Venting.

After Years of paying my rent on time, and following the LandLords rules such as : No Pets, No repairs, and Mow the yard ourselves.
We had been hit with Hard Times it started back in August. We struggled with paying our bills after the hubbys truck broke down. Then it disappears and took the police a week to let us know what happened to it. At first they had no record of any officer calling in the tow, then they found the order. After finding out which yard it was in and how much it would cost to get it out it broke us. We told the land lord and provided it in writing he responded in writing that it was okay.
We gave him what little we could until we couldnt any more. We let him know in copies and in writing everything and why we had nothing for rent.
He then shows up a day after receiving our letter and verbally tells us we have a week to get out and then hands us two yahoo calendar print outs with hand scratched numbers on the bottom of one of the pages.
A week did not pass when he calls to tell us we have 24 hours to leave. That was on this past week he called.
Today while doing the dishes a cop car pulls up, actually The Sharif.
He delivers a summons papers. Apparently he is suing us now. We have to be in court on Nov. 1st. I have no court clothes or anything to buy court cloths with. Most money I earn on the side from the shop lately has been going straight to the groceries.
The past 4 years these are the things we put up with from him:
Late responses on broken items such as the Water Heater that took him a week to replace the whole time Water pouring everywhere in the bathroom. The tub is now falling through the floor.
The Ac has never been fixed it ours water all the time the bedroom closet which hubby and I use has Black Mold damage from it.
Broken window in the front door.
We have had on and off issues with mice when he Mows the vacant Lot behind the property he said he would get an exterminator, that was 2 years ago I am still waiting.
When the fridge broke I called him (its his fridge) he never answered I had little time to wait on him I called a repair service and took it out of rent and sent a copy of the repair slip. He called screaming at me for going behind his back, which I did not.
The Front Water Hose spicket had a constant leek we asked him to get it fixed, He Capped it that was his fix. After a few months the pipes bursted and spewed water our water bill went to 200.00 a month. This was the same time that our Truck Incident happend. He came out and fixed it. We shoed him the water bill and said we are not going to be able to pay rent. As Is we were paying half the bills every pay check which was leaving us 20 bucks for grocries. He didnt say anything. We sent copies of the water bill to him with a letter and a list of many things that still needed to be fixed.
The Front door does not close we have to use a jerry rig to keep it closed. When the wind blows it moves and allows the mosquitos and other insects to come in. We got an estaminet on how much it would cost to fix and it would be cheaper to move out. I wish I had the money to just pick up and move out.
As is it would cost us well over 2,000.00 to move out this includes finding a temp place.
Did I mentioned our lease was good for only one year? It expired after the first year we were here. We wrote and asked for a new lease with every payment his reply "Dont worry about it".
I do not work I stay home so that the School as an emergency contact for our two kids. Our Son gets SSI and is Autistic. My hubby has been recently diagnosed with COPD and has High blood pressure. He has gone without his medicine for nearly 4 months.
NOw back in Late August he gets scratched with a needle at work, he works in environmental services and makes just above 9.00 and hour. Its not a bad job but it aint swell either. They have no clue if the needle was dirty or not so now he has to get a shot for Hep B every two months and gets tested for HIV all on the hospital. Its still stressful.
I am seeking Legal Aid Rep but I so needed to vent, its just so frustrating. Maybe we were in the wrong and deserve this. I don't know anymore. I havent been sleeping well. IF things dont do a 180 within a day or two (Can we say big fat miracle) then we will really be in trouble. Not looking for a pity party I just needed to vent out some. I know everyone here is also going through there own issues. I just needed to let it out.

Year of The Monkey

By my Chinese Zodiac I am The Monkey:

Year of the Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040, 2052

The monkey is a clever animal. People used to compare it to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC – 476 BC), the dignified official title, marquis with the pronunciation 'Hou', was the same as the monkey's. The monkey was thereby bestowed with auspicious meaning. It appeared on pictures pasted on the walls and doors to predict good fortune in officialdom.

Most people born in the Year of the Monkey are lively, flexible, and versatile. They love moving and sports. To help others they put their own business aside. When communicating, they do not like to be controlled and have a strong desire to present themselves. In their work, they will show amazing creativity. If they are not impatient and mouthy, they can gain more achievement.

Best match: rat, dragon; avoid: tiger, snake, pig

TO Determine yours Take a look at this website (Click here)

Zucchini Bread

So a few weeks back I tried Paula Deen's  Zucchini Bread Click here for recipe.

