’Twas the night before the summit, and through the community, Families were planning their week of curiosity. The calendar was checked. The favorites were marked. Four classrooms stood ready, though still quiet and dark. The flour was waiting. The yarn was nearby. The robot had stories it wanted to try. The guitar was tuned. The questions were brewing. The speakers were busy their notes they were reviewing. Parents were asking, “Which sessions are we doing?” Some planned to cook. Some planned to create. Some wanted the portraits before it got late. Some said, “We’ll watch the replay. We’re always behind.” And I, at my keyboard, with tea close at hand, Was checking each classroom and reviewing the plan. Tomorrow the doors open. The waiting is done. A week of connection, learning, and fun. You do not need perfection. You do not need it all. Choose what fits your family and answer curiosity’s call. Then close out the calendar and get some sleep tonight. Unplug & Play begins tomorrow. It’s sure to delight! Let’s make it memorable. See you there.

This week, over in the Crust & Crumb Academy @Sandy Chong and I are experimenting with homemade pita pockets, let me know if you'd like the recipe. Here in the community though, we're wrapping up sweet science week with one of my favorite treats - brownies. For the full activity, complete with twists and variations by age check out #The Great Brownie Experiment the short version is provided below. What's your favorite sweet treat? Brownies can be thin or thick, chewy or cakey, crisp at the edges or soft in the center. Small changes in how you prepare or bake them can create surprisingly different results. If you bake, don't forget to share your results with us. Gather Your Gear: Use your favorite brownie recipe or a boxed brownie mix. You'll also need: - Ingredients required by your recipe - Mixing bowl - Spoon, whisk, or spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Two small baking pans, or one pan divided with folded aluminum foil - Parchment paper or cooking spray - Oven mitts - Timer - Knife and cutting board - My Science Notebook (optional) Optional additions - Cooled caramel - Mini marshmallows - Sugar crystals - Chocolate chips Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Adult help is required when using the oven and handling hot pans. Steps: 1. Read the recipe together before beginning. 2. Choose one brownie question to investigate. Examples: - Thin brownies or thick brownies? - Warm brownies or completely cooled brownies? - Plain brownies or marshmallow brownies? - Plain brownies or caramel brownies? - Shorter baking time or longer baking time? 3. Predict what you think will happen. 4. Prepare the brownie batter according to the recipe. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans or pan sections. 6. Change only one variable while keeping everything else the same. 7. Bake with adult supervision. If one section is thinner, begin checking it a little earlier. 8. Allow the brownies to cool enough to handle safely. 9. Compare:

I’ve been focusing my time comforting my 25 year old cat as he’s nearing the end of his journey. Do you have a pet or pets? I currently have 3 fabulous felines. Let’s brighten our day and share stories and pics. PS: I also have a troublemaker, Lord Stanley of Cup who decided to chew through my monitor cord today!! PPS: Miss California rules the house with an iron paw.

Due to a family emergency, I’ve had to reschedule Beginning Guitar with @Rene Kerkdyk on June 6 and The Playful Shift on June 7. My daughter was attacked by a dog and landed in the ER tonight. I’m watching the baby and will be helping her for over the weekend while her husband is at work and will be limited online. Thanks for understanding.