Entertaining the kids during the Corona Break

Corona Break for Kids

     By the time we all get through this quarantine period and state of emergency we all may be quite crazy so I thought I would make a list of things more for you to do with the kids to make it fun.

     I know every kid loves slime right so here is a recipe for slime the kids will truly love and they can eat it!

1 cup Gummy bears

3 Tablespoons Corn flour

food coloring (optional)

4 tablespoons icing sugar

2-3 Tablespoons icing sugar (extra for your hands)

Place the gummy bears into a bowl with the corn flour and microwave for 30 seconds then stir, microwave for another 30 seconds, stir and then put it in for another minute until you see it bubble right up. Stir in food coloring and LEAVE TO COOL (caution sugar gets very hot).

Knead in the icing sugar

This gummy bear slime is super stretchy and really fun to play with but a little sticky, you will need to use some extra icing sugar on your hands to stop it sticking to your fingers. Recipe by Ann Reardon

     How about making a chalk board for the kitchen. All you need is any color of acrylic paint and some Plaster of Paris and a bit of water and a board of any size.

Mix just small amounts because it dries fast.

2 Tablespoons of Plaster of Paris

1 Tablespoon of water

 Mix well

Add 3 Tablespoons of paint and mix well.

You will need to paint at least three coats to cover the board. Let dry a few hours.

To make the chalk work well on the board lightly coat the painted board with chalk then wipe with a clean wet cloth. Now your kids will have a blast playing school right at home. (What’supmom.com)

     How about make a batch of caramel popcorn and watch kid’s choice movie together. Or you can make my favorite chocolate popcorn. This is an easy recipe just make a batch of chocolate fudge and pour it over the popcorn and stir well.

     Have a drawing contest. See how well you can draw a picture without picking up you pencil. This will gets some giggles I am sure.

     Have the kids plant an herb garden using a few cans or start a small garden in the backyard. Use the chalk paint to label your herb cans.

     Make a crescent pizza ring for a change from traditional.

Unroll your rolls and place them in a circle with the points on the outer edge of a cookie sheet. Spread your favorite pizza sauce over the crescent rolls and add your choice of pizza treats, then take the thin ends and tuck it over the top of all the filling. Brush over with garlic butter and bake. You can do the same thing to make tacos. Just turns it into a circle of fun.

     Paint rocks then place them in your garden or give them as gifts.

     If you are worried about kids falling behind in class you can use the Khan Academy program to improve on their weaknesses. khan academy

     How about star gazing. Can you show your kids where they can find certain star clusters it may be a treat for them that they will learn more about as time goes by? Check out my blog on stars from earlier this month for more information. 

     Make a kaleidoscope here is a cool video link to make your own. kaleidoscope with no mirrors The kids will have hours of fun watching the color patterns.

     Make a doll house out of found things around the house.

     Go out and see if you can do cartwheels with the kids if you are brave enough. I can still do them lol. Play kick ball. Play catch.

     Well I hope this will get you started. I know I will be doing a lot of these things with my g kid. Stay healthy have fun and enjoy family activities together. Keep them hands washed.

Quote of the day:

“ The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Scripture of the day:

Matt 7: 11 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him!

Stop the Chaos and Panic

Stop the Chaos and Panic

     Sitting here wondering how many people will be affected by this virus they call Corona. As we have all been told we are under a state of emergency and schools have closed along with sports programs and many other things. I dearly believe that we need to take the time to think about others and not ourselves for a change. I know that panic has set in all over the world and what does that really get us, nothing.

Help out the less fortunate

     I have made a point here to check on those who are less fortunate or the elderly to see if they have what they need in order not to have to go out and be exposed. I reached out to my family members to make sure they are safe. With all our children out of school and many places shutdown it will be a chaotic time for many especially those who have young children are home while some still have to work.

     Now is the time for parents to take stock of what their kids are doing and having to deal with in school, even sit down and tell them what is going on and let them know that you are there to protect them and reassure them that things will get better. Spend some time playing games or putting puzzles together with one another. Read a book together or even bake with them. If you can take a walk together and look at all the beautiful trees and other things that are starting to take on new life. Maybe you can take pictures of the buds on the trees and compare them with others.  Teach you kids a new card game. There are all sorts of things we can do to entertain ourselves. We all need to keep calm and hope for the best through these hard times. When was the last time you sat down and colored? That is my daily thing. I bet there is a recipe you are wanting to try out, well now is the time.

