The Forever List

We all have memories, some deep in the back files of our mind never to be released and others that are easy to share.  The good and the bad are all for the taking, it's our choice on how to deal with them.  I for one consider the not so happy times can turn into a joy.  How did I get on this subject?  Cleaning house today and rearranging furniture and "stuff".  I tend to be the type to move everything about once a month.  As I was moving my favorite framed rooster picture I instantly thought of Ginger which in turn brought a smile because then I thought of Ricky and the time he tried to make me eat a night crawler  We laughed about that for over 50 years.  The Horse Run Street sign that Glenn gave us is hanging over the door.  The many beautiful gifts from far away places Bart would bring to us when deployed.  A painting of the shoot out at the OK Corral by D. Wyatt Taylor,  given to us by Beau.  A statue of a bulldog Dave and Kathy gave us when we raised bullies.  Kent gave us a picture frame that I put camera cards in and it gives us a wonderful slide show.  Dick's grandmother Angeline's painting of a young Black boy sneaking a cigar.

Our memory from Angeline.  It is painted on silk and showing
the years.  Nothing can be done to restore it. We keep it from
direct sunlight (I don't move it).

We both love this picture and how great we could have it.  Three pieces of furniture that belonged to Dick's mom.  Beautiful dishes Amber has given me through the years.  A carved hen and egg I bought from Dot Bailey's estate sale.  The list just keeps going.  It makes me wonder......did I ever buy anything or is my house full of beautiful gifts with a loving memory hooked to each one.  My dining table was bought 45 years ago.  It brings the memory of a great kid (guy now)  that I babysat, Mark (Squeaker) Voorhees.  Every week I tucked the money away until there was enough to buy the Ethan Allen set.   It has been refinished twice to update the appearance.  So I think of Squeak and what a great kid he was/is.  I probably should have paid his mom to watch him since he was so easy to have around, like one of my own.

The list could go on forever and will be cherished forever.

Bringing up memories from so many family and friends from back in my teen years to the present made the day much more enjoyable than just cleaning and rearranging.  Heck, I talked to myself but not out loud.  There's a difference, right?

The day was so warm and the little bit of breeze flowed through and actually I didn't smell that burnt chicken feather odor.  We shall see when the doors and windows are shut tomorrow and the heat is on.  The bedding was hung out for a final fresh air smell.  Nothing better than cool, crisp, fresh smelling sheets for a good sleep.  In the winter depending on the temperature I like to hang sheets out.  They dry quite fast if the temperature is below freezing, almost like a freeze dried and then they dry with a natural softness.

Remember how many times we have used the butternut squash?  Yesterday I made a dessert bar with the squash.  I have also used sweet potatoes and cooked carrots when a recipe calls for pumpkin.  There really is no difference in taste, I think it all provides the moisture and the seasonings are really what we taste.

Dessert Bars:  1 cup of your choice, pumpkin, squash, mashed carrots or sweet potato.
                           Beat in 3/4 brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 stick of butter, 1 tsp vanilla (I also added 1 tsp maple flavoring),  1/2 cup buttermilk or soured milk.
                           Mix 1 1/2 cup of all purpose flour (I use garbanzo flour to avoid gluten) 1 cup quick oats, 1/2 tsp baking soda, baking powder and salt, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. You could even use pumpkin pie spice! 1 cup of chopped walnuts and 1 cup of golden raisins, add to wet ingredients, mix and pour in greased baking pan.  Bake 375 until center is done.  You can use dates, apples, cranberries, pecans, coconut.  I have used orange flavoring with cranberries, very good.

Dessert bars with a little glaze drizzled on top. There's a
memory, the baking dish my friend Tracy gave me!

Whoopie Pies for the men in my neighborhood ♡

Even making Whoopie Pies brings back a few memories.
The recipe is in this Oswayo River Telephone cookbook and of
course it reminds me of paying the telephone bill in person
 and the bonus, visit with Helen and Janet!

Remember paying the gas, electric, telephone, water and sewer every month?  The electric bill was paid at the hardware store and we even had a gas company office.  It was nice to see people and take the time to chat.  One thing electronic pay offers no conversation but is convenient.

                       

One More Time

Remember that squash last night?  Well there was plenty left so one more time we will see it again, as  filling for ravioli.  Just a few more seasonings to the squash is it.    Even a little fancy sauteed apple rings to keep them company.  Last night, plain and simple food.  Tonight a little fancy and more time consuming to fix.    Isn't it sad when we take so long to prepare a meal and 30 minutes or less to eat?  That's ok what else is there to do on a chilly Saturday afternoon than to experiment and cook.  The pasta dough is two ingredients, 1-cup of four and 1 medium sized egg.  I have a hand crank pasta machine which suits me fine considering maybe 3-4 times a year I feel like making specialty pastas. Boxed works for me the rest of the time. Years ago Amber and I ate at the Crittenden Hotel in Coudersport.  It was fall and yes we had Butternut Raviolis.  Delicious, so much so  I had to try my take on it.  Maybe not the same but satisfied with the result.  Tonight they were drizzled with brown butter that the apple rings were sauteed in, then fresh chives and toasted walnuts on top.  A  little extra pasta dough for ribbon noodles on the side.  Please don't think I am without failures, I sure do and many.  Being on the stubborn side I just keep plugging away although there are things that went in the garbage never to be tried again.  I know my limits, usually.

