As I was preparing to write today’s blog, I scanned through our categories list (on the right-hand side of the blogsite) and realized that my blog yesterday was the 100th I’ve written since starting last August — yippee!! Hey, Fran, congratulations — you’ve reached the magic century mark, too! I have to admit that there are times when I struggle with coming up with topics to write about, especially when I’d just as soon kick back and enjoy my weekend without the responsibility of writing something semi-coherent and at least mildly interesting/entertaining. (And I won’t make any claims that I really believe I DO interest or entertain!) As I’ve said before, though, this opportunity has forced me to pay closer attention to the world immediately around me as well as the broader scope of our fascinating globe. I believe we can all get swept up in our day-to-day responsibilities and schedules and forget to acknowledge all the wonders, big and small, that present themselves to us all the time. So as I approach my one-year anniversary of contributing to Global Traveler‘s blogs, I thank Fran and GT for this forum which has opened my eyes a little wider, and I thank those of you who take the time to read through my resultant ramblings. The number 100 has been in my mind a lot over the last few weeks, as our daily high temperature in the Rogue Valley here in Southern Oregon has hit that number or exceeded it virtually every day in that time span (this past Tuesday we hit 109 — ouch!). Air conditioning has got to be one of the all-time greatest inventions mankind has devised! It is in weather like this that I like to prepare a favorite family recipe, one I believe Mom Sipe got from her friends in Iowa. It is cool, light, refreshing and takes advantage of the season’s fresh fruits. It also doesn’t necessitate a lot of baking or cooking over a hot stove, and I’ve never met a person yet, young or old, who didn’t like it. Allow me to share it with you; I hope you get the chance to savor cooling evenings in the yard or on the porch with friends and family, sipping a cold drink and enjoying a delectable treat like this:  Twice-forgotten Dessert Beat until stiff: 6 egg whites and 1/4 tsp. salt As the egg whites become stiff, add 1 and 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time over the course of 15 minutes. Toward the end of the 15 minutes, add 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar and 1 tsp. vanilla When finished, the meringue should be stiff and glossy. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place meringue in a greased 9″ X 9″ pan, turn oven off and place pan in oven  on middle rack. Leave in oven overnight — DON’T OPEN OVEN DOOR!! [once forgotten] Next day, whip 1/2 pint whipping cream, spread over top of meringue. Place in refrigerator for several hours [twice forgotten]. Serve with raspberries and/or blueberries (or other seasonal fruit, but those with a touch of tartness make a better counterbalance to the sweetness of the dessert). If desired, garnish with mint leaves. Enjoy! –Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader Global Traveler has joined the world of social marketing. For breaking news, special offers and much more, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @Gtmag!