Thunder in the Fall

The third meal provided by one 3 pound beef roast.

Sunday dinner was a choice to our grandson for his birthday.  Kirk, what would you like for dinner?  Beef roast, pork roast or chicken.  I knew the answer before I asked and was so confident it would be beef I had already purchased one.  Beef was the answer.  He always raves about the beef roast that I do in the pressure cooker.  I sent him home with a nice big plate of leftovers.  We still had plenty of meat and gravy left for "hot roast beef" sandwiches.  After that enough left for beef stew.  Cook the potatoes, carrots and peas, add to the beef and gravy, serve with buttermilk biscuits and 3 meals provided with ease.  Nothing better than that!

In the middle of the night the thunder storms complete with rain, lightning and wind moved in.  Since we have had a few warm and muggy days the windows have been open.  Up we jumped to close them and listen to the storm.  It brought back my dad's voice saying........thunder in the fall, no winter at all.  I made a note to myself, we shall see if it holds true.  The Farmer's Almanac is predicting a cold winter with lots of snow for the NE.  I am one that loves snow and looking forward to their prediction this winter.  Last winter was little snow, sometimes mud and no fun living in the hill country of NW PA.  The skis and snow shoes sat abandoned in the basement all winter.  Soon we will get them out, dust them off, wax the skis and hope we get to enjoy the trails in Clara.  When the perfect day comes this winter we will head to the woods, build a fire and have a "winter hot dog roast"  complete with marshmallows and hot chocolate.  It's the only way to enjoy the cold and snow, get outside!  I love looking out the windows and watching a nice snowstorm with flakes swirling and drifts building.  Cozy!

Ok, back to all the sayings I have heard through my years.  Check out a few and see if you have heard them too.

Red at night, sailor's delight,
red in the morning, sailors take warning.

As high as the weeds grow,
so will the drifts of snow.

If the first snow lands on unfrozen ground,
the winter will be mild.

Flowers blooming in late Autumn,
a sure sign of a bad winter coming.

Full moon in October without frost,
No snow until November's full moon.

For every fog in August,
there will be a snowfall in winter.

If the first week in August is unusually warm,
the coming winter will be long.

Dry grass on an early summer morning,
rain is coming.

Fog on the hill,
brings water to the mill.

Fog climbing the hill,
water in the mill.

It will be interesting to see how the winter goes.  We have had thunder, no winter and we have had the unusual warm first week of August which means the winter is going to be long.  Folklore and meteorologists, which one do you believe?  I trust waking up in the morning and looking out the window.  As my brother that lived in Clara always told my kids.  I wake up in the morning, open the door and sniff up the valley and down the valley to know what the day brings.  I like that!

Finally little Clara Creek as water and hoping the water level will
stay up once the rain quits.  We need ground water for our
wells and springs.  Clara Creek as been close to not flowing this summer.

I am saying the cookbook is finished.  At least I have made the decision to stop second guessing what I have done, close the book and say, "time to order it to print"!  The recipes are a collection from my mom, family members and friends throughout my life.  I have given credit on each recipe from the person that gave it to me.  With my kids, grandchildren and requests for a copy the total is now 59.  This amount will bring the price to $7.00 plus shipping.  If you live near and I can deliver or you can pick it up it will be $7.00.  I am going to say $10.00 if I have to mail it to you.  There are 82 recipes, a page of my tips for various things, a little review page of me, and several pages of incidentals of kitchen helpers that are complimentary from the company.  I am very nervous about people paying for a cookbook I compiled.  Like the feeling, is it worthy enough for others to have other than my family?  What if it is a complete flop and I don't like the finished product?  I would love to order one copy to check it out but can't.  I could order 12 but that puts the price to $15. a book, plus shipping.  So I will bite the bullet and take the plunge to order 60.  Here is hoping no apologizes are necessary down the road.  If after all of these "true worries" I have and you still want a "Della's Daughter" cookbook you may send me the money by mail or drop it off.  Need my address or phone number, please private message me on Face Book.  I would like to put in the order by 11/07/2016.

Here goes..................I am so nervous!!!

Salt Rising Toast and Apple Butter!

Lucky for us the weather has stayed relatively warm with only a few nights in the 30 degree range.  The pilot light on the furnace will not stay lit which means come on service guy and give us some good news.  Last February we had it completely over hauled with every new part put on. Considering it was 17 years old and had never cost us a penny in all those years we felt pretty good about putting money into it.  The service guy said,  the stove has brand new parts and no worries.  Well...............so what is the problem here?  It worked great for the 4 months left of cold weather and now it has taken a fit.  Today is the day to find out do or die for it. 

Happy smells,  taste and views for the fall lovers.

On to better things.  The house has been smelling like an apple spice candle all week.  From applesauce to the last of the apple butter being canned this morning.  Of course the husband had to have a sample of the apple butter on his Salt Rising Toast this morning.  Yes, I capitalize SRT, it is just that special and important to us.  Once the furnace gets fixed I will be starting a batch of homemade SRT.  It is a 36 hour process but what else do I have to do around Cook'n by the Creek but razzle dazzle the guy that lives with me?  My day is like little work stations, cook, work on the cookbook, knit, crochet, read, check out FB and the news of the day and maybe clean a little then  keep rotating.  It's my way of keeping busy, move it, move it!

A beautiful bunch of wild flowers.

