Casual Country, November 2023

Casual

Country Flintknapping

Trumpeter Swans

"The Thanksgiving Mouse" The “Ground Hog” Kiln

Celebration of Our Rural Ozark Life Mountain View - Allison - Calico Rock - Fifty Six - Big Flat - Fox - Leslie November 2023

ARKANSAS

Free

Thoughts from the Publisher

November 2023 Happenings 4th Book Sale - Stone County Library 9:30am - Noon lots of fiction, romance, mystery

4th & 11th “Holiday Farmers Market 10am - 2pm 1103 E. Main St.

5th

Love Deb Jolly’s fall photograph of the bridge at Blanchard Caverns.

I hated writing over all that sun touched autumn scene, but that’s what a magazine is all about….got to have a title and a little of what’s in it.

This month I want to give a warm welcome to a new columnist, Joey Sciarra, with his delightful poem, “The Thanksgiving Mouse”. Written in somewhat the genre of Dr. Seuss, it’s perfect for adults and children.

Joey has lived in Mountain View off and on for 25 years, and is presently in New Orleans remodeling a small original duplex. Before he took up remodeling he was traveling with Zoppé Italian Family Circus doing whatever needed done, but his love was choreographing the music for the shows and working the soundboard. We hope to hear much more from him in the future and perhaps a visit back to Mountain View!

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Mark Möller was at the Folk Center when they were unloading the GroundHog kiln and did a great pictorial…thanks muchly Mark.

5th Mountain View Meeting Place Charla Freeland & Turner Atwell

And Karen Avey interviewed Curt Decker with his flint knapping…had no idea he was chipping away. Wonder if his mind floats far off, when he’s working, to the original Indians that inhabited this area!

7th Mountain View Meeting Place Duane Porterfield, Alex Prince & Gresham McMillon

Aaron Gschwandegger is eagerly awaiting the return of the Trumpeter Swans to Heber Springs with his pictorial.

9th, 10th & 11th Mountain View Fall Bluegrass Festival Ozark Folk Center

11th

Veterans Day

11th

2nd Saturday Song Writers Circle Arkansas Craft School … 2pm

14th Contra Dance Club Possum - 7pm Mountain View Meeting Place

After Black Friday (which I’ll stay home during) they’re having a 3 day Christmas Celebration on the Square….now this I’m curious about and plan to attend….someone told me there was going to be a giraffe to pet. That’s my idea of fun….Think the kiddos will let me partake?

Oh, and I almost forgot…I’m so amused by Aaron’s pillow on page 19 in the “Tidbits” section. Would love to have given it to my brother who past away last April…..it was the only thing he was scared of…. would have given me such delight to have teased him with it!

Sisters can be so obnoxious at times!! I hope he’s listening to me now.

We all wish you a Very Happy Thanksgiving.

18th

“Mountains & Mistletoe” Holiday Market ~ 10am-4pm Stone County Fairgrounds

November Cheers, Joy Email: casualcountrymagazine@gmail.com Phone: 870-213-6135 P.O. Box 1777, Mountain View, AR 72560

23rd

Thanksgiving

25th

Ozark Folk Center Holiday Craft Show — 10am-4pm Admission is free

This Months Contributors: Aaron Gschwandegger, Joey Sciarra Karen Avey, Marie & Bruce, Mark Möller Publisher & Editor Joy Harp

2 November 2023

Features 4 6 7 10 14 18

The “GroundHog” Kiln The Thanksgiving Mouse Trumpeter Swans Flint Knapping What’s That?????

Tidbits

Recipes 13 15

Healthy Dog Treats Thanksgiving Salad Even the Kids Will Love

Cover Photo by Deb Jolly ~ Back Cover Photo by Judy Bishop

Mark Möller

The “Ground Hog” Kiln

by Mark Möller

The Ozark Folk Center has numerous artisans at work in the craft village in Mountain View, Arkansas throughout the season, April through October.

There is, however one special event that stands out among one of the most anticipated and it only occurs every other year.

The “Ground Hog” kiln at the OFC was built in 2002 and is similar to kilns used in the 1800's and early 1900’s.

It is a unique 4' X 5' wide X 12' long wood fired kiln.

