So Darn Close!

For 48 years I have waited for this morning.  Last night it was looking like it was going to happen.  After the "Hunter's Supper" and setting around story telling Dick was getting his "stuff" together.  I was getting quite excited asking him, "did ya pack this, did ya remember that, how about fresh batteries in the walkie talkie and maybe you should get the coffee ready to be brewed in the morning when you get up." I bet my voice is quite annoying at times!  Seriously I could not think of one more thing he might have to wake me up at 5 am for.  I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat, "old saying from way back when."  I remember mom saying when she would ask me something, "why are you grinning like a Cheshire Cat?"  It was a sure sign she was not being fooled.  Ok, so last night I had the "grin on", I was going to sleep until I woke on my own.  It was something I have tried to do for all the years we have been married.  Men are very needy at times and opening day of turkey and deer is the most needy days for my husband. When the kids were young and went hunting I couldn't sleep in.  I had to warn their father, keep a close watch on them and you better not let anything happen to them.  Now the night before I always say, be careful and don't wake me up! 

It is exactly 5:45 am and I DID NOT WAKE UP ON MY OWN.....Yes, I am yelling!  It was so darn close!  The hunter had it all in order, everything packed, gun and clothes waiting in a neat pile.  Then a mild and meek little voice (which is a give-a-way he is needy) woke me. " Cheryl, you wouldn't want to sew my suspenders would you?"  I groaned thinking, this can not be happening....but it was.  Why, does he plan on leaving one thing for me to do in the morning?  My answer was, "NOW?"  Good God Almighty I knew he meant now, I just wanted to let him know I was not happy.  Not that it mattered either way.  He knows I am not "Susie Sunshine" when I get woke up.  They are fixed and I am dealing the only way I can, SHOP!  Good morning LL Bean.  A few gifts bought which is probably a good thing.

As much as I bitch and complain cookies are in the oven for the hunters.  Today I made Oatmeal Drop Cookies.  This is only the second time I have made them, last week and today.  That is how good they are.  If you like Molasses cookies and Oatmeal this is the cookie for you.

Recipe: preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Beat together
              1/2 cup shortening, I use coconut oil
              1- 1/4 cups of sugar
              2 eggs
              1/3 cup dark molasses
Sift together
               1-3/4 cup flour
               1 tsp soda
               1 tsp salt
               1 tsp cinnamon
add to first mixture until well blended (do not over  beat)
Stir in
               2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
               1 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
               1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
               1 cup of raisins ( I don't add them)
Drop by spoonful onto parchment paper and bake 8-10 minutes.  The center will be a little soft if you want a chewy cookie, if you like them crisp have the center completely done.  If you have never used parchment paper for baking it's a must to try.  Nothing sticks to the paper and clean-up is nothing.  I even roast sticky wings and baked potato wedges on parchment paper, I'm hooked!
        
We put the tree up yesterday.  The house has the wonderful smell of pine.  If you live near and need a "real tree"  stop by Renee White's, My Serenity Shop.  She has a lot of trees and I believe they are Frasier and White Pine types.  I thought one type was Blue Spruce but was told (by my husband) no that is not a Blue Spruce.  Ok, fine I really didn't care what kind it was, I liked it very much!  Of course he pointed to the 4-5 ft trees and I headed to the 8 ft + ones.   Renee's husband had a chuckle listening to Dick and I debating and not agreeing, 48 years and we still are debatable, and they said it wouldn't last!  That's where stubborn helps.  We bought the 8ft for $20.  Now to decide how to decorate it, I hate covering such a beautiful tree with too much.

Sweet Serenity with a snowman I
bought in her mama's shop.  Love
her leggings and skirt.

 

Larry and Dick, all they got was back.
No buck today.

The Hunter's Supper

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday with the Sunday after being my second favorite day, I call it the "day of the hunter" with a Hunter's Supper.  Today is the day the hunters of our family and our friend Larry, from Canada joins the guys to talk stories of long ago and anticipated strategy for the first day of buck tomorrow.  No snow this year which will make it tough for the lucky hunter to drag his buck from the woods. 

