How Do You Like It?

Pizza that is!  All day I was thinking what to have for supper.  Usually by the end of breakfast I pretty much know what the evening meal will be.  Today not so, I was crocheting hearts and little heart doilies for Valentine gifts.  About 2pm I realized I was getting hungry and no plan for supper.  One thing I do not like to do is drive the 12 miles to Shinglehouse or Coudersport for ingredients.  Make due with what I have and that is exactly what I did.  Pizza was on my mind, let's see I have yeast and flour so crust, no problem.  Plenty of spaghetti sauce that I canned last Sept. and rifling through the frig I found, salami, onions, olives from the deli bar (3 varieties) a half a ball of fresh mozzarella, garlic and that should do it.  At the end putting the pizza together I decided, no red sauce instead melted butter with garlic would be the sauce.  Must be the humidity was just right for dough because it was pliable and easy to press out very thin.  We are not thick crust pizza people, the thinner and crispier the better for us and that is just how it was tonight.  Now it was good but nothing like the outdoor pizza oven.  We both decided when the temperature reaches 50 with no snow or rain for a few days the oven will get fired up.  Once it is fired we like to have at least 12 hours of no rain for it to cool down and not get wet.  We keep the "little baby" covered in bad weather, even in the summer.

It is always a happy moment when the pizza
slides off the pan for cutting.  Check out
the new pizza cutter, it is the favorite tool
of the kitchen!  Works like a charm.

That kitchen window has offered me the most beautiful views for the past 17 years and tonight was one of those "wow" moments.  Of course the camera is always close, I never get sick of sunsets, sunrises, clouds, animals, whatever that window offers it is always welcome.  There is something about looking over the fields and hills in the "dead of winter."  Speaking of winter, I want snow (yes, I have said it frequently in the last few weeks.)  I am looking at pictures on face book, having friends update me on their accumulations and even getting so desperate I have searched the web for pictures.  That is sad, not a flake from the storm.  Our son has had more snow in MD in the last few years than us.  Old El Nino better straighten his act  up before next winter. 

My view tonight.

Not a tv antenna, for the township truck to base radio. 

Tonight is a full moon, if the clouds move out it should be a bright winter's night.  It is called the "Full Wolf Moon".  It is quite interesting how the full moon of January got it's name.  I wonder if coyotes howling at night  means the same thing.  Dick tells me that the coyotes howl when there is a full moon because they are out hunting and then try to locate their pack.  Either way it is a horrible howl that makes us set right up in bed.  Then Quincy starts barking, now we are all wide awake.  A few shots into the night usually scares the coyotes off.

Here is a short video about the Full Wolf Moon.  https://youtu.be/TvPQ2ax8rA4

Learning to Horse Trade

Left to right, Kent, Dick, Enos and his son.

Get the deal done. 

Not really trading a horse, that it what the "old timers" called making a deal.  Off  Gramps  and  (Kent) set out to do today. We have been friends with an Amish guy since he was 22 years old.  It was 17 years ago we hired him to cut a few pines and saw lumber out of them for the barn.  Every morning and afternoon we drove to a back road near Friendship, NY,  bring him to and from our house to work.  He was amazing to watch, just a wafer thin young man that moved logs and rolled them onto his portable saw all by himself.  At noon he would come to the porch to eat his packed lunch.  Of course I always had extra baked goods, potato chips and pop for him.  He loved talking about what he had read in magazines and newspapers and was most interested in our sons military careers.  During the visit today he asked Dick and Kent, "what do you think of Donald Trump?  He added that he likes what he reads about him.  Amish do keep up on World Affairs.  Quite the guy and most enjoyable.  He knew how to operate the truck radio and had his favorite stations, his favorite country singers and music.  While he worked I kept the radio on the porch so he could catch a tune when his saw wasn't humming. 

I took my crocheting and sat in the car while the guys went in the saw mill,  Enos Mast now owns.  Guys love to talk business without a woman around, I didn't mind it was only 18 degrees out so the car and crocheting kept me quite happy.  I did have my camera ready to snap a picture or two.  Dick and Kent had a good visit and talked over ideas and plans for a small cabin they plan to build this summer.  They also caught up on family news.  Enos will be the guy to cut the lumber.   If you happen to go to the Potter Country Lumber Museum,  Enos is the one that cut the huge timbers for the frame work.  He is the only one in a wide area that can cut the large beams.  He has also sold his beams for a building in NYC.  It's not hard to figure out why, his talent and the fact he is one of the nicest men to do business with.  Very fair with his prices.  His motto, I make what I need for a good living, why would I try to out price myself.  Good business men understand what they have to be.  Honest, loyal and put out a great product.  No short cuts. 

It can get cold being a "horse trader"

This will be where our logs are milled.

As they guys came out of the shop office I was excited to see the oldest son of Enos and Sara.  A tall thin guy just like his dad was and is.  Of course the same smile too.  The first time we saw him he was 1 year old.  We were dropping Enos off from a days work at our house and this little guy stood on their porch with a dress on.  Dick said, you got a cute little girl.  Ha, Enos laughed and said, it's a boy.  Then he continued to say they keep boys in dresses until the are potty trained.  Easier to change their diapers.  Well this guy is now 18 and works just as hard as his dad.  Enos and Sara have 6 children
.
I did have time to make the tarts promised the day before.  The filling was Blueberry/Rhubarb that was made last July.  Unlike a jelly or jam it is more like a thick sauce and not as sweet.  The rhubarb gives it a refreshing slightly tart taste while the blueberries add their mild sweetness.  A nice combination and so good on hot buttermilk biscuits or Salt Rising Bread. 

All ready for a 375 degree oven.

Ready to eat,  sometimes I sprinkle with
 confectioner sugar or drizzle a bit of vanilla
glaze on.
Check out the fresh eggs, the girls
are working overtime on these
cold mornings.
 



The Big Valley

The Big Valley at the head of Alma Pond.  I was happy to get
a picture of the storm moving up the valley.  Alma Pond is about
where the snow is starting.