One of them many advantages of having a dog........they beg you to go for a walk.  Now is the time it is cool, pretty much bug free and enjoyable to get out and make me and the dog happy!  This morning was no exception.  Dick had to work and Quincy lays around looking all "puppy eyed sad".  All I have to say is, wanna go for a walk?  He is jumping and running to the door looking like come on let's go.  I have learned to get my sneakers on before saying the magic happy question.  Wednesday we walked to our grandson's pond and sat quite a while just enjoying the quiet and fall colors.  Quincy played on the edge of the pond looking for any little movement in the water.  He is afraid of water (actually afraid of many things) so he never goes in farther than his knees.  I guess dogs have knees?  Today was a walk around our fields and pasture.  It doesn't matter what time of the year it is quite the view no matter what way I look.  I took a picture of "Old Baldy" as so many of us knew growing up in the Oswayo Valley area.  It was bald way back when.  Today it is all grown up except for a little area that is kept cleared at the top.  I have no idea how many kids, parents and dogs made the climb.  Many for us. The view looking down towards Ceres is amazing on a clear day. 

Old Baldy.  Not bald anymore.  I bet some guys would like to grow hair
the older they get like Old Baldy grows trees!

Wild Man Smokey waiting for an apple.  He's a charmer!

A warning.  Ticks are back in full swing as of last week.  Daily we are searching our dog and of course I do a tick check frequently on me!  So far so good, none for me.  I was hoping they were gone for good.  The last we had ticks was in May and not a one all summer long.  Maybe it was too dry and hot for the little nasties and once the rain started and temperature dropped off they revived.  What ever the reason be on the lookout when out in the great outdoors.

Update!  Furnace is fixed.  The problem was the gas line to the pilot light.  The only thing that wasn't replaced last winter.  Rick the technician said it is really a rarity it happened.  Like the perfect storm.  It doesn't happen often but it does happen.  Geez, we can't win the lottery (only but a ticket a couple times a year) but we can have the rarity of a pilot  line going bad.  It's ready for winter, knock on wood!   We bought our stove from Sissons in Bolivar, NY.  Last year was the first time we needed a service call and Rick was the guy.  I was so happy to see him this morning.  What a super, nice, pleasant and well spoken guy.  While he was here we talked hunting, sports and anything else along the way. He has a great laugh.  I was baking Toll House Cookies and had to send him on his way with a few for his morning snack.  Made me smile, he said, thanks, dang they smelled so good!  The mom and gramma in me won't quit!

If you live in the area there is a great Artisans Trail going on along RT 417 this weekend.  From potters, jewelry makers, wood working, etc.  You can pick up the booklet  that has the route and list of Artisans involved in the open house.  Looks like good weather for it!  Check it out, http://alleganyartisans.com/  Kay Brooks, one of my favorite potters will be open.   

Thought for the day, pass it on!  Whenever you can to make someone happy, it will make you happy too. 

Apple This and Apple That

I have touched about all the apples I care to for this year.  Apple cider is all pressed, Apple Jack is fermenting, apple sauce in the freezer and apple butter cooking in the crock pot today.  Tomorrow will be the last of what we do with apples for the season, freezing them for pies, cakes and apple crisp.  Like every fruit and vegetable this year it is a happy day to say, "another one down".   Winter squash will be cooked and in the freezer tomorrow and then I'm free unless there is a deer to be tended to. 

Thanks to our nephew J.R.. Hathaway for bring up this high tech cider press.  It cut
the work by 75% and time too! 

It has been busy this past week.  From gathering wild apples, buying apples, cider making for two days and all the canning.  The little cabin project has taken a back seat but by Saturday we should be back at it.  Decisions, decisions on what to do with what ever.  We had discussed having the insulation blown in but after much research and talking to a few that have had it done.....back to the rolled fiberglass.  I was looking forward to not doing rolled.  It requires long sleeves, face mask, gloves and cover as much skin as possible.  Itchy stuff.  I plan on wearing the oldest clothes we have and throwing them away when done with the job.  The wiring is 99% done so let the electric flow. 
The Amish will be here in two weeks to finish boxing in the eaves.  Dick has had some old barn wood stored in our barn for quite a few years.  Now it will get used.  Our grandson thought it would look good on the long wall in the living area that separates the bedroom.  I suggested putting it on the end closet wall that will also be seen from the living area.  It's all about building this cabin on a budget and sticking to it.  

A little food for thought..........I made a goulash/pizza casserole for Sunday's apple pressing.  Everyone said it was good, ya never know kindness from truth.  My opinion, I really liked it.  All I did was make the goulash with ground beef as usual .  Then layered it in a casserole dish with mozzarella cheese, grated cheese and pepperoni,  topped off with cheese on top, drizzled olive oil over and baked until bubbly and the cheese on top was slightly brown.  We even had enough for supper last night which as most leftovers do........taste great the second time around.

We have had a couple hard frosts here in Clara Valley.  The dahlias are now laying on the ground all black.  Now is the time to dig the tubers, spread them out and let them dry to be stored until planting season in the spring.  Another full circle at Cook'n by the Creek.  The grass is still growing with a vengeance and requires being mowed twice a week.  After the long, hot, dry spell this summer it is making up for the lack of growth.  The pastures and fields also need one last brush hogging before winter.  I think it helps give the fresh, tender, young growth a better chance to grow in the spring.  Plus it looks so nice to see the groomed fields from the house.  The last to be trimmed will be the asparagus, when it turns a golden color we will cut it back to a 1/2 inch from the ground and throw the cut tops on the mulch pile.  It's not good to leave them just die without cutting them back.  It leads to bugs and disease that could ruin the patch.  Many say to use salt around the asparagus to keep weeds from growing.  It does that but also makes for spindly asparagus to eat.  Best to keep the weeds down the old fashioned way......pull them and through them out of the garden.  The asparagus spears will be thick and tender this way.  That will about wrap up the outdoor work for us.  Maybe a little snow shoveling for the winter.

