RETIRING FRIEND - SHAPER OF LIVES AGED 5 and 6

FRENCH PRESS COFFEE
[makes 3 European cups or 1-1/2 USA]

> 2 Scoops coffee, coarsely ground
>Boiling water

1. Place 2 scoops of coffee in bottom of carafe.
2. Let water boil on stove or microwave in separate container; take away from heat source for one minute or less—doesn’t have to be accurate.
3. Pour water over grounds; fill to the top of the metal band. The metal against the carafe keeps the carafe from breaking when the water is added.
4. Place plunger over carafe with bottom disc in the highest position.
5. Let sit for 3 minutes.
6. Carefully push plunger down until coffee grounds are condensed below the disc.
7. Pour and enjoy!
   
   HINTS: The carafe comes loose for cleaning. Push it up from the center bottom, if it isn’t loose-fitting. Don’t turn it upside down—we have broken a couple that way when the carafe falls out and breaks.

The first friend that I made when we moved to CL just retired from teaching kindergartners--a life well spent. What I particularly love about BR is that she is a truth teller. We didn't have the new-age lingo back then, but we knew we were from the same tribe.

Two of my favorite BR stories involve our pre-school boys when we were stay-at-home moms needing daily diversions.

First story: There used to be a large Lee Wards store in Elgin that we would case for craft projects, Christmas decorations, and just to have something to do with two overactive boys. We were one aisle away from each other pushing our boys in carts when my small son said, "Mom, when we get a baby?" And, with no plans to increase our 3 person family, I said, "Yes?" He continued, "Can we get a black one?"" Now this was long before Madonna went to Malawi and mixed racial adoptions were certainly happening, but not commonly. I hear this snort from the next aisle, and BR says, "Go ahead, Marielle. I can hardly wait to hear how you answer this one!

Second story: BR's family usually spent the summer at a reading camp, but this particular summer her little guy broke his leg rather seriously, so the two of them stayed at home and her husband went as planned. Sometime mid-summer we decided that BR needed to buy new chairs for her living room and so we loaded up my tiny Pinto wagon with two boys (one in a full leg cast) and a stroller--just about crowding us out. We drove to Rolling Meadows to Levitt's--the original location for Harvest Bible Chapel. We found the perfect velveteen chairs in the just-too-trendy gold and olive velour. Now, how to get them home? Never underestimate the power of moms on a mission!

Recently BR indicated that she had never heard of/had French press coffee, and so I knew what would be the perfect gift to begin her new mornings--French press coffee on the back porch while the mist is still on the garden. She is an early riser and this will be just the punch she needs before she hits the road to take care of her mom and to case the garage sales, etc. Blessings BR! I treasure your friendship. Sip one for me.