Like the night before, yesterday morning was no exception.  I woke up looking out the window,  the clouds had parted and the stars were shining bright.  The Big Dipper was to the right towards the East giving me a perfect view.  I am always looking for shooting stars, ready and waiting with a special wish.  In the last month I have seen 4, amazing what gives me such pleasure, a little shooting star.  Well, none yesterday morning and the clouds pulled over quickly.  A lazy look at the clock suddenly changed to an "oh no" moment.  I had set the alarm for 6 am but apparently the volume was turned down and it was now 6:20 am.  I had to be at the eye doctor in Wellsville at 8 am.  By this time we were both in 5th gear.  Just like a well oiled machine Dick made the coffee and warmed the car while I showered, hair and make-up was done.  We did it and was out the door by 7:55.  Now you may wonder why so early to leave when it is a 35 minute drive.  The roads.....not knowing if the plowing and cindering had been done plus School buses and people heading to work would make for a more cautious trip. 

It was 4 degrees, the fields on the Eleven Mile looked cold and lonesome with the wind blowing and some heavy snow coming down.  It made me think, where are the wild animals?  Are they cuddled in a nice warm spot away from the frigid elements?  I would be.  I know animals have special protection against the harsh weather but it still saddens me to think of them out there.  The few cars we passed caused a few seconds of white outs.  That is no fun only seeing white out the windshield.

By 9:15 we were headed home.  Dr. Cook and his staff are efficient and prompt!  The temps had warmed up to 8 degrees and life was starting to appear.  At upper Eleven Mile I spotted a very large bird soaring and at times flapping its wings.  I knew immediately it was an American Bald Eagle from the wing span.  They are huge.  It followed along side us for quite a ways and then veered off to the right heading back towards Alma Pond way.  Bald Eagles are making a great come back in our area and for that I am happy.  We have spotted them often in our travels and 3 times in Clara Valley.  It doesn't matter how many times I see one or two I get just as excited for the next one.  Bald Eagles like to hang around open water to catch fish and also keep an eye on open fields for little mice or what ever is a good meal.  Yes, even my chickens could end up as a meal for the large birds of prey.  We have a pair of Red Tailed Hawks that "hawk" the barn yard now and again.  A shot from the gun scares them away for a few days.  We would never shoot them, after all they were here first.  We saw deer gathered around a few deer feeders that a people have put out.  Life in the "dead of winter", survival of the fittest.

Still in NYS we pass the turn to the right that takes me to my favorite place.  Alma Pond is so peaceful, quiet and beautiful no matter what time of the year we go.  On a hot summer day setting by the water under the shade of the trees is a great way to cool off.  The fall with the changing colors of leaves and watching them fall into the water and drift away, peace.  Then the "dead of winter" can also be just as nice.  The pond is frozen over with drifts of snow, it is total quiet beauty.  Spring brings all the ducks and geese back to build nests and raise their young.  No matter the season there is always a simple pleasure at Alma Pond.  Deer, turkey, ducks, geese, Osprey and the pair of Bald Eagles that raise their young every year there, fishermen (even ice fishermen), people enjoying kayaks, there is a lot to enjoy there.  I had the opportunity to kayak on Alma Pond.  I loved it, once I was over the fear of tipping it over.  My daughter took me and was patient in teaching me how to get in and out, not to tip it, how to turn right and left and how to stop.  Not too bad for my first try and it was relaxing so I would call it a successful first voyage. 

Supper tonight was tossed salad, a tomato and fresh mozzarella salad and beef/mushroom pie.  Remember the roast beef, gravy and fried mushrooms we had the other night?  Tonight it went in a pie crust with a can of sweet peas on top and then the top pie crust.  Sprinkle a little paprika on top and it looks pretty good for left overs.  One thing I don't like is wasting food, like I tell my husband....if there are leftovers I guarantee you will see them again.  Remember I call leftovers "the free meal".  It smells like it will be worth the time and effort.  The pie crust was made with my precious lard.  With leftover crust tomorrow I will make Dick some jelly tarts, one of his favorite treats.

Meeting last night so no time to let the pie cool
 a bit before cutting,  still very good!

On a Cold Winter's Night

When I wake in the middle of the night it is possibly my best time to think out plans for the next day, week or even months ahead.  Last night was one of those nights.  With a few inches of snow freshly fallen everything looked white, pure and peaceful.  I am so lucky to be able to open my eyes and see the view looking down Clara Valley with our lawn, fields, hills and the beautiful White Pines that stand so tall and majestic just off the lawn.  To my surprise the stars were out too.  Considering the fact we had snow squalls predicted it was an added pleasure.  Soon though the stars disappeared and the snow began to fall again.  This was a very productive awakening.  My mind wandered to spring and getting the garden ready to plant.  One thought, have people start saving their newspapers for us.  We layer them quite thick between the rows and especially around the asparagus. It also works great when planting your summer flowers to avoid so many weeds invading the beds.  This method not only cuts down on weeding but also by the end of garden season has mulched making the soil light and fluffy.  The hard part is shoveling dirt on top of the papers so they won't blow away.  Somewhere I read that it is called lasagna gardening pertaining to layers of news papers, dirt and fresh mulch.  Hard to believe as I watched out the window I was thinking of the garden,  mulching, planting and where and what was going to be planted this year. We always rotate where the veggies were planted the year before.   Either way it is nice to have a free open mind with little to no worries in the middle of the night. 

Back to those big old White Pines.  About 15 years ago I met a man at the eye doctor's office.  He was in his late 80s.  We started talking (of course, I love to talk) and one thing led to another, he asked where I lived.  When I told him the biggest smile crossed his face.  He said, Doc Stevens farm!  Yes! He said he would fork hay from her field onto a hay wagon with his dad.  They drove a team of horses and wagon from Hebron over Moffit Hill ( he called it by the name we all grew up knowing, Nigger Hill).  He then mentioned  the stand of White Pines and the size of one in particular that was on our property so long ago.  When travelers would ask directions they would always say past the Giant White Pine.  I told him when we moved here the first thing we noticed was a hollowed out stump that was huge and where it was.  He was sure it was the stump of the famous Giant White Pine.  Fifteen years later and there is still most of the outline of the stump very close to the ground.  Maybe this is why I like looking out the window at the Pines, how many have passed by looking at the same view  over a 100 years ago that I look at everyday and every night.  That is a good feeling.  Our horse barn is built from lumber sawed out of some of the Pines, always a reminder of what was and is.