Ha!  I do have an automatic pasta roller.

Starting the ravioli assembly line.

I really should make pasta more often, so much
better than boxed!

Leftover biscuits with mango/rhubarb sauce
for breakfast.

Not bad, I used up most of last nights leftovers.  There is still squash left.....wait until you see what I'm using it for tomorrow!  One more time.

I might as well tell this story, so many all ready know what one of my biggest mistakes ever was and happened about a month ago.  My house smelled like burnt chicken feathers for 2 weeks and 2 weeks of what is that smell to now maybe I can detect an off the wall odor every now and again.  I was simmering a chicken carcass  with celery, onions and carrots which I planned on using for chicken and dumplings.  Never have I left the house with something cooking.............until then and oh yes I did.   When asked to ride to Olean I was so excited off I went, never to give another thought to cooking.  When we pulled in the driveway I heard the smoke alarms going off.  I knew exactly what it was.  We couldn't even see in the windows there was so much thick smoke.  blahhh!  The thing that saved not burning the house down was I had a lid on the pot!  What a mess, Dick opened the doors, turned on the ceiling fan and eventually when the smoke cleared he could open the windows.  I'm sure all of Clara wondered what the horrible smell was.  The only thing left in the pot was 3 tiny black bones that crumbed to powder when I picked them up.  What a mess and what a smell.  If you wonder how I know what burnt feathers smell like......all part of the process of butchering back on the farm.

Somewhere
Stanley Harrison

Somewhere in time's own space
there must be some sweet pastured place
where creeks sing on and tall trees grow,
some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,
I know great horses live again.

Somewhere

Somewhere
Stanley Harrison

Somewhere in time's own space
there must be some sweet pastured place
where creeks sing on and tall trees grow,
some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,

I know great horses live again.Stanley Harrison

Somewhere in time's own space
there must be some sweet pastured place
where creeks sing on and tall trees grow,
some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,
I know great horses live again.

Spare Parts

A friend told me not to long ago, "these spare parts aren't as good as the original but thank God they make spares.  Ten years ago I would have thought the comment a little weird.  Not so much now!  Spare parts are the sanity for my family and me!   Like HUH?  Now to be honest I still have to say "pardon", "what did you say" or get the blank look and smile because I refuse to keep asking because I am really hard of hearing.  It can be quite annoying, especially with some voices.  Don't think I feel sorry for myself because sometimes I take my spare parts out to enjoy complete silence in my own little world.  I do feel sorry for my family and friends when they have to play repeat and say it again.

Here is a tip about people hard of hearing.  For some reason they feel to blame for the  inconvenience to others and are embarrassed they can't hear good.    They feel everyone is mumbling and not opening their mouth when they talk.   They hear words that were not spoken.  Sometimes I would think to myself, " did they just say what I thought the said"?  Of course they didn't.  It was quite an experience to take a hearing test the first time,   Dr Campbell is great and had me laughing at what I thought he said.   Many  tend to be silent in a room with more than a few people, especially a large open room.  Hearing aides don't work well in large open spaces.   Too much chatter from too many directions.  What some people may see as the person being standoffish and not socially involved is because they don't want to comment with an answer from left field.  I have made so many blunders that even I get gun shy with conversations.  My spare parts (hearing aides) are wonderful but far from perfect.  For years I was slowly missing out on the simple pleasures of morning bird songs, peepers at night, hoot owls and turkey gobbling.  I even forgot the wind made a noise, paper rustles and moving water has a beautiful tune.  Why I even thought my car was quiet and the annoying seat belt buzzes were non existent.  That first day with my spare parts was mind boggling.  Now I enjoy all the noise of life and can turn it off anytime I please.

The more common spare part, glasses.  They can also be very annoying.  In the heat of the summer they get all sticky setting on your nose, in the winter from going from warm to cold or cold to warm they fog over.  If your lucky to have contacts it solves the problem but they also have some bad perks.  The good out weighs the bad.

Then the spare parts that a good friend and grew up on Horse Run together does for me.  75% crowns, 1 partial and the 10% still original.  I love the work Doc Simons does for my smile.  41 years and still have the original crowns, this guy knows teeth ♡  It will be a sad day for our family when he decides to retire.  Going to his office is like visiting with friends.  You know he must be a good guy to work for because his gals have been there forever!

Look at this young dentist, fresh out of dental school
and the military!

Many of us through the years have seen Doc drifting
along in his balloon.

He would bring it to Shinglehouse and launch  at the
high school field.  Quite exciting to watch.

Last I must mention plates, wires and screws.......repairing and holding original parts together.  Life is grand living in the technology age to give us all the spare parts to make the best of what we have!   "They may not be as good as the originals" but they sure help.  It just takes a little longer to get out of the house trying to remember, do I have everything ;)

Snow is coming in little bursts today and if the weather prediction is right it looks like more on the way next week.  Time to put the lawn mower away until Spring Green shows up in 6 months.  Until then my days will be sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, cooking and enjoying family and friends.  Busy hands keep my life on a calm ride.

