"The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men . . ."

I sat down at my computer a few moments ago to add an addendum to my "Feed My Sheep" blog, lest I leave any readership with the false impression that I did, indeed, feed the missionaries evening before last (as was my intention, no doubt!).

The thought that came to my mind as I searched for a title to this blog entry was "The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men." Rather than simply type it in as today's blog entry title, it occurred to me to Google it to learn to whom the quote should be attributed. Imagine my surprise when I learned that it was none other than the Scottish bard Robert Burns, himself! And with this quote pertaining to my failed "Burns Night Supper," I could not help but laugh. What a coincidence!

My research revealed that the quote did, indeed, come from Burns, who used to be a farmer. The poem from which the quote comes was written after Burns ploughed through a mouse's nest out in the winter fields. I guess even mice can prepare for everything but the unexpected. Source: To a Mouse, November 1785

At Book Club last evening, my friend Eden remarked that she had read my blog about feeding the missionaries and the resultant fiasco. I told her that I had typed up that blog while I was waiting for the missionaries to call and let me know they had returned so I could deliver the food to them (for the second time).

Well, it turns out that with all that was involved in the transfer, they were not able to return before 10pm, and dinner didn't work out afterall. I did not mind the inconvenience; I did worry that they went without dinner. I know we can skip a meal, and sometimes it's even good for us, but still . . . I kept thinking, "It could be my son, or yours." Afterall, my sister and her husband are serving a mission right now, and . . . My mind wandered and then I reminded myself that my sister is a great cook, and is always sharing her food with everyone within delivering distance! On the other hand, my cousin is serving a mission in Mozambique, and Jake and his companions usually rely on the members to share meals with them.

The bottom line is, I certainly don't plan to stop feeding the missionaries; further, I hope to continue to try to serve their favorites. But, I hope next time not to "plough through the mouses' nest!"

So, what does one do when one has prepared enough taco meat, fresh chopped tomatoes, avacado, etc. to feed four hungry missionaries? It sounded to me like Taco Soup. So, I used half of the taco meat for a pot of Taco Soup (I froze the other half); made some cheese Quesadillas, and we had a hearty meal on a cold winter day during which we were blanketed with beautiful, white snow! The Ozarks feel a lot more like my home state of WY tonight!