The Country Register | Northern Rockies

What’s Inside?

• Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 4

• When A House Becomes A Home - Page 5

• Anne’s Lovin’ Ewe - Page 6

• Cowgirl Poet - Page 6

• Spring Cleaning - Page 7

• What is Macrame - Page 9

• Gardening Steps - Page 9

• Robin’s Nest DIY - Page 10

• Become Inspired - Page 11

• DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts for Adults - Page 11

• Idaho Section - Page 13

Editor’s Notes

Springing Into New Beginnings

Spring inspires joy doesn’t it? It is such a breath of fresh air after long winter months. It ushers in sunshine and invites us outside again. Henry David Thoreau writes, “We can never have enough of nature. Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

So, the ability to get out and prep the garden, take a walk, bask in the sunshine - it is all definitely a cob web cleaning for the body, mind and soul. This time of year we typically reorganize, deep clean and purge clutter in our homes. We start new projects. The season is often associated with new beginnings and new ideas.

This year I took that “new beginnings” notion to a whole new level. I made the decision to level up in my business and grow my publishing side of my business. I not only added one, but three new publications to my collection! I now have Kansas, Nebraska, Northern Rockies & Great Plains (MT, WY, ND, SD) and Oregon/Washington/Idaho Country Registers. It has been an exciting ride and one full of tasks. I’m so excited to expand my Country Register collection. I’ll be able to help you reach beyond our region and grab eye balls in other states surrounding us!

I’m so grateful for all the assistance and support to make it all happen. I have been working hard at making your Northern Rockies Great Plains region a strong content piece and am now looking to add more shops in all areas! Please tell your friends and shop owners to advertise in the Country Register. Specialty and niche publications make for fun and great reading. We could all use a little less screen time too! Join me on this new adventure, it will be a great one.

“We must walk consciously only part way to our goal, and then leap in the dark toward our success.” - Thoreau

Warm Spring Greetings to you all, Kelsey

Kelsey

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho

Kelsey (Snyder) Ruzicka, Publisher

Produced by Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC

PO BOX 2015 • Belle Fourche, SD 57717

605-568-0181 Office

www.countryregister.com/nrgp

www.moxiemarketingmw.com

Publisher’s contact numbers across the USA & Canada for The Country Register

Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:

* Indicates these editions are available on–line at www.countryregister.com.

Owners: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* Arkansas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, 405-470-2597, lenda@countryregister.com

* California: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797

* Connecticut: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD 21771, 866-825-2917, Fax 866-261-9641

* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com

* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, florida@countryregisteronline.com

* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, tcrga@windstream.net

* Idaho (N): Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

* Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* Illinois: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com

* Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com

* Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA, 52339, IowaCountryRegister@mchsi.com

* Kansas: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

* Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, cowprintdesigns@gmail.com

* Maine: Deborah Daney, 660 Country Club Road, Sanford, ME 04073, 207-324-7482

* Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com

* Massachusetts: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com

* Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211

* Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, minnesota@countryregister.com

* Missouri: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com

* Montana: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950*

* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803

* New Hampshire: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH 03036, 603-571-1822

* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com

* New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797

* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com

* North Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950

* North Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

* Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, ohiocountryregister@yahoo.com

* Oklahoma: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com

* Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* Pennsylvania: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763, 888-616-8319, Fax 800-609-0278

* Rhode Island: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com

* South Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950

* South Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

* Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, cowprintdesigns@gmail.com

* Texas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com

* Utah: Available

* Vermont: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH 03036, 603-571-1822

* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com

* Washington: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com

* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, jennifer@countryregisterofwisconsin.com

* Wyoming: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

CANADA

* Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0,780-889-3776, countryregab@yahoo.com

* British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711

* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, countryregister@sasket.net

* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, Box 60, 4338 Innes Rd., Orleans, ON K4A 3W3, 343-882-5812

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains March/April • Volume 14 Issue 2

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2024.

Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. The Country Register is a registered business trade name. Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC produces The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains.

Subscription price: 1 year, 6 issues, $20.00. Single copies: $3.00. This paper is furnished free at each advertiser, highway welcome centers, tourism centers, shows, events, and other selected locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Northern Idaho.

Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoints of the management and staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher.

Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products advertised herein.

Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the May/June 2024 issue are April 7, 2024.

A Cup of Tea with Lydia: Spring into TEA

By Lydia E. Harris

I grew up on a dairy farm in Blaine, Washington where my mother served afternoon coffee and fresh homemade zwieback (yeast double buns) on Sunday afternoons. This German Russian tradition was called faspa. Often friends dropped in unannounced during that time. Mother would quickly set out a spread of sliced cheese, meats, rolls, home-canned fruit and sweets to serve them.

My parents’ hospitality made an impression. I enjoyed these spur-of-the-moment visits with church folks and wanted to follow my mother’s example.

Hospitali-TEA

Years later, when a friend gave me If Teacups Could Talk by Emilie Barnes, I became inspired to invite family and friends for a cup of tea. Since I was also just beginning to write for a publication, I decided to write a column I entitled, “A Cup of Tea with Lydia.” When I told my writing mentor about my idea for a tea column, she said, “That would bore me to tears.”

It hasn’t bored me to tears. Now decades later, I still enjoy going out for tea, serving tea to others and writing this tea column. I hope you enjoy the column too.

A friend asked me, “How do you keep coming up with ideas to write about?”

“I just keep serving tea,” I replied. I don’t usually plan for teatime to have a topic for the column. But often after serving guests, I realize, “This could make a good tea column.” The tea party inspires the column, not the reverse.

Impromptu Teas

If teacups could talk, mine would have many stories to tell. Like what happened a month ago when my granddaughters (13 and 20) planned to stop by. “Would you like to come for tea?” I asked. And they did.

Without much time to prepare, I planned a menu around the food I had on hand. I made crustless cucumber-and-cream cheese sandwiches, scone blossoms from my cookbook In the Kitchen with Grandma and served sweets from my freezer.

Placemats, floral teacups and saucers and a three-tier plate stand filled with food welcomed them to the table. The bottom plate held fresh-baked scones, Norwegian krumkake, and cookies. On the side, homemade whipped cream, jam and lemon curd accompanied the scones. The middle plate held the sandwiches and edible small trees for a garnish. A slice of summer sausage was the tree base, thin cucumber slices were folded back and forth for the tree, with a cheese star on top—all held together with a toothpick. The smaller top plate contained cupcake liners filled with fresh raspberries and small chunks of melon.

They each had their own small pot of a favorite herbal tea—Country Peach Passion—and the three-tier stand rested on the table between them. What a delightful way to spend an impromptu visit! Now my teacups have another story to tell.

Spring Teas

Spring is a lovely season to share tea. How about an Easter brunch, a St. Patrick’s Day partea, or a Mother’s Day teatime? Or perhaps you have a birthday or shower to celebrate. I’ve included an easy three-ingredient recipe to serve. It will add a colorful sweet and salty crunch to whatever else is on the menu.

I can’t wait until my next tea party! Won’t you join me?

Lydia E. Harris is a tea enthusiast, grandmother of five, and the author of three grandparenting books: GRAND Moments: Devotions Inspired by Grandkids (2023); In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together and Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting. All are available online and wherever books are sold.

From Lydia’s Recipe File:

Spring Pretzel Flowers

Colorful and easy to make.

Gather:

Pretzels (square-shaped, called snaps)

White vanilla candy melts

Pastel M&Ms

Make:

1. Place one candy melt on each pretzel.

2. Heat a few at a time in the microwave to soften, not melt (time varies, but check every 15 seconds).

3. Remove from the microwave. Place an M&M in the center of each candy with the M side down.

4. Add 5 or 6 candies of another color around the center as petals of a flower.

5. Chill to harden the candy melt.

Make as many as you need, at least two per person. Variation: Use round crackers or cookies (e. g. shortbread) as the base. Spread with ready-made vanilla icing. Add M&Ms.

Wyoming’s Cowboy

Seven Participating Shops:

Cowgirl Yarn - Laramie

Mountain Meadow Wool - Buffalo

Swanky Mountain - Gillette

The yarn and the tale - Rock Springs

Knit on Purl - Jackson

The Fiber House - Sheridan

Wyoming Yarn and Fiber - Cody

https://www.facebook.com/cowboyyarncrawl/

When a House Becomes a Home.

