Cornstarch

 

Yep. That's what you use to get about a half cup of Vaseline out of a toddler's hair... It was a huge mess. The Vaseline is now on a high shelf! So, day 1 of day-in-the-life started in the back yard, cutting a bouquet of peonies for my office/clinic/classroom. It is beautiful here today, sunny and cool.

We started a new project in boys' sewing...tool aprons. The deal is that the best one with the neatest construction and sewing will be filled with a few tools to get its wearer started. The instructions are in Sew What Bags and online at etsy. I need to make one for a class example and the directions are simple and fun. I'm using estate sale utility muslin for the main part with nicer cottons for the pockets.

I'm starting to think about next year and projects for a 101 sewing class, girl group and a new advanced boys class...ideas for teenage boys who can sew?

Work is almost always fun and interesting. Great coworkers and very interesting young people, all  of whom are diagnosed with emotional disturbance. Kids are kids.

Today after school the twins and I took a walk, played and ate dinner. After dinner we all walked/strollered to the park and played on the slides and swings.

After the twins' bedtime I settled in with a new episode of Kate Plus Eight. I marvel that the woman still has the energy to stand up straight! 

So...it was a boring old magical day. One of the days when you remind yourself to say a little prayer of thanks that the children are safe, loved, healthy and fed.

 

My first child is doing well. After a second cancer scare he had a minor surgery and it was benign. He's 10 so we have been very lucky, but we need this guy. He is my loving companion.

 

I was so happy to see this guy in our yard before he hopped into the neighbor's yard to safety.

 

Before I go...Do you have any good ideas for sage? It is growing like a shrub this year. See you tomorrow.Stop by and say hi to Josie when you have a chance.

Comments

[Vicki K]

By his own request, I taught a 16 year old boy to make a simple quilt. He chose the fabrics - some cammos and funky died ones - and he made an excellent lap sized quilt for his room. We machine sewed the pieces and binding and hand tied the center.

On the younger end of teens, some of them still like to make bean bags for various games (like, hit-your-brother) but it gives them turning inside-out skills.

With another 16 yr old, we made a simple tote bag for his friend that is a girl. It was her favorite color and then he added candy, pens and other treats for her birthday.

If you are wanting to add a zipper skill, some teens are starting to travel and need a pouch/pocket for safekeeping money or passport. I like the design that is a simple rectangle shape with a flat zipper on the front and a loop (or two) that is sewn into the top seam. It hangs on their belt and can be flipped into the inside of their jeans. The zipper side does not touch their skin.

[Michelle]

I like to dry little bunches of sage upside down and use it at Thanksgiving time on the turkey. Those little boxes of turkey seasoning have a lot of sage in them - but I use the home grown stuff. : )

[Michelle]

After posting the first comment I googled sage uses and I found a really nice idea for taking fresh herbs and making an Herb Wreath. I think I will do that in the Fall just before the frost gets them. I'm sure this will smell nice in the house. I'm going to share this with you. You can find more ideas on oldfashionedliving.com/sage.html.

Michelle

A Living Herb Centerpiece Wreath: Use sage and other herbs that may still be in the garden such as thyme to make a fresh wreath centerpiece. You may lay it flat on the table with a pillar candle in the middle or a hurricane lamp.

You'll need:

wreath form
sphagnum moss
floral oasis
fresh herbs: thyme, lavender, rosemary, and sage
floral wire

Line the wreath form with the moss. Cut the oasis to fit inside the wreath form. Soak the oasis so it holds the water, then gently press it into the form. At this point you can take fresh herb springs and make small "bouquets" wrapping the floral wire around the stems, then make a hole in the oasis and insert the sprigs. OR take small potted herbs and insert the pots into the oasis, evenly around the form. Then fill in around the sprigs or pots with moss, then into the moss you can set ornaments, pinecones or other natural elements. Since the wreath is sitting as a centerpiece it's easier to add to it since it won't be hanging. Mist the wreath occasionally to help it last longer.

[Anna Fogg]

Sage is a good deterrent for mosquitoes and such, soaked in vinegar for 3 weeks in a jar, along with lavender (I also add in peppermint, rosemary and wormwood). Strain it when it's 'done'. (some add in garlic for an additional 3 days of soaking). Spray on exposed skin a clothing for a great but healthy for you repellant.