Tag: outdoors

Fresh Air is Good for the Grumps

Fresh Air is Good for the Grumps

fresh air

I’m always amazed at how quickly a little fresh air erases my child’s crummy moods. My little guy apparently swallowed a grump monster while he slept last night because, man, he was super sour from the moment his feet hit the floor. No wait, I believe he pouted at me the second I opened his door to check on his sweet little sleeping self (that might be a record). I mean it was awful. Nothing was as it should be, every answer was dripping with whine and the day was quickly getting way out of whack.

So imagine my surprise when my son asked to tend the chickens. I think he sensed his need for change as much as I did. I sent him out the door with chicken food and the promise I would catch up in a bit. By the time I pulled on my rubber boots and ventured outside, he was already flitting about with the hens and had a smile on his face. Chalk it up to another win for nature!

As an added bonus we also discovered a box turtle clearly on his way to somewhere, but he was kind enough to make a short stop while we said hello (even if he didn’t eat the carrot I chopped for him at the request of my little man). That was no matter because the fresh air and animal encounters were just enough to turn my boy’s frown upside down, and that is how I prefer to start our day.

Don’t Pet the Dragonflies and Bumble Bees

Don’t Pet the Dragonflies and Bumble Bees

dragonfly

This beautiful little guy (or girl, I’m sure I don’t know the difference) showed up in our front flowerbed yesterday evening and decided to stay awhile. Wasn’t it nice for him to cooperate long enough for me to grab the camera. Of course, our son wanted to pet it. He wants to pet everything, except animals typically in need of petting. Just once, he would love to get his hands on a bumble bee. He says, “but they look so soft.” He has agreed not to go after the bees that frequent our catmint by the mailbox, but I know that someday one will stay put just long enough to send tears down my little guy’s cheeks.

Seed Cake Recipe for the Birds

Seed Cake Recipe for the Birds

When the flurries are flyin’ and you’re stuck inside, why not bring a few birds to your window with these homemade birdseed cakes. I had my doubts when I first tried this recipe, but they really are easy to make and the birds love them.

BirdSeedCake

Birdseed Cakes
This one is for the birds -- homemade seed cakes
Write a review
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3/4 c all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 c water
  3. 1 envelope unflavored Knox gelatin
  4. 4 c birdseed
  5. nonstick cooking spray
  6. cookie cutters
  7. wax paper
  8. drinking straws
  9. ribbon or string
Instructions
  1. Combine the flour, water and gelatin in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
  2. Add the birdseed to the mixture and stir until well coated.
  3. Coat the inside of large cookie cutters with the nonstick cooking spray and place the cutters on a sheet of waxed paper.
  4. Completely fill each of the cutters with the seed mixture, making sure to press it into all the little nooks and crannies.
  5. Cut a piece of straw for each cookie cutter and carefully insert it into each shape (not too close to the edge) and leave it in place. This will make a hole from which to hang the seed cake.
  6. Let the filled cutters set for two hours,
  7. Carefully push the dried seed mixture out of the cutters and onto the wax paper, and remove the straw pieces.
  8. Allow the shapes to dry overnight.
  9. Insert a piece of ribbon or string through the holes in your seed cakes, tie them off and hang them from the nearest tree.
Notes
  1. This is a great kid-friendly project and also makes wonderful gifts.
https://www.smalltalkmama.com/