The hub decided on Sausage gravy, biscuits, butternut squash and green beans for supper.  Nice for a snowy evening and easy to fix.  Squash just needed thawed and the green beans from the shelf.  The best part.....biscuits left for breakfast with mango/rhubarb sauce.  This is winter at Cook'n by the Creek ♡

Just plain food but oh so good!

Breaker 1-9

If any of you were around in the 70's or a trucker you know what I'm talking about.  We were in our 20's when CB Radios erupted into the communication world and had them in the truck, car and house!  There was no hiding from each other.  All I had to say was,"breaker 1-9", someone else would come across the airway and say, "go ahead breaker"  from that moment I knew where hub was!  We had friends like US Mail, Nightingale, Disco Queen, Johnny-one-Time, Log Doggie, Big Ottis, Dirty Dozen, I could fill a chapter with names.  Then there was "Orange Bird" trying to get a 10-20 on "Slim Chance".

Similar to the ones in our vehicles.

Looks like the "home base" we had, the mic was called
a lollipop.

Dirty Dozen ( my brother Jerry) was a trucker that knew every trucker that drove out of Williamsport, PA for Stroehmann Bread Co.  In the 70's there wasn't a coffee shop in Shinglehouse that had parking for big rigs.  He told them on the CB to pull off in the big parking lot at the sharp corner coming into Shinglehouse.  He met them there and brought them to my house for coffee!  At times it looked like a Stroehmann's parking lot.   We met some great friends.  One guy "Cloud Buster" owned a small airplane and flew it up, buzzed the Elementary school (the red brick school) so low a teacher was trying to call the FAA to report it.  He told us when he buzzed our house to get in the car and he would follow to where he could land.  How about landing at the little airstrip in Clara?  Yes he did in the month of early April with spots of snow on the grass runway.  Cloud Buster said Nightingale's cow would never give milk again, he had swooped her house so low it went flat down on it's belly.  Whatta guy for being in his early 50's at the time.  We remained friends, 5 years ago he passed away.  If you know Rev. and Mrs Vincent their oldest daughter lives just down the road from Al in Cogan Station just north of Williamsport.

How did I ever get on the subject of CB's?  Traveling down RT 15 just north of Harrisburg last time brought back the memory.  Years ago there would be signs to turn off your CB's in construction sites when explosives were being used.  Looking at the mountain side I could see how they had been drilled and blasted away to widen the road.  That was were my thoughts went back to the 70's and how different we communicate while traveling now.  The CB's were nice because we never had to wonder where troopers had radar set up, traffic stopped or an accident.  When the first vehicle with a CB spotted trouble the radio was nonstop of others chattering warnings.  Then along came "skip"which was caused from massive flare ups on the sun.  It lasted for years and ended our hobby with the CB.  Skip meant we couldn't talk to another CB'er in our area because of the interference but we could hear loud and clear ones from the deep south, even Jamaica and the Caribbean.  Sometimes we could connect and talk to them.  It could last seconds or up to minutes.  If possible names and addresses were exchanged and postcards sent to each other.  Progress and  now the cell phone is our communication while traveling.  We just don't get the radar warnings which means I hear a lot of........do you know how fast you are going, you might wanna slow down or did you see that speed limit sign?  Sometimes being hard of hearing has its perks ;)  turn off the hearing aids and it's a quiet ride.

  Here is a link to a great CB and 18 wheeler song.  Just fun to listen to.
C. W. McCall - Convoy - Music Video: http://youtu.be/le2bPRGvKXE

Another interesting way of communication that was and is still important are the Ham Radio Operators.  Once when Bart was in Haiti on Army time with no way to call there was a Ham operator that was kind to help with a call.  I was amazed, Bart was in Haiti the Ham guy was in Mississippi and patched through the phone line to us.  It was hard at first because everything we said at the end we had to say "over", quite a delay but oh so worth it.  For many years it was mail or if lucky a call for deployed military.  We have a local guy on 11 Mile that has and is active with the Ham Radio and club. Don Serkleski is very good at the Ham radio.   I am always interested but never have.  Ham is much more regulated with tests and a license.

Rain and cool days for the area's forecast.  The quilt, socks and a pair of slippers should be done within the week.  Maybe even a little house cleaning.  Maybe, if someone calls with a better offer, "I'm gone".  I know next week I am headed to the Poconos with my niece for the weekend.  We have never been on an overnight trip together so it should be a good one.  We are visiting her cousin that by the way I have not seen since we were around 14 years old.  51 years later and we are legal to enjoy a few.  Excited and yes it will be a future blog.

The neighbor brought a big pot of chicken noodle soup for our supper, that's a good one to have next door.  No cooking for me today, just relax and enjoy the evening.

Remember as I say frequently, "Pass it On" and make someone happy.   No matter how small the effort, it is huge in the end.   ♡"Orange Bird"♡

Some Like it Hot

Another beautiful fall day and another have fun day.  The retired teachers from Oswayo Valley School District get together once a month for lunch. From Olean to Coudersport it is a different restaurant.  Today was Katees in Coudersport.  This is the first one I went to this year and it was so nice to see everyone.  Of course it is  hard to believe that we are all of retirement age.  How lucky I was to work with so many great teachers.  At the table today I had the honor of Mr. Meacham, Mr. Wichert and Mr. Marzo, not only did I work with them but also I had them for teachers.  Mr. Meacham taught history and shorthand.  My all time favorite class, shorthand!  Mr.Wichert taught Science, he was great but science was not my "cup of tea".  Mr.Marzo the new young guy....well I soaped his car windows on Halloween and of course got caught, the punishment was wash his car.  Mr.Marzo and Sue Thomas Shall were our senior class advisers and chaperons on our Senior trip to Washington DC.  Two of them and I believe 40 of us.  I have some pretty good pictures of the bus trip and squirt gun fights, even the advisers joined in.  How about this, we were allowed to smoke!  How did we survive the 1960's?