Remember that beef roast I did in the pressure cooker Sunday?  Here is our plates for Sunday night's supper.  Dick likes hot roast beef sandwiches,  I do not like bread when it gets soggy so my beef and gravy is on the side with a slice of country white bread.  Mushrooms fried in butter with just salt and pepper for seasoning.  I prefer wild mushrooms but that only happens once a year.  I gather them for about a week, once there is enough for a meal it is close to the end of finding mushrooms in the pastures.  If you like mushrooms you would really enjoy the wild ones.  They have a wonderful rich taste that farm raised mushrooms can not compare to.  My mom would take me gathering in our farm pastures on Horse Run.  Dad would not eat them, he never quite trusted if they were good or deadly.  No problem, all the more for mom and me.  Never pick mushrooms unless you know the good ones or trust someone that does. 

The sweet potatoes seem to be extra sweet this winter.

Today we headed to Wellsville for a visit and lunch with our friend.  It sure was nice to travel up Eleven Mile and the back River Road enjoying the snow and even a few drifts in the road way.  Every once in a while the sun would peak from the clouds but mostly the wind was blowing and a few snow flakes falling.  It was 10 degrees at the top of Eleven Mile, always one of the coldest areas around.  We also saw several deer in the fields pawing for food.  Must be a storm coming, at least that is what many say when deer are out browsing during the day.  By the time we got to Wellsville it had warmed to 13 degrees.  A nice visit and lunch with a nice guy makes a cold winter day more enjoyable.  I love winter, but how many times have I said that?  Many and probably many more.  The other saying, there is no place like home and that's the truth.  To top off the trip we were able to see some spectacular clouds and sun coming down Eleven Mile.  The weather really doesn't effect my day, rain, snow, cold, etc. they all offer something beautiful.

                                                           Take my breath away sky.

 Remember no matter how small the gesture, "Pass it On" someone will appreciate it.




What day is it?

What day is it?  That is the question frequently asked by one of us.  Retirement does that, everyday is the same and believe me I am not complaining.  Life is just the way we like it at Cook'n by the Creek.  The only demanding schedule is the animals in winter time.  Their alarm clock is working just perfect.  By 8 am the horses are standing at the gate looking towards the house.  I can almost hear them thinking, come on it's time for breakfast.  This morning was no exception.  They were munching away on a round bale and like an inner alarm clock went off they both left it and moved to the gate.  It's time to get the day going.  Dick is doing barn chores and I am finishing the last of my coffee.  The best part, my mind said.....time to write a blog.  I love these times when my mind and fingers connect.  What better place to be than on the couch looking out the glass doors to the view that takes my breath away, one of the nice things  about an open floor plan.  The other is if I'm in the kitchen I get to see and talk to everyone.  The not so nice thing, dishes need to be done immediately otherwise the living room and dining room get to see a messy kitchen. 

As I do a blog I can keep an eye on
the great outdoors and horses.

Snow is predicted to hit this afternoon.  We are hoping for enough to get the snowshoes out tomorrow.  January 17, 2016 and still have not had enough snow to get out and enjoy.  Today might be the day.  Dinner will be roast beef cooked in the pressure cooker which will take about 30 minutes for a 2 pound roast.  It will be fork tender with a beautiful rich juice.  I dust the roast with a little flour, salt and pepper, brown it and then pour about 4 cups of water over it.  Then throw in some onion, celery and carrots.  The vegetable will be so soft that a fork or potato masher will blend them into the juice to make it a little thicker.  If you have never used a pressure cooker please don't be afraid of them.  The pressure cooker will make cooking meats so much faster.  Who can get a roast fork tender in 30 minutes? 

Since I am on the food subject (always in the morning because I have to plan for the evening meal) I will tell you what we had yesterday.  Saturday was also a day of R & R.  Some days we just need to regroup, rest and get ready for whatever is thrown our way.  Lunch was just a plate of salami, ham, Swiss Cheese, a variety of olives, crackers and a spicy mustard.  I might have had a few pieces of chocolate too (such a sweet hound I am).  Saturday night supper was pork schnitzel, potato cakes and green beans.  The schnitzel is nothing more than pork loin pounded thin, dusted with flour, salt and pepper and fried in butter.  Now, the potato cake is a recipe that our exchange student from the Czech Republic showed me how to make 30 years ago.  Wow that doesn't seem possible. He said they are sold by street vendors in his country.  Very easy and very tasty.  The hardest part is grating the potatoes on the fine side of a grater and not grating your knuckles.  I grated about 2 cups, adding 5 TBSP flour, a little salt and pepper, 1 tsp of dried marjoram and one beaten egg.  Mix all together and drop by large spoonful into hot oil.  I used canola because my lard supply is dwindling and would rather save it for pie crust.  Fry until golden brown on both sides.  They can be topped with any sauce you like.  I'm a sour cream type and the husband likes my chipotle sauce which is spicy and sweet.  I like applesauce also but didn't get it out of the freezer in time to thaw. 

Potato cakes with sour cream,
pork schnitzel with a little
Chipotle Sauce.

Lunch for two.

Time to get on with the day, a little crocheting, cooking and watching for the storm to pull in.  Do I trust the weather forecast?  Not really, they have been wrong so many times.  It might just be easier to head out on the porch and give a sniff up the valley and down the valley like my oldest brother always said he did.  Either way that air will smell fresh and clean, nothing better than good old country air. 

The King Cake

Every year at this time I see posts from a young man that grew up in Shinglehouse.  When I worked at the Market Basket he would come in frequently running errands for his mom.  Steve's smile and wit reminds me so much of his mom, Jannie.  There are just certain people that can make your day or ruin it when working behind the register.  Jannie and Steve made the day.  Ok, so Steve makes the famous King Cake which is the start to Mardi Gras.  I have looked at his pictures and thought, I'm going to make a King Cake.  Well this year was the year.  He even gave me the link for the recipe he uses. 

The King Cake

Up bright and early this morning because the hub had an 8:30 am dentist appointment which means he leaves at 7:30 or earlier....he is always early out the door.  Me?  No, I have it figured right to the minute hoping no delays along the way.  I did the chores, I was surprised at 8 above it was not that bad.  Of course by the time I grain the horses and hens, put half the hay in their stalls, carry half out to the pasture and fill the water vessels it is enough to feel a little sweaty.  I even had time to take some pictures out back.  There was a big flock of geese making a lot of noise.  I think they were giving the leader hell for waiting around until the temperatures dropped to single digits.  Maybe they will turn around and come back by week's end.  It is suppose to be back in the 40s.  Like the stock market, what goes up must come down.  Our horses and hens are lucky, Dick has a heater in both water vessels.  It proves to be worth the extra $ on the electric bill not having to break ice 3 times a  day.  The horses drink a lot of water this time of the year.  Hay and grain is dry so they have to make up with more water intake.  During the summer the grass is full of water so they drink far less.  Either way the morning was brisk and oh so clean to smell.  I love fresh air at Cook'n by the Creek. 

