THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

Our Little Kitty, age 20, had been missing for over a week.  We had looked everywhere for him, thinking the worst had happened.  Little Kitty was completely blind and deaf and was totally reliant on us to feed and carry him around.  One day he got out and disappeared-- we assumed he was somewhere  around the outside or in the barn, but no trace of him was found.  Until yesterday, when

my husband, Fred was sitting outside the pharmacy and noticed a large "Lost Cat" sign in the window, which looked exactly like our cat!  He called the telephone number on the poster and drove over to the home and there he was, Little Kitty!  He had been found by a kind neighborhood family, they had fed him, cared for him, and even taken him to the vet (who clipped his nails).  They said that they had found him in the woods and he seemed like he was trying to find his way home.  Thank you to this kind family who took such good care of our cat and showed true  animal compassion. 

FRESH FROM THE VINEYARD

These beautiful,  blue Concord grapes are the best for jelly making.  They must be picked when fully ripe,  (for the best flavor and aroma) just before the birds discover them.

Wash, and gently pick the ripest ones.

Mash the grapes with a potato masher, careful not to press too hard to avoid the bitterness of broken grapeseeds.

Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly, until the rich purple color comes out.

Layer cheesecloth into colander or sieve, tie, and let juice drip into large canning jar or bowl.

Take the strained grape juice, add one cup of water and 1 box of pectin, bring to a full rolling boil over high heat.  Boil for one minute.  Quickly add 7 cups of white granulated sugar to the juice, bring to a second boil, stirring constantly and until it cannot be boiled down, about one minute.  Ladle into clean canning jars, lid and then band.  Turn upside down for 30 seconds to make sure there are no leaks. 

Put jars into a large water bath, and boil for 20 minutes.  Lift out of bath and cool on towel.

MAD BOMBER HAT AND SCARF - Minky Fleece in White Shag and Jaguar Wintryfleece. Very warm and soft to wear. Minky shag is a challenge to sew, raw edges must be covered in grosgrain ribbon.

Warm as Toast

CAR COAT  - Faux fur Minky curly lamb  and  Wintryfleece in charcoal grey.  Lined with white satin, two buttons, very light and ultrasoft.