Quincy had an exciting day out also, Dick took him squirrel hunting.  He is crazy about squirrels.  Another night he has not moved and not begging for treats.  Since Clara and I were alone we sat out at the barn while I  fed the chickens their favorite snack, leftover corn bread and white bread.  They are so funny to watch.  No they are not mean.  I have a few gals that are afraid of chickens and I always ask them, "how many have you heard bit by a chicken"?  The 4 eggs that hatched in May were 3 roosters and 1 hen.  Not good, the roosters have to go.  I don't like to get rid of them but soon they will be sparring and driving the girls crazy.  I have a Silky Rooster and he is staying with Mrs. Silky, a little luck baby Silkies will fill the nest next spring.

A little extra love for eggs ♡

We dug horseradish root this afternoon, cleaned, peeled and ground it with white vinegar and water.  That is a take your breath away job, so bad it has to be done outside.  The end result is well worth the tears.  I remember when we lived in town our neighbor Bruce Maxson had a patch and he would grind it outside, now we know why.  The longer you wait to add vinegar and water the hotter it is.  So if ya really like it hot that's the trick. Some like it hot, not me a little is plenty.   A beautiful snow white it was even better than store bought.  Of course, most things homemade are better.  We had some with our crispy fried potatoes for supper.  This is the first year we made it.  A few years back a guy up the road gave us some roots to start our own bed.  We will be making horseradish often I'm sure.   Amber gave us parsnips from her garden and I fried them in butter until golden brown.  It was a fried supper night, we all need one once in a while.  Maybe not need but want is more like it.

Peeling fresh dug Horseradish root.

Cut in 1/2 inch cubes, grind with white vinegar and water until
desired texture.  The fumes are more than I can stand.

The delicious horseradish, only 20 minutes start to finish.
Roast Beef on wick is in the weekend plans.

A Rambling Day

It was one of those days the points of interest were miles apart.  Going through Coneville and Oswayo we took a left onto Smoker's Road.  Like the Carpenter's song from 1960 something it felt like we were "On Top of the World"  and definitely "looking down on creation".  Very few houses and Smoker's big farm along the top of the ridge.  It is a long ridge and as Dick said, you can see why the tornado touched down and did so much damage.  This was 8-10 years ago.  Their house was completely destroyed but the family escaped injuries.  We could still see how the trees had been twisted and broken in a wide swath.  It is beautiful up there and they have a new farm house to enjoy their view.  I was all excited to see they are raising Oreo Cattle.  I have never seen baby Oreos and there they were!  They were all laying down but still  looked so little and cute.  Almost as cute as a Holstein.  Guess I'm fond of them because that is what our dairy farm raised.  Although the leaves are gone and the corn has turned brown along with the tall grass it is still a beautiful time to take a ride and explore back roads.

This is where the "awe how beautiful" took over.
♡The very top♡

Little Oreos,  nice cattle well rounded and clean.
Although the picture is hard to see the babies you
 can click on it to enlarge for a better look.

Once we went through Genesee we made another left turn on a dirt road, this one we had never been on.  For about 10 miles it was enjoyment of  nice views, just a few camps and at the end we came upon a beautiful big farm.  It was huge and so well kept.  Back to civilization and on to the Amish for hand rolled butter, chicken and horse feed.  From there we headed to Belmont and Angelica.  In Angelica we went to the Sweet Shoppe for a cup of Jamaican Me Crazy coffee.  Yes, I was in JMC Heaven, what a nice surprise.  The sweets looked amazing but I refrained and watched the hub eat a great big frosted cinnamon roll.  Tall skinny guy, just does not seem right!  We had an interesting conversation with the owner.  How nice,  she sat and talked like we had known each other forever.  For some reason in the conversation I mentioned Cook'n by the Creek , she raised her eyebrows and said....I read your blog and would love to try your chili sauce.  Small, small world!  Now I have another excuse to visit Angelica ♡  There is a great restaurant called the "Black-Eyed Susan"  my gal friends and I went to in Angelica.  Darn good with fresh homemade everything.  So good the gals and I have decided to take the "men" over.  How about that for an excuse to get back?  They even have live music that adds to the relaxed meal.  My new friend from the Sweet Shoppe told us they also own the Black-Eyed Susan Acoustic Cafe.  That's why it is successful, good people with a talent for knowing what is good and what the area needs. http://www.black-eyed-Susan.com/  The Black-Eyed Susan is also on face book, check it out and never a doubt it is an awesome, relaxing time, to enjoy their specialties.  Tracy (my very special Canadian friend) and I had lunch last Tuesday at the Black-Eyed Susan while the guys were hunting.  They have buy one, get one free for appetizers or dessert every Tuesday.  We did the dessert, of course!  The pumpkin cheesecake is by far the best pumpkin dessert ever.  So smooth, light, great flavor and I will say refreshing because it was not overtaken with too much sugar.  Pretty sure if it's still on the menu it will be my pick next visit.