By Kerri Habben Bosman

A house becomes a home when it gets filled with memories. Add in a special blanket, and it gets even better.

On the back of his recliner my husband, Wayne, has a favorite crocheted blanket. It is a double-bed sized granny square. My grandmother made it for my parents when they bought a new sofa in 1989. Over the years, many of her crocheted items were donated to hospitals or nursing homes. We couldn’t possibly keep everything she had made as she crocheted nearly every day for 91 years. But when Wayne and I sold my childhood home, this blanket had to stay with us. It is big, cozy, and wrapping up in it feels like an endless hug.

We frequently have family gatherings at our beach house, and our 3 bedroom home sleeps around 9 of us and entertains up to 18. We originally bought it as a second home especially for this purpose as my stepdaughter, Kira, and her family live four miles away. Both our homes get filled up with all of us, including Wayne’s five grown children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren. Two Aprils ago my now 103 motherin-law and family visited from Wisconsin, and the house still carries a special essence from that time together.

We are overjoyed when the house breathes with a precious cacophony of laughter and conversations. I once wanted to own a Bed and Breakfast as I loved feeding people and fussing about the house. Dreams evolve, and now I ensure beds are ready and serve made-to-order omelets to family. Along the way we are tucking away memories that warm us after everyone goes home. Much like my grandmother’s blanket, which is now Wayne’s. The blanket has served well for 35 years.

We live three blocks from Bogue Sound on the Intracoastal Waterway. When we take walks there together, often someone will turn the blanket into a cloak. Whoever is sleeping in the TV room covers up with it at night. My stepdaughter, Sanja, cocoons in blankets. I made one especially for her, but the older one remains her favorite. Every grandchild has used it, whether while playing, reading, or sleeping. Particularly the youngest, six year old Quinn, who is on top of the world when he is sitting in his Grampa’s recliner and also under his blanket. Bring Quinn mac and cheese on Grampa’s tray, and he is king of the castle.

I keep a framed photograph of my grandmother on my roll top desk. It was taken at her 90th birthday party in 1997. In it she leans forward in her favorite chair, an enduring joy emanating from her eyes. It is a happiness mingled with a spark of mischief, a timeless vibrancy, and also an undercurrent of resiliency. A combination of these traits served her well through every era of her long life.

My grandmother passed away in 2006, but when she gazes at me from the recesses of my desk, it seems as if she is right beside me. Sometimes I just smile back at her. Other times I talk to her for a moment. Not aloud, but in my head. I tell her about Wayne, who she never met. I share with her about this beautiful family that I treasure. I tell her how I especially feel her with me when I am with the grandchildren.

I thank her for everything, especially for showing me how to love. In these reflective moments I think of Wayne’s blanket and how much comfort it brings to him and our family. And to me.

The last time Sanja was here she was teasing Quinn that she had the blanket. “I’ve got the blanket Kerri made,” she said.

“Even better,” I answered. “My grandmother made it.”

Kerri Habben Bosman is a writer in Cape Carteret, NC. Her email is 913jeeves@gmail.com.

Carrot Cake Muffins

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon nutmeg

2 large eggs, room temperature cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (or 1 cup heavy cream + juice of ¼ of a lemon)

1 ½ cups carrots, grated

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, vanilla, brown sugar, and buttermilk (or heavy cream with lemon juice).

3. Pour dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir with a spatula until most of the flour is mixed in. Add grated carrots and fold in until just combined.

4. Line a 12-tin muffin pan with muffin or cupcake liners or spray the inside with nonstick baking spray. Spoon enough batter into each mold so they are 90% full.

5. Bake in the oven on a rack in the top third of your oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe What’s in a Name? Spring 2024

By Ann Stewart

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. William Shakespeare makes that claim in Romeo & Juliet. Ironically, we once had a ewe named Rosie. Wouldn’t say she smelled sweet, but her name did endear her to us more than some of the other nameless sheep on the pasture. There have been a few other naming exceptions. The year UVA won the National Championship, we had Minnie (for Minnesota where they clinched the title), and Kyle (UVA star player), and Bennett (UVA Coach).

