Today Mark has a sore throat. Sore throats are better endured in front of a fireplace with some juicy oranges, chewable vitamin C, nowhere else to go - and a new good book. Tylenol is good too. And someone to fix whatever sounds good, and a colorful Christmas tree to look at between naps. Hey! I think I want a sore throat too!
Here’s our new found book: “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart. We give it a thumbs up so far. I got this book on recommendation from a new friend (we were both searching for book treasures on the same book shelf at Barnes and Noble. A half hour later we wrapped up our conversation about our favorite books for kids, and now the Olsen's have 3 new treasures. ) The other two will show up under the Tree.
Speaking of the Tree. . . ours (like most Americans) is loaded with many years of collected ornaments along with their memories. I’m going to post an Advent calendar of Christmas ornaments. Hey kiddos, friends, and sisters-o'-mine, see what you remember about them too. And then call!
This cowboy boot was handmade by the Jay 21 years ago when he was a cowboy for Deseret Ranch in Florida. We were at our friends the Cook's house as we were almost every night that year. All of us made salt dough ornaments. Even Jay and Kent.
Salt Dough Recipe
1 Cup flour
1/2 Cup salt (you can put in blender for a finer grain)
about 1/2 C water
Mix together by hand. It should not be sticky, just soft and shape-able. Keep in plastic bag when not using.
Tips: For colored dough you can add food coloring to the water. Or you can paint them with craft paints after they’re baked.
For ornaments, put a little loop of wire or a snipped off paper clip in top of dough before baking.
Bake in a 250 F oven overnight.
For a nice finish you can dip in polyurethane (spraying never seemed to work)
