Route 44, What a Ride

 

 

I was happy to see the original iron porch rail left on the porch.  The satellite dish not
so much.

Coming back from Maryland last Saturday we got off RT 15 and on to RT 44 towards Jersey Shore.  This was to avoid Williamsport since the Little League World Series was in full swing...a little play on words!  There were electronic signs starting in Shamokin Dam warning of high traffic and traffic delays because of the games.  We love baseball and have been many times to watch the LL World Series but this day we opted not since the temperature was way to hot for us.  We enjoyed RT 44 so much we will be taking another ride on it once the leaves change.  There is one mountain that is very high and has many switch back turns, sharp turns that you really have to pay attention on.  Once on top the view is amazing, the valley is wide and long with the ridge of the mountains running straight on both sides of the valley.  The valley is full of large farms that have been there since early times.  The barns and farm houses are huge and all of field stone.  Some barns only the face and foundation are stone and the sides with long boards.  About every other board is on a hinge at the top.  They had the boards open which looked odd until we looked in the barn.  Row after row of long tobacco leaves hanging to dry.  I never knew tobacco could grow that far north.  The farms that were drying tobacco were Amish farms.  So if you want a day trip with interesting views this is it. You can start in Shinglehouse on RT 44 south to Jersey Shore and follow signs to continue on 44 south to Allenwood, PA that brings you to RT 15.  Take 15 north and enjoy another beautiful ride home...you might say you have gone "full circle".   Since I was driving I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked.  When I saw this old mill and the house being refurbished across the road from it I had to stop.  The stone work is beautiful and amazing how the men so long ago could build them without modern day equipment. 


Of course there is the phrase, "those were the days".  There have been many days like this in the past, present and hopefully the future.  These are the days spent in the kitchen from daylight to 7 pm.  I try to get finished up with what ever is being canned or ready for the freezer in time to set on the back deck with a Jamaican Me Crazy, a glass or wine or a gin and tonic.  Depending on what my mind leads me to.  Between the prep I clean up and get ready for the next load of jars to go in the pressure canner (thankful for the invention) or I just set and run through a few blogs of mine, or read other bloggers I follow or practice my water coloring techniques (practice is key).  I have to stay within viewing distance of the canner to make sure it stays at 11 pounds of pressure for the canning I am doing today.  Once it hits a steady 11 pounds then it is 15 minutes and done!  On to the next load.  If using the water bath canner it has to simmer for 40 minutes!  See what I mean about thankful for a pressure canner.  It would take way longer without it. 

11 pounds of pressure right on the mark!
 

I buy Roma Tomatoes for everything I can from spaghetti sauce, Chipotle Chile Sauce or just plan canned tomatoes for soups and stews.  Roma tomatoes have more meat, less seeds and liquid as other tomatoes.  Canning tomatoes are so juicy the end product for sauces is much less considering you have to let them cook down for so long and lose content in the process.  We bought our tomatoes from the Amish stand down on Rt. 15 just north of Harrisburg on our way home from Maryland.  Canning tomatoes were $15 a bushel and Roma $18.  Well worth the extra $3.  Remember end product is more with the Roma variety.

It looks like the spaghetti sauce will be  canned by 10 am, then it is Chipotle Chile Sauce time at Cook'n by the Creek.  Another beautiful fall smell.  The Chipotle Peppers are roasted over an open fire to give that smoky flavor to the sauce. It's near quitting time, 13 quarts of spaghetti sauce, 15 pints of Chipotle Sauce and 15 pints of tomatoes, done for another year.  All of this from a bushel of tomatoes.

I don't want to see another tomato for a very long time!

There are many smells of fall around here.  From fall leaves burning, boiled dinner cooking or other fall harvest meals and then there is the smell of Hickory Nuts.  I have no idea what the smell really is it is just a name I came up with years ago.  I only smell the Hickory Nut smell on our fall woods walks.  In my teen years it was during small game season when I would go home from school, grab my 410 to go hunting squirrel and grouse with my friend.  That friend became my husband.  Hunting has went by the wayside for me. Until a few years ago I still did hunt turkey during Spring Gobble Season.  It is my favorite time to hunt the wild bird.  Then of course along came coyotes and bobcats that scared me off.  I know, I had a gun but it still scared me.  I had read an article with pictures of a man spring gobbler hunting.  He was setting down behind a tree running his call when he heard leaves rustling behind him.  Of course he thought a gobbler was coming in.  Instead a bobcat had pounced on his head.  He had no idea what it was until he pulled it off and it ran away.  The wounds on his face and head were many and deep requiring stitches.  No thank you, I will just remember the good memories and not take a chance on a predator thinking I'm easy food.