The Dough was super sweet and really thick I had to cook it longer then what she said to an extra 30 minutes. If I ever use this recipe again it would to be used as a cookie dough. 

More pics

Fried Egg Plant

I decided to make fried Eggplant as a side dish a while back, but I had no idea where to began since I never used eggplant before. Sure I have eaten it but never cooked with it until recently.
So I used Emeril Lagasse Recipe as a guideline more for frying temps and coating ideas.
What I Did:
1 eggplant cut
1 Cup white rice flour
1 cup soy flour
3 eggs slightly beaten
2 cups of bread crumbs (I used my Irish soda bread, no need to add extra salt into the bread crumbs!)
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Bowl 1 combine soy and rice flour with the salt
2. Bowl two 3 eggs beaten
3. Bowl 3 Bread crumbs
4. Dredge the eggplant in the flour mix, then in the egg mix and press into the bread mix. Let the pieces sit on paper towels to get extra moisture out while you get all your eggplant coated.
5. Fryer heat 1/2 inch veg oil to 375 degrees and fry 1 minute on each side or until golden brown.
6. Drain and enjoy, We had ours with Get Yo'Man Chicken from The Neely's (to die for! pictured below)

Apple Cider Doughnuts

So I tried this recipe from Smitten Kitchen and I must say it was not what I was hoping for. The dough was far more sticker then it should have been, and when you were supposed to dust it with flour to pat out and cut out it would glooup up. All in all I was not happy with it, they came out like hocky pucks. I Baked mine I was afraid to attempt to fry them because of how dense they were. If you try it let me know what you did to get it like hers! My hands wore most of the dough then anything else not cool in my book.
My Failed Doughnut pictures

The Birds enjoyed these better then we did.

So I decided to make my own recipe using a traditional Doughnut one as my basics:

2 packages active yeast
1/4 cup warm water (about 110 degrees)
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter cut into pieces
2 eggs
about 5 1/4 cups all purpose flour
Salad Oil
Extras: 2 apples I used Macintosh you can use either a sweet apple or tart your choice. Cut into pieces your choice to skin the apples. Make sure no core is with the pieces of apples.
2 cups apple cider
Powder sugar frosting: Blend 3 cups of powder sugar with 2 tablespoons of soft butter 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and 2-3 tablespoons of hot apple cider.
In a pot on the stove combine the apples and 2 cups of cider at this stage it is up to you to add any extra spices like Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice to help booth the apple cider flavor. With a lid on Boil together for about 12 minutes until apples are really soft. Turn the heat down and take the lid off. I ended up with a low medium heat. You want an almost applesauce stage. turn off and let it cool off to rom temp.

In a large bowl dissolve yeast in the water. Meanwhile in a medium size pan combine milk, the 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and butter. Heat to about 110 degrees, the butter does not need to melt completely. Add milk mixture, eggs, apple mixture and 2 cups of flour to yeast mixture. Beat until smooth. With a heavy duty mixer or wooden spoon add in 3 more cups of flour, beat until smooth. Dough will be soft and sticky. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
Beat dough with a wooden spoon to release the air. Turn out onto a well floured surface, dough will be very sticky make sure to flour your hands, I had hubby spray mine with non stick spray instead of the flour that way I could scrap the bowl out without the dough sticking to me. Then I had dusted them very well before preceding.
Roll Dough around to coat all over with flour so it wont stick to the surface. With a floured rolling pin roll dough to 1/2 inch thick.
Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out your rounds or use a cup they work great. You could even use cookie cutters at this point if you wanted to.
Transfer to cookie sheets and let rise agin for about 30 minutes or until doubled. uncovered.
You have a choice to fry or bake and I will give you both directions:
Baking: Heat oven to 375 degrees bake for 20-25 minuets
Fry: Heat 2" of Oil to 375 degrees on a candy/frying thermometer. Gently add a few doughnuts at a time and fry turning often until golden brown about 3 minutes. Lift with a slotted spatula lift out and drain on paper towels (I use a cooling rack positioned over a layer of paper towels). while still warm dunk into the powder sugar frosting.

My Pics shows a light glaze with a sugar and cinnamon topping. In a bowl 2 cups sugar 4-6 tablespoons cinnamon mix and after the glaze dunk press gently into the sugar mixture. I also baked mine.

This recipe make anywhere from 18 to 28 doughnuts it all depends on the shape you use.

The Strange Find

I was doing the laundry today and guess what came out of the dryer?

