Simple math says it won't work . . .

I have to wonder about the politicians in our California State government these days. They want to pass a bill that would give undocumented students access to the same funding as citizens. Yet, because of government cutbacks and other bad moves on their part, state college fees have gone up, classes are cut,  and even getting into a public college is very difficult these days. As I posted earlier, my son is finished with high school and not able to attend the local community college. There isn't any room. Another friend with a 3.9 GPA had to wait a year before she could start classes at the State college even though she was accepted.

Simple math would tell one that if there isn't enough for the residents to even begin college, how can the floodgates be open to everyone? I'm not starting an argument here, one way or the other. I just think that having paid into the tax system nearly my entire life, my children should be able to attend college.

The bill, according to the news, is now before the governor. This current governor made a mess of California his first round in office, years ago, so I have little hope on any salvation of sanity here.

The interesting thing is that we had to opt for private colleges for two of my children which has my husband looking at working until he is 75. One son is going to school and living overseas in order to afford it. The more the public school system takes away from us, the more people will turn to other states or private schools . . . which will mean further cuts, even less classes, no opportunities . . . Someone in government needs a pencil and paper as the calculator on their computer sure is crumbling the numbers rather than crunching them.

Butterscotch Cookies

Last week, I posted a day-to-day plan for getting several kinds of cookies baked and ready for the holidays in three days. It included all the recipes and the time frame in which to get them done. However, for those of you just looking for a cookie reminder, I'm going to blog one of the recipes every day or so. It might be what you are looking for or could clue you into checking back on the first posting for Christmas baking and inspire you to get started! The holidays will be here before we know it.

Butterscotch Cookies

2 ½ cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup finely chopped pecans
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 ¾ cups butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the first four ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In a pan over low heat, melt the butter, letting it simmer but avoid burning. Add the brown sugar and beat it until well mixed. Let cool before adding egg, beating vigorously until smooth. Add vanilla and flour mixture until well combined.
Form dough into two logs, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap them in wax paper and refrigerate about 30 minutes, then shape them into smoother, more even rolls. Freeze for two hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove rolls from freezer and slice into ¼ inch thick cookies. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for approximately ten minutes or until just golden. Cool and store in airtight container for one week or freeze for up to 2 months.

*Depending on how hard or fast your freezer will cool down things, you might have to let the roll of dough sit out a few minutes when ready to use it so it will be easier to slice.

The Christmas crafts begin . . .

All it takes is one slightly cooler day and I start thinking about Christmas gifts. Yesterday, I got started on a Christmas quilt. I'm using three fabrics in each square plus an applique of various scenes in the Christmas story. So far, I have five ready for the next step, borders. I decided to go with handsewing on the applique work so when I do the quilting in white thread, it won't be obscured by previous machine stitching. I'm currently thinking about making a star pattern for the quilting, one multi-bordered Christmas star in each square. I'm back to my usual palette of deep blues and vibrant colors. I veered off slightly to piece a horse quilt for a friend. Horses don't come in blues or purple. There may be some folks who indulge in strong holiday egg nog that may have seen horses (or elephants!) in such colors but I never have!

Actually needed a sweater for my morning walk before Mass this morning. Now, that was a great change of pace (pun sort of intended!) for me.

Great observation!

"It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power."
       -- David Brin