The Blanket of Many Colors...

Ok. I never make afghans just for the 'fun of it'. Is there such a thing? EEk.

No, if I make an afghan it's for a gift or because someone requested it. Someone special.

So it shocks me to the core of my being to know that I just cracked out an afghan for the 'fun of it' in the last couple weeks. I made this afghan pattern for my MIL eons ago. Then I made one for my mom. Then I think I either lost the book or lent it to someone. Either way, it was no longer in my stash of books. I kept looking at my mom's just wishing that I could make that afghan again...I know, sick... Well, anyway, I happened to be looking through the new pattern books on one of my favorite vendors on ebay (here is my other fave vendor for patterns and wools)and lo and behold....there it was. My pattern. I didn't care WHAT I had to pay to get that book..it was mine. Turns out I didn't have to pay that much and now I have my pattern back! Yay, me!

So I decided....stash only. Using up my stash. No purchasing yarn. Just stash. Yeah, that lasted about 2 days. I bought 4 skeins to finish it up because I wanted to throw a variegated in there and I wanted the red to continue throughout. Somebody saw it one day and said "Oh, are you making a Mexican blanket?" I'm like..."Um...Yeah....A mexican blanket." It had never occurred to me that my color choices totally looked like a mexican blanket! But, there it was....

So now it's called my Mexican Blanket. With lots of color.

Center medallion.

Gettin' worked on.

Finished in a fold.

Laid out, close up.

Finished.

Colors used were Gold, Carrot, Ranch Red, Rust Heather, Green fleck, Cornmeal, Fall variegated, Off White, Heather Gray, Oxford Gray, Warm Brown, and Williamsburg print.
Everything but the Oxford Gray and the Rust Heather is just basic Red Heart. The Oxford is Wool-Ease and the Rust is Bernat Super Value. Just in case you were wondering! :)

Book is by Leisure Arts. I believe the name is "Afghans for All Seasons". Could be wrong?? I hate it when I can't remember the names! This afghans name is "Fall Splendor".

K. Tah!

Big Girl Backpack

Ok, here it is (finally) for all of you who have requested this pattern. I do apologize at how pokey I've been getting it posted.

Big Girl Backpack

by Elizabeth Mareno 2009

Materials:

WW yarn- scraps work great- about 1/2 skn.

H hook

Yarn needle for assembly

row marker

BASIC-ONE COLOR

**do not join rounds unless stated**

ch37

Row 1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (36) (do not ch1), work down the opposite side of the starting ch, sc in each ch. (72sc)

**from here you start working in a circle, so mark your first sc of your first row and keep moving it up as you go.

Row 2-42 sc in each sc around.

Row 43- ch3 (cts as dc and ch1), (sk sc, dc in next sc, ch1) around to last sc, join with 2nd ch of ch3. (36 ch1sp)

Row 44-ch1, sc in sm st as join, sc in each sc and ch1 around, join with first sc and finish off. tuck in ends. (72sc)

TIES: make 2

ch101, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off leaving long end for sewing.

Assembling ties: First tie, weave over and under through dc. Sew ends together, pull on opposite end to hide. Do the opposite for second tie.

STRAPS: make 2

Holding 2 strands throughout, ch5

Row 1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (4sc)

Row 2-47- ch1, turn, sc in each sc.

Row 48- drop one strand, ch1, turn, sc in each sc and row end around, putting 3sc in each corner.

Strap placement: Approx 3sc from edge, 3rows down (top) and 3 rows up(bottom) sew ends into place using a whipstitch.

"CHECK" Pattern:

Follow basic pattern through row18, 19th row (sc 2, chg color, sc 2, chg color) repeat around(carry the unused color in your sc all the way around, this will keep the inside of the bag neat). There will be one sc off at the end of the row.

Repeat this pattern for one more row, then switch to the next color for another 10 rows. Repeat check pattern for 2 rows, switching colors again for 5 more rows. Do the check pattern one more time, finishing with 3 rows.

Complete with the basic top, ties and straps.