Everyone carries walkie talkies and I keep one at the house to listen  to the action or announce to the guys who are deep in the woods or high on the hill of the deer running through our field.  Truthfully I see more from my comfy stand (house) than they do in the woods.  Always the way but being in the woods is the only satisfaction a true hunter gets.  The clean fresh air, with the quiet of the woods only to hear the rustling of the branches or leaves when something is near.  Some like to stand watch while others would rather stay moving.  Dick is the mover, "up" is his game.  Up that hill so he can watch down over.  Many would rather not hunt with him because of his technique and desire to keep moving.  Our grandson Kent is a mover and keeps up with his granddad.

Back to our Hunter's Supper.  It varies but always consists of a few different meat dishes.  Today is pulled pork, Venison Pastrami (made by our son, Bart), little smokies, salami, ring bologna, roasted potatoes, our home canned pickled asparagus, pickles and beets, dinner rolls and deviled eggs (thanks to the hens). No fresh baked desserts today, way to hot for this cook to light the oven for very long.  Instead I bought a Golden Pineapple, if the weather is going to be tropical we shall eat Island Fruit.   Oh, there will be some last minute throw on the table food, one thing for sure they will have plenty to eat while telling their stories that get better each year.



Gramps and his grandson, Kent.

Dick, Kent, Ricky and Larry.

Only the best for my hunters.
Homemade dinner rolls, soft and chewy on
the inside, crusty on the
outside and rubbed with real butter. 

We have had quite a mild fall at Cook'n by the Creek, which has allowed Pine boughs to be cut and put around the porch rail, no gloves needed this year.  The inside is going to get the Christmas Season look tomorrow.  That keeps me busy while listening for a shot and hear deer down on the walkie talkie.  Once the decorations are done we always set back in the evening and think how beautiful and cozy it looks.  Then in about a week I see dust settling in and it doesn't look so fresh and cozy, only after the sun goes down but during the day, ohhhhhh the dust!  Such a pain to dust under that "stuff".  Soon after Christmas the "stuff" all comes down and the cleaning begins.  Again, I will sit and say how nice it looks to have the house back to normal, funny how the cycle of seasons prepares us for the next one. The next important ones, leek digging, fishing and spring gobbler.  After that the garden and lawn work begins.  Geeeeeez, I just flew through winter in one minute!  I have to remember enjoy the day, the season and never wish time away.

To all the hunters out there may your tag be filled while you enjoy the great outdoors. 

Weekends

It's the weekend which mean a hearty breakfast.  We eat a little later on the weekends that way no lunch and an early supper.  The two meal days.  This morning we had fried corn meal mush....huh? what? you have never heard of it?  I'm sure a few have.  I was excited to find it all ready made in loaves like I make it.  The grocery store in Coudersport and Hess's Deli in Andover, NY sell it.  It is made in Lancaster Country and cost  between $2.25 and $3.49 depending on where you buy it.  Slice it about an 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, depending how you like it.  Dust it with flour and fry in oil and a TBSP of butter.  Just enough oil to fry, not a great lot.  Once it is crisp drain on a paper towel and serve with maple syrup drizzled on top.  It goes with everything.  Today we had scrambled eggs and salt rising toast with it.  I like to have different colors on the plate but this morning everything was yellow, hit the spot and stays with ya a long time.

Fried mush drizzled with maple syrup,
 scrambled eggs with
homemade Chipotle Sauce and
Salt Rising toast.

Even after retirement weekends are still special.  After all many friends and family still work or have part time jobs.  That really isn't the reason, we are all creatures of habit and so hard to change is the reason.  Weekdays are for working around Cook'n by the Creek.  Dick can always find something to putter at in the barn, (yes, I realize sometimes it is a get-a-way from me time).  That's ok, to be very honest I like those get-a-ways.  That is when I tend to rearrange furniture, pictures on the wall or what ever else might put me in the scope of, "why don't you just leave things alone it looks fine just the way it is".  I like change, always have and always will.  I know someone else that does the same, I will just say I understand Kay :)  So I always try to get laundry caught up and give the house a "lick and a promise every Friday".  I need stress free weekends and thinking of double to do on Monday is not my way of enjoying the weekend.