Potters from around the country join in on the “firing”.

Filling/prepping the kiln begins months before actually firing up the kiln.

The kiln is typically fired for about 27-30 hours using two to three cords of wood.

After the firing process, the kiln is allowed a day or two to cool down before unloading the pottery.

Notes are fastidiously documented, noting temperatures, and how packed or separated pottery pieces are placed, the different glazes, etc.

4 November 2023

Wood fire pottery has been around for thousands of years and is highly regarded for the unique color, texture and surface effects from the hot ash interacting with the clay and glaze.

Wood fired pottery is no exact science, as much of the end results are caused by the nature of the firing itself. You will not find the perfect matching set of pottery, however you will get unique, one of a kind pieces of pottery.

John Perry and Judi Munn organized the OFC Groundhog kiln through a workshop led by Lowell Baker in 2002.

In was paid for in part by a grant from Arkansas Department of Heritage.

The Pottery, along with the rest of the working shops, is open mid April through the last weekend in October.

This years Groundhog pottery will be available for sale in April 2024.

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"The Thanksgiving Mouse"

by Joey Sciarra On the eve of Thanksgiving I saw a little mouse.

It was hiding in the cupboard near the back of my house.

This is odd, what will my relatives think?

To come over tomorrow and see a mouse above the sink.

So I raced to the market and bought several traps.

I put them around the kitchen and they caught all of my cats.

The cats began to yowl, they made an awful stink.

Serves them right, I thought, for leaving a mouse above the sink.

By now the mouse had hidden, somewhere I could not see.

The cats were all so hungry they were clawing at my knee.

"Thanksgiving is tomorrow! You will all have plenty enough to eat."

I told the cats while oblivious to the mouse chewing on a seat.

It made a little hole in a cushion my mother had made.

That's the last straw, I thought, and went for the Raid.

I sprayed it once, I think I sprayed it twice.

Yet the mouse only looked at me, like Raid was good for mice.

"Tell me what you want, defiant little mouse.

Tell me just this instant or be gone now from my house."

Then suddenly I saw him. He had an evil grin.

Some of my bread pudding was hanging from his chin.

"That pudding is for tomorrow" I shouted at this fiend.

"Take warning from this moment, I will drive you from this scene."

And grappling for a weapon I came upon a trap.

It closed upon my fingers with an awful painful snap.

Defeated, I came to realize, beaten by a mouse.

Caught my fingers in the trap, I bought to stop this rat.

Suddenly I realized I was using the wrong approach.

Battling with this tiny Mouse when I only wanted him out.

So I scooped a little pudding, from the spot he must have touched.

I tossed it out the doorway, off toward the rabbit’s hutch.

The mouse he only stood there as if he had not seen.

So I scooped a little further and launched it past the screen.

Followed by the turkey, the dressing and the beets.

My handsome lovely Feast wasted on a beast.

And then the mouse he spoke to me, he said a single word.

I was not sure he had spoken at first, but “thanks” is what I heard.

Then he scurried through the doorway without warning, tracks, nor scent.

Off to claim his victory of my turkey and the rest.

So I stood in a stupor, wondering if it were true.

Had I really lost my dinner and perhaps my sanity too?

Perhaps I cannot convince you of a mouse that would say thanks.

Or the feelings it would conjure in my humble memory banks.

Take it just in passing for I'll let you wonder on...

See…outside I looked after standing, and all the food was gone. © Joey Sciarra

6 November 2023

Illustrations from Beatrice Potter collection

Aaron Gschwandegger

Trumpeter Swans

Be on the look out for flocks of swans migrating to Arkansas in November. Trumpeter Swans are annual visitors to the Heber Springs area.They can be seen on Magness Lake beginning in middle to late November until middle to late February. A safe timeframe is usually between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. The swans have been visiting this area in winter since the early 1990’s. There has been some speculation as to what first brought these graceful creatures here, since they are not normally found in this part of the country. Its been stated that severe weather may have initially brought them down here, and they’ve been returning and increasing in numbers every year. Arkansas is the farthest south these birds have been found, normally staying in the northern states during winter, and Canada during the summer months.

The best time to see them is usually after noon.

