Tall Tales from Kansas

the inventive mind of the person who wove this project into their school curriculum

This week, on a neighborhood walk, I met Maze, Treeburt, and Jeeuaf. 

 

On my way out I it was too early and I didn't see them, but on the way back home I noticed something in a wooded area that normally isn't there, and I went over to examine more carefully.  

Yep, three trees, all with names. Labeled for your convenience. I love the inventive mind of the person who wove this project into their school curriculum. Science? Reading? Art? It could cover all three easily.  

I hope the kids that did this know how much I appreciated it. On a morning walk, moon overhead, it felt like something straight out of a movie.

Sort of like these pinkish clouds over a yellowing field. Listen, some days it's just magic and you go with it. Gratefully. 

imminently more do-able than the flat banana

Dadgummit but this was fun!

I always want to do puzzles but never make time for it between all my other duties.  Until I saw this one, that is.

All the information about where it came from is included in the photo above .  In the event that you, like me, fancy yourself a puzzle maker... but know your limitations.  As in 200 pieces.  How long could that take?

Not terribly long by the way, once I finally started.  

Once I commenced, it was hard to walk by it without stopping to look for a piece to snap into place.  And of course one piece always leads to two.  

Such unusual, tiny, interesting shapes.

The search will begin this weekend for the next challenge.  Maybe 400 pieces? 

As long as the image is as colorful and interesting as this one.  That is a requirement.  

I am a big fan of Jennifer Judd-McGee's work, which is what attracted me to this in the first place.  It seemed imminently more do-able than the "flat banana" (read solid yellow) jigsaw puzzle that Chris's dad got the family to put together for Christmas in 1982.  Which by the way, never did get started if I recall correctly. 

we all fancy ourselves actors of the highest caliber

My suggestion for the entertainment at the Thanksgiving table this year?    Make (or buy) yourself a couple of mustaches.   There is no end to the amusement that can be had with a couple of sticks, some felt, and a camera. 

Everyone at my house wanted to play.  We all fancy ourselves actors of the highest caliber.  I think it's pretty clear who the most versatile of us is though. 

It's serious people. I mean it.

I don't know what you do at your house the night before Thanksgiving but around here we get the sweet potato casserole started. 

Then we get right down to business and the cut-throat games begin.  It's serious people.  I mean it.

Tonight we started with high stakes "apples to apples".  I barely escaped with my life. 

hedge apple bowling

Out here in the midwest, at this time of year, hedge apples are a common site.  Some people gather them and use them as a form of pest control around the foundation of their home to cut down on the cricket and spider populations.  It hasn't done a thing for my crickets; luckily I live with 2 pest control specialists who are on the clock 24-7.

They are a lovely color though, and you would think there should be a good use for them.   

May I suggest hedge apple bowling?  The rules are simple.  When you go out for your traditional Thanksgiving day hike this year pick up a few as you walk on the trail.  When all participants have secured their apple, give them an underhanded roll just as if you were at the bowling alley.  The one whose apple stays on the trail the longest without veering into the woods wins.  This game can be enjoyed by all hikers from age 3 on up. 

The guy in front there with the big leaf one a few years back.  He was pretty excited about his prize.  We let him do the thanksgiving dishes.   He decided not to participate after that.  Something about having to stay home to brine the turkey... no time for hiking nonsense.