Following basketball’s March Madness, April brings a “shower” of lambs to Skyemoor Farm. Though there are plenty of opportunities to name each fluffy knobby kneed arrival, we try not to attach a name as it also proves Shakespeare’s quote that “parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Naming a baby is more fun but holds great responsibility. Two recent arrivals to our extended family were named Lydia ANN and Flora Elizabeth, both well thought out and meaningful names. Many websites list everything you could want to know about a name’s origin, meaning, and popularity by decade. There’s even research about how people perceive a person when only given their name. Catherine vs. Katherine evokes a different image in the reader’s mind. So then what effect does a name have on a person’s future?

Our pediatric ophthalmologist was Dr. Starer. While touring colleges, we listened to Dean Dean. A noted magistrate presides as Judge Judge. Perhaps at your next dinner party talk about “nominative determinism” which hypothesizes that people are drawn to the career that fits their name. Or bring up the funniest or worst names. That’s always worth a good story.

As someone who hopes to be a grandma one day, I also find the names given to grandparents very intriguing and apparently so do others. There’s a book on just that called Nanagrams and if you google names for grandparents, you’ll find all sorts of suggestions including:

Boppa, Papa, Gram, Gigi, Meemaw, Poppy, Bibi, Momo, Gaga, Pop Pop, Gramsie, Grammie and Grampie, Bubbe, Gpa, Gma, Yaya, Gran or Grannie as Downtown Abbey granddaughters dub the family matriarch.

In France they use Grand-Mère and Grand-père or Mémère and Pépère In Italy, Nonna and Nonno. Germans call out for Oma and Opa, (that’s better than grossmutter and grossvater) while in the Philippines they use Lola and Lolo.

Lydia ANN’s grandmother is going by “Nana.” When my friend Anna was dubbed Gramanna I was so enamored with the name I gave it to a character in my first novel. Another friend was dubbed Granny Lahoo by her grandkids—though she has no idea how it derived. But that will always be a tender favorite. When my daughter Christine was nine months old, she called my father, Bumpa. How I wish the name had lingered, but it was extinguished when she heard her cousins call him Grandpa.

Her full name--Christine Alane--means “Bright and shining follower of Christ.” That’s what I hoped for her and it’s how she lives her life. My other daughter Julia’s name comes from the Bible, and she shares my middle name Marie. I have to admit I gave her the names purely because they sound beautiful together and strike an image of someone who is beautiful inside and out. She is, too!

How were you named? Do you wish you had a different one? Do you know what your name means? Or why you were given it? It’s kind of fun to see if the meaning or the proverbial shoe fits. Hopefully, it’s been a good match as Shakespeare says, “Good name in man and woman is the immediate jewel of their souls.”

C 2024

To find Gramanna – read Ann Marie Stewart’s STARS IN THE GRASS

Pink Lemonade Mimosas

1 cup store-bought pink lemonade, chilled 2 cups prosecco/champagne/sparkling wine, chilled Fresh raspberries and strawberries

Lemon slices

Directions

1. Divide the pink lemonade between four champagne flutes.

2. Top off with the prosecco and garnish with the berries and lemon slices. Serve!

20 things to do to spring clean your house

1. Organize your storage spaces

2. Clean your doormats

3. Clean your windows and dust blinds

4. Wipe down the walls of your house

5.Clean up your dirty carpets (Vacuum, and Shampoo)

6.

7.

your fridge

Peachy Keen Mimosas

~ 1 ounce Grenadine

~ 4 ounce peach nectar

~ 6 ounce champagne

Directions

~ Ice as desired

~ Fresh mint and or peach slices, (for decoration)

Fill glasses with ice (if desired). Pour in Grenadine and peach nectar. Fill the glasses with champagne. Garnish with fresh mint or peach slices. Serve!

What is Macrame and How to Get Started

By Sarah Grassel

It may seem like it’s a new trend, but macrame and decorative knotting has been around for centuries. Macrame is a form of textile art that crafts knots of various materials into works of art. Historians believe that macrame art can be traced all the way back to the thirteenth century.