We have had a fig tree for 5 years, it was 6 inches tall
when we bought it.  This year was the first for figs.
From August 1 until this week we were enjoying
the sweetness.

This is what the inside of the fig looks like.  We started out sharing when one was ripe and
then it was......oh, I picked it and ate it.  Sorry

 Times a ticking, get out to enjoy the beautiful fall colors, crisp air and beautiful blue skies.

Harvest the American Spirit!

It has been harvest time and maybe time to harvest the American Spirit...we can do this!

Get outside and take a look around...........from the hills, fields, valleys, edges of the little and big streams, just look, it is an amazing view in NWPA and NWNY.  A simple ride to town or over the hill just keeps getting better.  It won't last long so now is the time to take a look.  Much too soon the beautiful fall colors will be on the ground, the trees will be bare allowing to see farther across the valleys and hills.  The animals will be more cautious in their travels.  Hunting season will be upon us.  Mother nature knows what she is doing when it comes to protection for the "wild things".  All summer the deer and fawns have been beautiful red and gold colors.  Now they will be turning a muted gray and brown to blend in with the gray and brown landscape for the next 6 months. 

Behind the garage our little cabin, soon we will be able to see it from the house, all of the leaves will be gone.

Now is the time to take a day trip to Wine Country around the Finger Lakes.  Roll the windows down and smell the aroma of grapes.  It is amazing as to how the grapes send off their beautiful goodness through the air.  The first time I smelled it was quite a shock, it just fills the air.  Along with the grapes on the vine are also the locals that set up little fruit and bakery stands.  There are plenty of them and they all sell the famous Concord Grape Pie.  Yum!  It is delicious, we always buy the little individual ones.  Why not a big pie?  We can eat the individual without a fork!   I'm good for two and a couple to bring home.  Hey, it's only a once a year thing so why not?  We never leave the area without a few bottles of our favorite wine from Lakewood Vineyards, just north of Watkins Glenn on Seneca Lake.  What a view of the lake. The wine is good but there is a guy that gives the tastings and he is awesome with conversation, knowledge and a few jokes.

Apple cider pressing has finally arrived.  Dick and I have been busy picking up apples.  Our friends, Dave and Kathy Ebeling were kind enough to stop by last week and ask if we would like apples from a couple of their trees.  Oh yeah!  They are Golden Delicious and Cortlands, perfect for pressing and a mix of flavor.  We will also get some wild ones.  Variety makes the tastiest cider.  Of course Dick will make a couple gallons of Apple Jack.

Work should get in full swing on the cabin next week.  The electric company got us all hooked up and turned on which means the saws will be moved over and ready to go.  Still waiting for Joe Mullet and his boys (Amish fellas) to get back and box in the eaves.  That will allow us to start the insulation to have a little heat when the days turn cold. 

I have been busy doing the final touches on a cookbook I am writing.  Dick is enjoying it because with just about every recipe I am making the food and taking pictures for the book.  This will be my favorite recipes and also a few tips and certain brands I like and why.  It started out for my kids and grandkids.  When I mentioned (a year ago) to some friends what I was doing they wanted one.  If interested just give me a call, message or email and I will write your name down.  Right now it looks like it is going to cost me $9.95 plus shipping per book.  As it gets closer I will know exactly how much the final cost is.  I will not make a penny on the cookbooks as I do not on my blog.  I only do what I do for my own enjoyment and entertainment.  Busy mind, busy hands keeps Cheryl just a "little crazy".

Last night was chicken and dumplings...........I needed a picture and that is about how our meals and treats have been decided lately.........I need a picture.

Light and fluffy dumplings, easy to make.  A side of cranberry sauce and that is supper!

When Fall Turns Cool

The between two meals meal............when your late for breakfast and too early for lunch.

The temperatures and views are changing daily.  Each day as we look at the valley and hills the lush green has turned to yellow/green, yellow, orange and red dotted throughout.  Once these colors set in it goes fast.  Enjoy the beauty because one day it will be, wow! the leaves are gone.  Then the hard daily frosts will be glistening in the early morning sun rays and maybe a few "Suzy Snow Flakes" tumbling down.  For us well seasoned people that song could be going through your mind today. 

The cabin has been taking up a big part of each day for us.  The cooler temperatures make it so much nicer.  No frequent breaks to cool down seems to get the work done much faster.  Dick has been busy finishing up the wiring.  I decided to prime and paint the siding and delay putting it up until there is electric at the cabin.  We only live across the road but what a pain walking back and forth to use the power saws.  Speaking of pain....priming the boards front, back and edges is a job I am not fond of!  The primer is thick and takes several strokes of the brush to get it spread even.  This may take until spring to finish all of them.  My goal is to get enough done to put up under the porch before it gets too cold to work outside. I am excited to see how the colors we chose look.

Last night I read the National Forecast for the upcoming winter here at Cook'n by the Creek.  They are predicting.............lots of snow!  Yes, that makes me happy for more reasons than x-country skiing that was little to none the last few winters.  Along with no snow for skiing came a very low and dangerous water table.  In the last week I have heard of two local springs going dry.  One is at the home of Kate Nichols on Rt. 44,  just before the Shinglehouse Borough.  This spring has provided water for the homestead for over a hundred years.  How sad.  The other spring belongs to the Regis family on Rt. 49.  They have a beautiful pond and hand pump by the road.  Many people stop to get a drink or fill their jugs there.  Gone, not a drop of water.  This has happened because of lack of winter snows with little accumulation.  We need snow and lots of it along with spring rains.  Every time I turn on the faucet I am so thankful to see water.  We have a well and yes they go dry too. 