Here is a three pictures series of one coming in for a landing.

They are pretty competitive and can often be seen challenging each other for dominance.

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Reports on size vary, but the Trumpeter Swan is quite large.

Most sources have adults somewhere between 4feet-6feet in length with a wingspan between 6-10ft.

Here one makes an artful pose in front of a group that includes a couple darker colored juveniles.

The late afternoon sun can cast a warm hue over the elegant swan.

Here one sits peacefully in the subtly rippling water.

8 November 2023

There are also plenty of other stunning birds to catch your attention while visiting the swans.

Here are a few of my favorites.

The striking mallard duck, left, is usually present, and the male’s green head really shines next to the blue waters.

Ring-necked ducks are another unique species known to be on Magness Lake. Pictured below are some males with their striking golden eyes.

Male Canvasback ducks have bright red eyes as shown in this image below.

No doubt one of the cutest is the Bufflehead duck, below. In the right lighting it’s varied iridescent feathers really sparkle.

According to arkansas.com, a viewing area on Magness Lake is located off of Hays Road, east of Heber Springs. Follow Highway 110 about four miles east of its intersection with AR5/AR25.

Hays Road will be on the left.

Hope you can experience these amazing birds while they are here!

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Karen Avey

Flint Knapping

The Art and Skill of Creating Tools and Points Out of Stone What a privilege it has been to listen to Curtis Decker, Mountain View resident, as he describes his interest in making points.

Specifically, Curt is an apprentice in the art of making arrowhead points.

Curt’s family has resided in Stone County since the early 1800s.

Curt’s father, Benny Decker, told him points were so plentiful in the past, folks would skip them over the waters of local creeks as they did not find any use for them.

Curt completed a degree in sociology and studied anthropology.

His face visibly lights up when he shares related Ozark anthropological facts.

Now an apprentice in the art of knapping, he is well-versed on the subject.

Listening to Curt is to revive your childhood imagination.

You hang on every word he has to say.

He outlined historical facts and current events related to knapping.

Try to visualize the forebears of this land. They used everything handmade for a purpose. The men hunted using knives, arrowheads, spearheads, drill points, and hammers.

Anthropologists believe women made tools as well. Women made scrapers to clean animal hides for use as bedding and clothing. They also made knives and bone tools to prepare meat.

Living in the Ozark region was a daunting challenge.

The environment was no doubt beautiful as it had been untouched by man.

The people lived according to a strict code for the protection of all.

They learned to survive animals, enemies and the elements.

Now visualize yourself in the wilderness and think about how you might survive darkness, cold nights, and hungry days.

10 November 2023

Today, Curt enjoys making his own tools watching all of the styles of knapping on-line. While attending knap-ins he observed other artists create tools. Curt is an avid reader and finds the hands-on approach to be very gratifying. Curt shared some facts related to Ozark artifacts and terminology.

Lithics: A term that includes the analysis of recovered archaeological tools as well as the processes used in modern and historic toolmaking societies.

Knapping: Chipped stone tools are made by hitting a rock with a hammer stone, antler or modern percussion tool in such a way that fragments with specific sizes and shapes are extracted from it.

Knap-In Events: Family friendly events featuring flint knapping demonstrations and tutorials.

Materials Used in Knapping: Pitkin Chert — rock associated with the Pitkin Limestone Formation of central Arkansas occurring along the White River and its tributaries. Other outcroppings occur from Batesville, Arkansas to Muskogee, Oklahoma. This rock may be gray, black and white. Flint, another name for chert is most often found near deposits of chalk or limestone.

Novaculite — a sedimentary rock composed mostly of cryptocrystalline (1-5 micron) quartz and is a recrystallized variety of chert. It is dense, hard, white to grayish-black in color, translucent on this edges, and has a dull to waxy luster. It typically breaks with a smooth conchoidal (shell-like) fracture. The word novaculite is derived from the Latin word novacula, meaning razor stone. Arkansas novaculite is recognized worldwide for its use as whetstones and oilstones, which are used for sharpening knives, surgical instruments, and wood-carving tools. In the early 1800’s, a quarry of honestone near Magnet Cove in Hot Springs County was mined by early settlers. Records show that novaculite mining in Arkansas was intermittent from 1885 to 1905, but continuous ever since.

