C, C & C

The true sign of what is to come.  The Christmas Cactus.
I believe this one is a Thanksgiving Cactus!

Now that "the book" is out of my hands but still in my thoughts I have time to think of silly things.  Today we were suppose to put insulation up in the cabin ceiling.  With a warning of wear something with a smooth texture (so the insulation won't stick to clothes), hat, safety glasses and face mask it just wasn't something I wanted to do.  But.........if it's gonna get done then..........."let's do it Drampa"  as our one grandson would  say.  Remember the old saying?  All dressed up and no where to go.  That was me.  I was covered from head to toe ready to hand insulation up and hold on to it while Dick stapled it in place.  Well, he forgot the eave "thingies" because I don't know what they are called so thingies sounds perfect.  No insulation put up today.  Off to hunting by noon he went and won't be back until just about dark.  I packed him sandwiches, pepperoni, cheese, crackers, drinks and of course candy.  I have the afternoon to knit socks and write a blog.  I love when I have tons of "stuff" swirling around in my mind for blogs.  Just where do I start?

The 3 C's of course.  This morning while thinking of my favorite things it came to me like a lightning strike.  My gosh the 3 things I love to eat or drink all start with the letter C.  How does that happen?  I bet I am not the only one that has C, C & C for their favorite eats.  My day starts with one, sometime during the day or evening I have another one and at least once or twice a week the third one.  Have you figured out what they are? 
COFFEE, CHOCOLATE & CHEESE
A real treat is a hot cup of Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee with a piece of dark chocolate.  It was funny a while back I made coffee one afternoon for us and convinced my husband to try a piece of chocolate with his coffee too.  His eyebrows went up and said, "that's good"!  The next time you have both on hand give it a try.  Just one more thing to crave......coffee and chocolate.  Cheese is a little different but I sure do like a good sharp cheese and soda crackers. Not to mention a slice on a piece of apple pie!  My friend just mentioned it was her dad's favorite.....Shinglehouse Cheese and Apple Pie.  Ruben Donovan what a "gentleman".   Last week in Aldis (they have the best German Chocolates) I bought a round of White Cheddar Cheese with Cranberries in it.  Delicious nutty flavor.  It was lunch on my own today so that is exactly what I had and for afternoon treat on my own, coffee and a piece (or two) of dark chocolate.


 

There is lunch on my own!

The mornings are heavy frosts which have about taken all the leaves off the trees.  The fields are turning a yellowish tan with few areas of green left.  Dick picked up a bowl of Chestnuts last week from the land the cabin sets on.  He was so excited to watch two Chestnut Trees growing over there.   On a hunting day with our grandson about 12 years ago on top of the ridge in front of our house Dick recognized an American Chestnut Tree growing.  This guy knows nature!  Just one big old tree.  It was in the fall and nuts had fallen to the ground so he picked up a few.  The next spring he planted them across the road on the hillside and two grew from the nuts.   He has faithfully been watching them grow and mature.  This is the first year they flowered and had nuts on them!  How exciting considering they were from a wild American Chestnut Tree.  You see a century ago there was a blight that killed all but a few of the trees.  The American Chestnut was an important part of settlers life and survival.  From wood for log cabins and the nuts for food.  The tree grows rapidly and produce nuts at an early age.  This is one of the reasons it was such a sought after stand of timber to find.  Rather than me go on about it if you have an interest in knowing about them here is a link that is very well written and informative.  http://www.esf.edu/chestnut/background.htm

The American Chestnuts from the 2 trees Dick planted.
They will be planted next spring.

Time for that C & C, do a little knitting and think of my next adventure to keep this mind in overdrive!  Busy hands, busy mind!

Elegant Ladies

Yesterday was a perfect day to take my crocheting and Maple Tea to the back deck for a couple hours.  There are still a few poplar leaves floating down in the gentle breeze and sun reflecting off our big, handsome, black horse in the pasture.  Morning chores were my duty. On the way to the barn three deer ran through the field and they were on a mission to get in the woods.  Made me wonder, what made them decide to go in where they did.  They must know the best way to avoid danger.  I was telling Dick about it and he said on his way to work there was a truck parked at the end of Clara.  That is why the deer were so spooked, hunters! 

Peace in the valley.

Other than enjoying the temperature and views while crocheting I started thinking of people from long ago and women that I was always so impressed with from Shinglehouse.  Women long since left their earthly beings.  Most of these women I passed their homes and more than likely they would be setting by a window so I could...............yes, window peek!  I love doing that, no matter where I am.  The first lady is Hattie Gibson.  Her home in and out was neat as a pin.  There is an old saying, neat as a pin.  Makes you wonder, why is a pin neat?  Her windows always sparkled, curtains hung perfect, the chair and side stand had a lamp, doily and plant on it.  She would set there looking out the window.  What a beautiful lady too!  It seemed like she was always in that chair.  Now as I set here looking out my windows I know her reason. 