Dryer + Tape = melted mess

Stumbling along

Well I have been super busy since the last 3 weeks of the kids school. Witch ended on the 3rd. Today I am getting ready for Litha celebration Yay midsummer is here and boy we can feel it. Been super hot, muggy and plain miserable.
Things have been finically tight for us lately ugh so horrid, but I know things will go up from here. It has to.
Property hunting is at a dead end, its just not going to happen. The bank took 2 seconds on there decision. Oh well, maybe in a year we can. I just hate spending $500.00 a month on a place that is falling apart and the Landlord wont do anything. They said they plan to fix everything when we move out. Yea right like how can we move? Bla just stressed. I would give my Pinky finger for some property right now, I can build me a home!
I have like 5 videos to edit, make stuff for the shop (hope we can sale it stuff soon!) and try to keep the kids from killing each other.
They are fighting fiercely this summer. The oldest keeps asking e something every 2 minutes, I can bearly think sometimes. When the day is done I fall fast asleep and wake up exhausted.
Love them but geez give me 5 minutes to answer your question.
Okay feel somewhat better off to clean, decorate (which daughter is helping with, lets see how long this keeps her attention), and get ready for visitors.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Garden Tip 1: Planning

Have you ever wanted your own garden? First think about what type of garden you want.
Types of gardens: Herbal Kitchen and medical, Fruits and veggie gardens, Decorative flowering gardens, Inside potted gardens, Porch potted gardens, window seal potted gardens.

Do you have a lot of space? or small space?

We did a potted garden for years although this worked great for when we lived in small places such as apartments and such, it was very limited on what we could do. we had many of the veggies and fruits, but it was still very limited on space wise. I couldn't grow all the things I really wanted and had to chose just a few things. This option is great for those just starting out and getting the hang of it all. Suggested Plants to do in pots all year: Tomato (try to pick 2-3 plants I did one of each: Cherry, Beefstock, and grape tomato), Basil, mint, spearmint, peppermint, catnip, peppers, oregano, dill, eggplant. Hanging baskets of cucumbers, strawberries, pumpkins (small), Peas, Beans these plants did well from hanging baskets but one could put them in big pots with steaks and tie the vines up as they grow.

When we moved out of the apartment our new home wasn't much better big pine trees every where and far too much shade with no space to have a garden. So we went without one for 4 years.

Our new place has the following issues: Grey clay and grass that wont go away. So this years solution to our garden is simple. We tilled 6 long beds we eyeballed it on width and length but if you are the more percise person measure and tie out your beds. We then will be adding the following to the beds:

Hay : This is free from our local expo center it is all ready broken down some with manure from past shows. Check your local expo center about there wast hay or even your local animal action house. Or if you have friends with stables ask them for there hay from the stables.

Compost conditioner and compost: The conditioner was 2.98 a bag from home depot we got 15. Compost is the left over veggies and organic matter from our kitchen.

Top Soil this is about 1.00 a bag at wal mart we wanted things that didnt have fertilizer in it.

We layered all this on our tilled spots. Then we covered with plastic drop cloth weighed down with yard stuff such as limbs, rocks and so forth.

This will allow the beds to worm up and break down more. Once broke down they will be ready for transplant.

While our beds are cooking we started all our seeds indoors. We used a combination of peat pods and pots with compost conditioner. By the time April Comes around everything will be ready to be placed into the ground.
What we started Indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Catnip, Lavender, Cucumber, Icicle Radish, watermelons, Pumpkin, Cucumbers, Dill, Chives, Sage, Chamomile, Strawberries, Potatoes, Chard, Rhubarb, Asparagus, Eggplant, zucchini, lemon balm, leeks, Brussels sprouts, thyme.

We have plenty we haven't started yet but these will be planted directly into the ground.

We Also started an earth worm farm for our compost bin this will be a great investment for us for years to come.

Picks to come on a good sunny day :)

Adventures in Eating out

When I went to pick up the kids from school, My oldest started asking if we were going out to eat. I said  "No, we are going home where dad is." she started the tear factory.Thendeclaredd "Okay you ask daddy while I stay in the car with Owen." Took me by surprise but I recovered quickly "Why don't you ask Dad?". Silence pure silence for about 2 minutes "No way, do you think I am crazy?" Cutos to the 5 year old! "No I don't think you are crazy, But since it is your idea maybe you should be the one to excite it?" She laughed at me I was serious lol.

