The kids and I went apple picking. We made apple sauce last year and when we found a few jars in the winter time it was like finding a lost treasure. We decided we better make more! We scanned their artwork and helped them make up their own labels. They are pretty excited about giving away some of their own applesauce.

On Tuesday I had to go to the dump. I did not come away empty handed. Some poor soul actually got rid of this....

I know.... I couldn't believe it either. His nose was almost severed and something bit a chunk out of his ear but otherwise, nothing a little love can't fix. In case you haven't recognized him... his name is Nipper and he is the RCA dog. After giving him a bath, which included vinegar and sandpaper here is Nipper after his big makeover....

You should note that this thing is taller than my real dogs and made all three of them growl the first time they saw him. SO... the next time you go to the dump keep your eyes open... you just might go home with a new member of the family!

Life up north seems SOOO quiet now that the Youth Builder team has left. We had this very cool group up to our property to talk about Simple Living & Sustainability. Dave also took them to Tyendinaga to speak with some Elders about First Nations land rights, justice, and culture. We had an AMAZING time with them. Dave fixed up two traditional native structures for them to sleep in and to their credit they used them. The group of guys actually slept in the teepee every night! Tom & Gillian lead the group last summer and this year.... and we can't wait until next year to do it again!






Most of the tarps used were free from the local lumber yards, we love a good deal!

OK, so you're asking yourself "What craziness is this now?" Well. We are headed back up north and up to this point the kids have blankets covering the windows in their room. Tacky but functional. We have some guests coming and I thought "hey, maybe we should spiff up the joint!". Problem. Don't have the money for drapes BUT I do have a box full of thrift store jeans. BINGO!


For the big panels I cut the inside leg seam all the way up one leg and down the other. Then I stitched the two legs together to make one long panel. For smaller panels I cut down the hip seams and the inside leg seams and made smaller panels. This honestly took me about an hour to do enough for 3 windows. To hang them just shove a dowel through the belt loops. Some tips... Skinny jeans are not a wise investment... not enough material. Go for the biggest sizes they have. (I paid about $2 per pair of jeans and I used 6 pairs for the three windows) Beware jeans that narrow at the ankle, you get nice wide panels at the top and they narrow at the bottom. Boot let or wide leg jeans work wonders. I added some patched here and there but you could add anything, go crazy.

So the truck is packed and we are going to the beach when I discover......

Well, we are pleased to announce that we are the proud parents of a beautiful 2 year old girl! This is our first girl and I am very excited to add some estrogen to this family... I've been feeling pretty outnumbered!