Bear in the Backyard

I keep telling everyone that I live in bear country and that they stroll through the backyard often. Well for all you non-believers out there, here ya go. I actually had the camera handy this time.

Third Grade Homework and the Indian Maid

I had worked in the yard all day and had just settled in for a chat with my tweeps on Twitter when the phone rang. A small voice asked if she could come to my house to do her homework. She told me she needed a change in scenery. I have not helped with homework in years.
Deep breath. Alrighty then. Homework.

In addition to writing a book report, she had to create a poster reflecting the main character. As you can see, she was working on Pocahontas. We looked at the drawings in the book to get ideas, then scrounged around in the studio for yarn, beads, raffia, a feather, and some felt. The only thing she did not know how to do was braid hair. So I showed her how to do it.

I think the poster came out really cute.

I am now waiting for the next phone call.

Homemade Kahlua

Years ago I worked with a women who made her own Kahlua. While digging around looking for something to make one night, I came across her recipe. It is not as thick as the store-bought one, but just as delish.

4 cups sugar

4 Tablespoons of instant coffee

4 cups of water

a fifth of 100 proof vodka.

1 vanilla bean

Combine all ingredients except for the vodka and boil 40 minutes. Cool. Pour into 2 one-quart bottles. Divide the vodka between the 2 bottles. Split the vanilla bean with a knife and one half in each bottle. Let it stand for 21 days.