So we get home and for 2-3 hours non stop "Are we going out to eat?" "I don't wan't to eat here" So we finally caved and went out. We get there, the place is packed of course it is, it's friday night. Lots of people from the movies were there they said all the showing of all the movies were sold out. We get our table order the kids food and our drinks. Hubby ad I take forever on ordering our stuff. That way kids chomp down sooner. Well Our daughter wasn't eating. She was fidgety, she kept saying she was cold. I should have known by the time we got home I noticed she was quite, which isn't like her. She has what I call diarrhea of the mouth, she doesn't stop talking. Yep she's sick with fever. All stopped up with a sore throughout. I just hope it isn't strep.

While we were eating there was a group of 5 people with kids over at a table near us. What was funny was what one of the kids said "tra lala i need to potty" it was the musical tune he used it was funny. at least he said he needed to go. Cutos to the creativity of needing to potty!

My New Laptop

I know I haven't updated this blog in a long time. to be truthful there was not a lot to say until last night. Last night hubby went and picked up my new Laptop. We had ordered the MacBook pro and I must say I am HOOKED!!!! I love this thing! Mobile, Fast, Light weight, lots of memory. It only took us 30 minutes to get aquatinted. I love the fact that it works when I click on something instead of waiting for centuries for it to think about it. I used to work with macs in school and just prefer something that just works. Did we mention that there are no virus, bugs, or spam bots for Macs? Plus now i can use my print shop and photo shop as well edit my digital videos of the kids to give to family. Oh idea now I can probably use my You Tube account! *Gasp* I believe i have finally come int the modern age lol! Down side is its techno upside I can now keep up and be mobile. So the next time we chat I might actually be in my car waiting for the kids to get out of school, or at a craft show/ Trade Show. Oooo now I can take Credit Card payments at shows! This is exciting and the newness will fad but I believe my love for Mac Products will never fade.

This is not a paid opinion, this is my very own thoughts and excitement for my new toy!

Halloween are you ready?

We are getting ourselves ready. You will find all kinds of stuff starting to appear on our Sacred Oak Blog.

Family: everyone is good everyone is actually behaving since school started up again. Still battling with Medicaid over our daughters coverage. Been trying to get them to reinstate it since June might say screw it and just keep her under our coverage but Its so expensive including our copay. Come on Texas get your head out of your buts and start working on a better future. Ugh even the schools suck.

Well on a different note Daisy Troop training has been interesting I sure hope I can finish it up soon!

Well i should go take pics of the new species for our up comming "Name the Species" Contest! So much fun! Can't Wait to share them with you all!

Adventures in Scouting, Knitting, and Gardning

Eek I can't believe its been 2 months since I updated this blog! Geez I bet you been wondering if I forgot about it. Well almost been trying to finish up stuff and arrange things. New school year and all.
Knitting: Been knitting up some interesting creatures you will just have to wait until I post the contest on The Sacred Oak Blog! Been knitting Fingerless Mittens from kids sizes to Adults So look out for those as well!

Scouting: Still waiting for my background check to come in But I have confidence I will be able to be a Daisy Scout Leader. My Books and Teaching DVDs will be in soon! Yep gotta love the option of doing it at home with a busy life. Sure bets spending a weekend with other women, not that i wouldn't welcome the chance to socialize, but I have no intreast really in listing to catty women they make me nervous. Not saying that we are all like that but New people always make me nervous especially the way so called friends have treated me over the years.

Gardning: It died the darn grass took over and killed everything. Yes I tilled, pulled, racked, lined the garden but that stupid sod grass just consumed it. I hate grass truly i do I rather have clover for a lawn!

Halloween Decorating time! yep thats right We are so getting ready for Halloween early this year! Might have one huge party at the end of October! Lets see 2 kids in school, Daisy scouts troop, and not to mention it will be our 10th wedding anniversary yep it might be the best night ever! So plan to do up the house in Haunted style. Screaming kids, creepy music fog machines editable body parts who could ask for more! Makes my brain all excited! Which reminds me I need a new table cloth!

What are your plans?

Doughters Return

So my daughter came home today, Did I forget to mention she was out of town for two weeks? Hmm I thought I did, must have enjoyed the no fighting, screaming, kicking routine ;)
Yep she came home with a damn pixie hair cut! She looks like a little boy, which is an odd twist because they all claim her bother looks like a girl! Anyways shes not home for more then 20 minutes and everyone is fighting again. wow just wow and shes only 5, I love her and everyone else but sometimes mommy gets that evil eye!
so I am locked in my room for a bit because I so do not want to add into the yelling. Tomorrow I will have everyone on there normal schedule and things should be smooth (somewhat!).

