Mason the Safety & the Maryland State Flag

Acrylic on wood. Available in my Etsy Shop

Mason, my grandson, is back in school. Can't believe he is in 5th grade. He applied to be a Safety this year and was thrilled to be chosen as the Flag Safety. That means every day he puts up and takes down the American Flag and the Maryland State Flag.

We had a big discussion about the Maryland State Flag and how to remember which way was up. I told him the  right corner should have the cross that goes up to Heaven, like Jesus did. I googled it and showed him how it should look.  So the day before yesterday before he takes the flag down, he runs up to my car and say's "Granny Jo look at the flag." I almost spit out my coke. He had it upside down!!!

I told him so but he said that one of the teachers told him that when he put it the way I told him that it was incorrect. I told him, I knew my flag. I worked 35 years for the State of MD and that was one of my pet peeves!  So yesterday he runs out to the car pointing to the flag and I gave him a thumbs up because it was correct.

Mason said the teacher told him again  it was wrong again and instead of being diplomatic, he told her she should google it because Granny Jo worked for the State for 35 years and it's her pet peeve.

Well if this apple box doesn't sell I just might have to give it to her as an apology at the end of the year.

County Fair Fun

Every year I look forward to county fair. I enjoy the animals, exhibits and fair food. But since my grandson came along, it's been even more fun.  

Which way did he go?

Birdhouse Kit

He had a great time this year hamming it up. He got lots of ribbons for his entries, rode on the bull ride and the carnival rides and he even managed to get into a magic show.

Blueberry Jam with Honey & Cinnamon

Yummy Apple Chips!

So my grandson's doctor said he was overweight and he should stay away from fattening food and sugar and be more  active.  We have a Family Game Night once a month at my house and both my kids and their families come. Tonight is one of those nights. My grandson remarked last night that he looks forward to the game night because of all the snack food I have.

I told him I'd have health things for him to eat and he said he would really miss the chips and dip. So it got me thinking. I had bought 2 microwave chip makers some time ago but hadn't really used them so I decided to make some apple chips. Of course, I forgot how to do it so I found a video online to refresh my memory.

First I used my pampered chef slicer. to slice up some thin slices. I set it to number 1.

Then I put them on paper towels and pressed out the extra moisture.

Next I microwaved them for 8 minutes and 15 seconds (sometimes a little longer if they were thicker slices.

They turned out pretty good and tasty I might add.



I only had one disaster.

 Now to get some low fat greek yogurt for dip!

It's Getting to Look Alot Like Christmas!

Well at least it is in my shop! I have been adding more. Here's a selection of just the Christmas items. Speaking of Christmas...my OFG Team is doing a sale...search OFG Team on Etsy and put in OFGthanksyou2011 in the coupon code for 10% or more off (depending on the shop).

It's not looking like Christmas at my house yet. I generally put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving but my daughter is at her future in laws this weekend so we wont' be putting it up until Monday night! :(  But I'll get my Christmas tree decorating fix tonight because my son is continuing the tradition at his house with his son. You gotta love traditions!

Fun Times!

What a great day today was. My son, my grandson and I went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. I hadn't been in quite a while so it was nice to go there again. We went very early and still it was very crowded. I would have liked to stay and read the exhibits but when you have a 4 year old you end up jumping from one thing to another...well let's say I maybe got to read one or two. Mason was so excited. It was fun to see the aquarium through his eyes. In the photo to the left. They spotted a conure in the rainforest exhibit.

After the aquarium, we ate at an Irish Restaurant.  Mason loved his new mask. He wore it around the Inner Harbor and then wanted to wear it at lunch til he realized he couldn't eat with it on. My son, Joe had Sheppard's Pie. I had Bangers and Mash and what did Mason want? Spaghetti! LOL   It was a fun day with the boys.

Cute Things from a Cute Kid

My grandson Mason is 4 years old. He's so sweet. He has such a love of God. He's always praying. It's so cute. I take him to preschool everyday. And everyday I read to him in the car. He loves me to read his little Bible.

Today we were reading Adam & Eve. We got to the part where the snake was tempting Eve to eat the apple after God said don't eat that fruit. Mason got very excited and said to the book. "I wouldn't eat that if I were you!"  Of course we all know what happened. He just sighed and then when Eve tempted Adam, he got really upset and kept saying "Don't eat it, Don't eat it...noooo." And when he found out Adam ate it he said "You shouldn't have done that Adam."  And at the part where Adam and Eve are tossed out of Eden. He said, "I told you not to eat that. You should have listened to God."

Out of the mouths of Babes!