From Naniloa Smith

As fresh strawberries became available I remembered that a friend of mine had shared with me that her aunt had placed her recipe in the sun.  It felt like something I wanted to try.  I shared it with Mary and she added the idea of using apples instead of pectin.  Together we have come up with this recipe.

Sunshine Strawberry Jam

1.  Locate a strawberry jam recipe or use the one below.

2.  Gather your ingredients.  This may include an outing to pick your own strawberries.  

2 cups of strawberries
1-2 cups of sugar

1-2 cups of Blue Solar Water
1 small apple or 2 small crab apples (optional squeeze of lemon juice)
Rinse berries in Blue Solar Water and cut in half. (apply ice blue tool)
Add the sugar and mash mixture with a potato masher or blender.
Cut the apples in half and add to mixture. (This provides the pectin to help the jam set)
Bring to a boil and simmer for 8-9 minutes stirring constantly.
Take the apples out of the mixture

3.  Spread mix onto baking sheet/dish; cover with plastic wrap.

4.  Place in the sun for an hour or so.

5.  Check on it to see how it is doing.

6.  When 'sunned', ladle into containers to store in refrigerator or freezer.  Let it set for a while.  Use for spreading on your toast, adding to cereal or drizzling on your ice cream.  yumm...

7.  Thank the sun, the strawberries and yourself for making this delicious treat.

This next project came as an inspiration to my daughter on a recent trip.  I had brought along items I was guided to bring.  They included tracing paper and crayons of all sorts

Crayon Creations

1.      Purchase tracing paper.

2.      Gather crayons.  You may want to try different kinds.  Silky.  Neocolors.

3.      Select a surface that appeals to you to rub the crayon across.

4.      Remember to ask permission and apply ice blue tool.

5.      Create a picture or design.

6.      Experiment with different colors, textures and color combinations.

7.      Let yourself be inspired as to how many you want to do.

8.      Thank all involved with your creation.

9.      Check to see what is next.  Is it to be displayed, create a card, put in a plastic protective sheet to use as a placemat or…

Crayon Creations just keeps going for me.  While on walks I see leaves and twigs or pine needles that want to be used.  My daughter had spotted a journal that had a tin cover with designs and used that.  Turned out beautiful

From Mary Koehler

I so enjoyed making the Sunshine Strawberry Jam......I have made jam for many years, but putting it in the sun seemed to make it even more delicious.

“I had the opportunity to visit my son this summer.....we took a few days to explore a nearby city. He had several ideas including a hike in the mountains and going to a special restaurant that made homemade Guacamole. The hike was so beautiful with amazing views and gorges to hike through.....I left with a new appreciation for the place he is living. It was great to take it easy and be open to surprises.”

Road Trip

1.        Pick a date and propose a place you would like to visit.

2.        Invite a friend or family member to go with you.

3.        Check into maps and activities for the area.

4.        Put together an itinerary and/or trace your trip on a map.

5.        Stay flexible and keep an easy pace.

6.        Be open to surprises on the trip.

7.        Thank the city, the roads you travel and the places you see.

8.        Enjoy the trip.

Naniloa Smith has a MS in education.  She is President and Founder of In the Desert Children’s Project.  She has spent over 30 years in the classroom.  She believes that 'we're all children' and want to play.  Naniloa lives in Moline, Illinois.

Mary Koehler has a BS in education.  She has raised 7 children with her husband Kurt. She loves doing art projects and exploring new activities. Mary resides in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Thank You

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