This pattern is great to have fun with! Use lots of scraps and make it striped. Or mess around and see what kind of pattern you can come up with!

Enjoy!

biz

I need some help!

Ok, people. I have some super patterns to post, but I'm lazy. I would like to just put a link to the .pdf of the pattern instead of retyping them here.........so...how do I do that???

Somebody help me, por favor!

Yarn Ball Winder

O.M.G.

I can't believe I forgot to tell you! My hubby and kids got me a ball winder from Knitpicks for my birthday. It's pretty ok. I am still learning how to make my cakes tight enough and big enough without stretching the yarn. You should see some of them....oh my.

I've decided I love knitpicks. When I can no longer buy yarn at wholesale...KnitPicks is going to be my new favorite place ever.

Oh, and I bought myself like 12 cones of cotton from Elmore-Pisgah in December (jeez, I'm behind!). In the hopes of making lots of baby bibs, burp cloths, baby kimono's, dish cloths and towels...ya know all the Mason Dixon Knitting patterns I haven't tackled more than once and would like to make more of!!

Anyway, just had to share that.

Fantasy Castle with Characters

This pattern would be easy enough to adapt for boys or girls.

**Disclaimer- This pattern has only been tested by me. If you find inconsistencies in the pattern, please let me know! Also, I had some issues with Blogger putting this pattern on, so if it is missing info..email me.***

**If you are worried about assembly, a Word Document picture tutorial for assembly is available if you email me.**


Fantasy Castle with Characters
by Elizabeth Mareno 2008


Skill level: Intermediate


Materials:Castle Yarn: 6 0z Heather Grey (used red heart super saver)
approx 4 oz Delft Blue or color of choice for building (used red heart super saver)
Small bit of black
Fiberfill
Large eye needle for assembly
Safety pin or stitch marker
G hook
N hook
1- regular sheet of plastic canvas, color doesn't matter.



Character Yarn: Small amounts of Off-White or other skin color, White, Watermelon (pink), Limelight (green), Black, Lavender (orchid), Yellow/Gold (Lemon), Light blue (or other eye color), Red for lips, Rust brown for saddle and princes hair. (All character yarn was Caron Simply Soft and Simply Soft Brites)
Small bits of novelty yarn for embellishments.
Fiberfill
Large eye needle for assembly
F hook





CASTLE PATTERN:
***Do not join rounds unless specified***



Castle Bottom: with grey and G hook, ch 2
(RS) 1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, do not join. (6)
2- 2sc in each sc around. mark the first sc of each row to help keep track(12)
3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) around, (18)
4- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in next) around, (24)
5- (sc in 3sc, 2sc in next) around, (30)
6- (sc in 4sc, 2sc in next) around (36)
7- (sc in 5sc, 2sc in next) around (42)
8- (sc in 6sc, 2sc in next) around (48)
9- (sc in 7sc, 2sc in next) around (54)
10- (sc in 8sc, 2sc in next) around (60)
**At this point, cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit in the bottom of the base. Set aside.**
11- BLO (back loops only), sc around, JOIN with sl st to 1st sc. (60)
(WS)12- ch1, turn, in both loops sc in 1sc, (trc, sc in 3) 14 times, trc, sc in last 2sc (15trc) join. (be sure to push trc to RS of work, these will create bobbles)
13- ch1, turn, sc in each trc and sc around, join, (60)
14- ch1, turn, sc in 3sc, (trc, sc in 3) 14 times, trc in last sc, join. (trc bobbles should be staggered at this point in the pattern)
15- Rep row 13
16- Rep row 14
17- Rep row 13
18- Rep row 14
(RS)19- Rep row 13 (should be 4 rows of trc bobbles now)
20- do not turn, ch1, sc around, join. (60)
21- BLO, (sc in 8, dec) around, join (54)
22- Both loops, (sc in 7, dec) around, join (48)
23- (sc in 6, dec) around, join (42)
24- (sc in 5, dec) around, join (36)
25- (sc in 4, dec) around, join (30)
26- (sc in 3, dec) around, join (24) Put plastic canvas base in place and STUFF.
27- (sc in 2, dec) around, join (18)
28- (sc in 1, dec) around, join (12)
29- (sc dec) around, join (6)
CUT, Leave a long end for sewing, weave through last 6 sc and pull tight. Weave in ends.




