October 2021 Harvesting...Crafts

 

Welcome to a glimpse of our major harvesting event! We decided it was time to cut the umbilical cord of the Birdhouse Gourd!  Since my youngest daughter, Elisabeth, had started growing the Birdhouse Gourd seeds at her house months ago I thought she should enjoy sharing the harvesting of the gourd that grew from the little plant she brought me to grow on my patio trellis. She has taken the gourd back to her house.  From what we have read it may take between six to twelve months for the gourd to dry before we can take the next step in crafting it into a birdhouse. Stay tuned! :)

It would have been such fun if you could have joined us one October afternoon when on the spur of the moment I crafted an impromptu tea party for my neighbor friends, Orletta (on left) and June (on right). Perhaps you at least can get pleasure from imagining that the menu of tea, cookies, and good conversation were enjoyed by us all.  

Another afternoon Candy, June's daughter was visiting here from out of town and was able to join us for some tea and cookies.  A dear friend, Becky, from upstate NY, had sent me a goodie box that arrived just before Candy and June came over.  Among the goodies were delicious dark chocolate-covered almonds from Krause Candy in Saugerties, NY that we enjoyedl Thanks again, Becky!

 

Some of you asked for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookie recipe that produced these cookies I showed you last month. If you try the following recipe I hope it is a great success for you!

Several weeks ago my youngest daughter, Elisabeth, texted this and the following three photos to me.  A co-worker had heard Elisabeth enjoyed making cakes and asked her to make her wedding cake...the biggest Elisabeth had ever tried to make.  Elisabeth took on the challenge and gave me permission to share some of the process with you.

 After baking all the layers and trimming them, she spread a crumb coat of frosting on the three layers so that the final coat of frosting would spread smoothly without crumbs.

She transported the three layers separately then constructed the cake at the venue.

Finally, she decorated the whole cake with ribbon and fresh flowers and the couple's choice of topping.  Elisabeth does not claim professional results, but she reported the couple and many of their guests appreciated the look...and taste of the cake!

This is such a pretty season in our area near the base of Mt. Hood and close to Portland, Oregon, that I drove to one of my favorite spots in the old nearby neighborhood where I lived a few years ago to take some photos to share with you.

There are many nurseries in the area and this row of brilliant red trees captured my admiration!

Then back in our condominium community, this view got my attention also.  I hope you are enjoying beautiful sights wherever you are as well!

Have you harvested any crafts in October?

((Hugs))  

Gracie :)

"And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" Mark4:20 NLT