Clara Creek still running but ice around
the edge.

Sun just coming up over the hill, 8 degrees.

Once the chores were finished I started the dough for the King Cake.  Not really a cake it's like a sweet bread dough made with yeast.  The dough is quite sticky once the final kneading is done.  This makes for a very light and airy finished product.  The texture is lighter than regular white bread dough.   I have a feeling it would make some nice cinnamon rolls too.  The recipe filling calls for pecans, brown sugar, flour, butter and raisins.  I like raisins but the rest of the family does not.  So like I usually do (don't follow rules) I substituted chopped dates.  I put every thing in the food mill for a couple spins and then spread it on .  The end result is great and I don't have to see noses wrinkle up and say, "raisins".

So thank you Steve West for the recipe and motivation.  Single digits and what better time to smell homemade goodness all through the house.  This afternoon we had a fresh brewed cup of Jamaican Me Crazy and a Slice of King Cake.  Let me tell ya it was worth the time!  Since it made two big loaves one was delivered to the neighbors. 

The King Cake is frosted or sugared with the colors Purple for justice, yellow for power and green for faith. The cake often has a small plastic baby (said to represent Baby Jesus) inside, or underneath; and the person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket has various privileges and obligations.



A slice for me!

 So today was Cajun or New Orleans style food.  Yesterday was homemade Mexican with beef taquitos, refried beans, seasoned rice and of course quacamole.  Did you know quacamole or sour cream can cut the heat from spicy food?  We are quacamole fans rather than sour cream.  Either way it is a fun way for a meal to add a foreign flare.

Mexican night! 

One more tip.  When a dough recipe calls for scalded and cooled milk you do not have to scald the milk if it is store bought.  Just heat it to the temperature the recipe calls for.  If you buy your milk raw and fresh from the farm then yes scald and cool it.  So many dough recipes were written long ago before pasteurized milk hit the markets.  Scalding was their way of killing bacteria.  Now ya know.

I'm looking over a four leaf clover....

There they are, 2 four leaf clovers I found while pheasant hunting with the grandkids on Tuesday, December 22, 2015.  It was a perfect day to be out in the woods and fields on the Pennsylvania Game Commission Land.  It is just over the hill from us off Whitney Creek and the valley they hunt pheasant for is called the Castle Branch.  Like everything around here it is a small valley with hills close together.  Beautiful spot to hike and hunt.  Now Oswayo Valley is the "big valley" so to speak with of course the Oswayo River running through it and  RT 44 crossing it quite a few times.  There are many little roads, black top or dirt that turn out of the big valley and lead to who knows where.  Just depends on what turn you take.  Tuesday it was Whitney Creek, Castle Branch and circle back to RT 44.  I really love my grandson, I have a muddy car to prove it.  Kamrie and I followed the guys because they had Molly the "wonder pheasant hunting dog" and no not in my car and we all wouldn't fit in the old farm truck.  I was in shock at how good the little CRV went through that muddy road of Castle Branch.  It was a baja kinda drive.    Years ago there would be no way I would have done that to my car, now it's what the hell.  Let's have fun and enjoy the day...just what we did.

Kamrie and I walked behind Dick, Kent and Molly while they were trying to find a pheasant or two.  The Game Commission does a fine job planting special crops for the animals.  They also leave windrows of tall trees and brambles for the pheasant to hide in.  Only Molly can get through them but when she finds a bird she is all point and then Kent knows what to do.  As I was slowly walking I noticed they had planted plenty of clover for the deer.  Clover, it brought back the memories of my Gramma Carrie Gross.  She was quite the lady, as to say a tough old bird.  I can remember when she would visit the farm in the summer all she had to do was walk through our lawn and end up with a small bouquet of four leaf clovers.  I swear that woman didn't even look for them and she could find them.  I would spend hours  crawling on my hands and knees and never find one.  In the last few years I have been better at spotting one, not bouquets of them.  Well of course seeing all the clover made me start looking while the guys were hunting.  It seemed like there was not going to be the lucky clover and I thought,  come on Gramma I got your white hair and build can't I at least find clovers?   Before the walk was over I had found two within a few feet of each other.  My lucky day!  First to be with my grands and husband, second to be in the great outdoors on such a beautiful day and third, I found not one but two four leaf clovers on a special December day. 

Today the cold temperatures and snow has moved in.  Just what I have been waiting for.  The rain and mud has wore very thin with my temperament.  Every time the dog goes out we have to wipe his feet.  Now the ground is frozen enough that no more mud.  At least for a few days. 

On the menu tonight is cabbage rolls and sauerkraut, green bean casserole, baked potato casserole, winter squash and apple dumplings for dessert. I am cooking the potatoes, squash and dumplings, Amber is making the rest.  The apples are from our friends John and Diane when they were visiting from NM last fall.  Their daughter lives in Buffalo and had a tree loaded with apples.  They were kind to pick them up and bring some to us.  I had put them in the freezer just waiting for a cold winter day to use them.  At first it was going to be pie and then I thought dumplings.  We had just had chicken and dumplings last week.  It is the same batter recipe only dropped over simmering apples, sugar and cinnamon.  Once they are done I sprinkled more sugar and cinnamon on top of the dumplings.  As for the potato casserole it was just thin sliced baking potatoes and a large sweet onion thinly sliced and layered in a buttered baking dish and butter drizzled on top.  I also used garlic, salt and pepper for seasoning.  Bake at 400 until lightly browned.   If you like cheese you can also sprinkle your favorite kind on to just before taking out of the oven.

Crisp potatoes and onions.

Apple dumplings just waiting for the
whipped cream!

What a beautiful brisk and snowy night to walk to the neighbors for supper.  The snow was falling gently and we do have an inch or two on the ground.  I love night time walks because all is quiet in Clara Valley.  The smell of wood smoke from a wood stove up the valley just adds to our peaceful little spot on earth.  Odd how the little things can give great pleasure.   

