Let's Create Some Ruckus

More bling for my Ruckus....a crocheted basket.  This project has been in the works for some time now.  Initially it was going to be big enough for a bag of fast food, but it would of been way to big and out of place.  Plus being out front of the bike would cool the food down before I could get it home.

It was crocheted using the same paracord as the under the seat netting.  To help keep the shape when speeding down the road at 40mph I threaded a wire hanger around the top edge.  I secured it to the bike with some zip ties.

Saturday was gorgeous, full sun and little wind...this is after we received a week straight of rain.  So with no place in particular to go, I cruised around town to "test the basket".  The basket didn't budge. 

A Little Piece of the Beach

Last weekend, despite an on and off rain sprinkle, my pittbull Kane and I ventured to the beach in search of smooth rocks.  We choose a beach that is close to home, yet usually empty.  Kane does not play nice with other dogs, so we have to find places where there are no doggy friends.

We had a great time, collecting rocks, playing catch and taking videos.

The Beach Rock Mat

Supplies:

Smooth Rocks, about the same size.

Rubber Door Mat, I used this.

E6000 Glue

Directions:

Frolic on the beach and gather rocks, lots of them.  On the backside of the mat, layout all the rocks so that they fit nicely and are space the way you like.  Starting at a corner, apply glue to the bottom of the rock, secure to mat.  Make sure to have a window open, unless you want to get high while you craft.  Continue till all rocks are glued to mat.  Let dry and enjoy!





Summers Over

They say that when the fireweed flowers bloom to the top of their stalk, summer is over.  About two weeks or so ago, there was an article in the local paper about fireweed honey, including a simple recipe.  At the time there were tons of fireweed blooming all over the place, even some in my neighbors back yard.  I procrastinated and didn't go out in search for fireweed till yesterday.

I buy my dog and cat food from a feed store out the road, it is 10 miles out of city limits.  I am sure this seems like nothing to folks that live in big cities, but for me this is a little bit of a drive.  So yesterday, I load up my dog, Kane, some baggies, my camera and head out to get pet food.  The goal was to look for a patch of fireweed that would yield at least two cups of lightly packed flowers.

I drive and drive and drive and it appears that I have missed the mark.  All the fireweed patches are void of any flowers, or only have a few left on them.  After an hour or so of driving I give up and take Kane home.  My husband calls, from work, asking if I will take him some cold medicine.  I agree, and too my delight on the way there I see a small patch of fireweed.

I picked every flower I could get my hands on.  After plucking all the flower off, I had 4 lightly packed cups of flowers!  Enough for 2 batches.

Single Recipe:  (makes 2 pints)
from www.wildsalmonkitchen.com/blog/

1 1/4 cup of water
5 cups of sugar
1/2 tsp alum
1/4 cup of light Karo syrup
2 cups of lightly packed fireweed blossoms

On the stove, stir water, sugar and alum until it comes to a boil.  Watch until the liquid changes from cloudy to white.  After the syrup turns from cloudy to clear, remove from heat.  Add the washed blossoms to the hot syrup.  Stir and let steep for 10 minutes.  Strain out the flowers.  Bring to a boil again.  Pour into sterilized jars.  If not sealing jars, store in refrigerator.

This is really, really easy to make!  I have yet to taste the honey, but if I approve, some lucky people will be getting some for Christmas.



Beach Treasures

I received a phone call mid afternoon yesterday asking if I would like to go beach combing.  I LOVE BEACH COMBING!  So of course I went.  I packed the necessities, my camera and a Ziploc bag, and traveled to a beach I haven't explored before not knowing what I would find.

After about a 15 minute walk, we approached the beach. I was at first amazed with the view (I never get tired of pretty landscapes), then I looked down....

Look closely at the beach, (click on the picture to enlarge) yes that is beach glass!  And lots of it.  Most were fairly small pieces, but I was able to find some big pieces.  There were lots of Amber, Clear and Green.  I also found some blue, yellow, a small red and some other neat things out there.

Here is all my loot...

I'd say it was a good day at the beach!

End of Road 1000 Feet

The island is receiving some beautiful fall days and I am trying to take advantage of each and every one of them.  Winter will be here soon and with that comes lots of rain, some snow, cold days and little daylight.  I always giggle on these nice days because it seems like everyone ventures outside to enjoy them.  We all get so couped up staying out of the bad weather that any amount of good weather brings out the masses.

My red nose pitt bull, Kane, and I drove all the way out the road, literally to the end of the road.  We were lucky to find only a few people out there and no other dogs.  (Kane is not too friendly towards other dogs)  We spent our time walking the beach, playing Frisbee, collecting fossils and just relaxing.

Crafting:

In crafting news, I am working on a couple skirt designs.  I have become obsessed with the show Project Runway and it has really sparked some great ideas for me.  Even as a kid I wanted to be a fashion designer and if that dream never comes true, I can at least design some really great clothes for myself, right?

Stepping out from the day to day...

Last weekend I was in the mood for adventure, or just getting out of the house. It is so easy to get lost in the day to day routines, and find yourself stuck in a rut. I have been in a rut!

Last Saturday after asking the husband a million times if he wanted to do anything, with the response of "I don't know", I loaded the dogs in the van and headed an hour out of town. The road was anything but pleasant. The frost this winter has bent and bowed the road in all sorts of wonderful ways. If I wasn't paying attention to my speed I would hit one of these "ramps" and send the van flying.

I finally made it to the beach, with everyone in one piece, and just in time for this......

The vans' thermometer said 43 degrees, the beach was empty and the sky was filled with an amazing gold hue. The dogs and I walked along the beach absorbing up every ray of sunshine and enjoying the calming peace and quiet. I find the going to the beaches around the island is my therapy, and this trip was even more than therapeutic then I imagined it would be. At the end of this day I was refreshed, happy and energized.