On a walk around the property this 4 leaf clover
 jumped right out at me.

My Gramma Gross was the queen of finding 4 leaf clovers.  She would walk across the lawn and pluck one, hand it to me and say, see how easy they are to find.  It took me years to find one.  I would get so excited only to find out the one I saw was actually two clovers.  Eventually I was able to find the true 4 leaf clover for good luck.  Maybe not as often as Gramma.  One thing she said, never pick one with more than 4 leaves, that means bad luck.  I have found a few and no I don't pick them.  It's all about the luck of the 4 leaf clover around here.

I see today is National Coffee Day.  Coffee this morning was as always, Jamaican Me Crazy.  The temperature is cool and a light rain is falling.  Dick had to leave early to check the township roads and see what needs to be done before winter sets in.  Only time for a quick cup of coffee.  When he gets back it will be a breakfast/lunch for us.  Fresh homemade apple sausage that we bought in Tanneytown, MD.  The meat cutter does a great variety of sausages but apple is our favorite.  When visiting we bring a few packs back with us.  Along with the sausage will be buttermilk pancakes with corn from our garden in them.  This was a farm pancake we had for breakfast or supper during my younger years.  Corn in a buttermilk pancake may sound odd but they are good.  It's a toss up when I say, corn or blueberries today.  We like plain pancakes too.  Of course any kind of pancake is never complete without "real" maple syrup.  We are lucky to have a few good maple producers in our area.  One lives right up the road from us which makes it very convenient when we are running low on the golden goodness.  Bob Graves and Rathbuns are two producers that take pride in their product.

Just Another Day in Paradise

Even though fall is officially not here just like any other season's arrival it has started to show signs more and more every day.  Heavy fog that keeps the grass and lawn furniture wet until at least 1 pm.  Lawn mowing now takes place in late afternoon.  That's a good thing since I have been busy canning.  The last of the pears were canned this morning.  Since I still have a dozen empty jars left they might as well be filled with apple pie filling.  Now to get out on the back roads and find some good wild apples.  We are planning on Sunday being "hunt for wild and free" apples.  It is almost time to do a little squeezing....apples that is.  So to all our friends and family, save those jugs if you want them filled with good old fashioned apple cider from Cook'n by the Creek.  We plan on at least one weekend of squeezing and if that doesn't give everybody enough cider we will be open for business another weekend.  Just want to keep everybody happy and entertained. 

As I was finishing up the pears this morning it made me think of my favorite things.  One is the vegetable/fruit peeler I bought in Troutman, North Carolina.  We had gone to a horse/mule/donkey, just about anything you want to buy auction.  It is a 4 day affair starting on Thanksgiving Day.  There are vendors set up all around with some mighty neat things for sale.  Two guys are always there selling this type of peeler.  Now let me tell ya, it is dangerous...as in I have used it for 4 years and still sharp as a new razor blade.  Lucky this year I only lost the end of my fingernail on the pinky!  I can't say enough about these things.  On the right side by the blade is a little loop for digging out bad spots.  Does it ever.  One swipe and job is done.  So handy and makes the job so much easier.  I looked for a company or name on it but none.  If I ever get back to Troutman, more will be mine. They have a smooth, a fine serrated and a course serrated blade.  All are my favorites for various jobs in the kitchen. 

Check out the little side thing (no idea what to call it) that is so slick to use.

This makes peeling a snap.

The shelves are full just waiting for the first snow flakes to fall and then it is a go to enjoy all winter and spring  from the 2016 garden.

We are happy at the progress (our part) of cabin work.  For the last week Dick has been working on the wiring and we both have been building the walls for the living/kitchen area, closets and bathroom.  Pleasing to smell the fresh cut pine 2x4s that Enos cut from our pine trees.  We are using them up quickly with a few left over for whatever.  Someone was talking that he needed a new table saw since his was so old (it really is) and would make our work much easier (it really will).  As you figured it didn't take too much convincing me, actually none.  Home Depot had just what we needed, no over kill but big enough to carry this job through to the end.  As described........it's a beauty.  I have other things I would put in the beauty category but that's for another purchase.

There is the wall between the bedroom and living area.

Bathroom and closet.

That hunting stool is handy for putting in receptacles.  Check it out, 3rd Group
Special Forces shirt.  Proud and blessed our soldiers served for a total of 32 years.

A little down time while I am waiting to be needed to hold a board or two.  I have a hard
time standing around doing nothing.....can't stay focused.  When I am suppose
 to be holding something and get bored I tend to wander in thoughts.
Stay focused someone keeps telling me!

It's that time of the year to enjoy the beautiful fall heading our way.

Did I say Never?

One thing I learned a long time ago.  Never and I mean never try a new recipe for dinner guests.  Sunday I went against my own advice.  It was a moment yes do it, no don't be crazy and for some reason yes do it ,won.  I am out of lard and really worried I will not find someone butchering this fall  willing to sell me some leaf fat for rendering.  Sad, tough times ahead for my baking I really like the success of pie crusts using lard.  It is also great for frying the old fashioned doughnut call a fried cake.  Gramma Carrie Gross taught me how to make them.  While at the Amish the other day I had to buy..................a Crisco type shortening for some of my recipes.  Usually I use a crust recipe my niece gave me and it is delicious.  On the shortening I bought was a recipe for pie crust.  Like I said, for some reason I decided to try it.  The crust was easy to roll out, pick up and put in place plus it is flaky and I mean flaky!   One lonesome piece of apple pie left and that will be for the guy that takes such good care of me. 