The asparagus beds are finally weeded, stalks cut back and already for a winter of rest.  It was a perfect day to work in the garden.   After we finished it was just too nice to go inside so off we went on a walk with the dogs.  Quincy the young juvenile (his behavior is getting better)  and "ol'Clara" (12 yrs old)  love their walks.  Clara gives it her best for quite a while.  Today we wore them both out, that doesn't happen often but while we were gardening they had a rabbit on the run.   I love hearing a dog run a rabbit.  The rabbit always wins with these two.

Today is eat what is left,  boiled dinner or chili and buttermilk cornbread.  With my favorite saying....if ya don't like it, go to the neighbors.  So far he hasn't but there is always a first time so be on the watch Amber.

Ham Hocks!

Although they are not very pretty and not much meat these little hocks pack more flavor for soups than a great big beautiful ham.  I was so excited to find them at a store in Bradford for a great price of $1.87 for two.  As I type they are simmering in the pressure cooker with carrots, celery, onions and a quart of water.  In 30 minutes they will provide a very tasty broth for bean soup.  I will take the hocks out and blend the broth and veggies for a smooth base.  We had bacon for breakfast and of course the couple TBSP of grease will be thrown in along with a Bay Leaf, salt and pepper.  Remember, always wash the beans before cooking.  I have found little pebbles in the bags.  My kind of supper, bean soup (I use Navy Beans) and fresh baked Grandma's Buttermilk Corn Bread.  A day of laundry, quilting and the smell soup simmering. With the leftover soup tomorrow will be fresh salt rising bread buttered and bean soup pored over it.  That was a farm favorite that Dick now likes. .

smoked ham hocks

Ready to start pressure cooking.   They can be simmered a few
hours in a pot if you don't have a pressure cooker.

We had a nice walk this morning.  The sun was showing off the few oak leaves that are left on the trees, sky was blue with great big fluffy white clouds floating along.  One thing about walking on the dirt road in Clara, we also get a little break and good conversation when people stop to say hello.  It is tough to think soon it will all be gone for another year.  True saying, "the older you get the faster time goes by".  My best winters are when the snow starts in late November, actually Thanksgiving day is perfect  and doesn't leave until March.  Our winter walks are just as beautiful as fall walks, all white and fresh crisp air while looking for animal tracks.  It's always nice to see what has been traveling through the woods.  Hot dog roasts in the woods  on a cold day is something else we like to do.  I am getting way ahead here, never wish time away, enjoy the day.

It's turkey season now.  Larry and Dick went out most of the day Saturday, they heard turkey but those birds are smart and very evasive in the woods.  Of course they also know the days of the week.  Yesterday (Sunday) 5 big gobblers were hunting bugs in the back field.  They know there is no Sunday hunting.

Here is what I did while the guys were hunting.  Darned my grandson's hunting socks.  I had knit them last year and happy he has worn a couple holes in them.  That means he likes and wears them.  My mom had a basket with yarn, a variety of colors and weight for mending socks.  There was also an oval wooden darning egg she used to put in the sock as she darned them.  Now I understand why, it would make mending socks much easier.  My mission, start looking for one.

I read a folk lore today posted by the Farmer's Almanac.  "If the first snow falls on unfrozen ground the winter will be mild".  I'm keeping that in mind come spring we shall see if it is true.  Either way,  we will do our best to enjoy the great outdoors.  We plan on getting the pizza oven going a few times.  One thing for sure, the heat will feel good on cold days.   It was very hot on warm days to put pizzas in and out of the oven.  The temperature is above 700 degrees,  the pizzas baked in 30-90 seconds!

Pizza, bread and chicken wings in the outdoor wood fired
pizza oven.

A Sunday Smile

The shadow of the log home is the only snow left

Waking up this morning (hour earlier than usual) to the time change was a real downer.  Then opening the blinds put a big Clara "smile on my face".  That line is for the Toby Keith fans out there ;)  It really did make me smile, my winter mode kicked in at that very moment.  The stove looked so cozy (even though it's gas and not real logs) and Dick had already fixed coffee.  Sipping coffee, watching the horses enjoying the brisk fresh air and thinking, this is the life.  Smokey and Gracie probably feel the same way I do.  They spent quite a while running, bucking and chasing each other.  Just something about living in the snow belt.  I bet come the first snowfall I could move into a cabin far from roads and seeing other houses.  Weird I know but there is just something so peaceful and spiritual about the idea.  Today was one of those days to reflect on what I love and appreciate.  We made a batch of soft German Pretzels to go with homemade ring bologna, smoked Swiss Cheese and homemade spicy mustard Amber gave us.  It reminded us both of Germany and how much we would like to go back.  I'm sure in the last 25 years it has changed as much as our own USA, besides I don't want to miss winter.