Thinking about turning this blog into my short story blog? yall wouldnt be intreasted in my stories would ya?
Night my lovely cyber readers!

Christmass In July

Wow is all I have to say, is it me or is Christmas starting way to early? Not a fan of the whole holiday shove into my face thing, everywhere you look there it is. Poor Halloween and Thanksgiving! They have such a hard time because they dont get the same love or exposure!
yep sorta C sick now and no chance to hide from it. Dont get me wrong love the holiday, but not the constant push to buy stuff, whatever happend to give from your heart not your wallet?

Just a zombie

For the last week i felt like a zombie just dragging around. Maybe this weekend will help me feel energized! Read it at http://thesacredoak.blogspot.com

Recycling Bottles

I have spent lots of time pricing Jars, Bottles and other unique containers for my bath salts. And my most amazing discoveries were sitting in my dish drainer. Now I am not sure if my idea would be considered a great one. I have these fruit preservative jars, Olive Oil Bottles, Spaghetti Sauce Jars and so forth. All are unique size, shape and ounce volume. But would people be upset if I took these items and Used them to place the bath salts in?
I am in the process of taking the labels off cleaning up the sticky adhisive glue. I just cut out square pices of fabric to glue on the lids. I have also printed out Hang tags to tie onto the jars and bottles. But would People be turnd away from it all if they knew they were used jars, bottles and such?
Maybe I should decorate the jars themselves?
(pics comming in next post!)
What are your thoughts on it?

Flowers on Her head!

I Just finished (Sunday) my daughters Flower hat. Took me a while to knit it broke a cable in the process.

and becuse the boy snuck in heres him too lol!





Last one of her happy

Don't Let Your Books Fall Apart- Bind Them!

For a first-time book binder, the possibilities are endless in terms of materials, styles and one can let your creative imagination run wild. One is always on the look out for places where the best book binding materials are available at the best rates to suit your requirements. There are some places where you would get what you need regardless of your budget constraints. All you need is a little inclination towards some craft work, time, and a whole lot of imagination and you are on your way to book binding. The possibilities are endless and the materials you can use can range from simple stickers to decoupage to paper mache, painting, and well, you get the general idea!

If you are into decorative things then the local craft shop will have a lot of things you use imaginatively. Ensure that the binding you have done is durable and strong and then add the finishing touches to give it that special feel. From actual binding material to leather to little decorative pieces, all are normally found at the craft store. The book store is another good place to look around in. there are books galore especially the 'how to' books on book binding and decoration to help you though the binding process and ensure your job looks professional. Some known titles in this series are John Ashman's Bookbinding: A Beginner's Manual, Manly Banister's The Craft of Bookbinding and Bookbinding and the Care of Books written by Douglas Cockrell. Your library may also stock books of this genre and you may not have to buy them unless you are a collector of books.

Print shops and local copy supply stores are other places where you can get book binding material. Office supply stores also cater to this type of clientele and a good idea would be to get in touch with the local publishing companies where you may get some discounts, tips on how to bind books and what points to keep in mind to avoid going wrong, material for various types of book binding or maybe they just might do the job for you at reduced rates.

The Internet is without question the most logical place to find this kind of information. Here you would get addresses and prices and also a list of things that you may need. Order online or else go to the concerned store and you know what exactly to buy and how much it is going to cost you. Things like binding needles, normally priced between $7-$13, and other types of specific binding equipment is available on the net. You can get ideas for maybe a renaissance look or a Gothic look, explore new ways, ideas, and methods for that exclusive look that you would like. After your first successful venture, you just may get bitten by the bookbinding bug and who knows, there go all your albums, journals, school memorabilia all into fantastic covers and preserved for posterity. You may even branch out to giving self bound books as gifts to your friends. The sky is really the limit. Happy binding.

Learn How To Face Paint

What is more fun for kids than face painting? If you are planning to entertain a large number of kids for a birthday party, corporate event, or church social face painting can be an easy way to keep a large number of kids content and happy (by no means an easy accomplishment!). Before shelling out your lifes savings to get a clown to come and paint the kids faces, why don't you try your hand at face painting? Learning to paint kids faces is not as hard as you think. Indeed, with a bit of practice and some patience, you can become quite skilled at creating fantastic images that the kids at your party will love.