Still liking the "old type" coffee maker, the percolator.  Giant in Wellsville grinds
the coffee for the coarseness needed to have a good perk.

Recipe for pie crust.....yes it is good
3 cups of flour  (sifted)  or use the best flour no sifting required, King Arthur
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup cold water
1/4 cup oil
In a large bowl put flour and salt, cut in the shortening.  Make a well in the center and add the wet ingredients, mix gently until a dough is formed.  Do not over work as it will make the crust tough.  This is always true with pastries.  Bread and rolls you want to work the dough for a great bread and crust texture.  It needs to have the elasticity that kneading provides.  Back to the pie crust, next roll the dough on a lightly floured board to the desired size and thickness.  Depending on the size of your pie pans as to how many pies the crust will make.  I used a large one and have enough left to make a smaller pie today.  Coconut Cream on the menu for tonight.  On the top of the pie crust before baking I brush milk or half and half and sprinkle sugar to give it that extra wow look.  For the apple pie I mixed cinnamon with the sugar before sprinkling.
I preheat the oven at *400 until the top crust starts to get a golden brown and then drop the temp to *365 until the pie is done. 

Saturday we went to an estate sale on the Eleven Mile Road.  As I have said before, it is sad to see the belongings of a family being sold and gone forever.  There really wasn't anything we needed or wanted but I just couldn't leave without a little something.  I looked and looked until I saw this little flower vase cast aside on a window sill.  When I took it to the gal cashing out the buyers and asked her how much she said a $1.00.  So it is mine, already cleaned and holding a garden dahlia and a clipping from my African Violet.  No matter the size and cost it fit the bill for what I will use it for.

A unique little vase.

 Yesterday Dick and our nephew Trent hauled the lumber cut out of our White Pines from Enos Mast near Belmont, NY.  Thanks to Trent for hauling our son in laws trailer with his beautiful GMC Truck!  Family is good to us, sometimes we feel too needy!   It was exciting to bring the wood  home.  Like humans the pine has come full circle.  From a tiny seed that grew into huge trees and now its final resting place.............the cabin.  We left 4 large mother pines to insure the White Pine Stand will continue like it has since the late 1800s.  Three things I love, the smell of fresh cut grass, the ocean surf, horses and new lumber.  I have a thing for lumber, from the looks of  the many different grains of the wood depending on the type, to the feel and of course the smell.  I can see why cabinet makers enjoy their work.  The old time cabinet makers are few and far between but we are lucky to have a guy right here in Shinglehouse, Roy Phillips, that does beautiful custom work.  Although we have never had him build something for us we have heard what wonderful work he does.  You know all the advertising in the world is not as fruitful as word of mouth.  It can make you or break you,  take pride and be honest in what you do, it will give you respect for yourself. 

Setting on the stack of 1,500 board feet of lumber waiting for the boss
so we can unload it.  This is what 7am, one cup of coffee, no make-up
and uncombed hair looks like.  Who is that old woman!

The two very top slabs are 2" X 32" X 9'.  Enos is pretty darn proud of these pieces that will be the kitchen counter top, island top and bathroom vanity top.  It is as wide as his saw will cut and they only have a couple knots in them.......nice lumber the old trees gave us. One more load on Thursday and we will have a total of  3,000 board feet.  Siding, flooring, ceiling and some 2" X 4" X 8' for studding in the walls.  Enos bought all the extra we didn't need which was 4,000 board feet.  That's a lot of sawing!

Dick has just about finished the electric and the inspector called today and said he will be here next week one day.  That is going to make life a whole lot easier since we have been carrying wood back and forth to our house to cut.  No wonder we have been so hungry lately or the winter mode is taking over. 

Double Cream

Just when I thought it was safe to say the humidity and heat had let up Friday and Saturday proved me wrong.  Wow, what a couple of 2 shower days to be working outside.  We try to spend a few hours working on the cabin every day.  Friday we hauled the leftover sheeting and lumber from the cabin over to our barn.  Then we put  10" wide by 20' long sheeting on the bottom of the camp, all 60'.    Pounding those looooooooooooong nails in and then stapling the weather tyvec over it.  Two jobs done and now on to the next.  Pulling wire, setting electrical boxes and laying out the floor plan for the walls.  Not hard work and once this heat and humidity exits Clara we will be good to go.  By 3 pm we were ready for a shower and food.  Nothing at Cook'n by the Creek, I was ready for an easy meal.  Our favorite Mexican Restaurant in Allegany was the destination.  Thoughts of a big Marqarita was on my mind too.  Then I saw the price, certainly not worth $8.  A glass of Abbey Rose wine from Lakewood Winery in Watkins Glenn will be just fine when I get  home.  Yep, I'm that cheap....or call it having my priorities straight.  The meal was delicious as usual and we topped it off with a coffee from Tim Hortons with double cream of course.  There is something about T.H. cream.

Dick's favorite, Poblano Peppers stuffed with beef and cheese.  I usually get
Tamales but tonight I changed it up.  It is my new pick.  Seasoned chicken rolled in a
floured tortilla, baked and drizzled with a cream sauce and a chipotle sauce.  It's good!