After we finished our lunch we bundled up and headed to the back field and woods.  Dick has been setting out bait for the coyotes.  One of these times they will get a real surprise!  Lucky them to get the special overly ripe meat that has been setting in a special can in a special place and no not in the house.  While Dick set the bait the dogs and I walked around and finally sat down where the woods and field meet.  It has been a bit windy in the valley but even so it was nice to see the dead grasses blowing, almost like brown waves going across the field.   I was actually listening to the wind going through the bare trees on the hill and seeing beauty in it all.  The sun was starting to drop behind the hill casting shadows on half of the valley.  With the clear blue sky and bright warm sunshine the snow is still in places that never saw sun today.

We talked of fixing my x-country skis which is exciting to think I have the strength, mobility and want to ski.  Last April I thought I never would but thanks to my son's determination not to give up on me until I said, ok I'll strength train. For that I am forever grateful.  Dead Lifts, presses and squats have made me a believer.  I actually get  excited at the beginning of the week to add more weight!  Twice a week, that's it.

Here's the German pretzels/rolls because we rolled some to thick and they were more like rolls.  Either way they are delicious and not too time consuming.  I got carried away with the coarse salt!  Next time much less.

German Soft Pretzel Recipe:
1 pkg yeast in large bowl with 1 tsp. sugar and 1/4 cup warm milk, let it set for 15 min.
Then add 1 cup warm milk, 1 tsp salt, 3 TBSP butter and 2 cups of flour, add more flour to make a soft dough.  Knead on a floured board for 5 min.   Let raise 30 minutes.   Take hunks of dough and roll into thin rope about 12" long.  make a pretzel shape and place on greased baking sheet  This recipe makes 6 big pretzels or 12 small ones.  Let them raise for 1 hour.  Bring to boil 4 cups of water, stir in 3 TBSP of baking soda ( one at a time as it boils up quickly)  Place pretzels in soda water for 30 seconds, drain and put back on greased baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt and bake at 410 until golden brown.  They are delicious and the real deal!

Color on the Hills

I guess if ya want to see the beautiful leaves now is the time.  From last Sunday to this Sunday the change is amazing.  Every day or what seems like every hour more beauty is spattered across the hills, along the roadways, streams and ponds.  I left last Sunday morning with my friend Karen for Massachusetts.  What a beauty of a ride across central NY.  Hard to believe in all our travels I had never been past Albany.  Karen drove so I had the luxury of taking in all the scenery.  We chatted all the way out and back.  Odd isn't it that we never ran out of conversation?  Well we didn't and it was such a relaxing trip.  On the way home Karen took me to her families favorite barbecue restaurant, Brooks House of Barbecue  A great family eatery that had chicken, pork, ribs and beef, salad bar and many choices of sides, homemade desserts and ice cream.  Once we got to Worcester, Ma, Karen dropped me off at my grand daughters where I stayed until Thursday.   It was wonderful and quite a relief to see where lives, the area and UMass Medical School.  She gave me a tour of the school, the building is a few years old and beautiful, full length windows and even the elevators were glass.  The views were spectacular which surprised me.  I assumed it was all city but there are rolling hills and yes trees that were showing off their colors too.  We ate along a lake, fresh mussels to start the meal and chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella in  pesto sauce.  Another night we found the Smoke Stack Urban Barbecue in the "Old Town" of Worcester.  Again we sat outside and enjoyed people watching.  It's interesting for me since I only watch animals and the view at Cook'n by the Creek.  Young adults from work enjoying their time, older couples out to enjoy just because.  Then there was Kamrie and her gram.  There it is a simple pleasure of enjoying the time together.  We did "take out" a couple nights because she had studies to do.  During the day while she was in class or at clinical I worked on #7 quilt (all done) and picked out a pattern for a scarf to knit and got a pretty good start on it.  Four days flew by but it provided me with what I needed.  Back to Clara and all I enjoy.

Fire baked bread and bagels with hot pepper jelly.

Boiling bagels to be baked in the pizza oven.

♡My grand daughter♡

Enjoying the first pizza in the outdoor oven.  It's all
about family and sharing ♡

The busy season of garden has ended.  Today we actually sat in our lawn chairs with an afternoon cup of Jamaican Me Crazy enjoying the colors of the trees, watching the horses and chickens.  Along with a little talk on what we want to do this week.  One thing is get the garden ready for it's winter rest and the other work on flower beds.  I plan on going to Alma Pond, NY on Tuesday with a friend to see what kind of birds are there.  Hopefully we will see the pair of Eagles that live there and if lucky some birds migrating south.  It's a good place to see many birds and the bonus of the scenery.  Even in the winter I find it beautiful there.  When we lived in Shinglehouse it was our favorite spot to go and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the "wide open spaces".  We have our own "wide open spaces" now, we rarely go to Alma Pond.  I am looking forward to a few hours there.  I bet my friend will get some good pictures and maybe I can get a few to share.

It's been a learning weekend with the outdoor pizza oven.  Our first test run of pizza, bread, bagels and dry rub wings is a go.  Let's hope it is not beginners luck and continues.  I have been keeping a progress log with pictures and trying to organize a blog of it.  All my notes and ideas will be blogs now that I have time to do.  One thing I am good at, knowing when to say whoa Cheryl, time to step back, regroup my time and thoughts and "carry on"!  Sometimes I cut it close.

Take time, pass it on and enjoy the beautiful Fall days.