BODY: with blue or body color, join to open rounds of row 21 with sc.
(RS)1- sc in each loop. join(60)
2- ch1, sc in 52 sc (52)
3-12- ch1, turn, sc in each sc.
13- ch1, turn, 2sc in 1st sc (increase made), sc in 50, increase in last sc.(54) do not join.
14-16- Repeat row 13 ending with 60sc on RS row.
17- do not turn, begin working in rounds again. sc in 1st sc of row 16(mark st) and each sc (60)18-24- sc in each sc around, moving marker to the first sc of the row as you go.
25- sc in 59, switch to grey, drop body color, sc in last sc, don't cut body color, crochet it in behind work.
26- with grey, sc in 3, switch to body color, drop grey, don't cut it, sc in 56, switch to grey(carry it over behind work), sc in last sc.
27-Repeat row 26
28- with grey, sc in 3, switch to body color, sc in 55, 2sc in next sc, switch to grey, sc dec over last sc and 1st of next row.
29-with grey, dec over 2sc, switch to body color, 2sc in next sc, sc in 56, do not swith to grey, cut grey.
30- with body color, sc in each sc, join and cut leaving an end to weave in.

**slip stitch a trim around door and window with grey


**Cut two pieces of plastic canvas about 10 squares wide and the length of the body. Whipstitch yarn all the way around the edges of the plastic canvas, then sew them into place on the sides of the building. The purpose of the yarn around the edges is to keep little hands from getting scraped by the plastic, and the toys from being snagged. The purpose of the plastic canvas is to add stability so that it stands on its own.





TOP: with grey, working from bottom to top. ch2
(WS) 1-10- Repeat bottom. (60) use stitch marker
11-12- FLO (front loop only) sc in each.
13-15- both loops, sc in each around.
16- (sc in 8, dec) around (54)
17 and all odd rows- sc around
18- (sc in 7, dec) around. (48)
20- (sc in 6, dec) around. (42)
22- (sc in 5, dec) around. (36)
24- (sc in 4, dec) around. (30) start stuffing
26- (sc in 3, dec) around. (24)
28- (sc in 2, dec) around. (18)
30- (sc in 1, dec) around. (12)
32- (sc dec) around. (6)
34- (sc dec) three times (3)
Cut, sew closed, weave ends.
**Sl st top to body using open loops on row 11. Leave row 12 open loops open.


ROOF TRIM: Using grey and loops on 12, join with sl st to any open loops with top point facing you.
1- ch1, sc in each loop, join with 1st sc. (60)
2- ch3, (2dc, ch1, 3dc) in join, [sk 2sc, sc in next, sk 2sc, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next sc] around to last 5 sc, sc 2sc, sc in next, sk 2 sc, join with sl st to top ch of ch3, finish off and weave in ends.



DOOR: with grey, make 2 pieces. ch13
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch. (12)
2-12- ch1, turn, sc in each.
13- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc in 8, dec (10)
14-16- repeat decrease pattern of row 13 until you have 4sc. do not cut at the end of row 16
17- going around the outer edge, 2sc in top corner, sc in each row end down side, 3sc in bottom corner, sc in each ch across the bottom, 3sc in next bottom corner, sc in row ends to next top corner, 2sc in top corner, sc in each sc across, join with 1st sc. (53)


**Cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit in between door pieces. Then assemble wrong sides together with plastic canvas in between working a whipstitch all the way around.
**DRAW BRIDGE RINGS: ch3, join, 10sc in center hole,join, finish off and sew on to the curved part of the door.
**DRAW BRIDGE CHAIN: with grey and black and N hook, ch60. String through the holes, the building, and back through the other hole. Make large knots to keep the string from pulling out of the rings.


STRAP: with body color
1- ch8, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (7)
2-50- ch1, turn, sc in each sc.
Cut, Leave long end for assembly.
Sew strap to side. You are done with the castle.







