The highlights of summer for me are the days where grandchildren are dropped off and sunshine spangled memories are made!
Think back on your own childhood memories of grandparent time. They’re probably gilded with creative jewel moments when a story was told, a skill was learned, or an ordinary activity was shared.
The best precious memories are not elaborately choreographed, rob-the-bank expensive, or intellectually demanding. They are usually organic, coming straight out of normal daily routines.
A favorite activity with Grandma in our home is making play dough. It’s easy to concoct, you probably have all the ingredients already in your pantry, and it’s a satisfyingly give and take interpersonal activity. Isn’t that the best kind?
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Add the unsweetened drink mix (optional) and food coloring (mandatory) at this time. Stir vigorously and continuously with a wooden spoon over medium heat till a soft ball forms that comes away from the sides of the pan. The dough will come together like magic, but be sure to continuously stir till the ball is gently firm and pliable. Turn out on a plastic placemat and knead till cool and soft to the touch. Let the adult do the initial kneading till the dough is cool enough for small hands to touch. Store in tight plastic containers. I double bag in zip lock baggies and the playdough lasts for several seasons.
What is your favorite grandparent memory?
1 cup white flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 envelope unsweetened flavored drink mix
food color of choice, drops or paste
1 cup of water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
My favorite memory is sitting with my grandmother in her garden while she is stirring figs over a hand made fire to make fig jam. We used to talk about everything and anything by that fire. Thank you Sheila for bringing back that memory to me.
Yum! I can just hear and smell it bubbling! The end of summer was always the time for jam making in our home too, but we did ours over the stove. Your grandma’s idea sounds much better.
And homemade play dough can be shaped into beads and dried to make jewelry. The professional stuff won’t dry overnight!
I never knew that! Add on another grandma bonding activity.