Happy May Day

One of my fun memories is making May Day "baskets", filling them with freshly picked flowers, anonymously hanging them on neighbors doors with a quick bell ring and running away. I think my first memory of this activity was in Grangeville, Idaho. Construction paper formed into cone shape, strip of paper for handle and flowers. . . even dandelions will due - pretty simple and do-able. Is this tradition disappearing? I hope not.
I'm thrilled to report on this beautiful May Day I have almost red tomatoes and baby zucchini and yellow squash. Hurray for fresh veggies. I'm wishing you a happy day. Maybe my grands will get to make May Day baskets and if you don't have fresh flowers you can even make construction paper flowers. 3

Make a May Day Basket:

Brighten a friend or neighbor's day with a colorful May Day basket hung on their door. For a traditional May basket, cut a wide triangle shape from a sturdy piece of paper. Snip off the triangle tip and roll the remaining piece into a cone shape. Glue or tape the over-lapping sides (using paper clips to hold it in place while the glue dries). Cut a strip of paper for the handle (12 inches in length should do) and glue or tape it to the top of the cone. Fill your cone basket with real (or home-made tissue paper) flowers and sneakily hang it on your friend or neighbor's doorknob.You can also use your imagination with recycled materials to create a truly unique basket. Try a toilet tissue roll cut in half, decorated and closed off at the bottom with a stiff piece of paper. Attach a pipe cleaner handle and fill with small flowers. Other recycled "basket" ideas include plastic strawberry baskets, yogurt cups, play dough containers or baby food jars. Just decorate, attach a handle and send spring greetings! (Nature Craft idea from www.familycrafts.about.com)