Sunday Dinner

Growing up on a dairy farm Sunday really was the only day my parents would take the day off.  Sometimes we would go for a ride in the 1950 Chevy to see what other farmers were up to.  A few times we would visit Kane, where my mom grew up.  There was a little snack bar (that's what hot dog and ice cream parlors were called) near Kinzua that we would stop at.  Now those trips were few, maybe only once a summer.  Other trips we would go to Sinclairville, NY to visit my dad's cousins,  Floyd and Edna, they also were dairy farmers.  I guess even today people stay in their own familiar circle of entertainment.  Mostly our Sundays were staying home while dad worked on projects that didn't require hard work.  Mom would sew, knit or set on the porch swing while she made Sunday dinner.  It was always in mid afternoon we ate, that way they could relax before night time milking.  Remember I said they took the day off.  Never was milking included in the day off.  Those cows needed milked twice a day, fed and let out to pasture.  In the winter the barn needed cleaned and fresh bedding in the stalls.  What I meant was day off from the rest of the hard work that was in the daily routine.  Of course if it was haying season or planting fields of corn and oats then no, Sunday was not a day off.  Even around Cook'n by the Creek Sunday is usually a day to relax, go visiting or take walks.  Like the big farmers we still have to be around morning and night for the horses and chickens.  What would we do without our barnyard friends.....they keep us moving.

Sunday dinner is always better to share with family or friends.  Last Sunday we were lucky to have our grandson, his friend and our granddaughter stop in to eat with us.  It was a typical "Della Sunday Dinner".  I roasted a small chicken (no, not one of my girls) that had been seasoned with salt and pepper at 400 degrees until golden brown and the juices ran clear.  After it cooled a bit I cut the breast off, legs and thighs to serve.  The rest of the carcass went into the stock pot to simmer for about 30 minutes.  Straining it and then adding chopped celery, onion, carrots and one bay leaf I cooked until vegetables were just tender.  The meat from the carcass what put back in the stock pot.  With a cup of the broth I added enough flour to make a roux to thicken the broth.  More salt, pepper, a dash of garlic powder and 1 cup of garden peas it turned into a nice vegetable gravy.  Next I made the dumpling dough which is 2 cups of flour, 4 tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp salt mixed together, then cut  in 2 TBSP of shortening (I use lard but Crisco is fine) to that mixture I add enough milk to make a loose dough that is dropped by spoonfuls (spoonfuls or spoonsful,you see my choice) into the simmering gravy.  Cover and let cook for about 20 minutes or until the dumplings are fluffy and done on the inside.  Don't take the cover off before 15 minutes to check, otherwise it will make a heavy dumpling.  Some prefer heavy dumplings but we like the light and fluffy ones.   That's it, served with the baked chicken, winter squash from the garden and cranberry sauce.

A guy's plate.

The cooked dumplings with paprika
sprinkled on top.  My mom loved to
put paprika on salads, potatoes and
dumplings, like the final touch of
goodness.

 It must have been good because chatter turned to silence as dinner was served.  I love to see people eat and enjoy the food I cook. We had a good time and lots of laughs, the young hearts give so much joy to us.  Like I said, it is much nicer to share the Sunday dinner with others.  These three visitors made my day.  It's so easy "to pass it on".

If you read an earlier post about the German Spaghetti Ice Cream I must tell you.  We made it and it was delicious and fun to share with family.  It turned out better than I ever expected and easy to make.   It was so good we will be making it again when other family and friends come to visit.


Ice cream pushed through a can with holes punched in the bottom and
 put back in the freezer for 30 minutes, then strawberry puree on top
and shaved white chocolate.

Spring Evening

As the "old timers" use to say, the swamps must be full before the ground will freeze and snow will stick.  From a ride to Amish country today the swamps are full, streams are overflowing and puddles of water everywhere.   Not to mention mud, lots of it and deep.  It wasn't hard to see how many Amish buggies were out and about in the Genesee/Ulysses area, wagon tracks on all the dirt roads.  Our car looked just as bad as the horses did all covered in mud.  Lucky the rain came down in buckets on the way home and most of the mud was washed off.  Not clean but not caked on.  It will do until the first day of no rain and we can give it a good washing. 

An Amish lady at the Amish grocery store.
Her wheels are cleaner than ours!

Since today is the official first day of winter and daylight will get longer each day I really would like.....snow.  Yes, it's true.  I am ready for the frozen ground, 8-12 inches of that white stuff and temperatures to hover around 20-30 degrees will do.  White looks so much nicer than brown this time of year for me.  As the days tick by it lessens the opportunity to get the skis and snowshoes out.  We are ready to venture in the woods and check out all the animals tracks in the snow.  That hot dog roast is also on the list of wants.  Last Saturday we took an early evening ride up Wakley Hollow.  It is a dead end road so we were the only tracks in and out on the fresh fallen snow.  I call rides like this "peace rides".  They give us peace and remind us of how much we have to be happy and thankful for.  All was quiet in the little valley just as it always is.  Coming back  we drove by our grandson's land and house, he was out enjoying the fresh air too.  Early this summer the electric company went through to cut trees and brush from their power lines.  They do not clean up the mess, that is the landowners job.  Kirk was doing just that and pretty much had the job done.  Hard to believe our first grandchild has grown to a 27 year old man. 

Wakley Hollow



Snow still falling but it doesn't stop
the work to be done.

Tonight I did the chores while the husband went to the Oswayo Valley Varsity Basketball game.  The chickens were having a tough time deciding if they really wanted to go in the hen house.  After all it was warm, the ground is not frozen and I'm sure bugs and worms are plentiful.  They finally did with a little clucking from me and throwing some cracked corn on the barn floor.  Who can turn down free food?  While waiting for the hens to decide it was dark enough to go to roost I noticed the moon, almost full by not quite, that will be on Christmas.  I read it will be the first full moon on Christmas since 1977.  What were you doing in 1977?  Our kids were 1, 7, and 9 years old, you know the best time for celebrating Christmas.  Kids to make the day.  That trip to the barn is my clear my mind time.  It's give Cheryl a pep talk and hopefully she listens.

Tonight it was like a "spring evening".  Clara Creek was raging full with milky water that looks like the snow run off in spring.  I hope what I noticed on the hills was not what I thought it was.  The maple trees had a lot of red on the branches!  Though it wouldn't shock me if they are confused and start to bud.  Of course my first thought is it better not mess up Maple Syrup season.

Speaking of Christmas....remember it is what you make of it. There is no guarantee it will be a happy time for many. The last couple weeks have been with joy and sadness at Cook'n by the Creek.  The joy, our new granddaughter, Sloan Annabelle Bryant, she's a beauty. The sadness is the passing of our dear friend and then of our cousin's son.   Not all can be together during the holidays but like I tell myself (talking to myself always!)  healthy, loved and safe is what is important. 



