Friday Fun - Geocaching

Last Friday was a pretty day, so when Matthew got off the bus, I told him we were going on an adventure. He was game, so I explained to him what I had been reading about geocaching, and showed him the app on my phone. He is very interested in maps and geography, so he thought it looked like fun.

According to geocaching.com, "Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online."

We selected a cache that was 2.5 miles from my home, and headed out in the car in search of our first cache.

It was located in a nearby cemetery, and we got out and consulted the compass and map, directing us to the exact spot.

We were looking for a small rectangle container containing a log to sign.

The description said it was in the area of this small maintenance shed, but not in it, nor near the stones around it. The hint directed us to the northwest corner tree. What had been a beautiful fall day suddenly turned cold and windy, and even after several passes, from different directions (and an unfortunate encounter between shoe and doggie doo), we gave up on this one. It was discouraging not to find the 'treasure' on our first attempt at geocaching, since I have heard good things about the fun involved.

(Looking at the recent logs online, there was one written the day after we were there that said it is not, in fact, a rectangle, but a small bottle, completely soaked. Maybe that's why we didn't find it!)

We cleaned our shoes and left the cemetery to try out another cache nearby. It was located near a historical marker by the side of the road. Matthew was good at consulting the compass for distance and direction between us and the cache.

After looking around the marker, and finally under a rock, we were successful! It was a small waterproof match container with a rolled up paper log inside.

We added the date and our initials, and put it back where we found it for the next geocacher to find. When we got back home, we logged our searches online. Matthew has another search selected already, and we hope to get a chance to try to find it this week.
He also wants to be sure I don't go geocaching without him. :)
I told him that was a deal!

Undercover

We had an interesting program at our P.E.O. meeting today when Diana shared about Craig coverlets or 'coverlids.' She tells us that both terms are correct, and that the dictionary doesn't care which one is used. She uses 'coverlid', which is the older term, so I'll use it too.

Her ancestors were the Craigs, who were the weavers behind these beautiful blankets. She shared several coverlids which have been handed down to her, along with the stories and history that she has learned about them.

She read a story from a book about coverlids, which recounted a party held on the farm where she still lives today. A person wanting a coverlid might dye and spin the wool, then take it to the weaver to be woven into the blanket. Coverlids sold for $5.

It took 3 days to 'thread' the loom, then the coverlid could be completed in one day, working from sunup to sundown.

The coverlids are 'double-weave' which means that one side has a light background, and the other has a dark background. They were sometimes called the 'summer' and 'winter' side. There are very few of the looms used for this kind of weaving in existence today. She shared that the Craigs discontinued their weaving to focus on pig farming. When they cleaned out the barn, they hauled the old looms into a big pile and burned them, which must have made an impressive bonfire.

It was fascinating to learn about the coverlids and their history, and Diana's family connection to the talented weavers. She also urged all of us to seek out and cherish the stories in our own families. Make time to ask questions of our parents and grandparents, and share those stories with our children and grandchildren.

It made me wonder about this coverlid which is hanging on the wall in our dining room. My mom inherited it from a friend, but we don't know anything about the history of the piece. The date in the corner block is 1849, but there is no name or town on it. A mystery to solve.

After the meeting, we served these yummy Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes. They're not actually donut holes, but rather mini muffins disguised to look like donut holes. They were easy. And tasty. You'll find the recipe here.

Poppin' in for the Hodgepodge

Welcome, Wednesday, and hello once again to the Hodgepodge. That's the day when our friend Joyce provides us with some great questions, and we all try to come back with some fascinating answers. You be the judge. After you enjoy my (fascinating) answers, remember to click on the button to visit Joyce and the others. Be sure to leave some comments along the way!

1. It's a brand new month...share one thing you're looking forward to in October.
Football. :) Especially going to Denver to see these two face off. Of course, the one on the right will be wearing a different uniform, and the one on the left may still be looking for a win and without a coach, but I will enjoy the experience nonetheless. And I haven't been to Denver since I passed through on the California Zephyr when I was 7 years old.

(source)

Drew Brees and Peyton Manning for those of you not into football.

2.  Is chivalry dead?  Explain.
I consulted my friend Google for this one. The origin of chivalry comes from the days of knights and damsels in distress, so in that sense, yes, it is dead. I don't run into white knights much, and most of the damsels I know do a pretty good job of taking care of themselves. That being said, I think a modern definition of chivalry should be the practice of thinking of others before thinking of oneself. Taking care of those in need. In this 'me first' world in which we live, I believe this kind of attitude must be a conscious decision. It must be taught by example in a way that leads us to learn and embrace the practice of serving. It is not an easy lesson for children (or for adults) to learn in our fast-paced world of excessive abundance. This kind of chivalry can be as simple as doing little kindnesses for those we love, and spreading that kindness as we go out into our world. Open the door for someone, shovel a driveway, give up your seat, thank your server, leave an unexpected tip, do a chore for your spouse, say a kind word to the frazzled young mom in the check-out line, write a note, or make a phone call. Small acts that can have a big impact and keep chivalry alive in our world.

