"What’s the Buzz" typically covers upcoming events, but due to the number of cancellations and postponements, this week will instead focus on activities for kids and families to do at home. Normal coverage will resume depending on recommendations involving the COVID-19 pandemic, and rescheduling of events and shows.

Shadow Drawings. With more sunny days approaching, this easy craft is a great way to get the kids outside and get their creative juices flowing. Gather some small toys or random items from around the house or from outside. Place a sheet of paper down and set the object on the paper. Determine which position creates the longest shadow. Being careful not to move the object, trace the shadow onto the paper.

This can be done multiple times a day in order to help demonstrate how the sun’s position in the sky changes. Those who are ambitious could even compare shadow lengths and positions as they change throughout the year. If the weather outside isn’t cooperating, this can readily be done using a desk lamp or even a flashlight.

Violet Jelly. If you have any extra time on your hand, give homemade violet jelly a try. Often considered a weed, the flower blossoms can be used to make a lovely Spring jelly. First, gather about two cups of wild violet flowers, not using the stems. I recommend getting the kids to help if you want this to go faster. Violet flowers are tiny and purple, and have heart shaped leaves. Be sure to check you are picking the correct flower.

Once you’ve gathered your blooms, put them in a jar and pour 4 cups of boiling water over them to create a tea. The water will take on a blue color. Let the water cool, and then steep the tea in the refrigerator overnight. Next, strain the tea using cheesecloth to remove all of the flower parts. Once strained, add 1⁄4 cup of lemon juice. The tea will turn from blue to vibrant purple. Bring the now purple tea to boil, along with a packet of Sure Jell. According to the directions on the pectin, add the correct amount of sugar for the type you are using. I have used the low sugar variety ( 3 cups of sugar) and had it set perfectly. Return the mixture to a boil, and remove from heat after one minute at the rolling boil stage. Follow direction on the packet and process using the water bath canning method.

After allowing the jelly to cool, it can be stored at room temperature for up to a year. Any jars that didn’t seal can be placed in the refrigerator and enjoyed immediately.

Backyard Rodeo. Even though the Professional Bull Riding show was cancelled, that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the rodeo fun. Grab some rope, yarn or something to tie with, hula hoops and some play balls. Tie one end of the string to the hula hoop and throw the balls into the yard. Try to ‘lasso’ the balls and pull them in. Kids might also like to use smaller stuffed animals for more imaginative play. Parents could even set up a stationary bull to practice roping. Use anything from a stake in the ground to a set of sawhorses to mount your ‘bull’ onto. Another idea is to have the kids hold the hula hoop as they would reins, and create your own barrel racing challenge. The first place finisher gets the biggest belt buckle. Get creative and make a rodeo clown costume, complete with makeup and silly hair, just don’t get bulled over.