Simply Shinglehouse

 Simply Shinglehouse is exactly how I think of the town I grew up in.  It holds so many wonderful memories of people and times.  Even if I didn't personally know the people or experience the happening, stories have brought them to me to keep in my memory.  Thanks to everyone that will "Pass On" a memory to others.

One of my favorite pastimes is listening to stories about our area when someone is refreshing their memory of years ago.  For instance a while back (which means days, weeks or month) our friends Ron and Marcia were here.  One thing we can count on is going back to our childhood when we are around folks our age that lived in Oswayo Valley.  That get together was no exception.  One thing I learned last night........there was a bowling alley on Second St. and from what I gather it was where the saw mill use to be.  It was a huge brick building and I don't know what it was before the saw mill.  Ron remembered Dick was a pin setter.  I didn't even know that and didn't realize the bowling alley was there.  Of course I was a country kid.  I only remember the bowling alley that is still on Academy St. and owned by Ross and Ellen Jones now.  Years ago Durwood Van Epps owned it.  Never was a bowler and the few times I tried it was more frustrating than fun, that ball never went the same way twice.  Truthfully I am not athletic at all so spectator is my best sport.

It is fun "looking back" and remembering something that has been tucked way back in our memory files.  Once a "remember when" is brought up everyone starts remembering and giving their input on how it was.  Usually the first" remember when" ends up being  quite a few, one thing leads to another memory etc. 

There is a page on Face Book called "Shinglehouse Remember When".  Like myself many are enjoying the pictures posted by Chris Hobson, from Shinglehouse and Lanny Lunn from Port Allegany.  The pictures are wonderful and very clear to view.  It's hard to believe so long ago our little town along with Millport, Coneville, Oswayo and Ceres were bustling with factories, trolleys, trains, hotels and mills.  What happened?  I have not a clue other than every tree was cut from our hills and forests.  Maybe that was the start of the end for the bustling towns.  Gone are the factories such as the glass and bottle plant in Shinglehouse and hotels.  I'm sure the story is printed somewhere.

These small towns are now no more than a drive through on our way to bigger towns.  Shinglehouse is the only one with a grocery store, drugstore, 2 gas stations, 2 doctor's offices and school. Wouldn't it be fun to slip back in time a see what it was really like?  I'm sure it was not easy living then but the people probably thought it was so much easier that their parents had.  I know from my mom's stories of growing up I can't imagine living through the Great Depression, WWI and WWII.  Her father fled Germany in the early 1900s.   Where I am today is quite satisfying.

Friday was fish fry.  We like beer battered the best and usually we have fish every Friday night right at Cook'n by the Creek.  It's an easy batter to make, 1 cup flour, 1 egg, salt, pepper and enough beer to make a batter about the consistency of paint.  Make sure the fish is rinsed and patted dry before dipping in the batter.  Fry in hot grease about 2 inches deep until golden brown on both sides. Lard or grape seed oil it my pick for frying and Icelandic Haddock is our choice unless we are lucky enough to have fresh Walleye from our Canadian friend.  Dick makes the tartar sauce which is mayonnaise, relish, horseradish and a couple squirts of chipotle red hot sauce.  So good, I even dip my French fries in it.  That's it, fish and chips.  Well, there was something else but that was much later, Perry's Ice Cream.  For some reason ice cream tastes better on cold days than warm days for us.  Maybe it is because it gets dark so darn early in the winter we think of food more.  Either way about once a month we buy ice cream and tonight is the night and the flavor is......Bittersweet Coffee!

Saturday morning we decided to go to the Oswayo Valley Elementary School for Candy Cane Lane.  There were 32 vendors set up and some great smelling food cooking too!  The best part for me was some hello hugs from friends that I grew up with, worked with or friends of my family.  It was wonderful seeing so many memories in one room.  Thanks, Shirley Burrell, Sue Phillips, Nicky Howard, Mary Blanchard, Mary Kay Torrey and Colleen Hyde,  it was great chatting with you all.  I just had to use Shirley and Sue's maiden names.  Makes me smile to remember the memories we have shared.  That's the joy of growing up in our "little valley".  At that time years ago we knew everyone.  I don't think there was a house on any given street that we didn't know.  As a matter of fact I'm sure if I went up every street I could remember just about everyone that lived in each house.  Not so now, I see people downtown and wonder, who is that? 

  I was surprised and very happy to see husbands at the Candy Cane Lane, they gave my husband someone to talk to while I went solo looking at all the displays of the vendors.  Shauna Jandrew Maxson and Olivia Jandrew had some awesome crocheted and knit items.  If you are in for a specialty hat that is now in such demand give them a call.  From what I see there is nothing they can't make!  Adorable hats for little to big kids, the scarves that are knit by using your arm are gorgeous with beautiful large button to give them the "wow" and other items too.  It is wonderful to see young girls doing such a nice job and something they will always be able to pass on to others.  I only wish I would have taken my camera!

Speaking of "Passing it On"  our grandson Kent just stopped in to take his Gramps hunting.  There's that full circle.  Dick was the one to take Kent hunting and trapping when he was young and now he is the one to take Gramps hunting.  Nothing puts a bigger smile on our face and love in our heart than the grandkids.  Here is a picture of Kent and Dick way back in 2000 heading out for a day of hunting.

Like we all say, "where as the time
gone?"  Seems like just a blink ago our
kids were this little.

Spaghetti Ice Cream and Expectations

Over Christmas I am going to make a dessert we had in Germany of April, 1989.  Spaghetti Ice Cream (because I will work out double that day, and if you believe that I have some "Ocean Front Property in Arizona"). That's a song that will stick in my mind for the day!  Ok, the Spaghetti Ice Cream "how to" was posted by a German Gal that lived across from us in Shinglehouse long ago.  We had the opportunity to get to know her, her family and meet her mom when she visited from Germany.   Birgit posted how to make the famous Spaghetti Ice Cream which is not noodles but made to look like them. I am one happy gramma to share this with the grands.  It is delicious and just down right fun to eat.  Presentation is 99% of any foods desire to eat as far as I'm concerned.  Here is the video on how to, you might even enjoy making it on a special day.  Birgit reminded me, don't forge to put a mound of whip cream on the plate first, it makes it so much better.  Of course it would, I love German desserts!