PRINCESS: Using F hook and off white or other skin color, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
2- 2sc in each (12)
3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
4-8- sc in each.
9- sc dec around. (9) Stuff
10- (sc in 1, sc dec) around (6)
11- sc in each
12-2sc in each (12)
13- Change to dress color, (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
14-18sc in each.
19- BLO, sc in each
20-21- both loops, sc in each.
22- (sc in 1, sc dec) around (12) Stuff
23- (dec) around. (6) sl st to join, finish off, weave end tightening up bottom.

SKIRT: with dress color, in open loops of round 19 of body, join with sl st.
1- ch4, 2trc in sm sp, 3 trc in each loop around, join. (54)
2- ch4, trc in each, join.
3- ch4, trc in sm sp, 2 trc in each sp, join. (108)
4- ch1, sc in 1st st, (ch3, sk 1st, sc in next st)around, join. Finish off.


LEGS: make 2, don't stuff.
with black ch2
1- 6 sc in 2nd ch. (6)
2- 2sc in each. (12)
3- sc in 4, sc dec twice, sc in 4, (10)
4- sc in 4, sc dec, sc in 4 (9) change to skin tone.
5-13- sc in each.
Finish off. sew to bottom

ARMS: make 2, don't stuff.
with skin tone, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch. (6)
2-3- sc in each. Change to dress color
4-10- sc in each.
Finish off, sew to body at row 12. Embellish dress with novelty yarn.



HAIR: with hair color
**join at row 2 around post of sc to side of face with a sl st. ch9, 3sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to the last ch, sc in last ch. (first curl)
**sl st around the next post and repeat curl.
**sl st around the next two posts and repeat curl pattern. (2 curls, space, 2 curls) you may need to go one extra space and curl to make it even. then sl st across front of head to make 'bangs'.




HAT: with dress color, ch2
1- 4sc in 2nd ch from hook. (4)
2- sc in each
3- 2sc in each. (8)
4- sc in each
5- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (12)
6- sc in each
7- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) around (16)
8- sc in each
9-12- sc in each.
Cut, leave a long end for sewing to head. Stuff lightly and whipstitch around the bald spot on the princess head.


**Embroider face.


PRINCE:
Repeat body as for princess, using shirt color and changing to pants color @ row 19. Eliminate the skirt.
Repeat legs and arms as for princess, using pants and shirt colors.
BELT: with gold/yellow, ch18, sew on around row 19.
HAIR: Embroider on using long stitch from front to back.
CROWN: ch14, join with sl st to make a ring, sl st in 4 ch, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in 4, join, cut and sew on top of hair.
Embroider face on like princess.
Embellish the top of his shirt with faux fur trim or something brown and manly looking.

STEED: starting at the nose with white, ch2.
1- 5sc in 2nd ch from hook. (5)
2- 2sc in each (10)
3-5- sc in each
6- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 3 times, sc in 4 (13)
7-10- sc in each
11- (sc in 1, dec) 4 times, sc in last (9) Stuff
12- (dec) 4 times, sc in last (5)
Cut and sew closed, set aside.
Embroider eyes and nostrils with black.

NECK: with white, ch9, join to make a circle, don't twist it.
1- ch1, sc in each ch, join (9)
2-7- ch1, sc in each sc, join
Cut, sew to head with eyes on top @ rows 10-12.

EARS: with white, ch3
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and next (2)
2- ch1, turn, sc in 1st sc, 2 sc in next. (3)
Cut and sew to head with a slight curve.

BODY: with white ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
2- 2sc in each. (12)
3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
4- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) around (24)
5-17- sc in each
18- (sc in 2, dec) around (18)
19- (sc in 1, dec) around (12) STUFF
20- (dec) around (6)
Cut, leave long end, Weave ends pulling closed like the prince and princess.

