#122 Tools of the Trade (Theme #332)

My son and I went to the Bledsoe's Fort Colonial Fair on Friday afternoon. There, we met a French lace merchant (who came to our country to escape the French Revolution--only to find that there were no lace makers here--so he was having to teach lace making so that he would have lace to sell). He showed us the tools of the trade and demonstrated and explained the process of lace making. He said a child of three--if they knew left and right and could count to four--could do it.

Even though this particular piece of lace required 160 bobbins, he only worked with four at a time. A piece of felt covered the bobbins he was not using so they wouldn't get in the way. The lace pattern is on the roll in the center of the pillow. As the strands of thread are twisted, pins are placed into the blue paper on the roll to keep the holes in the lace open. As the lace is made, the roll is turned and the pattern repeats. He explained that the ability to make lace was desirable for a woman as it made her a more desirable marriage prospect since she could bring in some money for the family.

It was a very interesting demonstration.

#121 New (Theme #198)

These are the two newest members of our family--Pepper (above) and Socks (below).

When my neighbor (for whom I had been caregiver for several years) died in March, I inherited his cats. I took care of them for several weeks at his house while the family was getting the estate settled, then brought them home between our trip to Michigan and our camping trip.

Pepper has settled in quite well, but Socks is having more adjustment problems. He hides most of the day--comes out for a while at night--once in a while shows up in the daytime. He was used to being able to come in and out through a cat door but can't do that here because of our dogs.

#120 Fire or Flame (Theme #100)

One of the requirements for the Camping Skills I honor was to build a fire with one match. These girls are proudly showing off their fire. It was later used to cook supper (see below).

Another thing our Pathfinders needed to do to get their Camping Skills I honor, was to bake bread on a stick. We thought we'd have them wrap their bread (crescent rolls) around their hot dogs--making a bun--then they could cook both the hot dog and the bun over the fire. Some did better than others, but it was fun all around (even if the bread wasn't cooked!)

#119 Outdoor Cooking (Theme #220)

We took our Pathfinder club camping at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky this past weekend. While there, we fixed our club's favorite outdoor meal--a hobo meal.We take aluminium tins and fill them with potatoes, onions, broccoli, and whatever other vegetables are in season (these had squash, bell pepper, and carrots)--and a piece of vege-meat.

Add water, oil, seasonings...

wrap the whole thing in heavy aluminum foil and label with each person's name.

Then, place the packets on hot coals and cook for 30 minutes. Yummy!

#118 What's Inside? (Theme #358)

I was looking out my son's window this morning at the birds--glanced up at the Starling nest--and found the missing snake from Friday.

That was not what I was expecting to see inside this hole! I don't think I'll be sitting on the porch swing for a while!