The Country Register: Northern Rockies & Great Plains (Jan/Feb 2020)

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January - February 2020 | Page 1

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What’s Inside?

• A Cup of Tea with Lydia / Giveaway - Page 4 • The Joys of Winter - Page 5 • What Will The New Year Bring - Page 6 • The Country Cookie - Page 9 • Robin’s Nest DIY Blog - Page 10 • Life in Skunk Hollow - Page 13 • Advertiser Index - Page 14 • Lover’s Punch - Page 15

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Editor’s Notes

“Now You’re On the Trolley!”

As we move into the 20’s of the 21st century, one can’t help but reflect on the 20’s of the century prior. The 1920’s brought lots of sparkle and jazz to our footprint. The era is known for music, hooch (or lack there of officially), and very glittering accessories to life. With money and economy in high swing, folks were focused on the sweetness of life – parties, art, music, and love. That sounds like berries to me!

Kelsey Ruzicka What we can take away from the 1920s and Publisher of carry with us into the 21st century, is the notion to The Country Register slow down and enjoy the sweet spots of life. There of ND, SD, WY, is a quiet and calm to a room when you are knitting MT & N. ID or quilting a project. The reflection and peace is profound on a road trip with open road ahead of us. The music of dishes rattling and giggles in of moments spent in the kitchen with children are priceless. The belly aches from laughter of evenings spent with friends and wine on the patio are worth making time for. This is the sweet spot. These are the moments.

Sure, this year I have lots of tasks that are wrapped around vision and goals for my businesses this year. I have so much moxie I’m ready to pour into this year for the goals I want to achieve! I’m excited to take on another year of success and challenges.

Equally, I’m gearing my schedule and day-to-day to include more time for quality sweet spots. Slowing down is something I know I struggle with. Often I find myself in situations where I’m forced to slow down. Which, inevitably makes for frustration and added stress. So, to avoid this – I’m working on adding slow moments of quality.

Cheers to 2020! *Now You’re on the trolley! | 1920s slang for “Now You’ve Got it!” * That sounds berries to me! | 1920s slang for “That sounds splendid to me!”

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

January - February 2020 | Page 3

Happy New Year!

Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, info@countryregister.com, located: Phoenix, AZ

USA

* 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: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, kansas@countryregister.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

January - February • Volume 10 Issue 1

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2020.

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 produces The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains.

Subscription price: 1 year, 6 issues, $18.00. 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.

Index: See page 14 for advertiser’s index by name and by community as well as upcoming events.

Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the March/April issue are due February 7, 2020.

Page 4 | January - February 2020

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A Cup of Tea with Lydia: Hosting a Cozy Winter Teatime On a chilly morning, as I lounged around our home in my cozy bathrobe sipping comforting hot tea, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun to share a cozy, comfy tea with friends?” Our attire could be casual, the food comforting, and the conversation cheerful.

Close Friends Recently I learned my longtime friend Sharon was homebound because of chronic pain. Perhaps I could cheer her with a tea-party-to-go. I invited our mutual friend Hanne to join me for this special delivery. We set a date and looked forward to getting together.

I suggested we wear casual clothes, and we could bring along slippers, a favorite blanket, or a bathrobe. To surprise Sharon and Hanne, I bought slipper socks as a gift for us three grandmas to wear.

Comforting Food I packed everything we needed to create a lovely setting: a table runner, placemats, color-coordinated plates, teapots, teacups and saucers. Hanne brought Sharon a mixed bouquet that included fragrant roses, and I brought her a potted pink cyclamen.

Our menu included favorite foods that were easy to transport and serve. Hungry for banana cream pie, I made individual ones in half-pint canning jars. I baked circles of piecrust to fit the bottom of each jar, added sliced bananas, homemade vanilla pudding, and homemade whipped cream. I screwed a lid on each to make it easy to transport them. Before serving, I garnished each with a fresh strawberry.

I also brought pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, chilled strawberry soup, and homemade cookies that were wrapped as a treat for Hanne and Sharon to eat later.

Hanne offered to bring a tray of fresh fruit, dried apricots, cheese and crackers plus a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies. (Chocolate is always comforting!) She even brought extra cookies packaged for Sharon and me. (See recipe she used with instant vanilla pudding: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15004/award-winningsoft-chocolate-chip-cookies/.)

Favorite Teas I selected 8 fragrant teas from my cupboard, including: Valentine’s Blend (chocolate tea with rosebuds), Downton Abbey English Rose, Mango Ceylon, Kiwi Peach Herbal, and Raspberry Peach. Hanne and Sharon both said they loved English Rose, but after taking a whiff of the Raspberry Peach, they decided to try this rosy-colored blend. I prepared the tea in individual china teapots and covered them with handmade tea cozies.

By Lydia Harris

The chill of winter creates many opportuni-Teas to warm hearts with a cozy, relaxing teatime. Whom could you invite?

