This Moment 11.26.12

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This Moment 9.28.12

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Apples! Apples! Apples! Oh My!

We went apple picking in August this year. We once again traveled up the road from my in-laws and visited J and A Orchard. Last year one of the owners told us to come earlier in the season to get different varieties of apples. Boy, did we find a different orchard. The variety was larger and the quantity was larger. Last year it took us much longer to fill our 1/2 bushel bucket...but this year it was pretty hot and muggy.

So we returned home with our 1/2 bushel bucket. What to do with all those apples? Last year I swore that I would be better prepared with a recipe and action plan. Good intentions. Maybe next year I will accomplish the apple preparation prior to the pick. I made several batches of crockpot apple sauce, apple spice snack cake, apple pies, and pumpkin applesauce muffins. Yum!! Get out and pick some apples of your own this year!

This Moment 8.31.12

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Boy Crafting 2012

My nephew came up for his annual visit a few weeks ago. We try to do fun and entertaining things while he is here--we have gone to amusement parks, museums, putt putt, and movies. A few years ago I dragged him along on a visit to the craft store and we started an annual crafting tradition. We have painted the past two years...this year we tackled some duct tape crafts and tie-dying.
It has been such a long time since I attempted to dye anything...it was an adventure.  I am thankful that he wants to hang out with us for a solid week (not sure this will last too much longer since he is about to be a teen...) and thankful that he humors my craft habit while here.

summer reading shirts...slightly altered

white t-shirts--love the finished products

Black Thumb 2012...topsy turvy fail.

Well folks, I am sorry to report that round two of the topsy turvy tomato gardening was an epic failure. I started earlier, got a better variety, plant food, and good soil=I was prepared for garden success. I was so excited to actually have four baby tomatoes, but alas, the black thumb found me and this is as large as they grew.

still looked promising...

my baby tomatoes next to a real one...

My dear sweet hubs actually watered it religiously for me, because he is better about remembering to do things daily, and the tomato plant still died. The plant actually broke completely off and was lying sadly under the topsy turvy one night. I think I am giving up on the topsy turvy. I might try a regular plant pot next year...if that doesn't work, then I truly must give into the taunting black thumb. I love the idea of urban gardening...not so sure my condo is an ideal spot for it. Maybe I will rent a square in the community garden...and hope the tomato death black thumb doesn't find me there. Anyone else have a complete gardening fail this summer?

This Moment 8.17.12

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