Driving in school zones

My recent trip to Devine was wonderful, I was able to see and visit with all four of my children, four or five of my great-grandchildren and help celebrate a couple of birthdays. One of my treats was a shopping trip to San Antonio, something we haven’t been able to do since a year ago in January. It was all totally wonderful and I had a fantastic week!
School is starting soon folks and since we didn’t have school the usual way last year, I thought maybe we could do a little refresher course on driving in the zones! If a bus is stopped and the lights are flashing, it means children are getting off or on the bus. DO NOT drive around it. Those lights and stop sign mean STOP! Always remember, children don’t always look where they are going, so we, as adults have to be more aware of what they are doing, even if it is something unexpected. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, while I was driving here in Yoakum, I noticed a kid on a bicycle, his sister walking a little in front of him, and the next thing I knew he came out from the car that was parked and crossed right in front of me…he didn’t even check to see if there was traffic. Luckily, I had seen him and there were no other cars on the street.
Also, please do not forget that 20MPH is the speed limit in and around the schools. It is very well marked on Hwy. 173, with a flashing sign from both sides. The school speed limit on Windy Knoll exists from Park St. to just past Fay Ave., and is well marked also. With children walking on the streets leading to the school, it might be a really good idea to slow down a little below the posted speed limit, just to be safe.
If you see children riding bicycles, slow down, as I said above, they don’t always look before crossing streets or coming out of driveways or from behind parked cars. Please tell your children to be sure and look both ways before crossing a street, and if riding a bicycle, always ride with the traffic and follow the same rules and regulations that a car has to follow. STOP at stop signs and red lights, GO when the light is green and always be careful. DO NOT ride double, unless the bicycle is made for that purpose.
Parents, always make sure everyone in the car is wearing their seat belt or is restrained properly in their car seat. They do not belong standing behind your right shoulder while you are driving, nor do they need to be standing on the back seat or hanging out the windows! One other thing, they should not be riding in the back of a pickup truck, which is truly dangerous, as anyone with a little common sense would be aware of.
Here are a couple of recipes to try. These mini-quiches would make a great after school snack. These Broccoli/Cheddar mini-quiches “Make their own crust”
Broccoli/Cheddar Mini-Quiches
1 can (12 oz size) evaporated milk (i.e. Pet Milk® or Carnation® or the store brand)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbs. flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups shredded mild, medium or sharp cheddar cheese (or a combination)
2 cups chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and well drained
½ cup diced smoked ham (optional)
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
Preheat oven to 350º. Grease and lightly flour 12 muffin cups. (I use cupcake liners and spray lightly with non-stick spray, clean-up is easier).
Whisk together evaporated milk, eggs, flour, salt and pepper and stir in shredded cheese, bell pepper and broccoli until combined. Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixture into each prepared muffin cup, filling almost to the rim; stir ingredients as you’re working so ingredients stay distributed. Place in pre-heated oven and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes and remove. Serve warm or cold. Makes 12. My pans must be a little small, as I had batter left over and made two more).
Quick and Easy Bars
4 eggs
1 box light brown sugar (1-lb)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups baking mix (i.e. Pioneer, Bisquick, etc.)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can (about 1 to 1¼ cups) (optional)
Preheat oven to 350º. Beat eggs and sugar together, stir in vanilla and baking mix until well mixed; add pecans and coconut, (if used). Pour into 9×12 pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes; cool thoroughly and cut into bars.