The Wilkes Team

This week most of the family is diligently attending a Hunter’s Safety Course. Joshua, Hannah, and I are staying home this week. We have had fun coming up with exciting things to do each night. This evening we decided to make an extra special dessert. Hannah put together the list of ingredients. They are: 1 Apple, 1 Pear (including the seeds), 1 thin Carrot, a small handful of corn, Pineapple chunks, and a box full of toothpicks.

With Thanksgiving coming right around the corner, all three of us decided to create our very own ‘Turkey.’ Using delicately sliced fruits and vegetables with toothpicks, we were able to construct a scrum-dilly-licious looking turkey. We learned some fun things about the turkey:

The frontal caruncle (the large growth that appears from the base of its bill) and the waddle (the skin underneath the turkey’s throat)change colors depending on their mood. When the male turkey struts around the waddle and caruncles become a bright red. When scared, the head take on a pale blue color. When the bird is butchered the head changes to a whitish blue.

The turkey demonstrates availability by preparing itself for the needs and demands of others. Early in the fall, the male turkey spends much time eating and storing up food in its body. Later in the fall, as the hens begin to lay their eggs, the male turkey sets aside his own agenda and needs so he may assist the ones he is called to serve. It listens for a yelp or cluck and then quickly runs to help. Later, after all the eggs have been laid, the Tom can begin to take care of his own needs once again.

That’s all for now – Joshua, Hannah, and Markie signing off!

Availability: Rejecting ambitions that hinder us from being where we are needed.  

7 Comments » | posted in Outside the Box, Recipes

        A while back I was reading a book about Francis Scott Key. Besides, being the author of the Star Spangled Banner, he wrote hundreds of other poems. There is one I’d like to share with you all. It’s actually a riddle. See if you can figure it out.

A Riddle

I made myself, and though no form have I,

Am fairer than the fairest you can spy:

the sun I outshine in his mid-day light,

and yet am darker then the darkest night;

Hotter am I than fire, than ice more cold,

Richer than purest gems or finest gold;

yet I am never neither bought or sold.

The man that wants me never yet was seen;

The poor alone possess me; yet the mean

And grudging rich oft give me to the poor,

Who yet are not made richer than before

the blindest see me, and the deafest hear,

Cowards defy me, and the bravest fear:

If your’re a fool,your know me

if you grow in knowledge, me you soon will cease to know.

Get me–and low and poor thy state will be;

forget me–and no equal shalt thou see.

Now catch me if you can–I’m sometimes caught,

Though never thought worth catching, never sought,

Am I still hid? Then let whoever tries

To see me, give it up, and shut his eyes.

 WHO AM I?

I hope you enjoy figuring it out. The answer will be given at a later time. 

6 Comments » | posted in Outside the Box

Kenan and I recently came upon an innovative discovery through the wonderful world of art. Drawing has always been a joy of ours irregardless of talent. There is something awe-inspiring which results from creating scenes, creatures, designs, and illusions on paper.

This past week Kenan initiated a wood carving project that required a sketch of a small barn. I eagerly set myself to team up with him on a seeminly simple project. Little did we realize the technique, calculations, and forethough required! Armed with a picture, pencils, plenty of paper, and Kenan’s eager support, we dove into the project. Here is what resulted:

….Try, try, try, try, try, try again! Whoopee – we made it! A couple discoveries we made along the way included proper shading, creating a front face on the roof support beam, keeping the beams in proportion to the roof, and finally, taking care to have roof line and support beams at the same angle. Jennifer and Daniel were big helps along the way. Here’s the finished product (below):

“…the firmament showeth his handiwork. Psalms 19:1b”

2 Comments » | posted in Outside the Box

This past month Dad has been really encouraging us  to think. He has been giving riddles and math equations for us to think about. I am grateful that I have a Dad that helps me think.

Here are some riddles for you to figure out:

1.I,am a little, red fruit,
And I start with C;
George Washing with a axe,
Once chopped down my tree.

2.I mean to go fast,
And I start with R;
Of course you walk,
And go just as far.

3.My gun just cannot shoot,
But rolles on four wheels;
Alone my dog’s tail,
Tells just how good he feels.

I will post the answers later. Happy thinking – Adam

8 Comments » | posted in Outside the Box