Speaking of food.......we still have to eat even if it's canning day.  Tonight is what I call a farm supper.  Whipped potatoes, fried pork chops and corn on the cob.  Then it is hello deck and fix me a cold one.........it's  a Jamaican Me Crazy kinda night at Cook'n by the Creek.

Monday, Day 12 of the Cabin

TaDa................the cabin!

There is it, porch and all!  We should have the windows and door in soon.

Now the work to clean up, smooth the lawn and plant grass seed.  This area will be for a stone
patio, fire pit and grill. 

The final building day for the Amish is over.  Soon we will be picking up lumber from another Amish friend, Enos Mast.  It is from the Pine Trees that were cut from our land last May.  Enos has sawed siding, flooring, ceiling and other lumber we will need to complete the cabin.  The most exciting wood is what he sawed from a huge log that will be the kitchen countertop and bathroom vanity top.  He sawed the lumber for our barn that was from the same stand of White Pine 17 years ago.  His talent at that time sawed an 18' x 22" x 2" board for a shelf we have in the living room.   Building the barn was quite a barn raising with our sons Bart and Beau, Kirk and Jim(grandson and son-in-law) and our Canadian friend Larry.  How lucky we are to have the family and friends we have.  Considering how fast it dries to when we can start using it.  Hopefully by mid winter for the interior and late spring for the siding.  Until then there is wiring, insulation, plumbing and what ever else can be done without using the lumber. 



The twins ready for their last day of work for us.

I found out the Amish call us the "English People".  Asking Andrew how he happened to show up Saturday and the fact he hadn't been here before.  He said, I work for an English man!  It took me by surprise hearing English.  Which I guess we are!

The cabin looks even better than I imagined.  Sometimes I was down right worried, especially when I was not in control of choices.  With me it is a control thing.  This is Dick's project and as much as it was close to a nervous break down for me...................I made it.  He did fine with his choices and now we can work together in perfect harmony finishing it.  Wait, that is a lie, a big one!  We have never worked in perfect harmony on any project.  It is a dream to think we can, would or could.  Like the Fixer Upper tv show.  They just smile and bat eyes at each other.  How can they?  In my mind I imagine the cameras suddenly shutting down waiting for them to get the argument over and then turn them on just in time to see the smiles and sweet words.  Maybe I should film how the husband and I work together.  I could call it, "Close Call"  meaning it was a close call, he almost killed her or she almost killed him.  Best leave it alone, work without proof of what really goes on behind closed doors.  One thing is for sure, it will get done no matter how many times we bump heads.

The next meal is always in the back of my mind.  It's a good thing we don't live closer to our favorite eateries.  Sidelines in Bolivar, everything we have had is delicious but I love the Habanero and Mango Wings and Dick goes for the giant deep fried onion rings.  Pizza King in Wellsville has amazing crust, just the way we like it!  When not in the mood to make my own dough for the pizza oven I always buy Pizza Kings 1/2 lb. balls, it can be frozen.  Then of course there is old faithful, Red and Trudys for a burger and shake.  The Mexican Restaurant in Allegany and Kaytees in Coudersport for an occasion Friday Fish Fry.  The Whitesville House is also a favorite but more out of the way so we save it for special occasions with friends.. Tonight too tired to even drive to our favorite food meant cooking for me.  Actually this supper took no more than 40 minutes from start to finish. Schnitzel made with pork tenderloin which is pounded thin, dusted with flour, seasoned with salt and pepper and fried in butter.  Creamed garden peas and new potatoes and fresh peaches for dessert.  No problem, one more meal down in a life time of cooking.  If you are wondering what "new potatoes" are, they are freshly dug young potatoes from the garden.  The skin is very tender and thin and the potato has a completely different texture than potatoes that are bought after the potato has matured and the skin is thicker.  You can buy new potatoes from roadside stands or farmer's markets this time of the year.  They are great as "salt potatoes".

A little German for supper. 

Well, another phase in the life of Cook'n by the Creek.  I say another meaning there will be another and another until we just run out of steam.  I have proclaimed August as "Marathon Month" around here.  Last year August was refinishing the floor.  Next year I hope the marathon is entertaining friends and family at the cabin.  Not that I am putting a time frame on a finishing date...........right!