**Sew head and neck to body on begin side of body, leave the closing end for the tail.

LEGS: Do not stuff, make 4
with black, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch (6)
2-3- sc in each, change to white at end of row 3
4-10- sc in each
11- 2sc in each,
Cut and sew on to the body at the 'shoulder' areas of the body. It's ok if the fluted pieces of the legs overlap a little. The horse will stand on its own.

MANE & TAIL: Cut 4" pcs and latch hook them around sc posts on the neck. Put as much or as little as you like. Cut 4-5/6" pcs for the tail and fold over and latch hook to the butt.
Embroider bridle on with brown yarn, leaving long pieces on both sides of the mouth for reins.

SADDLE: with brown, ch4
1- sc in 2nd ch and next 2 (3)
2- ch1, turn, 2sc in 1st sc, sc in next, 2sc in last (5)
3- ch1, turn, 2sc in 1st sc, sc in next 3, 2sc in last (7)
4-6- ch1, turn, sc in each
(WS)7- ch1, turn, sc in 1, trc in next (push to RS, saddle horn), sc in rem sc.
8-10- ch1, turn, sc in each
11- ch1, turn, dec, sc in 3, dec (5)
12- ch1, turn, dec, scin 1, dec (3)
13- ch1, turn, sc in 3 (3)
Cut off, leave a long end for sewing to horses body.
STIRRUPS: before sewing to the body, attach w/ a sl st to the middle sc on one 3sc end, ch10, sl st in 6th ch from hook and next 3. Finish off and weave ends. Repeat for second side.
**Sew the saddle on, making sure the saddle horn lines up with the middle of the horses neck.

DRAGON: with green, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, (6)
2- 2sc in each (12)
3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
4- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) around (24)
5- (sc in 3, 2sc in next) around (30)
6-11- sc in each around
12- (sc in 3, dec) around (24)
13- sc in each
14- (sc in 2, dec) around (18)
15-18 sc in each.
19- (sc in 1, dec) around (12) Stuff firmly
20- (dec) around (6)
Cut, leaving long end. Sew end closed.

DRAGONHEAD: with green, ch2
1-2- Repeat as for body
3-7- sc in each
8- sc in 4, 2sc in next, sc in 2, 2sc in next, sc in 4 (14)
9- sc in each
10- sc in 4, 2sc in 2sc, sc in 2, 2sc in 2sc, sc in 4 (18)
11- scin 8, dec, scin 8 (17)
12- sc in 4, dec, sc in 5, dec, sc in 4 (15)
13- ch1, turn, sc in 12, leave 3 undone. (12)
14- ch1, turn, sc in 4, dec twice, sc in 4 (10)
15- ch 1, turn, sc in 3, dec twice, sc in 3 (8)
16- ch1, turn, sc in 2, dec twice, sc in 2 (6)
17-ch1, turn, dec 3 times (3)
18- ch1, turn, work on row ends and rem sc, sc 16 sc around, do not join, begin working in rounds again, mark 1st sc of last row.
19-22- sc in each.
Cut, leave a long end for sewing to body. Stuff firmly.

MOUTH: with green, ch4
1- sc in 2nd ch and next 2 (3)
2- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc in last (2)
3- ch1, turn, sc dec. sc around row ends and open sc, 3 sc in corners.
Cut, leave a long end for assembly.

TONGUE: with red, ch3
1- sc in 2nd ch and next (2)
2-4- ch1, turn, sc in each
5- ch3, sl st in sm sp, sl st in next sp, ch3, sl st in sm sp, Finish off.
CUt, and sew on to the 3sc end of mouth without the red showing through on the bottom of the jaw.

EARS: make 2 with green, ch4
1- sc in 2nd ch and next 2 (3)
2- ch1, turn, sc
3- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc (2)
4- ch1, turn, sc dec (1)
Edge with sc in each row end and 3sc in each corner. Sew to head with wide part to the bottom and curve ear slightly.