3.  On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts comic strip made its debut.  Which character is your favorite?  Which character is most like you?  (Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Shroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, or Pig Pen)  If you need a description click here .
I loved the Peanuts gang. I liked to try to draw them when I was young, and always, of course, watched the animated specials on tv. My favorite is probably Linus, with his sweet little blanket, and his classic soliloquy of Luke 2 in A Charlie Brown Christmas. 
I am most like Lucy, as I was an older sister, and may have, at times, possibly been, just a wee bit, well, bossy, to my younger brothers. I like to think of it as being strong, smart, independent, and not afraid to play football with the boys. Even it it means resorting to trickery. Ha!

4.  What's something you're competitive about?
I live in a family of gamers. We are all pretty competitive, and even a friendly game of UNO can leave bruises if you're not careful. Of course, these days, I try to play the role of peacemaker, and can live without winning. Most of the time.

5. October is National Popcorn Popping Month...are you a fan?  How do you like your popcorn?
I am a fan, and I like all kinds of popcorn.
On Saturday, I bought this bag from a polite Boy Scout in the tailgate lot. I would probably buy anything with a name like chocolatey triple delight, wouldn't you?

And I pinned this peppermint popcorn bark on Pinterest. Peppermint is one of my addictions, and I hope to try this for the holidays.

6.  When did you first realize the world is small?
I have known it for a long time, and am reminded of it often. Small world stories are so much fun, and I have many many good ones. Once, when we were touring the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. (see next question below), our guide led the group to the front of the sanctuary, and asked us to be seated. She then allowed us to share from where we had come. Imagine my surprise when someone in the group answered with the name of a town in our county, just 10 minutes to the south. Of course, we knew her, and were able to visit with her over tea in the tower, which was part of the tour we had selected. She had heard our oldest son give a speech about the American flag for her DAR chapter, and was pretty sure he would like to give it to the whole group as we enjoyed our tea. He declined. :)

7.  In terms of architecture, what's the most beautiful building you've seen up close and in person?
Continuing with my answer to the above question, I am going to say the Washington National Cathedral. Though not nearly as old as European cathedrals, it is a beautiful and impressive structure, with artwork and exhibits telling the American story of faith. President Woodrow Wilson is buried there, as are the ashes of Helen Keller, among others. Inauguration services have been held there, as well as funerals and memorial services for many president and first ladies.

photo circa 1997

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
We have a new addition to the family! Jennifer and Bryan have a new puppy, a Brittany named Bentley.
 They picked him up on Sunday. I haven't met him yet, but he looks like a cutie.

 Here he is all played out on his first night at home. Sweet dreams, Bentley.

The Boiler Bunch

We spent another beautiful football Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium watching our Boilers face off against Marshall. You know, as in 'We Are Marshall.'

But before the start of the game, some fun was had in the tailgate lot, as usual. First off, I took a picture of Matthew in his new Nine Brand shirt. Nine Brand is a company founded by Drew and Brittany Brees. The shirt has a fleur de lis design containing the words of a poem written by Drew and ending with the words, "ALL IN." Matthew is ALL IN at Purdue!

The day was even more exciting for Matthew since cousin Riley got to come along. I think Riley was equally excited.
They posed in front of the football practice facility.

They ran a few plays on the sidewalk.

They smiled for the camera.

They stood beside Drew Brees.

They did a little shopping in the stadium shop, and enjoyed putting the helmets of the Big Ten in order.

They even played a little cornhole.

Jim played too, with a referee that stopped by. I think he was a recently replaced replacement referee. Follow that? Lucky for Jim, the shorts he bought for the Saints game are just the right colors for Purdue. And the weather was just right for the shorts.

Adam brought his friend Kyle.

David enjoyed his first game of the season.

I got a picture of Jonathan with fingers down. On my second try.

Scott stopped by too, and posed with Shylah.

Dave and Dave. That's David's mentor professor research group leader from his PhD program, Dr. David McMillin. They always enjoy catching up and talking chemistry.

Brothers.

Brotherly love.

Darci helped the little boys put on some team spirit tattoos.

All ready to Boiler Up!!

Jim's ready too. Even without a tattoo.

The game was fun, and Purdue played well. We always enjoy the big drum during the half-time show.

We also enjoyed a tub of bottomless popcorn and a bottomless drink brought to us by Big Jon.

 The score at half-time: 42-14.

Back to action.

Boiler Up!

After the third quarter, it's always fun to see who is up in the box to lead 'Shout!'
That's Coach Gene Keady.

And Coach Joe Tiller.

Two of our favorite Purdue coaching legends back on campus to wave the flag.

It was a winning effort for the Boilers, a beautiful day, and a great group to share it!

The Boiler Bunch.