Saturday, Day 11



The final days are nearing for the Amish being here.  A total of 3 days of building the cabin.  Monday will be the last day.  Happy to see the cabin up but sad to think we will not have the company of such a wonderful family. It took Dick 3 days to figure out their cuss words, they speak their own language when it comes to that! The twins  are 16 and their 19 yr old brother have been quite enjoyable.  It is their gentle, quiet and enchanting personality that amazes us.  They work hard, take a break, talk, laugh and even cuss now and again.  No heads down, no cell phone, just good old conversation.  It was a joy to learn some of their customs.  It made me laugh Saturday morning when we picked them up.  They wanted to stop at the store in Genesee to get a coffee and breakfast sandwich.  I asked if they couldn't talk their sisters into making them breakfast.  No, Aaron said, his younger brother didn't milk the cow early enough so no milk for his cereal.  I really don't think they minded, they like buying quick food at the store.  Every night Dick stops so they can get a medium sized soft serve cone.  They definitely deserve it.  Long hot, humid days in the sun.  Never a complaint did we here, they just kept on working.  They did drink a lot of ice tea, ice water and cold watermelon we kept filled up for them.  Afternoon break time was always something fresh baked.  Just like my grandkids I enjoy watching them enjoy the sweets.

 

Aaron and Andrew finishing up the metal roof while their dad closes in the side peaks.

 

The beginning of the porch.

 

We have a porch!  I had to put some chairs on it, grab my knitting and enjoy a new view.
We even had company from over Clara Hill stop to see how the cabin was coming
along.  I loved giving them the grand tour of the 20x20 cabin.

The view from the porch doesn't look so good now but by the time the snow flies it
should be all picked up with new grass growing.

Quincy on the porch looking over at our house.  He is a little confused!

There are the beautiful old brick steps (to me they are beautiful) we are going to use
for the entrance to the porch.

It is that time to put up some peaches.  Everyone in my family likes it when I have canned peaches with a dinner or supper.  There is just something about home canned peaches vs store bought.  I use a very light syrup and cut them in thick slices.  I got lucky, the day we picked them up just happened to be not so hot a day.  Plus, we had the air on!  Standing over a boiling pot of water dipping the peaches for 1 minute so the skins will slip off can get a little sticky, not just from the peaches!  From the bushel of peaches not one was bruised or needed tossed.  The first time that has every happened.  Usually there are a couple bad ones.  All were just right for canning so the bushel was completely done in one session.  No waiting for a few to ripen.

The healthy delicious peach.

There is the peach, smothered with heavy cream and a little sugar.  Not so healthy
now.  This is a twice a year treat for my husband.  He loves fresh peaches and cream.
Not my desire...yuck, I don't even like milk!

Peaches are beautiful, $28. a bushel from the Amish on School House Rd,
in North Bingham.  They are all in quart jars waiting to be opened this winter.

How Cool

How cool today is..........little humidity, blue sky with those big, white, fluffy clouds providing entertainment while I mowed the lawn.  This is the type of day that puts a smile on my face with deep breathing to relax and enjoy.  Every swipe of the lawn had a new shape of cloud to enjoy plus I watched the Amish finishing up their part on the cabin.  It's rather sad knowing they will not be back.  The 3 sons and their dad are most enjoyable talking with and watching work.  I said my farewells to them, told the dad he has some great kids to be proud of. I then told the only son that was here today to remember...that compliment I gave for him and his brothers is because of their parents.  With the goodness of parents children are given that most important boost to also develop a respectable, honest, caring and loving life.  I also told him to remember to "pass it on".  I have a feeling they will.

We are gonna miss their smiles.  Aaron and his brothers loved Dick's  humor and stories.  Trust me he is full of it
most of the time!

For the big send off today, Maple Cinnamon Rolls for their morning break.  The idea was my husbands.........he is enjoying giving me ideas for the days goodies.  It has been a hot summer so the baking at Cook'n by the Creek has been slim and far between.  This being the first cooler day of August made it easy to make cinnamon rolls.  When company stop by just because they were near is great....but having cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven just puts it over the top.  Ken and Donna were out enjoying a ride on their motorcycle and stopped to see how the cabin was going.  I loved showing them the rolls and offering a pot of Jamaican Me Crazy coffee.  Perfect day for a cup, seriously any day or time is perfect for my JMC. 

Ready to roll, slice and bake!

See the big one?  That is the one someone will take first.......Maple glazed cinnamon rolls.  I always bake on
parchment paper.  It makes for an even bake on the bottom and clean-up is easy.

Back to the lawn.  It has been hot and seriously dry this summer so our lawns have gone dormant which makes them look brown and dead.  The last week has brought much needed rain and plenty of it.  Now we are enjoying the look of  "spring green" and mowing every two days.  I'm not complaining, one of my favorite things to do is mow lawn.  I missed it for the several weeks I only mowed to knock down some straggly weeds that kept growing.  Green is back, temperatures and humidity have dropped, it's my kinda enjoyment. 

Schools will be opening for the year soon.  It is this time of the year I think back to my school days.  Living on a farm was quite lonesome during the summer.  I think that is why I was so excited to get back and relate this time of year to good memories.  School clothes shopping, riding a hot bus which at the time I thought was full of  noisy kids.  Mr. Fenner was the bus driver for us Horse Run kids.  He ran a tight ship, nobody got out of their seats, yelled or even talked loud.  Now that I think about it  I'm not sure he ran a tight ship just the fact kids were different way back when.  I never heard a speech about the rules of the bus, we just knew them.  There was one kid on the bus that caused a little trouble now and again, like pulling  hair, tripping  or knocking  books to the floor.  Can you imagine today if that was the only thing bus drivers had to contend with.  So the next month or so will bring back happy times in my thoughts that happened so very long ago.  Gosh, can it be?  My mind says no, it feels like just a little bit ago. 

The next blog will be the ending of the second phase for the cabin.  From this point it will not progress so fast.  We do not move as fast as the Amish and certainly have to think about how to do something or.............I'll google that!

Cabin, Day 8,9,10

 

 

For three days I have watched my husband dig a ditch by hand.  He has been lucky that our grandson was able to dig the longest part with his tractor.  Unfortunately there are places that it just wouldn't fit.  I think I have mentioned about all of the rocks in this lawn.  The first part of the ditch, no rocks but the beautiful maple tree has many roots as hard as rocks!  I watched Mike Filer and Dick take turns with a sledge hammer driving a heavy 2 inch spear though about 2 feet of massive roots and dirt all wrapped tight.  What back breaking work to be in a ditch swinging a sledge hammer in high heat and humidity.  The had no intentions of giving up and thus another job thanks to a great friend was accomplished!  Now the electric service can be run under ground, through the roots to the cabin.  The old saying, had I known then what I know now............I'm not so sure there would be a cabin.  Every step of the way getting this thing built has been with difficulty. From gas lines, rocks, tree roots, you name it we have faced them.  Each day I think (to myself) it has to get easier and each day there is another dilemma. 

  

Thank heaven for little boys that grown into great men.

Kirk knows how to dig a clean ditch!

Mike on the right, Dick on the left and that damn beautiful Maple Tree in the middle.

Getting the labels off wine and beer bottles.



Hoping this crazy plan of mine looks ok.  My thought is stringing lights in each bottle from the back side in the
garage.  It will look worse before it looks better. 

It is tough watching the husband work so hard.  There are just certain things I can not do. Many have asked, why are you doing this project?  The answer I give is because he can, he can't set still, he loves to work, there is no slowing him down or telling him to take it easy.  So, that being said would you believe he is already talking of a second cabin?  We shall see if I can win the war on that idea!

My little window project is just to keep me busy rather than set and watch Dick work.  I did not realize how many bottles it will take so I am on hold for a bit.  I have a beautiful piece of iridescent glass (from my stained glass window try) that will go in the middle of the bottles.  I hope, still working on a plan to fit it in.  I'm sure in the middle of the night  it will come to me.  I do my best thinking in half a sleep.

The treat request today was a chocolate cake with Marcia's frosting recipe.  I have been making it for 42 years and it is still our favorite.  It does not have an overly sweet sugary taste.  Just a delicious mildly sweet vanilla flavor.   Dick likes the Hershey Cake recipe because it is rather heavy and very moist.   Nothing fancy, just a simple ingredient cake.  I bake mine in a 9 x 12 pan.  Never have been one to like putting together a double layer cake.  This cake is like the Pennsylvania Whoopie Pie recipe but in cake form.  So much faster than baking each little round. 

 Hershey's chocolate cake

Butter, for the pans

2 cups granulated sugar

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pans

3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup mild vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

• 1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and crank up the heat to 350°F (180°C). Generously butter and flour two 9-inch round baking pans, tapping out any excess flour.
• 2. In a large bowl with a wooden spoon (surely you have one, yes?), stir together the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• 3. Plop the eggs in the center of the cocoa mixture and pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla, and, using a handheld electric mixer (oh c’mon, surely you still have one of those, too?!), beat the ingredients on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will appear to be wicked thin but fear not, that’s just the way this recipe works. Pour the batter into the prepared pans, dividing it evenly.
• 4. Bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the wire racks, remove the pans, and let them cool completely.

We like the cake stored in the refrigerator.  It almost makes the frosting taste like
a combination of ice cream and frosting.

The Frosting:

4 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1/2 c. Crisco
1/2 c. butter
1 c. granulated sugar
2 tsp. vanilla

Cook together flour and milk, stirring constantly, until thick like custard. Refrigerate until very cold. Then cream together Crisco, butter and sugar until no longer grainy. Add flour mixture and vanilla and continue beating until very smooth and creamy.

I try very hard when writing a blog not to bring sad times, opinions of others or things that are on my mind to the blog.  The last 6 months and especially the last 3 have been quite trying and what is in my thoughts is most troubling.  You see it has made me question a few and what I would do if in their position.  I can only hope it would be in my strength to do what could be done to help someone.  To give the person peace and satisfaction to end his deep wants and concerns. One man's quest to find out who he is with no strings attached and no motive or agenda to ruin another's life.  Just the chance to know at the age of 40 who he is. There is also another reason, the search for medical answers.   He is a successful business man that is caring and has done so much for others less fortunate.  His family is just as honest and good as he is.  It is easy to say "pass it on" but can you do it? 

Day 7 of the Cabin

It is going up in leaps and bounds!  Every time I hear a different sound I head over with my camera.  I am amazed at the way this father and his two young sons move.  They have done this a time or two!  No measuring twice or 10 times, no arguing, no deciding how it should be done..........they just "do it"!  If you haven't already guessed I was describing how Dick and I work together.  We never see things the same way and explaining what the other means is impossible.  We usually end up in a confrontation that isn't nice with me stomping off.  Give it a break, think about it and within an hour we are right back at the work.  Apparently it isn't as bad as I think, it's been going on for 49 years.  Maybe it just keeps life interesting and blood flowing fiercely through our veins.  Either way we made it a lot longer than predicted 49 years ago.

The weather warning from Penn State, severe thunder storms and high winds starting early afternoon.  Working with roof trusses is not a good thing if the wind picks up much less storms.  The weather was on our side today, no storms and little to no wind while the guys finished up for the day.  Once they left we did get some wind and a quick dump of rain.  Nothing to worry about.  We have a 3 day break  since the Amish family is headed to Ohio for a wedding.  Early morning pick up and they will be back on site Saturday to finish up the cabin with metal on the roof and the front porch.  During their 3 days off we will be busy picking up more stuff from the backside of the lawn.  With the cabin in  place it really needs to be spiffed up............it bothers me..........and we don't want that!  I am a NAG when I want something done or bull through and start it on my own.  This always works, he doesn't want me doing it by myself.  Always work with a plan. 



one wall up





The excitement is building...I am ready to decorate...3 walls, one more to go.
 

 

4 walls and now the roof.  Those boys walk around on a 2x6 like squirrels.

In all this crazy construction, nerves wound tight and  mind spinning in comes my husband
with flowers for me.  With all we disagree on, we have as much we agree on.  These flowers
mean more to me than a dozen roses ever could.  Besides, if he started buying flowers....
I would assume he is up to NO GOOD. 

All in a 6 hour days work.  Amish are off to a wedding in Ohio and will be back on the job
Saturday (maybe Monday too)  which will probably finish their job.   Gonna miss those guys!

This is where our work begins.  Insulation, ceiling, wood floors and what to put on the walls.  Then my fun
duties begin..............decorating. 

Our granddaughter's inspection..............A+

Thanks to our friend Rod Van Pelt we bought some awesome windows for the cabin.
My favorite is the low one in the living room. What a view.

My other favorite window from Rod, the little square one for the bathroom.  Sink below it and another
great view of the hillside.  Mirror you ask, not over the sink but somewhere in there!
 The other window is the kitchen.

I was washing out a blue wine bottle last night and it hit me.  I have quite a few bottles of different colors.  My favorites are blue and green ones.  What to do with them besides take them to the recycle place?  Well, there is a window pane missing in the garage window where the cabin is.  It is a cute little square window that just happens to have wide trim and deep set trim.  Ok, what if I get a bag of mortar mix and layer the bottles with mortar in the opening?  Yes, while in Wellsville today I will gather what I need and break the news to the husband.  If the plan works, pictures will be taken.

The last week as been crazy around here.  Normally we are up, dressed, fed and chores finished by 8 am.  Now at 10:33 Dick is just finishing chores, not fed and I am still in my pjs but did get the floors cleaned.  We have had 2 men stop to get the electric squared away for the cabin...........gahhh in my pjs I answered the door, hair a mess and no make-up on which makes me look sickly.  Learned my lesson...........get cleaned up before starting the day! 

This is a cabin of love, family and friends.   Thanks to Kent, Kamrie, Kirk and Jim Costello, Alan Cornielius, Rod Van Pelt, Mike Filer, Joe Mullet and his boys, Enos Mast and his boys and Bob Stauffer it is coming together.  Without all of these people it just wouldn't have been possible.

Day 2-6 at the Cabin

Day 1 was setting the posts and the floor for the cabin.  That was done by the Amish that had planned on having the cabin built within 2-3 days.  Not meant to happen.  The Amish guy that builds trusses was a week behind which put us a week behind.  No problem, with the high humidity, heat and heat index for 3 days last week it was a blessing.   Without a doubt the Amish would have worked in it as I watched out the window (in air conditioning) fretting over them.  As it was the day they worked we supplied all the ice tea, pop (soda for some) and a batch of Texas Sheet Cake for their breaks.

What did we do on 2-6 days?  Once the heat and humidity let up we went to work getting some things that needed to be done on the cabin site.  Dick still had to dig 3 more 40" deep holes for the porch foundation.  Considering below 6 inches is nothing but rock and dirt.  Big rocks.  Apparently when they dozed the hill off around 4o years ago it was full of rocks.  Digging by hand with a post hole digger is tough work and I am not going to mention age because at any age it is a sweat popping job.  Lucky that Kamrie (granddaughter) did a lot of pounding and throwing with the post hole digger for her gramps.


Tough work

40 inches down

 

My missions was to rediscover and uncover a beautiful brick side walk.  I knew it was there, a few bricks would show themselves every now and again.  If the side walk was still in good shape I would be one happy person.  Edging along and digging the sod off the sidewalk was not as hard as digging holes but I did sweat.  Did I ever mention how much I hate to sweat?  This summer has been a 2-3 shower a day for me.  The farther I went on the side walk the more I realized, this is it!  We are salvaging something old to go with the new.  Remember I had mentioned in a previous blog that  Monty Hathaway was the original owner and builder of the property.  Along with keeping the old garage, adding some fresh paint and trim the sidewalk will also add to the beauty and meaning of keeping the old with the new and memories of what was.  The side walk is in great shape which means Monty knew what he was doing way back when.  The sidewalk leads to cement and brick steps that led to the original patio.  We had intentions of getting rid of them and build new steps.  Not to be, once I got to them finished we started talking and thinking.  We couldn't have planned it better if we tried (which we didn't). The steps are actually positioned and doable to use for the porch.  My next job, get the sod and "stuff" off the steps.  They also are solid, with a little facial cement..........we have steps!  I would like to say, every shovel of stuff from those steps..............my eyes were searching for..............a snake.  I was prepared to drop the shovel and run!  No sightings, and that's a good thing!

Before

There it is!

Steps before.

Steps after.

Day 7 is here, as of 9:30 am the Amish are here, trusses and building supplies for the cabin.  It is now 9:51 am, the sawing and pounding has begun.  Time for me to bake a batch of Eleanor Stavisky's famous sour cream or buttermilk cookies (which ever you use makes delicious big soft cookies)  for the guys and with the granddaughter to MA. 

For the Love of Blackberries

When I love something (especially food) there is not much I wouldn't do to satisfy the want.  Yesterday we headed for Olean around 8 am..............when we leave that early there is one thing on our mind besides errands.  Tim Hortons!   Dick likes their sausage, egg and cheese biscuit and I like their cheese crossaint with of course a medium cup of coffee, double cream please.  Breakfast was our first stop or rather drive through and then off to Home Depot to munch our goodies and people watch.  Once the supplies were bought for the cabin it was Walmart and Aldis for a few things.  We had planned to go pick blackberries on our way back from Olean since we would be closer than coming home and then back for the berries. 