While today, macrame is traditionally used for decorative purposes like hanging plants, hats, or just as a stand-alone artwork, macrame used to have more practical and wearable use such as shawls and towels.

Seeing a surge in popularity in the 70s, this form of textile art never truly faded away, but has had its ups and downs over the years. COVID only further exploded the macrame artform as people began picking up new crafts and passions with extra time at home.

Types of Cord:

Rope - the most common option for macrame; rope tends to be the strongest cord type and can come in several different selections itself including twisted three-ply and braided six-ply.

String - a softer selection, string is composed of many fibers that are twisted together which can help create tighter and smaller knots.

Yarn - used for larger weaving or knitting knots.

Waxed Cord - typically used for smaller works like jewelry because the wax makes the cord more water-resistant and non pliable.

**Other than selecting the type of cord you want to work with, you will need to find or buy a good reliable pair of fabric scissors to have on hand when it comes time to trim or cut along the way.

Getting Started

Learn the basic knots first, even if it’s just one. Starting with the simplest square knot (SK) can help you on your way to creating a ton of different things.

With two strands of cord, you will first use the larks head knot, or the cow hitch knot, to attach your cords to your dowel (a ring, or clipboard can be used to practice on as well!) creating four strands to start your square knot.

To do that, you will fold your cord in half, place it over the dowel with the loop pulled down about an inch behind the dowel. Then, you pull the loose ends through until the loop is tightened against the dowel.

After you have your initial cord structure, the real work begins. The SK is started by creating the shape of a ‘4’ with your outer left cord. Place the outer right cord overtop of the left cord where it would normally cross. Then you’ll take that outer right cord and weave it under the two middle cords and back up through the shape of the ‘4.’ Tighten the cord, and you’ve made your first knot!

To continue with the SK, you would do a reverse ‘4’ starting with the outer right cord and continue the pattern down the length of the cord.

4 Basic + Necessary Gardening Steps this Spring

By Sarah Grassel

The most important thing to remember when it comes to preparing your garden during the spring is that frost is your biggest enemy. If you start prep too early and you end up with a heavy frost, you can do significant damage. If you start too late, you run the risk of not having a successful yield in the season.

When preparing your garden or raised beds, here are a few general tips and steps.

Prep your work materials and shed area. If you don’t have a designated storage shed for your garden, gather all your gardening tools like trowels/spades, pruners, gloves, rakes/forks, watering cans or hoses, etc and organize them on a shelf in your garage or home so you know where everything is. It’s easier to get a project started when you know you have everything you need!

Clear out weeds, mulch, and debris. Especially with fall leaves being covered by early snows, it’s easy for unwanted crud to make it into your garden’s path over the winter months. Dead organic matter can be moved to your compost piles or if it’s already well-composted can even stay where it is to be mixed in with the soil. The main concern is for potential living weeds that will come back if not fully removed from the garden area.

Prune. Not only your trees and shrubs, but if you forgot about your perennials you’ll want to dive in and tend to your lilacs, raspberries, and such.

Prep the soil. After the last frost, begin the soil work. The first part is to loosen the soil back up using a tiller or sharp spade. Any of the well-composted organic material left behind in step two can get mixed in. Add any necessary components to balance your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Before planting anything, you will need to level the soil, and water it lightly to let it settle out any air pockets from the tilling.

Carrot Door Hanging

I am so glad to be preparing for spring! I am ready for green things and in this project orange things! This project is a cute carrot door hanging. Enjoy!

You will Need:

You will need a piece of wood (I chose barn wood cut to 13.5 inches), twine, wooden beads, staple gun, ruler, scissors, ribbon, glue gun and glue, pliers, and green floral stems.

Step One

Tie a double knot on one end of a piece of twine (use a longer length-20inches), thread your beads on the twine for about 10 inches.

Leave 3 inches of twine at the end and tie another double knot. Then staple the twine to the back side of your board. I stapled one lower and then another towards the top to hold up the beads. Cut off extra twine.

Step Two

Staple the greenery onto the front side of the board towards the top.