Another lady was Sara Pearsall.  The window view in her house was a beautiful long dining room table.  Her house was also beautiful.  Unfortunately time and buyers of the big two story house has not been kind to it.  It is hard to believe it was once an admired stately home of Shinglehouse.  Sara was often setting at the table, reading, eating?   I have not a clue since it was quite high off the sidewalk and only the tops of the chairs and people setting could be viewed.  It just looked so beautiful in there. 

Kathryn Press, I did go in her home once a week to do her hair in the late 1960s and 1970s.  I loved that house, big and spacious with so many beautiful things throughout.  Her bathroom was huge, pink plush carpet and HOT!  We would do her hair in the "hot bathroom".  At times I thought I would faint it was so hot!  It took about an hour and a half to do her long, long hair.  Wash, curl, dry and then tease it into the French Twist upsweep, I was about cooked.  All for $3.00, which was big money back then. 

Another fascinating lady was Coral Hardy.  I never window peeked or was in her house and can only imagine how she decorated it.  She was a world traveler with her husband during his working years.    She would come in the Market Basket where I worked and was always "decked out".  Which means she had beautiful jewelry on, lots of it, from all over the world.  Her clothes were colorful and all up to date styles.  She always wore red lipstick, eye shadow, mascara and looked like she was ready to hop on a jet and visit exotic places.  What a joy Coral was to talk to.  Just a pleasant, smiling, classy lady that could tell some great stories of her world travels and places she lived.

That was quite an afternoon of reminiscing of ladies from years ago.  It's nice to take the time and  think of what was.  Like everyone, things (stuff) and what we have done, all just a memory.  Respect is what brings many people back to mind for me. 

The rain has moved in for the day, off to the basement!  Today I will be starting "QUILT #10 for our soon to be "one year old"  granddaughter, Sloan.  Shades of purple and gray with an X and O block theme. Hugs and Kisses little girl.

Take time to think back of people that you enjoyed in your life.  Let the good shine through!

The little chest my daughter made me way back in
1997.  It has pansies from our garden on the top.  I love it!

When the Swamp is Filled

The old saying, we won't have a winter until the swamps are filled.  Dick came from the barn and told me Clara Creek is still full.  I'm assuming the swamps are too. Rain has set in for the day and at times a nice steady rain.  We sure have needed days like this.  It takes some stressful thoughts away about the well going dry.  Rainy days and Sundays, perfect!

Today is the first fall meal of the season.  Even though the temperatures are in the high 50s it will be a boiled dinner day with Amber, Jim and Kirk.  When I make boiled dinner it is enough for many and many days of leftovers.  Free meals!   I cooked a Calley Ham in my pressure cooker.  It takes about an hour to be fall off the bone tender and juicy.  Covering it on a platter it sets until the vegetables are done.  First the turnip goes in the broth and simmered until fork tender then it goes in a large bowl.  Cabbage is next to be cooked in the broth, put in the bowl.  Carrots, same thing and finally the potatoes.  Once everything is cooked ham and veggies all go back it the large pot with the broth to set for a few hours.  About 30 minutes before dinner I reheat it.  Years ago I cooked the ham for an hour and then added all the vegetables at once.  What happened was the turnip was just right and everything else was too soft or mushy.  I like doing everything separate avoiding some overcooked veggies.  Homemade buttermilk biscuits and cornbread on the side and for dessert...............warm ginger bread with lemon sauce and whipped cream on top.  That is what's cook'n at Cook'n by the Creek today.  That ginger bread is going to make the house smell like fall for sure.

Ginger bread with lemon sauce and whipped cream.
Dick is getting so use to me making something and taking
a picture before he eats it he decided to fancy it up!

If you are of age you probably know what a Calley Ham is.  It is called a Picnic Ham or pork shoulder.  They are not hams at all.  Hams come from the hind quarters and the Calley or Picnic comes from the front shoulder.  They are tougher and need longer cooking time than a traditional ham.  You can boil it for an hour, then bake it covered in a 360 degree oven for a few hours or until tender.  They are also wonderful when glazed with a brown sugar or maple glaze.  Never did they cost more than 89 cents a pound and 39 cents on sale. Now I am happy to find one for less than $2. a pound.  These hams are wonderful for boiled dinners with their rich flavor and smoky taste.  Makes for a great broth too.  If I plan on making bean soup with no plans for a ham dinner I buy a few ham hocks to simmer for the flavoring and broth, plus there is just enough meat on them for the soup.  Ham hocks are fully cooked with a very smoky flavor.  Great for homemade noodles too!  You can find them in the ham and pork section of the meat department. 

