The 4 Seasons

 Part 1

Living in NW Pennsylvania, Potter County and our little township of Clara, the 4 seasons rule what is going on at Cook'n by the Creek.  We all have our favorite time of the year.  I am not sure I can really pick just one.  They all bring a special happening to me.  

Fall, the beauty of the hills, hunting, cold nights, crisp blue sky days and all the beautiful root vegetables, squash, cabbage and pumpkins.  A hot cup of coffee watching out the window first thing in the morning.  Day light is getting less which means a time to  get ready for winter.  Take care of lawn furniture, put the flower beds to sleep and rake leaves.  Side by Side rides around the dirt roads of Clara and Hebron Townships.  At least once a day Ellie and I go for the rides.  She is my faithful watch dog that makes sure nothing gets in her territory!

With the cooler days come my knitting projects.  Summer is too uncomfortable to have a knitting project on my lap.  Last spring I started a Nordic sweater from Icelandic wool.  I had knit 3 grandsons sweaters first.  They wear them all winter long, working outside and hunting.  They can wear wool comfortably, me, absolutely not.  It feels like a thousand pins sticking me.  So, why am I knitting me one?  They are the best to wear out on a cold winter's day.  I wear a turtle neck under it, that way the wool does not touch me.  With a Nordic sweater made from Icelandic wool it serves its purpose.  Light weight, not bulky and easy to more around in on my winter hikes and snow shoeing.  Plus it is excellent for wicking the wetness away

Fall also brings baking, cookies, banana bread, date and nut bread, orange cranberry bread for the freezer.   Of course cinnamon rolls for my friends that appreciate them.  Sourdough survival, from bread to bagels.  This year I hope to master English Muffins and focaccia.  That will be another post on my granddaughter-in-law.  I taught her sourdough and she has taken it above and beyond.

Speaking of food and fall, let's not forget the most famous season of all,  hunting!  With that brings fresh venison for the freezer.  Pickled heart and tongue.  I know, most of you are thinking, no way.  As a farm girl I was brought up on beef heart, liver and tongue.  A couple of my kids and grand kids enjoy them too.  A friend gave me beef heart and liver from a beef cow that was butchered.  The heart is in jars with onion, garlic and pickling spices just waiting for next week when it will be ready.  Comfort food from my young farm life.

Fall is also a time to travel.  North Carolina to visit the Bryant kids, relax and of course go to their beach place to snoop around Southport, thrift stores, cafes and maybe visit family at Myrtle Beach for a day. 

We are creatures of habit, some things never change, some things do.  Like it or not, make the best of what you have and how your life goes on.  Remember, always Pass it On.  That one or more things you can teach others, young or old is something that can never be taken away.

                          One of 4 Nordic sweaters.   Soon to be 6 as this is my winter peace time. 

When my granddaughter stayed Potter County Fair week she learned to measure and bake cupcakes and cookies for her fair entry.  The smile says it all.  This is a "Pass it On" day.

Thank you for reaching out to tell me how pleased you are to see Cook'n by the Creek back at it.  I forgot how much I enjoy it.