Monday, September 24, 2012

Bill Nye, the Science Guy

He said what? Creationism is not science? If you believe in creationism, it makes your world view crazy?
I just saw the article on Huffpo, and the introduction (saying Creationism isn't even relevant to other developed nations in the world) explains it all.

But Bill! Are you also saying that the Creationist Museum (an oxymoron in itself) is wrong when it claims the T Rex was just a sweet, old, coconut opener for Adam and Eve?

Please, Mr Nye, let me introduce you to a group of parents I know......they will blow your mind.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Fanatical-Religious-Conservative-Homeschooling

Put those four words together and you will have named the most stupid, imbecilic, asinine, ignorant group of parents in America. I have never seen such a gathering of insane women in one group in all my home-schooling days. No wonder so many Americans have such a negative view of home-schooling. Really, it's embarrassing. 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Dreary, Blurry Day


It's a chilly, rainy, windy day. A day for napping, or reading and drinking tea. Me? I spent all afternoon with  The Grapes of Bath. But it's finally done.  If Armageddon or WW3 should happen tomorrow, rest assured this family will be able to hunker down in the basement and eat grapes for years.
First week of September
Second week of September
All of today's pics are blurry, I seem to have lost a few brain cells while squishing fruit.
Doesn't it look like a water-coloring?
 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

It's Still Here, Grandma


Their rebuilt home is only half the size of the (pre-bear ) original.  They haven't been swarming lately, so someone decided to toss a few pebbles at the branch to check it out. Still full. 

Mid September

Had to dig out the sweaters this week

Our own vineyard?



Clematis hated the summer weather, then decided to make one more appearance

This rose prefers cooler temps, too. It hadn't bloomed in over a month.

This tall, scraggly apple tree is the only one we have with fruit this year

Four O'clock grown from seeds passed down  from Grandma Minnie to Mother to me

Friday, September 14, 2012

Grapes and Keuka Lake

 It's the middle of September, so that means it's time to pick grapes. I think they ripened a bit earlier this year, because the large vineyard we picked from last year had already brought their machinery in. We found a smaller orchard half a mile down the road from them. Twenty five cents a pound, weigh them yourself, and leave the money in a box(open and unlocked). Just one more reason I love it up here. The three of us picked 60 pounds of Concords and Aunt Dot picked 40.  We even found a section of red grapes. Afterwards, we drove to Keuka lake.
The locals must love this time of year, when they have the lake all to themselves.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Who Had The Best Convention?



The Chipmunks, of course! They're convening here at this very moment. Our yard has been full of them for the past few days. They will gladly let you watch them as they cavort about, partying, chirping, and chasing. No sniping, accusing, or name calling. Best of all---they refuse to be photographed, with no need to be front and center showing off how smart they think they are. There are, in fact, at least 3 of them hiding in the rock wall above, waiting for the cameras to disappear. Too bad we can't all be like that.

In other news, the neighbor brought us his telescope to use for a while. The skies should be clear tonight, so we're going to venture outdoors in a few hours.  The back yard is obviously the best place, but due to the number of bears, and our own cowardice, we will probably have to set it up not too far from the front door.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Queen Anne's Lace Jelly

Place two and a half cups of firmly packed flowers in four and a half cups of boiling water. Allow to steep, covered, for half an hour. Strain the liquid. ( It will be green and smell like a new pair of sneakers.)
Pour the strained tea into a pot. Add one box of pectin and 4 TBS of lemon juice. Bring to a full, roiling boil, then stir in three and a half cups of sugar. Return to a full boil for about 5 minutes. Pour in sterilized jars and seal.

After reading numerous recipes online for this, I learned it's common to add 2 boxes of pectin, or boil longer than 5 minutes, because it has a tendency to remain syrupy. It also changes from green to pale pink/peach after adding the sugar, and the odd smell disappears. It may take 24 hours to set.



Transitions

 The chicory has been blooming all summer, the Queen Anne's Lace is beginning to go to seed, and the goldenrod is making its entrance.