**SEW HEAD TO BODY**

TAIL: with green, ch2
1-4sc in 2nd ch (4)
2- sc in each (make sure that the tail is right side out before continuing)
3- sc in each
4- (sc in 1, 2sc in next ) twice (6)
5 and all odd rows- sc
6- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 3 times (9)
8- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 4 times, sc in last (13)
10- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 6 times, sc in last (19)
12- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 9 times, sc in last (28)
13- sc in each.
Cut, leave end for sewing. Stuff lightly and sew to butt. Finish stuffing firmly before sewing completely closed.

BOTTOM FEET: with green, make 2, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch (6)
2- 2 scin each (12)
3- BLO, sc in 4, (sl st in next, ch3, sl st in sm sp) 4 times, sc in 4 (8sc, 4 toes)
4- both loops, sc in 4, from behind sc in same 4 loops as toes, sc in 4 (12)
5-6- sc in each, join.
Cut, stuff and sew to bottom.

TOP FEET: with green, make 2, ch2
1- Repeat row 1 of bottom feet
2-BLO, sc in 1, (sl st in next, ch3, sl st in sm sp) 3 times, sc in 2. (3sc, 3toes)
3- in both loops, sc in 1, from behind sc in same 3 loops as toes, sc in 2 (6 sc)
4-5- sc in each.
Cut, don't stuff, sew on.

BACK SPIKE: with green, ch26
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each (25)
2- ch1, turn, (sc in 1, ch3, sc in next, ch4) repeat, join.
Cut, sew on to back starting between ears and ending at the tip of the tail.

WINGS: Make 2
1- ch3, 2dc in 1st ch. (3) This is the tip
2- ch3, turn, dc in sm sp and next 2dc (4)
3- ch3, turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch and dc across (6)
4- ch1, turn, sc in each. Outline around with sc , put 3 sc in tip.
Cut, leave long end, sew onto back shoulders equally spaced from spine and tail.

Coming Tomorrow!!!

New for you! The pattern for the Princess Castle with Characters!!

Yay! It only took me a year to get ready to post it!!

More FO's

Finally, the pictures of the finished Palin Socks for my mom. These were completed VERY late on November 3rd. So I was able to give them to my mom to wear to the polls for her 61st birthday. She loved them. :)

Here is my mom's sexy display. Ya gotta love mom's. :)


Close-up of stitches. First pair of lace socks. Not sure I'll make them again any time soon.

Some FO's.

First up. Slippers. Made them for charity, then found out I made the wrong 'kind' of slipper for this particular charity...so I donated them to my husband, who has never gotten a pair of slippers from me..*shock*

You can get this pattern here.

Next up, some more ballband dishcloths. The blue one I made with 1/2 cotton yarn and 1/2 acrylic yarn. The purpose behind that was to create sort of a 'scrubbie' dishcloth. I like the abrasiveness of acrylic for scrubbies. The pink one was the ultimate 'use up your leftovers' dishcloth. I ran out of yarn 4 times making this one...hence the multicolors.

This pattern is in the first Mason-Dixon Knitting book, which is a reeeeaaallly good book that you have to buy OR at the Elmore-Pisgah website for free, since they are the ones that invented it. :) You pick.


Since finishing these items, I have also finished knitting: two pairs of mittens, a neck warmer, a hat, working on another hat, 2 bibs (Baby Bibs O Love, MDK book), 1 burp cloth (same book), working on another burp cloth..hoping to make another bib and burp cloth after that before Friday this week. I have finished crocheting: A princess castle with characters. Yay!

I Have A Pet Peeve....

....and it's name is hypocrisy.

I have a cute little yarn shop in the downtown of my city. Next door to me is an alternative religion store that I and my family have nicknamed "The Ching-Ching Store". There are days that we can hear them 'drumming' for peace through the walls (brick walls). The people that work there have all manor of eco-friendly, men-hating, i'm a goddess, leaf-licking, tree-hugging bumper stickers on their cars. They have psychic readings and meditation and healing stones and organic pork (raised on the owners farm, which I have heard people commenting, as they pass my store's open door in the summer, on how they can't believe they sell meat in that store. *gasp*), etc. They, also, have the audacity to have a sign on their doors that reads: "Limited hours due to the Bush/Cheney depression". No lie.