The car has been down right dirty the last few days.  All those short cut dirt roads we take to Coudersport, North Bingham and Genesee.  We just can't resist taking them, so beautiful, quiet and never know what we will see as far as wild animals go.  Just a nice slow ride over the creeks, through the woods and hills.  The car got an unexpected wash while on our way to Olean.  The sky got dark and thunder clouds were rolling, then the wind and rain started.  My first thought, get the dust off this car.  It did but the car still needs a good hand washing..... one of these days.  For now it will have to do since we are off to pick up a bushel of pears and horse feed, both places on a dirt road.

The last blog I mentioned an old riding lawn mower we found in the garage and posted a picture of it.  Then for some reason I decided to google antique mowers.  Here is what I found, so close to the one we have that had been refurbished. Beautiful, at least I see the beauty.  So you guessed it, not going to junk it.  One of these days when the cabin is done, the chicken coop built and nothing to do (right!) we will start working on the old mower. 


If our redo looks half this good I will be satisfied! 

Sunday! The humidity and high temperatures left us.  No complaints from us, hello coolness.   Perfect day to make bread for the roast beef dinner that I had decided on Friday to make for Sunday Dinner.  I looked ahead at the temperatures and Sunday was the winner.  In the high 60s, beautiful cool breeze and I can light the oven without the air on.  It was a long over due invite for two friends that we enjoy talking about everything with.  Right now the house is smelling so good, I've missed those smells and back to basic suppers.  Roast beef, cooked in the pressure cooker (how else would I do it) so fast and makes it fork tender.  With the beef will be gravy, whipped potatoes (yes, mine have lumps), maple glazed carrots, green beans, pickled beets and of course homemade farm bread.  Desert is apple pie.  Just a good old fashioned Sunday meal.  I laugh over some of the recipes I read.  They take whipped or mashed potatoes and add bacon, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, etc.  Why ruin a good thing?  The same goes for just about any good old type of food, load it up with what ever, just because.  I don't get it,  more work and more ingredients than necessary.  I can here the pressure cooker singing its tune, at that point it will be 40 minutes and the roast will be done with a good juice for gravy.  I would have loved to have taken a picture of the guys and their plates full but how do I say, wait!  Don't touch that food until I take a picture! 

During my down time I have been knitting socks for winter gifts.  I was surprised to do the count and have already finished 4 pair. My three little grandsons have put in an order, they want their favorite football team colors, 2 Steelers, 1 Ravens.  I'm on a mission and hope to find the colors in sock yarn.    It is much easier to work on something for a bit, put it away,  not look at it for a few days or even a week.  That way boredom doesn't set in for me.  Alpaca and Merino  wool are my favorites but it has to be the washable type.  There are so many beautiful colors and hand dyed variegated yarn now.  I always have a tough time deciding what ones to buy.  I tend to go in streaks, picking one color in different shades.  This summer it was pinks, purples, light and dark variegated.  I guess I better into the boy colors and styles soon.  Times a ticking.

Looks like the week is going to be quite delightful...take time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Another Buried Treasure

Days around here have a new routine.  It has turned into a 2 meal day.  So today I decided a hearty breakfast will be the start of our busy days.  I save food like this for Sunday morning or an evening meal.  Not now, we need food to get us through the day.  8 am breakfast and around 3 pm for supper.  That way we can take a break, relax and do more cabin work during the cool evenings.  Not that we are in a hurry......Buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy and blackberry jelly for a plain biscuit. 

Yesterday while cleaning out the old garage  we decided to refurbish I found an old handmade tool box.  My usual ohhhh, look what I found.  Dick had already checked it out and just knew when I got a look it would be mine to be used for something.  Two things in mind, a magazine holder for the cabin interior décor or to be filled with seasonal flowers, branches, etc with a little light strand strung throughout.  Not sure what to do but even Dick had a great idea, paint WELCOME and the established date of the cabin on it..that is a must!  He is getting right into this cabin styling.
I also found 3 cans, a tobacco can, a tiny oil can and a charcoal lighter can. All made in the USA.   They will be cleaned up and put on a shelf somewhere in the cabin along with the old coke bottle and Hires Root Beer can we found.  Worth nothing but some great memories and thoughts.

The hand built tool box.

A few keepers to be used for deco in the cabin.

The walls inside the garage are lined with barn wood.  I am going to guess the wood came from the old Doc Stevens barn.  She is the doctor that owned and lived on the land in the 1800s and early 1900s that  we now own.  I have heard the story that Bill Hathaway tore down the barn and built his house from the wood.  Stands to reason this barn wood came from that barn since the garage was owned by Bill's son Monty.  Heck, Bill probably built the tool box from the same wood.  The wood is very wide and in perfect condition, every crafters dream.  It will stay right where it is for the next owner to decide, enjoy the old garage or build a new one.

How about this lawn mower?  It was also buried in the ruble.....I can not remember ever seeing one like it.  It will go for scrap, I have my limit on what to keep and what to toss.  This is definitely a toss.

I would like to know just how old this lawn mower is!