     We cannot let this virus scare us into something that could be worse. We have to use our minds for more positive things. Panic can only end badly. So connect with your families have a great meal enjoy one another’s company. Now that it is nicer outside for most of us you could go out and have a fire in the pit and share stories, roast wieners and marshmallows, or go fishing. It is a great time to reconnect with nature and with our Grand Creator. I bet so many have little faith in that, these days but just remember that God is on our side and Satan is the one controlling the earth. He proved that when he told Jesus he could give him all the kingdoms of the earth if he just bow down to him.  Matt 4:8 Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.  

     Be thankful for what you have and enjoy some time off if you can. Remember too that hand washing helps keep the virus down and that is a great thing to teach your kids to do too. It only takes 20 seconds. I am spending time with my g kid and we could get into trouble together!

     Quote of the day:

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” unknown

 Scripture of the day:

Titus 1:15 All things are clean to clean people; but to those who are defiled and faithless, nothing is clean, for both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

What is going on?

What is going on?

     This Coronavirus is getting too bizarre. You know the world is going crazy over it, yet I don’t remember the H1N1 being this crazy, I just remember they wanted everyone vaccinated.  I know I shouldn't have wigged out over it because it really isn't as bad as they say and they never say anything about how many people die from the flu which is right up there as high risk. I guess that having asthma and thinking about not breathing is my thing. I can't even watch things on TV that are closed in spots. I would much rather die in my sleep suddenly without any symptoms.

Can we get the facts about the coronavirus?

     There are so many different opinions coming from the president, news folks and the CDC and it seems like everyone has a different take on it in so many ways. Everyone wants to get in on it by scamming the public to giving their own medical advice. Who do we trust?

     I know that I for one am at risk and so is my hubby but we cannot just quit living. I have been looking for a job and I wonder if I get one will it come to an abrupt halt because of the economy falling out or will I become a statistic for wanting to go to work. I need to make some type of living here, my retirement money flew right out the door. I think about my hubby if I do get a job and I get sick. I do not want to share it with him. I told him if it happened I would stay in the “honeymoon suite” AKA the camper in the front yard just to protect him.

     Have you wondered how you would self-quarantine if you or one of your loved ones were affected? I know we ca never be too careful and we most definitely do not want to be the bearer of bad things for our families. Maybe you have an extra room that your family member can stay in. Hand washing to me seems like one of the best things we can do in order to keep the virus from spreading. I know hand sanitizer is a great thing to keep on hand too. Using that elbow for coughs and sneezes will somewhat keep the germs from spreading but nothing is truly preventable.

     I can tell you I have a very big disadvantage to this whole thing because of my lungs already being compromised and my immunity is shot when it comes to getting sick easy. Despite what others believe the colloidal silver is one thing I truly believe in. It has saved my butt more times than I can count. Keeping up with my vitamins helps me too. But do folks ever thing about their sugar intake when they get sick? They say that good health starts in your gut.  I fail in this area so many times too. I want to eat the sweets when I get wiggy. I might have to rethink that part of my plan to stay well.

Thinking of another crazy thing Friday the 13 is upon us and I am sure there are many of you that will really be on your toes about things going on. Well I am not one for superstitions. It is just another day to me.

     For those of us who are over 60, have risky health problems and all you might choose to stay away from the big crowds, especially if you have an international metropolis that you live in. You are more apt to be exposed to the virus. For now living in the country rural area works for me. I just hope that whatever happens we can all be better prepared for it. I hear China has slowed down in those effected which can be a good thing, but until the time it filters through us we have to be at a heightened risk for all of us. Just be wise and don’t go to work sick and see a doctor if your symptoms are truly what we are being told they are. Do not submit yourself to a hospital or doctor’s office if at all possible especially if you know the virus is local, for treatments that can be taken care of right at home. Pray a lot that it will end its course and be kind to others and respect them.

     Today’s Quote:     

  

“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” Dwight D. Eisenhower

     Scripture of the day:

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail when there is no consultation, But there is accomplishment through many advisers.

March Planting and Cold Frames

March Planting and Cold Frames

Have you started planting things yet for your garden this spring? It is coming fast this year and one of the earlier springs we have had recently. Here are a few things you can do before planting time. Check your soil; do you need to amend it with anything? Depending on where you live you may want to have a few cold frames ready just in case your zones still may be experiencing frost. Or even a day of winds. Here is how to build a cold frame.

