thinking, ‘I used to have hobbies. What were they?’ Clearly, a new phase of life is approaching. In the past, I was a nurse, and my life revolved around my job and friends. Then Toph and I married and had a year together without kids. But we have been deep into kid things since then. Now, our older kids are becoming more independent. Sometimes when they’re playing together, I’m thinking, ‘Hmmm. I need to figure out some hobbies.’ I have always loved reading, and some friends and I have started a book club. It is something to look forward to — a good discussion and a night out with friends. It motivates me to squish reading time into my day. When I get a spare moment, I have to tell myself, okay, I can fold laundry later. Even if I only take 30 minutes, I can take a break to sit, read, and relax.
Toph and I used to do a lot of hiking. We have our most productive
conversations in nature, with no screens, phones, distractions, or noise. It’s been harder with all the kids, but in this new phase, I’m planning some hikes for just Toph, the baby, and me.
What other hobbies can I come up with? I’d like to try pickleball or another new activity Toph and I could learn together. I’ve always been into games and cards, too. I’m hoping we can get some couples together for a euchre night.
I’d love to hear from you, readers! What hobbies have worked for you? Let me know how you plan some time for yourself!
Take a Break
PERFECT PEACH COBBLER
Ingredients
• 6 cups sliced fresh peaches • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Solution on Page 4
513TAX.COM • 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator