Today was the day to get out and enjoy the ride. The sky was blue, snow many shades of white gray and blue with trees casting dark shadows across the snow. We rode to Genesee, Ulysses, Eleven Mile, Butter Creek Rd and a couple I have not a clue their names. Full circle because they brought us back on the Eleven Mile to head home. We have squirrel hunted many times on these back areas but I never paid attention to names, just knew where we were going and how to get home. It really was so peaceful to ride through areas with no houses. It is like being back in early times and what the early settlers must have enjoyed, all by themselves. I could have taken many pictures because every turn of the wheel brought a view that I just couldn't resist commenting on. The one picture of an Amish buggy waiting by the barn for a horse to get hitched to and family to take a ride. I was thinking of asking the young man at the feed store, how much would you charge to take us for a ride in the buggy? Maybe I will get my nerve up to ask before winter's end.
Another pleasant happening today. I received a message from a friend (much younger than me) wanting to know what farm I grew up on. When I told her she said, that is where my grandparents lived. She went on to tell me how much she loved the farm and the beautiful farm house with the wonderful wood staircase. I asked her, remember the cubby under the stairs with the little door to go in? She did! She also remembers pressing cider, maple syrup and her Grandma making maple cream. After a while the light came on in this ol' brain. Remembering a farming couple named Austin from Bells Run had bought the farm from my parents. I asked her, were your grandparents last name Austin? Yes it was. I told her my mom was so upset to be selling the farm and leaving the house she loved so much and how I remember my mom saying she was happy Austins were buying the farm because they were such nice people. Small world and a wonderful find....someone that enjoyed the same farm I loved so much. Alicia Antonioli you made my day, so wonderful to walk down memory lane with you!
The man of the house was going to Olean yesterday and asked what kind of chocolate cake mix he should get, the one you make that is so moist and thick. I just looked at him and said, seriously? I am amazed that he has lived with me for 49 years and thinks I have used a cake mix for that cake he loves so much. I told him, that is the Hershey Cake and no it is not a mix. Hmmm, proof in the pudding, he does not pay attention and especially when I am talking.......blah blah blah. So the story goes. I made the cake and every bite he takes is with a little mmm. His choice of frosting is the white frosting recipe in the cookbook, Della's Daughter. The cake recipe is also in it. By the way, I am loving the fact that all of my go to recipes are in one book now. It has a place on the countertop and just so convenient. It won't be long and it will have stained pages just like my other cookbooks. I should have put all my favorites in one notebook long ago!
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| What a night, wind howling, warm fire, a great piece of cake and a tall glass of cold milk. |
