Hi. Hope your summer is going well. I’m looking forward to starting school in just a few weeks. Are you starting school also? It will be fun to meet new people and to discover new things.

It’s been so hot in Bowling Green over the last few weeks that I’ve been spending a lot of time inside, where it’s cooler, reading books. I’m currently reading Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson. It’s a story about how far your imagination can take you and I love it!

I’ve also been viewing some of my favorite shows on WBGU-TV. Experiencing the exciting adventures of the Wild Kratt’s, and looking forward to finding out how a basilisk lizard can walk on water in an upcoming episode. Watching SuperWhy and his friends meet Mother Goose, who helps Red find the right word for a new song. My friends and I have learned how much fun it is to travel watching Barney and Friends.

My garden is growing more and more each day. One of my favorite fruits, rhubarb, is multiplying madly! I’ve included a great recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp in Ruby’s Favorite Recipes. Baking with your family is a great way to spend time together and using what you grew in your own garden makes it even more special.

I’ll be participating in the 2011 Swanton Corn Fest Parade, in Swanton, Ohio on Saturday, August 20th at 10:30am. It would be great to see you there.

If you would like to purchase a Frog Squad shirt, they are now available through our Frog Squad Merchandise Site. I can’t miss a frog squad fan in those bright yellow shirts.

My friends at the station and I have been getting together to plan our 2nd annual Fall Spooktacular. If you have any great fall craft ideas, games, or recipes we’d love to get ideas from you.

Time to get back to my reading my book.

Take care!

Ruby the Red-Eyed Tree Frog

RIDDLE OF THE MONTH:
Q:
Why did the frog say “woof”?

A:
He was learning a foreign language.

 Become a Fan of the Frog Squad!

All sizes $11-Adult and Kid’s Sizes Available

Call 1-888-892-0010 to purchase

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

•2 1/2 cups rhubarb, pieces
•1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tablespoon cornstarch
•2 tablespoons orange juice

Topping:
•2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
•1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
•5 tablespoons flour
•1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
•1/8 teaspoon salt
•5 tablespoons butter
•5 tablespoons pecans (or walnuts), chopped

Instructions:
•Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
•Butter an 8 x 8 inch baking pan
•In a mixing bowl combine and toss the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch and orange juice
•Transfer mixture to the buttered baking dish
•Mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt in a bowl
•Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or use your fingers until the mixture becomes coarse crumbs
•Mix in chopped nuts and spread over the fruit mixture
•Bake until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling (30-35 minutes)

Note: Because ovens vary, check the cooking progress of the dessert after 25 minutes.

Kool-Aid Play Dough

Needs adult supervision

2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups boiling water
2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and water.  Wearing gloves, knead for 10 minutes. Store in zip lock bag in refrigerator.