Obsidian — Native Americans used obsidian, which is a type of volcanic glass.

Quartz — Rose quartz was held in high value by Native Americans for its healing powers and clear quartz was worn by some for good luck. In fact, the Navajo culture represents rose quartz as a symbol of love and love for others around you.

Two derivatives of quartz, flint and chert stones are microcrystalline quartz and were used in tools and weapons of Native Americans.

Cotter — is a band of stone that is prevalent north of the White Rover. It is found on the river bank and will look like a smooth light brown polished stone. Once broken (spalled) it will have an opaque brown color inside.

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In listening to Curt talk about flint knapping, and the study of Native American cultures, his enthusiasm is contagious. Things you may consider challenges today pale in comparison to the primal nature of the hunt and survival in the wilderness.

When asked about time to complete a tool, Curt said you may finish a Dalton blade (points that are leaf-shaped and sometimes serrated, much like a kitchen knife) in about three hours.

Of course, this would depend on the skill level of the individual.

Be it known; Curt is adamantly opposed to any person representing their current work as an artifact.

Curt plainly says, “I don’t believe in fake.”

He is the type of artisan and collector that sets an example for other people. It is clear he respects ancient tools or any historical artifact. We agreed artifacts should be returned to tribes who once lived in the Ozark region.

As we closed our discussion of points and anthropology, Curt shared a goal.

He wants to create a nice knife blade and haft it to an antler.

He said, “I would like to harvest my own deer, with my own points, and process it with my own knife.”

The photos we are sharing show Curt as he works on a point. The display case reveals his handiwork. If you are inclined to engage in the art of knapping, we have included links to websites and Facebook groups you may want to research. https://flintknappers.com/ events.php In Arkansas, the Water Creek knap-In north of Buffalo River and south of Yellville is typically hosted in October. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1456015144495034/ Facebook Group Art of Flint Knapping https://archeology.uark.edu/learndiscover/current-research University of Arkansas, Archaeological Survey

12 November 2023

Healthy Dog Treats Bailey and Mattie’s Favorite Treats From Mary Banker

ly lete mp ! o c is mes s der len av e a b the ’ll h ure or you s Be dry

All dogs are strongly motivated by food, so giving them meals and treats they enjoy will make a big difference to their happiness, plus these are so healthy for them!

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Marie & Bruce

What’s That?????

Arkansas is a State known for its agricultural bounty. Many, many years ago my brother-in-law proudly told me (a yankee at that time), that Arkansas was the only State in the Union that was totally self sufficient.

It had everything needed to thrive without outside help. Crops, clean water, minerals, gas and oil.

So as I drive along the back roads of Arkansas it becomes a game to identify different crops. Everyone who drives the State has seen this plant but do you really know what it is? Why is it plentiful in Arkansas and what are its uses?

Commercially it is grown for agricultural feed and ethanol production. Drought resistance makes it beloved by farmers. The lack of gluten makes it the new hot kid on the block to foodies.

Sorghum can be ground and made into sorghum syrup.

A Southern specialty but the plant also produces grains that can be boiled and eaten as a side or milled and turned into a gluten free flour.

This ancient grain remains relatively unchanged since it was first cultivated a millennium ago.

Sorghum Syrup is thick and dark brown and can be mistaken for molasses. Folks of a previous generation have nostalgic memories of sorghum. Slightly sour but sweet flavor.

When I first moved to Arkansas in 2008 a gentleman drove me to see the stalks of sorghum being ground — a mule hitched to a pole going round and round dragging a rotating stone cylinder to grind the grain into meal. It was fascinating.

Now, I have discovered there are syrup making festivals held across the South from late summer to early fall showcasing traditional methods of pressing syrup — this is sometimes called “syrup sopping”.

The sorghum grain can be swapped for quinoa or rice in a salad or side. Sorghum has a chewy, nutty flavor. Simply boil water and cook like pasta though it takes longer, about 60 minutes.

Sorghum kernels can also be popped! Put the kernels in an air popper or microwave or order sorghum popcorn online.

Sorghum silage works well for gestating and dairy cow diets. Not as much for beef cattle due to its lower energy content unless the sorghum is supplemented with energy dense grains.