We planned on putting the last window in and doing a little trim work on Labor Day.  A call from our daughter at 8 am asking if we wanted to go for a bike ride. we were more than happy to change our plans.  No, not a Harley Bike ride those days are over but on a bike.  All the bikes were loaded on racks and off we went to the Pine Creek Rail Trail.  It is the old railroad track that has been made into a beautiful 64 mile groomed trail. Right through the PA Grand Canyon!  We started near Ansonia right off RT 6 and rode...........................11 miles round trip.  It is quite level but the 5.5 miles back was at a slight incline even though it didn't look it.  My legs said, oh yes, it is up hill!  We made it, of course the kids, Amber and Jim, were waiting for the "oldies".  We made it, no matter what the time was.  The day was amazingly beautiful and the trail was well shaded with only a few openings of sunshine.  One thing for sure along the trail and Pine Creek the mountains are very high and very close together so the ceiling for open sky is minimal.  High noon is for sure, maybe a couple hours added on and that's it the sun is behind trees and hills most of the day.  I would call the hills mountains down that way, steep and high! Dick said, how would ya like to hunt down here.  It is straight up.  No thank you our hills in Clara are high enough for me.  Plus no rattler snakes.  The temperature was perfect, views more than gorgeous and the company best of all. 
 


Stopping for a break on the Pine Creek Rail Trail.  Amber brought homemade banana bread!



Left side for walkers and bikes, right side for horse riders and the horse drawn wagon ride.

The Turkey Path if you want to venture off the beaten trail.  The rocks are huge and
if we hadn't had such a dry summer the water would be flowing more
making for a few waterfalls.  Not this year.

Pine Creek that the Rail Trail runs along side of.  Hard to believe that certain
times of the year rafting and kayaking can be enjoyed on this.

The fall is a great time to get out and enjoy the simple, free things in life...Enjoy the days ahead.

 

Estate Sales

We travel the Eleven Mile road at least once a week and quite often more than that.  For the last couple weeks" there has been a sign in front of the Dailey Residence, estate sale.  This is the only house I remember the family living in.  It is a big house built long ago.  Jimmy Dailey was in my class during our school years at Oswayo Valley.  Jimmy, like his family are very nice and pleasant.  His mom and dad raised not only their own children in this house but also many foster children that they treated like their own.  They also took care of a few elderly woman that could no longer care for themselves.  That tells you what kind of parents they were, much love and lots of caring to give.  Well the parents have passed and now is the time to sort through, keep what is most important and sell the rest.  It must be a very emotional time for families to get ready for an estate sale.  Yesterday when we drove by I saw a guy that was one of the foster children walking through the yard.  I imagine every step he took was with memories and thoughts of the wonderful couple that raised him.  He was like a son to them. 

We will be going to the sale, not that we need anything but I try to pick up a memento of people I knew all my life and respected.  I can remember Mrs. Dailey coming into the Market Basked 36 years ago when I worked there.  I called her and another lady the "2 cart customers".  Once a week they filled 2 carts for their weekly needs.  Needs, yes they had many to feed.  Three meals a day plus the extras.  Everything made from scratch, no fast food in their carts.  Like many living on a budget.  It was a quiet, keep to myself guessing game on how much their total bill would be.  Actually the total didn't vary too much from week to week.  It probably depended on how much canned goods were used up or how low the freezer was getting on beef and pork from the farm. 

This will be the second estate sale we have attended on Eleven Mile and have been to two in Shinglehouse.  All people I knew, all parents of kids I went to school with.  I have a few chickens setting around I bought at the estate sale of Bunk and Dot Bailey and from the estate sale of Leo and Marie Stout, a couple china tea cups and a few old cookbooks.  Did I need the "stuff"?  No,  it is a different kind of need, emotional.  A reminder of what was and will never be again.  Driving by houses that have long since be vacated by past families and filled with the younger generation.  Sad, maybe at times but too many fond memories of the families to feel sorrow.  Someday, someone may wonder the same thoughts of our "stuff". 

The cabin is getting attention daily.  The best part, no hurry, no worry.  We work a little, rest a little on the front porch and watch our crazy dog going even more crazy chasing chippers, aka chipmunks, he is obsessed with them.  I think one of the chippers taunts him just to hear him bark. 

Four windows in one more to go tomorrow.  We cleaned the wood out of the old garage that Dick had saved from the house he tore down to make room for the cabin.  We hauled it to the back by the garden, covered it and when we feel the want............build a new chicken coup.  Nothing fancy, it will be on wheels to move it around so they will always have grass rather than mud.  Why?  Because I have lost 10 of my beautiful Australorps to Coyotes in the past two months.  Only this breed because the are the most gentle trusting chickens ever!  We have always let our chickens free range, now it is time to fence them in.  I hate to but no choice the coyotes are getting them during the day.  At night we lock them in the coup.

Back of the cabin, window on the left is in the kitchen.  Window on the right, bathroom.



First load headed out back for a new chicken coup.



Next load and it will be all cleaned out making room for the new lumber coming
from Enos.  He has been cutting the lumber from our White Pines which will be used for
 siding, floors, ceiling and partition walls. 

Sun Dance

This morning we had coffee on the back deck which is our usual unless the snow is flying.  I was wrapped in a blanket all snuggled in with a hot cup of coffee and the darkness of morning.  YES!  I was awakened very early with the smell of Jamaican Me Crazy brewing.  That is playing dirty.....5:45 am....I would rather see 6:30 am.  So in the dark we sat waiting for the sun to come up.  That cool fall breeze rustling the poplar leaves was the only sound to be heard.  Very quiet, the rest of the valley (non retired folks) will soon be headed out to work.  Until that time we are more less in a quiet zone.  No coyotes this morning, the hens and roosters are still on roost and not even a wild animal out and about.  It's mid morning as I type and still rather quiet around here. 