Wide Open Spaces

As the day progressed I decided to take Richard out for fishnchips.  It was only 11:30 but I knew there was no way I wanted to think of lunch/supper much less cook it.  So with that satisfied little grin and finishing up row 3 & 4 of #8 quilt I headed down to the pizza oven.  It's all in presentation on getting something accomplished.  Politely I asked him how much longer and lucky for me he was just cleaning up the tools.  He really is doing a wonderful job, it is looking so "old world" straight from Italy style.  I think, never been there but it is what I imagine their pizza/bread ovens would look like.  Years ago Bob Pratt from up the road tore down the old homestead house of his family.  At the time Dick got some of the huge planks from the house.  I wondered what would he ever do with them.  They were 8" wide and 4" thick and as long as 10' to 14'.  He built me a rustic narrow table that I dearly love.  This winter it will be used for my next adventure, painting.  Today he went to the barn and came back with 3 lengths of wood cut from the planks.  They are now framing the opening under the oven.  Perfect, just made the oven look even more original.
Well, after giving him rave reviews on his talent for building the pizza oven I mentioned taking an hour or two break for a ride and lunch at Kaytees in Coudersport (use to be Erways).  It was a go, he was just as happy to go as I was.  Car is dirty so up over Moffitt Hill we went.  A nice slow ride enjoying the "wide open spaces".  We checked out apple trees that we gathered apples from in years past. Taste test, still 'lipstickers" but hoping they will sweeten up after a frost.  On top of the hill is a beautiful farm owned by our Vet.  She comes to the farm for our horses and gives the dogs their yearly shots.  Just a tiny little gal, makes ya wonder how she does the big animals.  I watched her float Smokey's teeth and he can be an "ass",  she did just fine and got the job done.  Her farm is beautiful, surrounded by forest on all sides it opens to rolling green pastures with a big pond and nice barns.  She has quite a few horses to keep her busy.  When we walk the PA Game lands not far from her farm we always see horse tracks where she rides.  Wide open spaces, enjoyment.

On top of the world, actually on top of Moffitt Hill.

Moffitt Hill looking over the hills of Potter County.

Hard to see but 2 hen turkeys with their little ones all in
a line.  Where the two hills come together at the center
is a narrow dirt road leading to Camp Four Bears,
owned by the Watterson family.

After fishnchips, we filled the car with gas and back over the hill we went.  Of course I stopped to take a couple pictures of the horses, wild turkey and the beautiful views.  I also thought of the song from my childhood.  I always loved the song, now it really rings true on how I feel about living in Clara.
Oh, give me land,
Lots of land under starry skies above,
Don't fence me in,
Let me ride thru
The wide open country that I love,
Don't fence me in.
Let me be by myself
In the evening breeze,
Listen to the murmur
Of the cottonwood trees,
Send me off forever,
But I ask you please,
Don't fence me in.
What a nice ride today, even though I was the driver.  We try 
to take turns driving so each can enjoy the ride.

The Leaf

After chores, breakfast and a leisure second cup of coffee we headed up the 11 Mile to Wellsville.  Again I will say, color every where I looked and if you can take the time for a country ride it is the time of the year to enjoy.  From farm animals to wild animals, birds and just the beauty all around it is a relaxing few hours well spent.  Seeing an old fallen in barn , shed or machinery that has turned rusty with time, it all adds to the beauty of forgotten times.  At one time all of this was important to a families survival.   I saw apple orchards that have grown past their prime but still trying to put forth a few apples.  For thinking there wouldn't be apples this year they are proving me wrong (yes, I am frequently wrong).  The apples we have stopped to get a taste test are not so good, rather dry and what I call lip stickers.  That means so tart the upper lip sticks to my teeth.  You would think with all the rain they would be big, juicy and plump.  Worries me a little considering we like to take a couple weekends to press cider with family and friends.  Everyone that wants cider brings their empty jugs and a couple bushel of wild apples for pressing.  It is an all day pressing with good food provided by everyone, cool brisk fall air and usually warm sunshine.  I sure hope we find some good apples soon.Dick seems to think they will sweeten up after the first couple frosts.  Perfect match fresh cider and pizza from the outdoor oven!  It looks like we will be firing it up next week at low temperatures for a few days to cure it.  Too hot of a fire all at once could cause it to crack.....oh we will be cautious!

We saw a farmer working on his brush hog.  By the look of what he was doing and the look on his face it was not a good morning for him. Dick and I know all to well he was in for some tired arms before the job was done.  He was pulling on electric fence wire that he had run over with the hog.  I did that once and it is a nasty, frustrating job getting it untangled.  Usually wire cutters and bits and pieces at a time.  The other bad thing was getting a new strand of fence up before the horses saw the passage to escape.  Life on a farm, even a little one like ours can test our patience.  From animal care, lawn and field care, gardening and whatever else comes up we do it because we love it.  Move it, move it, is our motto ♡

 We have 2 Rose of Sharon Bushes, every September when they blossom I think of a very nice husband and wife that has passed from life on Earth.  Laverne and Anna Bella Sloan.  They are our DIL's grandparents and grand they were.  Country folk from West Virgina.  In the short time we knew them and only one visit to their home they stole my heart.  Mr. Sloan took Dick wild mushroom hunting which Dick had always wanted to learn and Mrs. Sloan told me of her life as a young girl, raising 10 children and her love for collecting beautiful vintage quilts.  People like the Sloans had so much knowledge of everyday simple living to teach.  Admiring their Rose of Sharon was all it took, we had two small bushes to take home.  They are a memory of wonderful people.

