Picnic Gear: The Picnic Blanket

We have this blanket that floats around my homestead... one side is forest green and burgundy plaid and the other side is black rubber-ish material.

It is the perfect picnic blanket. The LAST thing you want when you go on a picnic is to get a damp hiney. If you're me this is especially true as you are probably wearing some fanciful sundress! So, my friends, you're probably asking where can I get myself one of these fabulous hiney-protecting blankets? Where did you get yours?

While I have no idea where our blanket came from, I can direct your attention to a number of places on the interwebs where you can find the perfect blanket for all of your picnicking needs! Hooray!

I want this one




It's adorable!

This one is cute as well...



Here are some called Mega Mats that are 100% waterproof and convert into neat little bundles some come with handles for easy carrying...




Do any of you have picnic blankets? Are they waterproof?

Or, do you prefer picnic tables?

-R

Picnic Weather Came & Went

Two days ago, NE Ohio had 80 degree weather!

I'd love to tell you I went on a picnic... but I didn't. I spent some time snuggling, then worked the rest of the evening. It's back in the 40's now :( And nothing on the weather forecast looks promising! As the pink Hello Kitty t-shirt that I am wearing today says, "April Showers Bring May Flowers"

Recently, I've been thinking about shutting my religion blog down. Don't let me fool you, it's not like I write there as often as I should, because I don't, but I think it's time for me to focus my efforts. Instead of having 14 blogs about 20 different things I think I need to turn my interweb efforts to what I plan on turning my life towards: cooking and baking.

Which brings me to an announcement; I don't plan on going to graduate school for religion anymore, I want to pursue a career in baking.

My thesis advisor, spiritual mentor, chaplain, and friend led me to this conclusion. Baking, and cooking, is what I am truly passionate about.

I guess Joseph Campbell is right... You just have to follow your bliss

-R

Making babycakes for my friend, Chis, who forgot them!

Long time, no Blog

Sorry for the absence... I really have no excuse other than the fact that life has been distracting lately, and I am here to distract myself from what I should be doing right now aka writing my senior thesis.

The weather in NE Ohio has gotten close to picnic friendly a few times, but the ground has been wet/mushy/snow covered far too often to actually be picnic friendly. This winter has actually been a lot worse than last years. Last year, Easter was around this time and it was so warm & sunny we spent most of the day outside- we even ate Easter dinner on my grandparent's patio! If Easter had happened this weekend, the ground would have been soggy and we would have all been wearing winter coats & boots.

I am so ready for picnic weather!

I have been thinking about a few picnic-related things...

1. If I could picnic anywhere RIGHT now, where would it be?
-The Music Mound, Berea Ohio. This is one of my favorite places on Earth. It is so lovely there, set back from the road... you can really escape into it, not to mention it has a few big stone slabs that would be perfect for picnicing on. And, after you picnic you can explore!
-Letha House Park, Chatam Township Ohio. This is my favorite place on Earth. You might notice a theme here, but it is also set back from everything, there are never many people there, it's gorgeous, and you can also explore. They have picnic tables under a shelter, a few nestled in the woods, and plenty of space to unfold a blanket and picnic on the ground.
-Whipps Ledges, Hinkley Ohio. I've had so many picnics here with my family... it's always a great place to go. There is hiking, swimming, food on site (if you don't want to bring your own), places to sit around the lake, put-put near by, etc!
-Any beach in Delaware. We went on vacation in Delaware a few years ago & it was an amazing trip. I miss the ocean and could really go for a visit. We're vacationing in Maine this year, which is close by!

2. At these picnics, what would I eat??
Hard to say... the possibilities are endless, really. But, lately, I've been craving a Mediterranean veggie sandwich from Panera so I could re-create that and bring it along, sweet tea, chocolate chip cookies, and a fruit salad. Yummy!

3. Speaking of salads... I am not a huge fan of 'salads' that are not lettuce based or fruit salads, I'm talking about macaroni salad, potato salad, chicken salad, tuna salad etc... I just don't like mayo or mustard very much and the gloppy texture grosses me out. I also have never been a fan of pasta salad just because. However, I saw this and thought it sounded great. I'm going to have to try it!

So, where would you go? What would you eat?