Have you noticed the apple trees, wild and tame?  They are loaded, branches are bent low to the ground and some have even split from the main trunk.  Shall we start making predictions of what this means?  Like supplying food for the wild animals for a long cold and deep snow of winter.  I have no clue, not even the Farmer's Almanac can be right with their predictions.  I did read the snow drifts will be as high as the weeds grow.  If that's the case we are in for some serious snow fall.  Golden Rod, Milkweed and other weeds are plentiful and very tall this year.  Not only are there apples aplenty but hickory nuts, butternuts and beechnuts are many.  It's been a few years since we have seen so many beechnuts.  During small game season years ago we would set near a beechnut tree and munch away while watching for squirrels.  Our favorite place was at the top of the hill behind Madalyn and Ezz Drake's farm.  It's actually the top of the ridge between Karr Hollow and Wapsena Rd.  Lots of beechnuts and squirrels.  Beautiful to be out with the colors of fall and falling leaves.  On a warm sunny day it was tough to stay awake!  Tip your head back, smell the woods all clean and fresh, listen to the birds and drift away...  Gosh, can you tell fall and hunting has consumed my thoughts?  Just that time of the year.

The day was cool which made working on the cabin so much nicer.  We now have one window  and a door in. Four more windows to go.  Every little finished job makes us smile, stand back and admire our little cabin.  400 sq. ft. for the inside.  Every sq. ft. will be used wisely.  One 9 x 10 bedroom, a 5 x 8 bathroom and the rest is kitchen/living room with 3 closets throughout.  It will be interesting to see the finished project.  The mind keeps turning with ideas but which ones work will be another thing. 

We wanted a full view door and was lucky to find one marked down at Fassett Lane in
Wellsville, $249.  The gal that waited on us said, that door has been
 around along time, let me see if I can get more knocked off.  That she did, $209! 
 

 

Yes, he is threatening me with a utility cutter!  Actually today would have been a
good day for a video of us working together.  We did not have one fight or yell at
each other.  It helps the Amish had a level and plum building for us to work with.

It doesn't take much to entertain me.  The bush was blowing outside
our bedroom window making this little "sun dance" on the wall.
Such a true sign of fall with the sun coming in now.
 

Cinnamon, Cloves and Ginger

One of the fall smells is coming out of my kitchen today. A dream day, cool enough to light the oven and bake big, soft Old Fashioned Molasses cookies.  The cinnamon, cloves and ginger smell like a scented candle burning as the cookies bake.  Some will have granulated sugar sprinkled on and some will have a light dusting of confectioners sugar.  Either way they won't last long.  Half will go to my daughter since this kind is one of her favorites.  She's our little "gingersnap".  I'm not sure which side of the family her hair color came from since both sides had beautiful auburn/brown hair.  It's nice to look at your children and see a resemblance to family members.  Her quick walk or almost run is my mom.  I remember several people telling me, your mom never walked she would run.  Always something to do and in a hurry to get it done.  Take a while to think, not the obvious traits but just that little something that reminds you of a loved one in your own children and grandchildren. 

Molasses cookies, recipe is Eleanor Staviskys.

Finally the last of the corn was picked and put in the freezer.  It's a messy job but somebody has to do it.  It doesn't take as long as tomatoes or green beans so the day in the kitchen ended early.  I kept a couple ears of corn out to roast in butter,  the beginning of corn chowder, Cook'n by the Creek style.  Add some sweet red pepper, onion, smoked brats sliced, milk and cream.  That has been simmering for about an hour.  Last week I made Naan bread for the first time.  We both are hooked.  Very easy and not as time consuming as regular white bread.  No oven to light.  Once the dough is mixed and rests for an hour it is rolled out to about a quarter inch thick, lightly spread with butter and fried in a hot cast iron fry pan. As the recipe says, smok'n hot.   Maybe 2 minutes on each side or until little bubbles form that get medium brown in color.  Once done you can sprinkle it with coarse salt, garlic powder, spicy seasonings or sugar and cinnamon for a desert bread.  We like it with garlic and salt.  The bread keeps well and reheating makes it like the day you made it.  It is also good to use as a sandwich bread by folding it in half. 

Garlic and coarse salt to go with the soup.  Plain for sandwiches tomorrow.

The cabin has been resting for a few days.  We had a much needed fun trip to visit our 4 grandchildren (and their parents :) It was only for 3 nights, just enough to revive us.  Nothing better than little ones to give a bright perspective on life.  Such innocent, easy to please little people.  Oops started to day dream about the trip.....the cabin, yes.  Dick is busy getting electric wire run, holes drilled and wire pulled through the 2/6's in the cabin.  Then there shall be light to work by when the darkness sets in earlier and earlier each afternoon.  I looked up at the clock last night and thought,  8:30 and it is already dark!  There will also be a little electric heater to take the chill away.  I thought when we built our house I had made the remark, never again.  Never say never.  The only thing I really dread is dry wall.  I can still smell the mud used on the seams and screw holes.  Not looking forward to it but being a small cabin may make it tolerable.  Maybe.....

Looking out the window I see a sure sign hunting season is just around the corner.  There is Dick and Kent target shooting with their bows.  Dick has given in and now uses a crossbow.  Easier on the old shoulder.  The first year he used it was 3 years ago and beginners luck was on his side.  He got a nice 6 point, nice to him....our antler hunting grandsons would have never given it a second glance.  They wait for the big one.  You know the horns are very tasty.  Inside joke with their gramps.  They all practice shooting for weeks making sure they hit the right spot and the buck doesn't get away.  Many long dark nights they trailed a wounded one until they found it.  All part of the excitement of the hunt.  Plus it makes for a great hunting story for our "hunter's supper" in November.

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.