miniature terrariums in Catoctin

Saturday I woke up to this view: We talk a lot about trying to move back West, nearer our family and roots, and I always think about how much I would ache for these deciduous Eastern forests. (Reuben was so enchanted with that striped ceiling in the morning; we camp in a delightful and huge bulky canvas tent that Nathan grew up with.)

The summer's first camping trip deserves a good nature craft, and I turned to my ever-giving pile of medical supplies for a re-use/repurpose. These little bottles originally contained Marian's growth hormone, but I've gleaned similar from methotrexate (wider necked) and Neupogen (tinier). I've heard insulin bottles are similar. Ask your sick friends ;). I clip the thin aluminum bands and soak off the labels and am left with a neat little rubber-stoppered bottle.I brought each camping child a different color of cotton yarn to string their bottles around their necks (pull-over length). The narrow neck is perfect for tying. Our instructions were simple: find some dirt, add some moss and other little bits.Then let Miss Valerie take your picture.