 Once the work week has ended we do what ever happens to come our way.  An ideal time is with family or friends.  We love visiting winiers and traveling around the Finger Lakes or a trip to Williamsport.  It really doesn't matter if we just stay home and take our forest walks with Quincy.  He loves squirrels and chippers which gives us good entertainment watching him get so excited chasing them up trees.  I almost can hear him think, why can't I climb this tree.  Riding in the car if one happens to run in front of us he also gets excited watching out the front window, then the side and finally the back window as it goes out of sight. Today is Quincy's morning, Dick and him are going squirrel hunting.  If you have ever had a dog you know they are also creatures of habit, he knows when it is his morning or if we are leaving and he can't go.  I would like to say we have an exceptionally smart dog but hearing friends tell stories of their dogs I know he is just an average dog.
I wanted to name him Yoder, since we got him from a young Amish boy and many Amish are Yoders in our area.  Dick didn't think it was funny so Quincy it is.  If you are our age you will remember the TV show Quincy ME, starring Jack Klugman.  That is why he was named Quincy, one of Dick's favorite shows from long ago.

 Have you ever noticed how many dog names end with a Y (e sound)?  Like Skippy, Lily, Toozie, Ruby and Quincy are a few we have had.  My little girl Clara passed away two weeks ago at the age of 14.  She and her siblings were abandoned on a road in NC.  My daughter-in-law rescued them, found homes for all and  kept Clara.  We went down and for some reason I fell in love with the little black foxy looking girl.  All of us thought she must be part fox, she looked and acted so much like one.  They let me have her and we had that special bond until her passing.  Quincy will be an only dog but in my heart if that special one comes along I just might.....but I am not looking.  Ruby (shelter dog), Clara (abandoned) and Quincy a give-a-way all had that special bond the minute we met them.  It is hard losing a pet but I keep in perspective that my family is healthy and happy, that is what matters most.

Today our walk was on top of Moffit Hill, a walk that we have done hundreds of times.  Why in the world I never noticed the sign before has me wondering.  It has been there many years as you will see.  So my point is, how many other things have I walked by in life never to notice?  I guess I wouldn't be a good eye witness to anything.  Maybe because my walks are for peace, enjoyment and to just let my mind clear, good excuse Cheryl!  Seriously the woods make me feel free and refreshed.  The air just seems so clean and crisp in the wide open space of nature. There is nothing I like better than walking the hills around here.

How did I miss it?  It is bordering the
road we walk on.

The First Cool Day

Buttermilk pancakes, fresh side pork and orange juice.

This morning I woke to a beautiful wifting (that's a word from wind and drifting) blowing across my face and the gentle sound of rain.  If it wasn't so pleasant to experience I probably would have went back to sleep.  I couldn't the fresh smell of rain and the cool breeze was just to great to miss.  Over cast sky means what canning gets done will also be very tolerable and pleasant today.

Along with sunshine you gotta have a little rain sometimes.  Yes, that is a song many of us enjoyed years ago.  It's true, no matter what the day brings sun or clouds they all should bring a little joy to us.  Rain and snow purifies the earth and air while the sun purifies us.  Today is one of those days to rest and think of what needs to be done before the winter cold and snows arrive.  I have often wondered could my life's cycle be as full if I lived where there were no definite season changes.  No matter the season I am always ready for the next one.  Soon it will be sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats and mittens for our walks.  I find it quite exciting when the crisp cool air of fall arrives.  Deep breaths and smell the wonderful fragrance fall has to offer.  I call it the Hickory Nut smell and have not a clue what it really is.  We have Poplar trees lining the edge of the lawn, their little golden leaves are amazing to watch drifting down.  One of those simple pleasures.

Breakfast was more like a cold day feast.  With buttermilk pancakes topped with butter and  light Amber Maple Syrup, fresh side pork and our every morning glass of orange juice.  I always have a half gallon of buttermilk in the refrigerator for biscuits, pancakes, a certain chocolate cake recipe, and of course everything I fry from fish, chicken to squash is first dipped in buttermilk.  Fried foods are so much crispier and less greasy when I use buttermilk.  Have you ever fried fresh side pork?  It is what bacon starts as.  Side pork is fresh sliced with no nitrates or preservatives.  It's like bacon but not.  I really can't explain other than we like it more than bacon.  I fry it with one teaspoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet.  It needs salt and pepper but not much and fried until crisp.  Drain on a paper towel.

Speaking of food, (one of my favorite topics).  My Canadian friend was at her camp for a week.  We went for our annual lunch out.  This year we went to the Tea Room and Cafe in Coudersport. It is located at the Abundant Blessings Shop.  Another win!  If you happen to want a day out and good lunch this is the place to stop.  We had their special Fall Squash Soup and  half a sandwich, chicken salad with grapes, walnuts and dried cranberries.  Soup and sandwich was delicious, all homemade.  The topper.....a complimentary Red Velvet Cup Cake with the most delicious light frosting.  Everything was great and the cafe is a cozy room that kept the authentic look of the old building.

