Tuesday's ramble...

Frost advisory tonight. It seems too early, but when I think about all the nature cues, its not surprising. Most of the geese and ducks have lone gone, the squirrels have been ramped up OCD style, digging and burying their food supply, and even the garden seemed to shut down early.

I think I'm ready though. I had DH haul out the extra down comforter, and I scored at the Farm & Fleet store yesterday- "Lowest prices of the season", grabbing us a few pairs of jeans. Now if only I can find my socks. Preferring to be barefoot, I'm always challenged when it comes to finding socks and footwear.

I'm motivated to pull the looms back out and knit more caps and try scarfs too. The chill in the air has me wanting to bake, and I'm back brewing and drinking my tea on the hot side.

I'm trying Hawthorne Berry tea. I've read its good for your heart and circulatory system. I also heard it may help RLS. I read that many believe in the healing power of Hawthorne Berry because its believed Christ's crown of thorns was made from Hawthorne Berry branches. Of course I thought that was cool, and I had to Google to see if I could grow a Hawthorne Berry bush in my yard!

The boys have been enjoying their new Xbox 360 and I'm surprised it hasn't consumed all their time like I thought it would. Its just another console to play different games. They are still enjoying other activities.

Yesterday they took turns sawing down the wild Mulberry bush trees that had taken over on the corners of our Sleepyhouse. I love how easy Mulberries spread and the fact the birds love them, but the reality is, we can't have them growing so close to the house and risk damaging the foundation. We still have a larger tree on the corner of our lot. The boys did a bit of pruning, removing the branches touching the ground. Hopefully this helps strengthen the tree. I know all the sawing will help strengthen my boys' arms!

I think even though it may be scary to watch your baby yield sharp tools, its good to place them in their hands with supervision. I can remember years ago our doctor warned me that boys have a natural fasnication with knives. I thought at the time, whatever, how can he know, but later discovered it was true. So we've always tried to be there, guiding them as to how sharp they can be, and the damage that will occur if you don't focus and concentrate on using them correctly.

Case in point, the day mom almost took off her finger tip slicing a bagel. Had the blade not caught in the bone, her fingertip would have popped off! And yesterday, peeling butternut squash too quickly, her DNA almost was added to the risotto. Its amazing how many times I've warned my children only to injure myself! LOL!

At the library yesterday, I saw the latest issue of National Geographic. It has a really cool fold out poster of a giant Redwood tree. I have to see if I can buy a copy of the magazine now, just for the poster! I love trees and its on my bucket list to see a Redwood. The people climbing the giant tree looked like ants.

Speaking of ants, we watched a Goosebumps video, Awesome Ants last night. We borrowed a whole slew of Goosebumps videos at the library, getting in the Halloween spirit. There's something about curling up under a blanket and watching a scary video together when its cold and dark outside that is comforting and bonding.

I guess I've babbled enough. I better get up and get moving. Have a great Tuesday!

Purple feet time again....

The Mulberries are starting to ripen. When you walk barefoot in the corner of our yard, it stains your feet a fun shade of purple. I picked over a pound today from the branches that get the most sun. In a few days, much more will be ready to pick.

The birds love them too. When DS12 & I were out picking today they were chirping warnings because we were in their tree. My neighbor doesn't like Mulberry trees because the birds eat and then poop purple stains on the patio furniture. I say let the birds eat them. I'd rather have to wipe down my patio furniture and be able to view wildlife in my yard.

We actually have new Mulberry trees growing next to the house because I wasn't on top of weed control. (Thank you birds!) Now they resemble bushes and DH likes them so they're staying put. I'm hoping I can prune them to keep them from getting too large.

We don't spray the tree so I know the fruit is pesticide free. Soaking the berries in water takes care of any bugs. Maybe I'll try jam this year if we get enough. I'm off to Google Mulberry recipes!