This afternoon I sat on the back porch watching the leaves fall.  One in particular took a crazy tumble pattern. I'm sure a little downdraft was the reason.  As I was watching it made me think of the importance of that little leaf.  It helped to feed the tree and give us oxygen to breathe.  The life span is but a few months but  it got the job done.  Finally it softly settled in my flower bed.  One more job, it will act as cover for the spring bulbs and mulch by next spring.  No matter how small the job or reason it is a big part of "Passing it On".  Like every living thing, there is a purpose.  The leaf. ♡

Hit and Miss

This is how it has been and will be for the next couple weeks trying to find the time and inspiration to write a blog.  I will say in the last few weeks I have jotted down many topics that have sent my mind whirling.  In fact I have even said out loud to some, "oh, good blog topic".  Life has been more than busy at Cook'n by the Creek.  I felt the need to cancel a lunch date with a friend tomorrow and didn't make the retired teacher's lunch  this week.  I usually stress not to give up a moment of enjoyment with family or friends but this week Cheryl would be stressed leaving so many projects in the making.  Good grief stress is not what Mr. B needs from me.  So the days seem way  short with way too much to finish before the end of these beautiful days.  All to soon I will be back in the kitchen trying new recipes that I have been collecting this summer.

The garden is endless for producing this year.  Other years the dry months of late July and August slow growth down.  This year lots of rain and cooler temperatures have excelled and extended harvest time.  We have had plenty to "pass on", the freezer is loaded and the shelves are full of canned veggies and sauces.  Tomorrow a few more pickled beets and dill pickles, just because they are so nice and the dill is perfect!  If weather predictions are correct and we get a hard enough frost Friday the end is near.

Down the valley, Old Baldy.

Gracie and Smokey, up the valley.

Dick picking us a wild apple ;)

Our suppers are always loaded with veggies from the garden.Tonight we had Rainbow Swiss Chard with potatoes sliced in it and cooked in beef broth. On the side honey glazed carrots with nutmeg grated in and crusty Italian Bread with butter.  Simple, rustic and delicious.

After supper we walked around the back fields.  It is beautiful out.  The older I get I am amazed at how much beauty I can find.  Really, goldenrod, scrub flowers, a tree, hill, just anything and everything.

So give or take a few days or week things will be on my side for time to relax and let the mind go to places I love and remember.

The veggie supper fresh picked from the garden ♡

A Cool September Day

This was the first day to actually change our daily routine.  In the summer we try to get the outside work done early morning or early evening.  If we need to go out for something it's in the heat of the day.  Air conditioned cars, how did we survive in our early years without air?   Now it seems like the main conversation is temperature and what is best for the day.  Since it was quite cool this morning we decide to go to Olean for oil and a filter for the old 1997, Chevy S10.  "Old Blue"  is showing rust and a couple holes but he still is our favorite ride.  With a hot little engine he has some spin in the tires and get up and go, just a fun old truck.  I love the fact we never wash it or clean the inside.  Dirt roads, no problem, same for taking the dogs, no problem, drop crumbs, spill coffee or drip ice cream, no problem.  Sometimes when taking "Old Blue" to a store we get some looks that make me laugh.  I'm sure they think, poor old people, dressed ok but can't afford a decent vehicle.  First impressions, like seeing a guy with long hair, earrings and tattoos only to learn he is a medical doctor.  We are all guilty of first impressions and hey, sometimes we are right.

The rain held off but the overcast sky and coolness stuck around.  Good day to dig the last row of potatoes and pull onions.  The cellar veggie room is getting full and the garden is showing ground.  Tomorrow will be pick the last of the sweet corn, blanch it, cut off the cob and freeze.  The half row of beets will have to wait for a few more days then I will pickle 8 more pints.  That leaves the Lima Beans, carrots and shell beans.  All of which are much easier than what we have already picked and put up.  I see some leisure days for fall heading our way.  Huh, once the garden is cut down and tilled for the winter and the flower beds cleaned out, then it's leisure time for me and hunting for Dick!  The four seasons, for a reason!

Today also made me think of a big pot of Chili.  That's what is Cook'n by the Creek. Cool or cold days make for some easy suppers that provide lunch or supper later in the week.  I try to put a container of soup, stew, spaghetti and meatballs, etc in the freezer.  Works great for days I just don't want to cook or if I take off for a few days.  It's always nice to come home and not worry about fixing supper.  How did we survive without a microwave?  Defrost and heat all with just the push of a button.  The cool temperatures also put me in the mood to make a batch of Eleanor Stavisky's buttermilk cookies.  Nothing better than the scent of sweet buttermilk cookies baking.  Ok, anything sweet baking is wonderful, cinnamon rolls, apple, pumpkin, fruit or any kind of pie, chocolate chip cookies, you name it they all smell the best!

Here's a picture of progress on the pizza/bread oven........chimney design has been figured out, now to mortar the bricks in place.  Just a few more steps to do and we will be starting the fire.  Dick will start the fire, I will be making the different dough recipes.  It's going to be trial and error without a doubt.