Picking a Great Design

Obviously, if this will be your first time in front of a crowd of kids, it would be for the best if you prepared a few basic designs ahead of time. The Internet is a great resource for basic face painting designs that can be particularly useful when you are just starting out. From cats to dogs to everyone's favorite superheroes, you will find usable designs that will make your life far more bearable, and hopefully make the prospect of putting your services to a hoard of children more palatable.

Face Painting Basics

The first step when the first child steps up to your table (although it is probably a good idea if you try this out on your own kids before casting your talents to the public), is to visualize what you want the final face to look like. This is where it can come in handy to have basic designs printed out prior to painting your first face. You can use normal paintbrushes to apply the face paint, but it is better to use sponges instead of paintbrushes to cover large areas such as when you want to apply a base paint color to the entire face. Using a sponge is good because you can cover a larger area faster, and you do not have to worry about rinsing the sponge because they are so cheap. Also, a sponge will let you apply paint to a large area more evenly which will prevent a patchy effect from developing. No matter if you are using a paintbrush or sponge, be sure to apply the face paint thinly; if the face paint is put on too thick, it will crack or loose its luster.

Your First Face Painting Session

Before your first face painting session, print off your favorite basic designs and limit yourself to the ones that you have practiced. Make the designs available to the kids at your event and have them pick the design that they want you to paint on their face. Hopefully, presenting the children with a limited range of options will keep them happy, and you from panicking when a kid asks for someone unheard of comic book character.

More Advanced Face Painting

After you have mastered the basics, it is time to test your face painting skills with some new challenges. One of the biggest challenges you can give yourself is to abandon your basic designs and ask the kids at your event to request what they want on their face. You will be surprised and delighted at their requests, and amazed at your newfound ability to paint faces!

Making Puppets With Next To Nothing

Pulling together a puppet using minimal materials is a great skill to have. Especially on a rainy day when you're kids can't go outside and have nothing to do.

These puppets can be made-well, nearly-in an instant. They call for materials that you are sure to have handy, such as handkerchiefs, lipstick, matchboxes, salad spoons and right and left hands. Have a minute? Try one.

1. INSTANT BUNNY

You need a large handkerchief . Make a loose fist and drape the handkerchief over it. With your other hand, pull one of the front corners of the handkerchief up between your first two fingers. That's one ear. Now do the same with the other corner, pulling it up between the second and third fingers. Two ears. Wrap the two back corners around your wrist, and you have a bunny with floppy ears and a wriggly nose (your second finger inside the handkerchief).

2. THUMBELINA

With a ballpoint pen draw a funny face on your thumb and drape a handkerchief over it. Pull it around in front to hide your hand. You can also put a peanut shell on your thumb and draw Thumbelina's peek-a-boo face on that.

3. WINKUMS

Find the fold in the palm of your hand-just under the little finger . Draw one eye right on that fold. Draw the rest of the face to fit. Now, by curling your little finger down you make Winkums wink, wink, WINK!

4. JABBERWACKY

With your ballpoint pen draw a face on the back of your hand. Use a lipstick to color the lower half of your first finger and the upper part of your thumb. Now make a fist. Your first finger becomes the upper part of the mouth , your thumb the lower part, and by moving them you can make Jabberwacky talk, whistle and even pretend to chew gum.

Riddles for Jabberwacky

Now to produce a little play. You ask riddles and Jabber gives the answers. Like this:

YOU: What is it that a cat has that no other animal has?

JABBER: Kittens.

YOU: Why does an Indian wear a feather headdress?

JABBER: To keep his wig warn.

To make a quick body or "skirt " you need a large handkerchief and a rubber band. Hold your hand in one of the two hand positions shown below and drape the handkerchief over the extended fingers. Loop the rubber band over the handkerchief and around your finger. Pull it around the back of your finger. Finally, loop it over your thumb. The head is placed on the first finger, and the thumb and the other finger become the puppet's arms.

BAGDAD THE PAPER -BAG GREMLIN

You need crayons, scissors and a small brown paper grocery bag. Flatten the bag out and turn it with the open side down. The fold across the top will be Bagdad's mouth and should be marked with a line of bright red. Cut out two white paper fangs and paste them to the edge of the fold, pointing downward. Now draw a button nose and two big droopy eyes above the mouth. Add paper feelers on top if you wish. Put your hand inside the bag and fit your fingers into the flap. You will find that by opening and closing your hand you can make Bagdad's mouth open and close. This gremlin speaks English, and he loves to sing.

No matter what puppet you decide to make, your kids love will love watching your bring these fun characters to life.