One of our favorite spots to pick is at the top of Tinker Stevens which is at the head of Bells Run Rd. If you grew up in the Oswayo Valley area Tinker Stevens might not ring a bell but the camp up on top will.  "The Pine Lot", many a young teens frequented the camp owned  by the Howard family and they still own it.  I had to laugh when telling my grandson where he picked berries yesterday.  By the look on his face he knows exactly where Pine Lot is.  In the winter the brave daring young ones get together with sleds and 4 wheelers to take on the very steep and winding road from Pine Lot.  At 67 years old I remember the parties in my teens like it was yesterday.  Thanks to a family that was so generous with their hospitality for the young and even the young at heart.  Just one of those dusty dirt roads that had a lot of good memories for me and my husband. 

Not only was the memories brought back of Pine Lot but on the way up Bells Run I was reminded of other happenings in my young life. As we turned on to Bells Run off Rt 44 I thought of Ike and Eleanor Dingman.  I was friends with their son Mike and daughter Dorthy.  They were farmers and friends with my parents.  In lower Bells Run I looked at the house my sister-in-laws family owned.  It was where my boyfriend (now my husband), niece (it was her grandparents house) and her date had our Christmas Ball pictures taken.  Laura and Pete Maxson lived there.  Farther up the road was Sam Fords house, I graduated with his sister.  Sam is a quiet gentle guy and was all through high school.  His sister Jessie was just as nice.  Next was the Carpenter farm, Dorthea was our Avon lady for years after her and her husband gave up farming.  Mom and Dad went back and forth with the Carpenters as all the farmers did in our area.  They all looked after each other in times of need. Next across the valley and crick/creek was the farm Dick Blanchard's parents owned. I had spent quite a bit of time there with my brother's family since they were friends with Dick and Mary Blanchard.   From that point on there were thoughts of other families that lived on the Run. We went by a stand of tall pines, in 1979 they were about 8 ft. tall.  We went there with a realtor that year in hopes to buy land for a home in the country.  Well that was when I cleaned our cars with a q tip to get it all perfectly perfect looking.  When I got out of the car and saw the dust on the car I knew there was  no way I could live on a dirt road. Now it really doesn't matter about dust on a car, I love riding the dirt roads.

Once we got to Tinker Stevens I thought of my cousin that had retired and built a home way back there to enjoy the quiet years.  I looked at the small stream that is almost dried up from the drought.  This is where our kids learned to fish for trout and also how to finger trout.  I won't get into the details on that (it's illegal) but for those of you that were taught the art you know what I'm talking about. I love the memory of our little ones sneaking up on the stream with their special little pole.  All three still love to fish and have passed it on to their own kids.  Just before we started up the hill firewood and leek digging came to mind.  In our twenties we had a woodstove and would spend a few weeks in the summer cutting and hauling firewood.  Back then log companies would let you take the wood at no charge just to get the tops cleaned up.  This was where we spent 2 summers hauling firewood for the following winter.  While we were there early in the spring the treasure of the hillsides shown bright green with leeks.  Two things accomplished at one time.  It made me smile to think of the old Chevy truck we used for wood.  The kids and I called it the "Old Gray Ghost". 

Finally at the top was the driveway to the Pine Lot we parked the car and headed down the road to pick blackberries.  Since I planned on staying on the road to pick I had worn sandals, capris and short sleeves.  Someone else had the same idea because the bushes were picked clean along the road way.  Then over the top of a bush I saw the most amazing blackberries.  They were huge and juicy looking.  Of course I was sure I could be careful getting back to them and I was, it was the picking and getting out that got me.  The berries just kept getting more abundant and better the farther in I went.  Dick then found his way back in.  Our poor dog Quincy was having a time trying to come through to us.  He didn't like the thorns at all.  It only took an hour to pick 8 qts.  That is plenty for making jelly this winter.  About those thorns, we looked like we had been mauled by a bobcat.  Both of us had scratches that were bleeding.  Was it worth it you ask?  Most definitely!  Had we not went we never would have enjoyed the beautiful summer day on the top of that hill. Never would have had the flooding of wonderful teenage memories.  It was sunny and 82 degrees but the delightful part, we were under a large canopy of maple and oak trees.  It provided shade and a coolness with a nice strong breeze blowing through.  A perfect berry picking day.  Every now and again one of us would say, isn't this a great day?  Yes, it was and free for the picking.  This winter I will think back on this beautiful day we shared while smelling blackberry jelly cooking on the stove and every time I spread a slice of toast or cracker with blackberry sweetness.  Simple pleasures give love, smiles and memories at Cook'n by the Creek.