 

 The Wellness Center (weights and treadmill) is a very odd place to let the mind roll to blogging.  Proves no matter where I am this mind keeps rolling. While I was getting to the 2 mile mark it made me think of   "expectations" on how far I wanted to walk and my goal for the lift routine.  Expectations, we all have them and probably had them from the minute we were able to "want". 

In a young teenager there are few expectations but many wants.  Making first string on a sport team, being picked for a solo in chorus, painting a beautiful picture, getting a trophy buck, passing a driver's test, having a girl friend or boy friend, etc.  Then as we leave high school want usually turns to expectations.  Parents have great expectations for their kids, kids desire the same.  Remember though, it requires work and dedication to achieve that goal.  Sometimes that is not enough, so when the expectation is not reached but you have achieved a satisfying wrung on the ladder, are you able to accept that as success or failure?  Success is accepting and not blaming others or a circumstance for not reaching the great expectation.  Most parents, me being one are more than satisfied with our children and what we expected them to achieve.  Love, happiness. able to take care of their wife/husband and children and being able to "Pass it On" to their family.  That is the greatest expectation I could want for them.

Ok, so now I have been a little serious on that tread mill.  The music I had blasting in my ears suddenly turned "toe tap'n" fast.  Time to get moving  and actually got a little silly thinking of all the sweat running off my hair and down my back, it is not a glamorous time.  My expectations, let's see.  One, don't let the gal beside me go faster (20ish or 60ish) I will not let them out walk me for time.  Unless the sweet little thing puts on a full fledged run for an hour or even 10 minutes, then she is on her own.   Slyly looking out the corner of my eye at there distance and time to make sure, yes I am still faster. This is ridiculous Cheryl, you are here for yourself, not to out do the gal next to you.  I kept trying to figure out what my expectation of time would be.  2 miles in 30 minutes, yes that will do and I am having a good day.  Some days are like being tortured on that treadmill, there is no song with enough toe tap'n to motivate on those days.  One thing I learned last week, (still have a lot to learn remember) if I deadlift, press and squat first it makes the tread mill time much better.  I guess because lifting makes me warm up and sweat much faster thus not so long to get it moving on the treadmill.  I hate my expectations because I am not good when I don't meet them...I can give advice, I just can't take it...blahhhhhh

Well, here's the final time including a 5 minute warm-up and 5 minute cool-down.

No, I did not meet my expectation,
no excuses, just didn't!

  Normally I would never take a selfie especially the way I look at the end of my work-out expectation but this will be a therapy session.  The only place I will go without make-up on, hair done and matching clothes is the Wellness Center.  The first few times 14 years ago I went all "fixed up", by the end of 90 minutes make-up was running down my face with sweaty clothes and hair.  No thanks, cleaning up once a day is enough.  Plus that make-up made my eyes burn which made me look like I had been crying or on a 2 day drunk. 

   Nasty, sweaty and red faced but
 feel'n good!

Let's go back to adult (older) expectations.  Seriously outside of the gym I have no expectations and it feels great!  That is what happens after retirement, full circle.  Young life, none. Older life, none.  In between a kazillion mind boggling expectations.  Some important, most not.  Remember the saying, "if I knew then what I know now".  For me that would have been grand, it could have kept me out of some not so fun situations.  "It is what it is"...I like that saying and find I use it quite often these days, it is what it is.  Nice ring to it. 

He Walked on Water

The old saying, Snow will not stick until the swamps are full and have frozen.  From the rain we have had lately and the rain for the past few days the swamps are full!  The National Weather forecast says the NE is looking pretty good for mild winter weather.  Of course they are predicting a not so good chance of a white Christmas.  Either way Christmas will come and go, snow or no.  Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing are our favorite pastimes along with those winter woods hot dog roasts.  I am also enjoying these 40 plus degree days.  December 21st will be the shortest daylight day of the year, Winter Solstice.  Then the days will slowly gain more daylight and my hens will start giving more eggs.  By this time of the year they have slowed down, 12 hens 3-4 eggs a day.  I am much more careful on what I bake and plan in the days ahead.  Lucky this year the 14 Australorp pullets have started laying in the past 2 weeks.  They have given us the so called Pullet eggs which are the pick of many farm families.  Tiny egg with that beautiful dark orange yolk.  In about 2-4 weeks their eggs will be hen size.  Being their first year they will lay regularly for us.  Soon our family will be getting eggs to enjoy too.  Right now, well I am hoarding eggs.  This is our first go around at Australorps, we like them.  They are a very friendly breed, heavy bodied and good layers.  Our son Beau, had them a few years ago so we knew a little about them.  Actually a fox raided his pen one night and killed all but one of his hens.  We happened to be there a few days later.  That hen was so traumatized she would not get off their kitchen window sill.  Day and night she sat there not daring to go in her coop.  What to do?  Bring her back to the farm.  The 6 hour trip with a hen, now that's funny.  The dogs didn't mind sharing the back with her.  We called her "Princess Queen" and here she lived at Cook'n by the Creek until her natural death.  Sound a little crazy do I, could be.  We always call the chickens mine, the horses his. 

When our daughter Amber, moved to
Clara she was the one with chickens.
Many years ago she gave me her egg
gathering bucket, I still use it.

 

This morning as we sat enjoying morning coffee looking at the Christmas tree  Dick made the remark, "we sure have peaceful mornings around here."  I think he had that same feeling I did yesterday.  Now the best part he was what he said next,  "I'm going to buy more Austrolorp hens next spring".  My kinda guy!  You can never have too many hens.  There will be eggs sold and given away, after all we are not in it for the $, we enjoy setting and watching the chickens peck during the warmer evenings.  We have a birds eye view from our table and kitchen window to keep an eye on them throughout the day.  We let our chickens free range, this makes the yolk that beautiful rich orange and I would like to think make my hens "Happy Hens." Kind of like the Happy Cows from California commercial.  I have a hard time seeing animals confined to small spaces.  I don't like so many laws but I would like to see one that  gives large animals the right to 1 acre of pasture per animal and a place to get out of the heat, cold, snow or rain.

A hen egg on the left and a Pullet egg
on the right.  Kitchen towel a gift
from my friend Tomi.

Our beautiful Australorps, in the
sunlight they shimmer iridescent colors.

