Adirondack Family Time™

he Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan has a guide on using cloth as opposed to paper for wrapping gifts to cut down on the paper waste. Using the same square of fabric you can also create a tote bag to use to carry small parcels. Furoshiki (f'-ROHSH-kee) means “bath spread” and it derives from the practice of bundling clothes at public baths in the Edo Period (1603-1867). The term refers to any size or pattern, though most are around one to two ft. square. The furoshiki usually double-sided pattern and a stitched hem around the edges. Unlike wrapping paper furoshiki can be part of a gift, and can be used again and again. To make your own: Take a square of 100% cotton fabric (one that looks the same on both sides so there isn't a "wrong" side and stitch a rolled hem around the edge. You are finished. Now you can go out into the world and make it a better place! small = 18" medium = about 20" large = about 35" Another option is to go to the

Did you know that with only 15 minutes a day you can get your required amount of Vitamin D ( by just being outside in the sunshine) With anything moderation is the key. Any more time than that do take protective measures with sunscreen otherwise go outside (and take your vitamin, too!)

Well this isn't my usual thing but I wonder how other parents and families are sustaining through these tough times while still maintaining a positive outlook. I remember growing up with tasks to do and helping my grandmother cook. It didn't feel like work because she made it fun and helped us complete our goals with a sense of purpose and joy. That said I thought I need to purposefully and joyfully stock the freezer with some quick meals. My children go through these as if they were starving. Here is a homemade version of the pizza pocket. There are many variations of pizza out there. I used to work in a pizzeria, one of many jobs while putting myself through school, and for years couldn't abide the smell or taste of pizza. Having children has helped overcome that aversion. This recipe is my own and is an easy thing to do with kids. My children love to help. Eat well, live well, love well! pizza dough ~dissolve 1 package dried yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp) into ~1 cup warm wat

There is something to be said about talking like a pirate that just doesn’t get old, at least in our house. It is probably only my children who’s acting skills come into play when simply asked to set the dinner table. Then the pirate-speak comes out in full force. They are being held captive until their real parents can swoop in and free them from evil forces. The imposed drudgery of picking up their own toys is met with “Or ye’ll what? Put me in t’hold?” There is a bit of sass that goes along with pirate talk (since pirates are not known for their manners). So we couldn’t ask for a better Winter Carnival theme than Pirates of the Adirondacks because our pirate vocabulary was getting a bit weak. As research says if you don’t use a foreign language regularly, you lose it, so I am here to help you practice, practice, practice for the last few days of Carnival, “Arrr. ya scurvy dogs.” The standards of “Blow me down” and “Shiver me timbers” are fine to use if ye are shocked over the outco