Step THREE

Next staple the ribbon across the ends of the greenery. I left enough of the ribbon to fold over to cover the staple.

Step Four

Next you will fold over the ribbon and stapling each fold. Remember to staple first and then fold over the staple to hide it. You will want to reduce the size of each fold to form a cone shape to resemble a carrot. At the end, fold the last piece over and staple under the fold.

Step FIVE

I tied two bows, one in twine and one in ribbon. I was going to see which one I liked best and then decided to use both. I hot glued them under the greenery.

Step SIX

You have a pretty little carrot to hang on your door! So glad its spring!

National Quilting Day March 16

www.thecountryregister.com/nrgp

Become Inspired

By Annice Bradley Rockwell

Landscapes Awakening

As winter begins to loosen its grip on the landscape, there is a notable shift in the air. The cold snaps so characteristic of winter are often shorter now and seem less harsh. Along with this softening of the season comes a feeling of hope and a feeling of change. This change is noticeable in all of nature. After enduring months of cold, we are especially grateful for days of unexpected warmth and sunshine. We seem to be drawn outside more often now to observe the awakenings in our yards. It is in early spring when our daffodils break forth to reach for the sun. Our barnyard chickens spend more time outside pecking and foraging in the abundant warmth of spring. Their happiness seems to be contagious. Our herb gardens that appeared so silent in winter are almost ready to reveal fresh growth giving us a reason to feel restored too.

Cabin Fever Shopping Events

In the season of spring, country antiques shops often host “Cabin Fever” events that bring eager shoppers out to enjoy a refreshing break from the doldrums of winter. Vibrant tulips in striking red or pale peach, pink or yellow might be found in country storefront windows along with antique weathered wheelbarrows, watering cans and antique barrels suggestive of the season of spring. After a day of shopping in a quaint shoreline town, our purchases of country flowers and “fresh-picked” antiques give us that special lift that inspires. It can be just the boost we needed to go back to our country homes to do some spring cleaning, rearranging and happy decorating. Cupboards can be easily adorned with crocks filled with tall, fresh pussy willows gathered on a recent hike. Our best redware can be filled with our recently purchased tulips to bring fresh life to our new displays. Woven textiles in striking blue or mustard tones can provide a wonderful accent to our vignettes and country candles in scents like “Herbal Lemon Balm, or “Fresh-Cut Lavender,” give our senses a soulful lift as we start to enjoy the longer daylight hours and other signature blessings of spring.

Shifting to Spring

With each warmer day we can begin to plan our outdoor tasks and as each one is completed, we seem to acquire more spring in our step to endeavor to accomplish even more. This season enjoy the subtle and much-awaited shift to spring. Plan time to enjoy unique events that inspire us to be creative and enhance our homes and yards. And as you enjoy the abundance of wonder that nature always provides, savor the newfound energy that always seems to accompany Her patient pace.

--Annice Bradley Rockwell is an educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She is currently working on her book, New England Girl. NewEnglandGirl2012@hotmail.com

History of Leprechauns in 6 Tidbits:

The first stories of leprechauns began around the 8th century, when legends of tiny water dwellers began emerging from the Celts, Leprechauns are known as part of the fairy family.

The word leprechauns comes from the word “luchorpan” which means small body. The leprechauns are only 2-3 feet in height and live in underground caves or hollow tree trunks.

Today leprechauns are associated with the color green and are always wearing green. But that was not always the case, leprechauns used to wear red when the stories first started. But they changed to green, once the color started becoming more popular in Ireland.

The leprechauns come from Irish Heritage

They are famous for being cobblers of the fairy world. The word leprechaun also comes from the old term “leath bhrogane” ; this word means shoemakers. Being shoemakers is where leprechauns got their iconic pot of gold.

There are many stories that have been passed around about leprechauns. The first one is the leprechaun's pot of gold. There is a story that the leprechauns keep their gold at the end of the rainbow. In order to find the gold a human needs to catch the leprechaun. The second story is about lucky symbols. If a person catches a leprechaun they will get a little extra luck as well as three wishes that the leprechaun will grant them.

 