So the next time you take a back road drive be sure to tip your head towards those big fields of sorghum.

14 November 2023

Thanksgiving Salad Even the Kids Will Love My retro Thanksgiving salad….. have been making it off and on since 1969 when it was Better Homes & Garden’s cook-of-the-month winner in the FANCY category… wow fancy has sure evolved over the fifty plus years…

I have changed the recipe around from time to time as you’ll see below….and kids love it!….

The picture is from the original recipe card I made. Joy

Thanksgiving Salad 1 3-oz pkg dark cherry or strawberry jello 1 21-oz can cherry pie filling Dissolve jello in 1 cup boiling water.

Stir in pie filling.

Turn into a 9x9 inch baking dish Chill till partially set.

1 3-oz pkg lemon jello 1 3-oz package cream cheese ⅓ cup mayonnaise 8¾ ounce can crushed pineapple 1 cup whipping cream 1 cup tiny marshmallows

1 can cranberry sauce (jellied whole) Or)Or) 1 can cranberry sauce (jellied or or whole) 2 chopped apples (peeled) 2 chopped apples (peeled) cranberry sauce & add chopped StirStir up up cranberry sauce & add chopped apples. apples.

Turn into a 9x9 inch baking dish.

Turn into a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Chill till partially set.

Chill till partially set.

Follow the remainder of the recipe….

Dissolve lemon jello in 1 cup boiling water. Beat together cream cheese & mayonnaise.

Gradually add lemon jello. Stir in undrained pineapple. Whip ½ cup whipping cream; fold into lemon mixture with 1 cup tiny marshmallows. Spread atop the cheery red layer you have setting up in the fridge. Top with 2 Tablespoons chopped nuts (opt). Chill till set.

The Farmer’s Daughter -223 West Main, Mountain View, ArkansasAWESOME VENDORS antiques, crafts, vintage wares, quilts & much more

Email: thefarmersdaughter2020@gmail.com 870-269-5455 870-214-8253

What did theTurkey say to the computer?

Google, Google.

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Are there plans for retirement in your future with a more leisurely lifestyle?

Then this is your place!

Building Lots in….

Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas A ‘Land of Lakes’ The perfect place for nature lovers….spend your days filled with boating, floating, canoeing, hiking, golfing then cuddling into your dream home for the night!

The fresh air and laid-back lifestyle is a sure cure for these modern times. You can leave the hurried and congested life behind…and to boot Horseshoe Bend is very affordable and building costs are lower than the national average.

Horseshoe Bend has mild winters, pleasant summers and the spring and fall are glorious. Year-round activities center around an abundance of magnificent lakes, the Strawberry River, the village bowling alley and an 18 hole golf course with clubhouse and an indoor swimming pool.

We have beautiful wooded lots, view lots and golf course lots for sale! $3500 to $6000 per lot Golf Course lots have electric, water and sewer available.

Other lots have electric and water available.

All are level lots on paved streets and easy to build on. .

For more information: Call or Text 650-995-2369 Or email: L.L.A.P.Properties@gmail.com ~ Live Long and Prosper ~

16 November 2023

WOW…..Just look at this…..Mountain View is in the RED, the PATH OF TOTALITY, during the Eclipse on Monday, APRIL 8th, 2024 and we will go dark for 4 minutes and 14 seconds.

May sound crazy, but people will be coming from all over the USA, Canada and even many from far reaches of the world to view this and will be spending anywhere from 4 days to a week in Mountain View. We’re not talking about a few travelers, we’re talking about somewhere in the area of 100,000 plus people!!

Mountain View

Mountain View

This is a perfect opportunity for all our residents to showcase what they do best….. whether it’s fishing on the river, making bracelets that have “Total Solar Eclipse, Mountain View, AR 2024” on them, fried pies to just gobble down, the perfect T-shirt design, hike their favorite pathway pointing out the flora and fauna along the way, go mountain biking on the Syllamo Trail, or hosting big groups around a bonfire at night with hot dogs, baked beans, s’mores & fiddles….

