Did I say the children were a little too happy? I meant to say "maniacally giddy" -- fueled, no doubt, by great quantities of "Joy Juice."

Joy Juice

2 packages cherry-flavored gelatin

2 cups hot water

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 cups (2 qts.) cold water

3/4 cup lemon juice

2 bottles (8 oz. each) ginger ale

Dissolve gelatin in hot water. Add sugar and salt and stir until dissolved. Add cold water, lemon juice, and ginger ale. Pour over cracked ice. Makes 12 servings.