Cold Frames made Simple

Things you will need:

• Jig saw
• Drill
• Measure
• Pencil
•  Miter saw
• Straight edge
• 2-4 Hinges with screws
• Hook and latch with screws
• Box of screws 2 1/2 “
• Old window frame
•  2x4x8’ rot resistant planks depending on size of window
• 1-2x2x8 used for the corner braces

     Measure the window the long length to give length for front and back plank length. Measure and cut 3 planks to the size of the window. The third plank is for the back side to add height for drainage.

     Next Measure the short side of the window and this will be the length of each side of the cold frame. Cut 2 (1) for each side.

     Cut a 3^rd plank the same size and mark an angle from one corner to the opposite side to make a wedge using your straightedge. This is in order to let the rain run off of the window and give a more direct sunlight pattern on the plants. Each piece will be placed from back to front at a downward slope of the top side piece when screwed together on each side.

     Once that is done cut the corner pieces that will be used for bracing to the corners of the 2 back planks then add the side piece bottom plank first then add the top wedge piece to the top of that. The front corner braces can be measured and cut. And placed in each corner.

     Now that you have your box created you can now add the window to the top. Place the hinges on the top edge of the back side of the box then add the window to the top and screw the second part of the hinge. In the front edge of the window in the middle add the hook and the latch to the middle front part of your box. Your box is now ready to be placed in your garden area. To keep the box from touching the ground, a frame of brick to the bottom edges can be laid . Add your soil and you are ready to plant.

What to grow for your zone.

1-2 zones you being that you are in an area that the frost is not expected to end soon here are a few things you can grow.

•  Asparagus
• Celery
• Chives
•  Endive
• Leeks
• Radishes

Zone 3 – 4 these all can be started inside

• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Brussel Sprouts
• Peppers
• Eggplant

Zone 5- For all the seeds started inside you can plant them in the garden by the end of the month of March or early April.  

• Potatoes 
• Peas
• Lettuce
• Radishes
•  Carrots

Zone 6 Roses, trees and shrubs can safely be planted outside. Plants that were started indoors can be transferred outside.

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower

Zone 7

•  Carrots
•  Beets
•  Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Turnips
• Swiss Chard

Transplant

• Onions
• Shallots
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• White Potatoes
• Collards
• Asparagus
• Chives
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Zone 8

• Spinach
• Turnips
• Mustards
• Beets
• Carrots
• Broccoli

Mid-month you can plant

•  Corn
• Tomatoes
• Squash
• Peppers
• Cucumbers

Zone 9 is basically the same as 8 but you can add

• Asian Greens
• Lettuce
• Parsley
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Spinach

Zone 10 All of the above and can be add

• Okra
• Sweet Potatoes
• Melons

     Use those cold frames for indoor plants that have been transferred outside or start seeds recommended for your zone. This will protect them just in case there is a sudden drop in temperatures. I hope this helps you get started on your garden.

     Quote of the day:

“God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures.” Francis Bacon

     Scripture of the day:

Ps. 119:2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, who search for him with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness; they walk in his ways.

Dr. Seuss: A Childhood Experience for both Young and Old

Dr. Seuss: A Childhood Experience for both Young and Old

     March is Dr. Seuss month and I would love to celebrate this wonderful author’s works with you. I am sure we all have grown up reading these great books and learned them by heart, the tongue twisting silly things that taught us to rhyme and even spell. The Cat in the Hat, The lorax, The Grinch and Thing One and Thing Two. Really now tell me how we did get through? With One fish, Two fish and Feet, Feet, Feet, we learned to count or at least that’s what we think. With all of the characters from A to Z who gave us imagination and loved them all too.

I remember Dr. Seuss

     I remember reading them at school and then, when my kids came along they did too. I read them to the grand kids and what fun it was to tongue twist together all the words. Fixing “Green Eggs and Ham” and dressing them up for school day fun in costumes that matched their favor characters.

     Dr. Seuss AKA Theodor Seuss Geisel was born March 2,, 1904. He spent many days at the Springfield Zoo with his sketch book in hand drawing all the animals as a boy.  He started publishing children’s books in 1937 and his first book which was rejected 27 times was finally published “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” This was kind of a story of his young life in Springfield. By 1934 he joined the army and was assigned to the education division where he met Chuck Jones and became great friends. In 1957 he wrote the book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” which was later made into a TV special with the help of Jones in 1966. In 1948 he had moved with his wife to La Jolla where he resided for the rest of his life. He and his wife traveled the world and many of his characters and places became inspiration of his books. In 1954 by novelist John Hersey challenged Dr. Seuss to “write me a story that first-graders can’t put down,” while using only 225 words chosen from a list of 348. Dr. Seuss accomplished the task using 236 words. In 1957 the Cat and The Hat came out and in 1958 The Cat in the Hat Comes Back was published along with 4 other books to kick off the reading program. Green Eggs and Hams followed in 1960. There are so many books in between, and after that we all learned to love his work. 