The song I have posted is a  Randy Travis song from 26 years ago, " He Walked On Water." It is about a Grandfather that would set in the shade and watch the chickens peck.  This could have been written about my brother Bob, he would do the same and so many of the lyrics pertain to his life.  Writing on this quiet, peaceful morning and talking of chickens brought Bob and our son back to my thoughts.  I have such a wondering mind!  The first time we heard this song was standing on an Army Base in Stuttgart, Germany where Bart was stationed.  Bob had passed away 4 years prior.  Bart asked, "mom have you heard Randy Travis's new song?"  I hadn't.  We listened to it with tears spitting out. Yes our family thought that "He Walked on Water".  Here's to you dear brother and all the wonderful memories you gave our family.  The most important lesson we learned from Bob, the love of family and watching the chickens peck.  All of  our kids have owned chickens at one time in their adult life.  We "Passed it On"  from my mom, to her kids to mine.  I'm proud of that!   Living in Clara has been a dream come true.  Our 3 kids grew up visiting their Uncle Bob and Aunt Bev just about every weekend.  Since we lived in the city (Shinglehouse, population about 800, smile) Clara visits gave them the country dirt road life that I believe everyone should experience.  They would fish and play in Clara Creek, hunt the hills, take hikes, ride dirt bike and bikes, play with cousins and enjoy the kids that lived in Clara. 

Maybe, just maybe I figured out how to post from YouTube...maybe.  My computer skills are next to none and I am often amazed at what I learn.  Life is a learning experience for me everyday, from animals, cooking, life, you name it I have so much to learn.  If the video does not work you can go to YouTube and search it.  It really is a wonderful song.  I'm sure most families have that one person that held their family close and together.

Take a few minutes to set, relax and think of someone that has made you happy in your lifetime.  There are sad times but without them there could not have been the good times.  Don't forget to "pass on" those memories to the younger members of your family.  It is how they learn where their roots all began.

SIDELINES

After complaining about my early morning wake-up call yesterday I feel a little guilty.  I was up at 5:30 am with no wake-up call.  Fresh Jamaican Me Crazy waiting in the pot for me and the smell of pine from our tree and still dark out.  Here I sit by the tree taking in deep breaths and deep thoughts with only the soft white lights from the tree lighting the way.  Can you remember being a young child and looking at the family Christmas tree?  I can, it was always beautiful in my mind but at that time presents were more thought of than the actual love of the moment.  Now it is the beauty of life, our children, grandchildren, friends or seeing nature at it's finest.  It doesn't matter now if the day brings rain, cold, snow or sunshine it is a day to take in and enjoy.

All the goodies my mom would make for the holidays are probably second in my thoughts this morning.  Della always had fresh tangerines and apples in a big bowl on the counter.  The apples she  rubbed with butter to make them shine.  It makes me grin that I remember that small gesture, it was a very important part of her Christmas preparation.  Then there was a bowl of mixed nuts still in the shells with a smaller empty bowl and a nut cracker set in it to be used for the shells.   Do people still buy nuts in the shell?  I haven't in a long, long time.  Now it is easier to pay $7-9 a pound all salted (not good for our health) or even funky (now there's a word from the past) types of flavorings added.  Through the years we have taken healthy foods and made them not healthy.  Like the nuts, the apple has been pied, caked, drizzled in caramel, a banana has been fostered, peanut buttered, frozen and dipped in chocolate, you name it we can sugar up just about anything.  Several recipes I see take a great pumpkin pie and add cream cheese, caramel or whatever else to give it the wow factor.  A plain piece of pumpkin pie is still my pick and delicious.  How about recipes adding chopped up candy bars to cakes, cookies and pies?  Simple will always be just fine for me. 

It's been an odd year (weather wise) at Cook'n by the Creek.  Wind has been relentless and frequent.  One night a few weeks ago it was so bad I went out in the morning to see if we still had shingles and siding.  Bradley Run/Clara Valley Rd and Moffit Valley Rd come together just above our house.  Once the winds combine from the two valleys it heads our way making for strong winds.  We are open to the valley for winds from each direction.  Setting low between the ridge of the hills acts as a vacuum.  Nice in the summer when the temperatures and humidity move in but during the cold winter months it is not nice.   This crazy weather is tending to make a mess for the hunters.  Yesterday was cold with a hard frost in the morning.  As I looked out across the pasture and to the hill side where Larry and Dick were it gave me a shiver.  I know what it is like to set on the cold, dark side of the valley so early in the morning.  This time of year the sun doesn't hit there until late afternoon and by the time it melts the frost the sun is almost ready to set for the night.  Spring Gobbler is a little kinder to the hunter, the sun rises farther down the valley which brings it's warmth to the hill about 9 am.  I remember setting there watching the warm sun slowly creep my way, thinking soon I will get warm.  The funny part, once it melts the frost on the trees it feels like raining falling on me.   You have to love hunting to face the elements of nature.

You can see the frost line in the field.
 It's cold on that hill, 22 degrees
 this morning.

So you are probably wondering what Sidelines means.  It is a sub/pizza parlor that opened this summer in Bolivar, NY.  Shawn and Davina Evingham are the owners.  Davina is the heartbeat of the business and a great cook too.  She is doing it up right with fresh food, homemade dressings, sauces, soups, etc.  Today was our second time for lunch and like the first time all was delicious.  Dick was on a mission to get onion rings, they are the biggest, crispiest and best onion ring he has ever had.  In  no time short he told Davina just that!  He also had the special, homemade veg. beef soup and a tossed salad which had tomatoes, onions, cukes, chi chi beans and homemade croutons in it and of course homemade ranch dressing, there was even a nice slice of cornbread on the side.  I had the same as the last time (that is how good it was), boneless chicken wings with Mango Habanero Sauce and fresh cut French Fries. Now I am going to say with all honesty the food is 5 star, more like an upscale restaurant.  The establishment is neat, very clean and well decorated with sports memorabilia from Bolivar, Richburg and the combined Bolivar/Richburg Sports Teams.  I have promised next time I will try the pizza, especially when Davina told me the sauce is made in house.  So, if you are visiting the area give Sidelines and try, go hungry because I promise you will get plenty of good food and not go away hungry.  We have known Shawn since he was a little guy, our kids grew up together as we did with Shawn's parents.   Our kids played with the Evingham kids and played against them in school sports.  We have watched our kids and their kids marry and have kids of their own.  Life is good living in our area to see families grow.  Best wishes to Sidelines for a prosperous future.

All of this for $21, well worth the drive to Bolivar.  We were in Olean and knew where to go for a
 GREAT MEAL.