As we all navigate this unprecedented time and do our part to stay home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we thought it might be fun to share what FDL staff are doing to pass the time. While most of us are still working from home, we definitely have more time on our hands for reading, creativity, hobbies, and more. So here’s what some of us have been up to this week – we hope you enjoy!
Homemade Dog Treats – “I made these doggie treats on a Saturday afternoon.”
– Deb, Circulation Assistant
Ingredients
1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
3/4 Cup Dog Safe Creamy Peanut Butter
1 Medium Ripe Banana
Directions
Combine ingredients in a bowl and smash with fork.
Once mixed, switch to using your hands to knead dough.
Place dough ball on a flat, floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin.
Using a 3/4 inch cookie cutter, cut out as many pieces as possible with whatever shape you desire.
Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.
Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 12 – 15 minutes or until hard.
Let cool before serving to dogs.
Runescape – “I’ve been spending my free time getting back into a game I’ve been playing on and off for years — Runescape. It’s very nostalgic for me, plus I get to explore new locations, try my hand at quests, solve puzzles, and just put all the craziness that is happening outside on the back burner. There’s a paid membership, which I finally decided to try for the first time, but it’s also free to play and there’s still plenty to do. Definitely a game that is a long-term investment!”
– Isaac, Reference Assistant
Chicken Tacos – “I’ve been experimenting with new recipes and this week I tried out crock pot chicken taco meat. It’s so simple and only three ingredients, definitely worth trying out!”
– Katie, Circulation Assistant
Ingredients
1 package boneless skinless chicken breast
1 can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
1 package taco seasoning
Directions
Mix the Rotel and taco seasoning in the crock pot, then add chicken.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6 hours.
When meat is cooked, shred and let simmer on low for 1 hour.
Enjoy!
Villainous – “At my house we have been insulating the attic in preparation to make it a bedroom, working on school work, playing Villainous, working on a WordPress website and blog, making a netted lariat necklace (hopefully I won’t run out of beads!), making tortillas from scratch, and going on walks!”
– Cassie, Youth Services Assistant
The Anthropocene Reviewed – “I’ve been listening to this podcast by author and vlogbrother John Green. In each episode, he reviews different experiences or objects from the current geological age on a five-star scale. His reviews range from air conditioning to penalty shootouts to the song “Auld Lang Syne.” You never know what he’ll review next! John Green is one of my favorite writers, and these audio essays are just as beautifully written as his books. I find each episode calming and interesting, and listening always makes me want to review everyday objects or activities on my own five-star scale. John Green also has a “dubious advice” podcast called Dear Hank and John with his brother, Hank Green, which is funny, lighthearted, and equally as enjoyable.”
– Laura, Youth Services Manager
Stardew Valley – “Besides planning for summer reading, I’ve been spending a lot of time playing Stardew Valley. I downloaded it a couple weeks ago, and it definitely lives up to the hype. I’m also video chatting with family pretty regularly, and we tried out the Houseparty app a week or so ago. The trivia questions start repeating really quickly, but it’s worth checking out. If anyone wants recommendations for TV shows, the new season of One Day at a Time has been playing in POP TV, and it’s just as good as it was when it was on Netflix.”
– Cindy, Youth Services Assistant
Morel Hunting – “I love hunting for morel mushrooms in the spring, and I’m grateful to have more time to do that this year. There are so many good spots in the Peoria area if you know where to look. I don’t find them every time, but hiking and being in the woods — seeing everything come back to life — is so relaxing and refreshing. If you’re new to foraging, make sure you look up info on what is safe to eat (be careful to avoid false morels!) and harvest them sustainably. To eat morels, soak them in salt water for at least 30 minutes and rinse them clean. Slice them up and saute in butter, or make a simple batter by dipping them in egg and panko before frying in butter. So good!”
– Beth, Communications Specialist