The Maple Fest at Critz Farm.....

In spite of being sick for a few days with a lousy head cold I needed to get out of the house on Sunday, so we drove to Cazenovia to see how the maple trees are "tapped" and how maple syrup is made.

We took a "hay ride" pass the tree farm and into the woods:

The last time I saw maple trees being tapped for sap they used a tin pail.  This was much more sophisticated with plastic tubing draining the sap.  

Did you know that 40 gallons of sap yields one gallon of syrup? 

The shop and tasting room had syrup for tasting and purchase, maple popcorn and beers and hard ciders.

It was a cold, chilly day, but felt good to be outside in the fresh air!

We had lunch in town and then when we got home I fell asleep for 2 hours on the couch!!  I think I am finally on the mend to feeling better!

Flat Stanley came to NY.....

Each year a second grader from Ohio sends me a Flat Stanley.

One of the reasons the Flat Stanley Project has become the longest-lasting literacy project is due to the simplicity of the concept.

Students send a Flat Stanley cut out paper boy to a school, a celebrity, a family member, a politician or anyone of interest and the recipient returns the little flat boy along with a completed journal and perhaps some souvenirs such as post cards, photos, or special items.

Flat Stanley and I ventured out around town and took some photos...

...and Flat Stanley and I went shopping and bought this sweet second grade girl a few little gifts...

...and he even got to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap!

I made a booklet out of all of the photos and wrapped the gifts and sent it back to Ohio, along with Flat Stanley!

In years past the Flat Stanleys who have visited me have gone on airplanes, visited Cape Cod, blew away from me in Boston (but was retrieved), and even went to the Syracuse Univ. Carrier Dome.  

It's always fun to have him come and visit, and to help a young student who is learning to connect literacy with geography!

Sharing with Imparting Grace