So we share a 'yard' in the back of our stores. Here's where the hypocrisy begins. The people that own the store rent the upstairs apartment. There is a dumpster in the back yard used by both the store and the apartment. However, it gets very full and their garbage falls out and wafts over to my yard. Empty cigarette packs, empty sport drink bottles, cardboard box pieces, various other pieces of garbage, etc. You get the idea. It never gets picked up unless I pick it up. They, also, never cut their small swatch of grass all summer. Not that that is environmentally bad...it just looks so sloppy. The fence around their A/C unit is all a shambles...they just do not take care of anything.

How are they so enlightened? How are they so environmentally friendly when their yard looks like this? Remember, I get to share the mess, since part of this is my yard too. I'm honestly waiting to see if they pick it up. If not, I'll have to clean it, as usual.

Total hypocrisy. It's trendy to be enviro-conscious. But, when it comes down to brass tacks and the rubber meets the road. How many of them really are?

I don't label myself. I just live it. I, even in my ultra-conservative/non-liberal/non-bandwagon jumping/live for only ONE God instead of many lifestyle, know how to pick up trash.

It's called stewardship.

Homeschool Group Fieldtrip: Cranberry Bogs

Welcome to our homeschool group's fieldtrip. We did this about two weeks ago, but I'm a slacker and I'm late getting the pictures up.

Here we have a long shot from where we were parked. We walked the road over to where they were harvesting the cranberries. The open water is bogs that have been harvested already. The fields themselves look green/brown like the ones off in a distance in the picture. When the cranberries are ready to be harvested they flood the bog and a machine is run through the plants to pick the berries off the vine. Any that are not good will sink. Only the good cranberries float to the top for harvesting.


There is a very strong suction hose in the water with the cranberries. The men working continually push the cranberries towards the suction hose. They are then pushed up a conveyer belt through a machine that seperates the bog water and the cranberries. The cranberries are then loaded into a truck that will carry them back to the plant. This truck was almost done and another one was ready to take its place. At the time that we were there, they were harvesting about 9-10 trucks this size out of each bog.


Here we have Teo and his little possy: Trent, Anthony and Bryce. They are 3 of the youngest boys out of 8. Their family also has 1 daughter, she's the oldest. Notice the bogs waiting to be harvested in the back ground??


Here we have Stef with her friend Amy (she's the fourth oldest of 8 kids).


Here is another shot of the same bog being harvested from the last pictures. The men are dragging and pushing the cranberries towards the suction hose that you see to the left. The line going through the cranberries is the floatation part of the 'boom'. Which is what they place in the water to gather all the cranberries to the harvesting end of the bog. The water was about 40 degrees that morning, according to the guys.


The trucks then drive the cranberries to this holding tank and dump them in. Literally. They were very cautious about kids standing up on the edge, because if they fell in, they would drown. This holding tank is 12 feet deep and the cranberries are all floating on the top. The pressure and weight of the cranberries would hold someone under. But, OMGosh...that's like 6 feet deep in cranberries!


Then they travel from the holding tank to this conveyer system (which is REALLY LOUD) and pressure washed and seperated. Then they are conveyed once again into the back end of a semi-truck and away they go. They are driven that day to a factory several hours away. And these guys make about 2 runs a day like that. Crazy.


The particular cranberries that are harvested at this farm all go to the Ocean Spray company. These are all going to be made into craisins. :)

Cool huh?

Fruit Pizza

OK. Talk about being a "Pokey Jones"! I promised you this recipe back in March!! So sorry.


Pictures first, then recipe.





Fruit Pizza


1-1/2 cup butter
3 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar

Mix, put in a jelly roll pan. Bake @ 350 degrees until brown. Let cool.

2-8 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar

Blend and spread on cooled crust.

Arrange any combination of fruits: apples, strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, bananas, etc. on top of cream cheese mixture.

4 Tbsp cornstarch
1 cup sugar
2 cups pineapple juice
2 tsp lemon juice

Cook until thickened. Pour over fruit. Cover all fruit.


I. Heart. Fruit. Pizza. Passionately.