Take time to smell fall and enjoy each season as a new chapter in your life.  Remember to always "pass it on".

That Old Dirt Road

How many times have I/we talked about or taken rides on a dirt road.  In our teenage years the dirt roads were well traveled for deer, small game and turkey hunting, coon hunting, parties or just taking a ride.  We still do love to ride the back roads.  Now the remarks are much different than long ago.  We look out over the hills, or down on a small stream, cows grazing in a pasture, flocks of turkey or a loan grouse crossing the road, deer, bear, coyotes, fox etc., they all get an awe and look at that comment.  Often we stop just to watch them or take a picture.  Things look so much more precious and beautiful in this stage of life.  Simple little things we notice were never even mentioned years ago.  The dirt roads are peaceful and the ride goes much slower than on a 55 mile an hour black topped road.  Late evening or Sunday rides are last minute decisions.  Usually we have been doing work around the yard or chores when the mood hits to take a ride.  Sometimes we even take something to snack on and a camera.  Usually the camera is not needed if we remember it, it's the times we don't that a great picture is lost to only our memory.  How many times and by other families have these back roads been taken.  I know years ago Dr. Stevens traveled this area in her Doctors Buggy to visit her patients.  Through the mud and snow it must have been very difficult but in exchange it would have been a beautiful ride.  We have the buggy she used tucked away in the horse barn.  My dream was to get a buggy horse and take rides with it.  Unfortunately I talked to a Veterinarian than owned quite a few buggies and showed them in competition.  She told me about a time her horse got spooked and took off from the trail and through the woods hitting every tree along the way until there was nothing left of the buggy but the seat she was being dragged on.  No thank you, I shall stick to a car, not with a horse with it's own mind.

There is one back road that will forever be just a thought away.  When I lived up Horse Run there was a dirt road coming down off the hill behind the John Simons farm.  You know his kids, Willard (our dentist), Howard (Scuff), Mike and one daughter Grace.  Well I had been up that hill many times in my dad's truck.  The Messer Oil Lease was back on top and dad worked for them.  Unfortunately I had a new bike for my birthday and that dirt road coming down off the hill looked like a fun free ride once I pushed it to the top.  It was steep but when your 12 danger is not in our thoughts.  I never made it 1/4 of the way down before I lost control.  There was not a spot on my arms and legs that didn't have scraps, bruises and cuts.  I was a mess and pushed the bike all the way home.  My dad's words hurt just about as much as my injuries.  Now I look back and know it was out of worry and concern on what could have happened.  That's the way parents are, we love and we worry.

All clean!

This is what Beaver can do once they build a dam.  The Game Commission
doesn't want to bother them so upper Clara Rd is suffering. 

Years ago I never thought of the downside of riding the back roads.  Recently with the new bridge being replaced at the lower end of Clara Rd. we had to detour the Back Road to get in and out of Clara.  The back road is dirt, dusty dry dirt or wet and mucky mud.  Either way it was a miserable 3 long months.  We took the old truck as much as possible but there were times the car had to be the ride.  I went into a mode of don't look and don't think about how bad the car looks.  I have always been one to like a clean car, inside and out.  It was not until Monday, November 2, 2015, the car would get cleaned.  The bridge opened Friday, November 30.  We had to take a dirty car to MA for a long weekend.  We got home, unloaded the car, got out the shop vac and Armor All and started in.  The running boards for 3 months had left dirt on the back of our pant legs every time we got out.  Every little thing was crammed with dust and dirt.  The next day the outside got washed and waxed, tires sprayed with that stuff that makes them shinny.  Clean car, no dirt road for a very long time.  Only the old Chevy truck will be our back road enjoyment.

It's off to knitting and crocheting club tonight.  The group decided to change from Monday to Wednesday night.  Monday seemed hard to get everyone there, long weekends away, after a nice weekend of working outside or the fact many different groups meet on Monday nights.  So we shall see if the gals like  Wednesday.  With the time change I think we all will like using the get together for staying awake!  It's been a struggle at this house for sure.  By 7 pm we are watching the clock thinking, when will it be 9 pm.  Somehow going to bed earlier than 9 is embarrassing although it happens now and again.