Sugaring at Chestnut Hill

Do not think that you know it all, for maple Sugar making is a science about which you may learn something every season if you are observing.
C. 1894 Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Assoc.

Sugaring at Watson Homestead

Weekend of fun and time outdoors in the woods with New friends and Old friends. Collecting Sap, tapping trees, boiling sap to Syrup. Working on fun construction projects!! Wonderful weekend away- however short it may be.

This moment . . . .

Spring has Sprung

Welcome sights for sure as we stroll around the yard. Things are slowly coming back to life. Bulbs poking up, Grass becoming green by the Sump pump, crocus, Winter Aconites in bloom, we love it all! Have a truly splendid almost spring day!

Spring Eternal

“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.”

James Matthew Barrie

Ronald Mc Donald Love

These are the cards I made for guests to make or modify this month.
It is always a challenge, first I need to look at what is in the RMH stash of donated paper etc.. then I need to combine to come up with something I can use.

Then I need to make them simple enough for a first time stamper but interesting enough for someone who has stamped before. In the end the Guests are happy with whatever I bring. It is a simple distraction from a complicated life they are journeying through. Cell phones and Lab results become their best friends. A full night of sleep is a gift. There is a lot of strength in these people. They are from all walks of life and all places geographically.

Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well. Vincent Van Gogh

It's Sugaring Time at Chestnut Hill

This is the month of The Sap Moon
Here in the Northeast we have the special pleasure of tapping Sugar maples for Sap and boiling it down into Syrup.

It is one of my favorite times of the year. Weather is warming up, the earth is coming alive, boiling sap takes time . . . . time to slow down and enjoy the great natural world around you.
It also means Sap tea . . . warm sap used as the base for a teabag, it is naturally sweet and yummy!!!


Our Syrup operation is very small and primitive but that is a beauty too, we do not need a lot of stuff to make such yummy syrup.


The Sap Moon
Cold Nights,
warm days,
sap is sure to run.
Moon looms in
the branches,
waiting for the sun.

Research shows that the Algonquians collected sap from Box Elder, Walnut, Hickory, Birch, and Black Cherry although the sweetest is the Sugar maple. It was also shown that the Algonquians knew it was the right time by watching the Gray Squirrels gnaw at the bark to get to the sweet sap.

Go find a Sugar house near where you live this month and get pancakes and fresh Syrup!!!

This moment . . . .

Inspired by Soule Mama


Being 10, deep in conversation, savoring the moment.

Spring Cometh?!

Trendy Tuesday

I am thinking about what is Trendy right now . . . .

Colors: Brown, Lime Green, Mustard Gold, a Turquoise that is grayed, peachy coral,

Motifs: Owls, Trees, Boots/shoes

Foods: Macaroons, cupcakes,

Beverages: Green Tea, coffee from a coffee shop or Chai, Lattes, Pepsi

Clothing: nothing that I like. Sweaters with 1 or 2 buttons are ok, T-shirts with gatherin at the neck, overdyed jeans, Layered clothing, victorian, sweaters with hoods.


Activities: Going to Coffee shop, Book Clubs, Electronics, Wii,

Electronics: PS3, X-box, laptop, cell phone, bluetooth, Wii

Words: Epic,

What do You see as trendy?

Monday Matters

These were the postcards that Yoda made for Birthday invites. He water-colored then added some salt for texture and then we accented with a gel ink pen.