Last week, my toddler was sick and missed two days of school. Then my older son caught a little something and stayed home too. For most of the week, I was tending to needy and weepy kids and obsessing about the swine flu, a few cases of which have actually come to Montclair. There was no time to cook with friends. Sometimes, life is interrupted by circumstances — sick children, traveling friends, graduations — and finding any amount of spare time (even if it’s to accomplish something) seems impossible. My friend Kathe pointed out just yesterday that June is a busier month than December for many people. I think she’s right in many ways. In fact, that’s why our newsletter features simple recipes this month — dips and drinks. As you get ready for summer, allow smaller time slots to cook with friends and sneak simple, quick foods into your repertoire. I know that’s what I’ll do until time frees up.