On our way to the top of Tinker Stevens.

Where we cut firewood and dug leeks on Tinker Stevens.

Hidden in the shade and protected by the thorny bushes, we got them.

The berry picking pails complete with handle for around our neck, makes for two
handed picking and scratches on both arms to match.

Cabin Construction.......Day 1

In the last few years I have turned form an early riser to "let me sleep till 7".  Every day my alarm will be going off at 5:45 am this week for a quick cup of coffee and off to pick up the Amish men working on our cabin.  Now I was not looking forward to this morning but once we started up the Eleven Mile Rd my attitude changed.  It was all about the view.  Green hills in all heights with patches of fog hanging low in the valleys or high enough that just the top of a hill stuck above the fog.  A picture can not capture the beauty we enjoyed all the way to Whitesville, NY.  I looked at a map and found Viola Rd just out of Genesee that takes us right to our destination.  The road was dirt for about 3 miles but one of those beautifully groomed with no potholes and very little dust.  It then came to the South Hill Rd which is black topped and lined with beautiful fields of wheat, corn and hay.  More rolling hills that are farmable without the danger of a tractor roll over.  This is where we saw 3 majestic buck still in the velvet.  As I will call them....."monster buck".  Of course I didn't get a picture being so intrigued with their awesomeness.   Maybe tomorrow they will give me another chance.  One thing for sure from the early morning ride there are plenty of deer and rabbits around. 

Early morning ride.

Along with our fancy clothed farmers is the plain clothed farmers.  I would like to have
had the opportunity to watch the Amish cut the wheat and stack it.  It must be quite
an art to make each stack look so neat.

The above picture was taken at the farm owned by the Amish that are building our cabin.  As I type away I can hear the pounding of nails and an occasional saw running.  In three hours they had 9 poles cut, set and leveled for the foundation the cabin will set on.  There are two doing the work today, 19 year old David and 16 year old Arron.  Tomorrow their dad and brother will be here.  If rain hold off it should be finished in 3 days!  They are amazing, each has their own position on what to do.  I had to laugh, the oldest sat in the front seat, just like my kids they knew their pecking order.  Handsome young men they are and very polite with a great smile.  Of course I had to make them Texas Sheet Cake for their afternoon break.  I am such a push over for young people!  I asked if they wanted to listen to the radio and it was an immediate yes from David.  Arron being younger let his brother do all the talking.  Then we met up with Dick in Genesee, he drove Kent's truck over with a big trailer  to haul the lumber and supplies home.  David rode with Dick from this point and Aaron with me.  Guess what?  Arron talked when his older brother wasn't in the car.  He told me he is all done with school with a big grin on his face.  Being a man and hanging with the big guys doing all that hard work must agree with him.  While we waited for Dick I bought them a cup of coffee at the Acorn Market.  They have done that a time or two, no problem knowing exactly the size cup, kind of coffee and of course cream and sugar. 

David and Aaron with their coffee headed into the lumber store to get their supplies. 
Their dad had sent them with a list.  See it sticking out of his pocket (the guy on the right).

Dick and Kent dug the holes so David and Aaron set the poles, leveled and cut
them to proper height.  Trust me these young men know what to do and get
it done.  It is amazing to watch them work with little conversation to each other.
 

This is the side that will face Clara Rd.

This is the side the front porch will be on.  Last call switch on how it would set
on the lot.  Normally front porches face the road but I liked the idea of it not.  I'm picturing
a little garden area with a bonfire pit.  Amber gave us a beautiful square copper
piece to set in a field stone frame.  Dreaming of what it should look like!

So this is Day One.  Once it is finished I am going to get a book made with pictures of the cabin and how it came to be.  I wonder, who will be the first guests at .......................still trying to come up with a name.  I have a feeling it will be after it is finished, the lawn is groomed, flowers planted and the rocking chairs added to the front porch that it will be christened officially.  With a bottle of wine to drink not break on it.
** Day 2 has been delayed for a week.  The Amish guy building the trusses is back logged, hopefully they will be delivered by next Tuesday.  With the predictions of rain all this week it is probably a good thing.