So put your thinking cap on and figure out what you do best,,,showcase it as an adventure if appropriate, something fun for you and fun for the visitors….come up with a price for your services, or fried pies, bracelets, T-shirts….and advertise your ‘thing’….Facebook is a perfect opportunity for that.

Above all, have fun, and don’t gouge the customer…..ask a fair price that will make you a good profit!

That’s just a little bit of advise from all of us at Casual Country magazine.

“A total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the

United States, and Canada on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse happens

when the Moon passes between the

Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

This only happens occasionally, because the Moon doesn’t orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun & Earth do.”

Intersections 5, 9 & 14 Mountain View, AR (870) 269-4000

eat-in or take-out Casual Country LLC 17

Here’s your November/December reminder for your Iris care…..

…Tidbits…

Seen on a t-shirt in New Orleans:

November-December Irises are dormant now.

You can cover the iris with straw or evergreen boughs, but be sure to remove promptly in the early spring. If you see mushy leaves around the rhizomes, remove as this provides cover for fungus and insects.

“If I said I'll fix it, I'll fix it...

There's no reason to remind me every six months.”

—from Joey Sciarra

This timeline is a guide for care in the Arkansas Ozark area.

Please review Iris gardening information for your locale at: Schreiner’s Iris Gardens www.schreinersgardens.com American Iris Society www.irises.org or click on QR code.

The Mountain View Iris Festival May 3rd and 4th, 2024 Put it on your calendar! www.mountainviewirisfest.com

We’ve just had our first frost so it’s time to look for Frost Flowers.

Don’t remember the article by Deb Jolly last month….well guess what…you can bring up the October copy on your phone or computer by going to: https://issuu.com/home/ published/ casual_country_oct_2023_-2

“Looks like bits of plastic, eh?!”

18 November 2023

Deb Says “I had to venture on down the road in search of more frost flowers !

Check them out along Highway 5 North of Mountain View on the next morning of freezing temps.

You will be transported to another reality.”

…& More Tidbits…

Watch out!! This gal may be showing up on your couch any day now…..

Aaron Says “Couldn’t resist making a pillow out of this black widow picture.

She looks poised to jump right out.

The reverse side has a pattern I created by using elements from the photograph.

The hourglass in the pattern was achieved by using only a portion of her red spotting.

Kind of neat since the hourglass is something most associated with these spiders.

It is washable, so someone could rest their face right on the pillow.” ….if you dare!

Aaron Gschwandegger’s company, Fallen Pine Design, can be found on Facebook or at www.fallenpine.com

g rtin ey o f n com of ho e t i Qu taste h wit

t oas t t en fec . eat e Per ke jam . e r b s le sel nca s to t chee ! m #1 or pa a a er e Scr ith go crack w na o

Me

“Making awesome happen one jar at a time”

870-213-8010

Ozarkpantry@gmail.com

Artisan ▪︎ Small Batch ▪︎ Innovative combinations ▪︎ not just for toast ▪︎ No artificial flavorings

An O Mu ver 2 Am ffin 1? is & S Thi for h jam is s und nk the & tuff ing an a ay Eng … cro lish red cro ssw ien ny ts. m ord .

n lo ve th

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Thanksgiving Conjures up visions of a big family get together, lots to eat, probably a ball game in the yard or on TV & a good board game.

It may also be a time of giving. We at Casual Country would like to give some suggestions: shop locally whenever possible…

Christmas shopping should be easy with our abundance of skilled artists & craftsmen in our area plus all the other great shops!

For monetary donations here’s a few below that can always use assistance.

Alisha’s Promise Equine Rescue Pictured here is ‘EZ’, a prince of a horse & one of Alisha’s older rescues.

You can follow Alisha, her passion & family on Facebook or read our article in the October issue of Casual Country.

Stone County Community Center in Mountain View at P.O. Box 1951, Mountain View, Arkansas 72560.

Stone County Humane Society

SCHS 17379 Highway 9, Mtn. View, AR 72560 870-269-5200

Rosco P. Coal Train’s Community Outreach

P.O. Box 2572, Mtn. View AR, 72560 ~ to volunteer call 870-213-2963

Or sometimes it’s a family that’s not asking for anything, perhaps they’re too proud, but you sense they could use some help…go with your hunch.