      Dr. Seuss’s wonderful creative life ended in 1991 but his 2^nd wife donated all of his manuscripts  illustrations to the University of California at San Diego, and in 1995 the university library was renamed Geisel Library.  Some of his achievements in life were; he won a Pulitzer Prize in 1984, a Caldecott award for several books and many other awards. They made several specials of his books and he even gained recognition in the English dictionary. There is even an amusement parks to honor his work.

     Dr. Seuss has been a household name for a very long time and if you have not read one of his books please pick one up and have a ball. To find out more Dr. Seuss

     Quote of the day:

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Dr. Seuss

     Scripture of the day:

Matt. 6:9 “You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.”

Have you ever really thought about God's kingdom as a government? Well He would like his government to be right here on earth and soon it will be! Just keep praying this way!

Brilliant Lights of the Sky

Brilliant Lights of the Sky

Planets amongst the stars

     I don’t know how many of you have gone out on a clear night and were completely awed by the amazing night sky. I know I have and I do it all year round. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderfully beautiful it is.

Heavenly Bliss 

     I started stargazing when I was in junior high school with our science teachers Mr. Smith and Mr. Bowman. We had a stargazers club and we would all meet at the school on a clear night and go to the football practice field to start with, then we also met at the reservoir out in the country and wow now that was spectacular view. Those of us that were fortunate to have telescopes would share with the group to see Jupiter and Mars. This memory was like yesterday and it was so cool and so bright out there. Those days have carried over into today and I still love to take in the beauty of the heavens. Right now Orion is just to the right of my driveway. Taurus the Bull is above Orion to the right. The brightest star in March is Sirius and it is just to the left of Orion’s belt.

Orion 

     This month is a great month to stargaze because you can see Jupiter and Mars once again. But they do not hold the show, Venus is one of the brightest planets out this time of the year. If you look very carefully you can see Mars the red planet just below and a bit to the left and lower than the Moon. Right now you can see Jupiter and Saturn also and they starting to align with one another and by the end of the month then Mars will be passing Jupiter and Saturn. The Moon also will be joining this trio of planets in alignment just below them on March 18^th.

     I have such a great view of the stars and planets from my hill and I have a special bench in the yard I can go out to and lay on, under this vast canopy of the universe. There is nothing more beautiful to be thankful for.

     In this month we will also see the worm moon which is our full moon for March. It falls on March 9th and it will be a super moon.  The Indians believed this was when the ground softened up and the worms became abundant once again and the Robins and other bird returned to snatch them up. Soon new sprouts would be popping out of the ground and then they knew it was time for rebirth and spring had finally arrived waking the winter’s slumber. Thus we know it as the Worm Moon. Some folk may also call it the Chaste Moon, Storm Moon, Seed Moon, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, or Lenten Moon among others. In any case we know that spring is finally upon us and we can start to rejoice in the rebirth of all things. This moon is the last moon before the spring equinox which can take place on March 19, 20, or 21 or there about.

Worm Moon

     On the 28^th of this month you will be able to see the Pleiades or the seven sisters. This is truly a great month to get out and gaze at the brilliant lights in the sky.  Get the kids involved and the grandkids they will love it and you can make it a special outing for the whole family. It can be a month to month thing as the skies move over you and change with the seasons. Enjoy God’s beautiful heavenly expanse and give thanks that we live in such a wonderful world. 

Seven sisters or Pleiades

     Quote of the day:

Owl of the hollow tree, speaking mysteriously, when the Moon’s phantom light makes my dim chamber bright. –Dorothea Maria Ogilvy, Scottish poet (1823–95)

Scripture of the day:

Genesis 1:14 Then God said: “Let there be luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to make a division between the day and the night, and they will serve as signs for seasons and for days and years. 15 They will serve as luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to shine upon the earth.” And it was so.

If you would like to know more about the march skies  check out almanac.com/bright-planets-march? This is where I got a lot of this information.