Cabin news!   Electric is all wired in with a few lights set.  Dick is over putting up the porch light this morning. He was quite proud when he announced the electric is on and nothing caught fire!  He did the wiring with a few instructions from our son in law.  Life is so much easier with electric.  What a spoiled bunch we have become but isn't that what life is all about, progress, making life easier and more enjoyable? 

We had to go over and see how cozy it looks with
the lights on at night.

We love this little cabin!

With the leaves gone I can see the cabin from our house.
Look at all the apple still on the tree and on the ground.
Deer are going to be happy this winter.
 

One week from today I will be placing the order for my cookbook, Della's Daughter.  I'm excited, scared and also proud to think my mom gave me the opportunity to come to this point in my life. 

Twisted Vine Winery

As the sun came up this morning it was with the comment, " look how far on the hills I can see".  Most of the leaves are gone with the oak and poplar hanging on.  There are still some vibrant yellows and golds that have the "awe" look at that them.  It really does seem good to be able to see on the hills and deep into the pine stand (what is left of it).  True wild open spaces until late spring.  Raspberry and blackberry bushes have lost there foliage, now we will be able to see little and big animals that travel through by the house. 

As daylight slips away earlier each day and darkness sets in we will all be waiting for that one special day in December.  No, not Christmas!  Winter Solstice, December 21, 2016.  It makes me happy to know daylight will be pushing darkness aside after December 21.  We will be setting the clocks back in  couple weeks which means it will be dark when supper is on the table.   I like those daylight evenings, 6 more months!

I'm sure many of you know, I like wine.  Not dry wine, that reminds me of the worst liquid medicines I took as a little girl.  Give me the fruity, sweet, flavor burst wines.  There are a couple local wineries that fit the bill for my choice.  Lakewood Winery in Watkins Glen, NY, for their Niagara and Abbey Rose.  The Wilcox Winery in Wilcox, PA, for their Blueberry.  Bastress Winery, Williamsport, PA for their Jack Ass Red and Group Therapy.  The new one.............Twisted Vine Winery near Kane, PA, for their Wild Berry.  My wine tour is quite a circle of miles apart but all the more reason to take some beautiful rides.

Half gone or half full?  Tonight probably empty! 
It is that good if you like sweet wine.

We had friends visit yesterday and they brought me a bottle of wine from the Twisted Vine Winery and Dick a bottle of homemade brandy.  The day was perfect with lots of chatter, laughter, a little serious talk and catching up on life since 1968.  Remember the saying about paths crossing for a reason?  This is where it rings true, the reason.  In 1968 my path crossed with someone and now in 2016 that crossing has brought joy and friendship from this young couple.  When I think of how this time in our lives have come to be it is almost unbelievable.  I am so happy and proud to be a part of it all.  There is no doubt the friendship will continue.  What a great couple and amazing how much we have in common.  Good people deserve good happenings and I wish the best to them!

Now, I love cooking and will be very honest.  I HAVE FAILURES!  Yesterday for our company I decided to make it simple.  Potato soup with Italian Sausage, fresh spinach, onions, garlic, jalapeno smoked pepper, chicken broth and topped of with heavy cream.  I bought two small jalapenos, one for a Mexican dish we had the other night and the other for the potato soup.  I put them over the open flame on the stove, blackened them and put in a sandwich bag for 10 minutes.  That way the blackened peel slips off, take the seeds and stem out and chop.  We couldn't even taste the one I put in the Mexican dish.  The one I put in the soup for company.............kick butt, hotter than hot!.  I was so upset!  They ate it and didn't complain but for me it was one of those "oh, no!" times.  Thank goodness I had made dinner rolls, apple pie and a Tandy Cake.  So, now you know........Cheryl makes big blunders in the kitchen.  Take the good with the bad.  I can guarantee from now on I will add a little spice at a time!

The deadly hot one!

Chicken enchiladas in a creamy cheese sauce.  Chipotle
rice and refried beans.  Why couldn't this have been
the one I put the deadly Jalapeno in......

Thank you for all the interest in my cookbook.  Once most of the money is in I will place the order.  Please know that when I mail the book to you I will put in any extra money left if the postage is less than you sent me.  The more that I buy the cheaper per cookbook.  As of now I have 59 requested, plus the 15 I am buying. 

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.