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Mother’s Meatball and Dumpling Soup A potato soup with small meatballs and homemade dumplings. My favorite since childhood.

Place the following ingredients into a large kettle: 3 cups cubed potatoes 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon salt Dash of pepper 1 bay leaf Sprig of parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes Add 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meatballs: 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste) Mix beef and seasonings with hands and roll into small balls. Add meatballs to potatoes and simmer. When the meatballs are cooked, drop dumplings in by the teaspoonfuls. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Dumplings: 1 beaten egg 1/2 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour Mix ingredients together to make a soft dough.

Just before serving the soup, add 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1/4 cup milk or cream to the hot soup.

Enjoy! Makes 6 to 8 servings. Refrigerate leftovers.

Lydia E. Harris holds a master’s in home economics and has been writing this tea column for 20 years.

No wonder her five grandkids call her “Grandma Tea.” She is the author of “Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting” and “In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together.” Her books are available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and Christianbook.com.

GIVEAWAY!

Partway through our teatime, Sharon’s daughter Holly and her four-year-old granddaughter Cora (Sharon’s great-granddaughter) joined us. They sampled my Kenya chai tea brewed with milk, sugar, and Masala spices, which Cora thought tasted like hot chocolate. As our visit ended, Sharon sent us home with packets of a tasty milk tea from China—a powdered drink mix made with instant tea and powdered milk.

Get Lydia Harris’s NEW cookbook!

Time for Tea When we first tried to set a date for our teatime, Hanne and I couldn’t find a perfect time.

“Maybe we should wait a few weeks,” Hanne suggested.

“No,” I said. “We’re always busy, and it won’t happen.” So we made time and were thankful we did.

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EMAIL: kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

Afterwards, Sharon emailed, “I’m sitting here enjoying my memories of teatime with my friends.”

If you’d like to host a cozy, comfy tea, you could take it to go or serve it in your home.

Hosting at home eliminates transporting the food and decorations, plus you can easily prepare and serve other foods, such as a comforting warm soup. Next time I plan a cozy tea, I’d like to serve my mother’s meatball and dumpling soup in front of our fireplace. The soup is my comfort food and makes a cozy winter warm-up. I’ve included the recipe for you to try.

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In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together Drawing: January 15!

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The Joys of Winter

By Janet Young As I prepared to write this article, I knew for a while that I was going to use the winter theme. However, my approach was going to be the same message of a warm, fuzzy feeling that one can conjure up with references of sitting by the fire with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, while snuggled in a warm blanket.

That is when I thought perhaps it was time to slow down and challenge myself. It’s time to think of some of the positive things about winter. Obviously, I am not fond of cold weather, but I began to think it can’t be all bad. So, I began my quest to discover some of the things I did enjoy about winter.

As I was contemplating some of the virtues of winter, words such as peaceful, calm, quiet, purity came to mind. On a snowy night I can imagine hearing the crunch of the snow-covered ground as I breathe puffs of crisp, cold air. Watching snow falling softly on streetlights, and the tree boughs bowing from the weight of the snowcovered branches, what an exhilarating experience. Of course, I would like to add that a cold crisp walk in the snow are all ways to enjoy the cold outdoor air, as we take in the beauty of the season.

Another by-product of snow, would have to be Icicles glistening in the sun on those rare sunny days. They hang in a stately manner all the while glistening, and sparkling, announcing to the world that even frozen water can be a thing of perfectly pristine beauty. Stepping on a frozen puddle of water, I hear it cracking upon the weight that has been exerted on it.

Fun activities exist for those who enjoy being out in the cold. Skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, just walking in the crisp, cold air are all ways to experience the joys of winter. Of course, I would like to add my own version of a fun activity. Walk in the cold to a nearby coffee shop, even if it is only walking in the parking lot to the door of the establishment. If it is a cold windy day…that counts, right? After all you can always park your car in the far end of the lot to add a few more steps and additional exposure to the elements. Seriously, a pumpkin latte, or hot chocolate would be a welcomed treat, as this is the time to add hardy comfort food such as soup or stew etc. to our menus. I got so carried away going to the coffeeshop, I forgot to mention snowball fights and making a snowman as other fun activities to do.

The cold weather invites us to stay home and spend more time with family. It is a slowing down time of the year and offers much needed rest after a busy holiday season and the beginning of sports-related activities in which our children are involved.

January - February 2020 | Page 5

Countryberries Designs Snow Day- Hurray!

This pattern is free for you to use. Please give the artist credit. Not for commercial use. Enlarge this pattern to your desired size. Paint this snowman on wood or canvas.

Maybe you’d like to rug hook this snowman. He’d also be cute appliqued in wool with embroidered snowflakes, face and buttons. He’d be fun to do with a punchneedle too.

Whatever technique you choose, have fun!

Designed by Kathy Graham

Countryberries LLC Whimsies and necessaries for your country home and garden 330 North Road Deerfield, NH 03037 603-463-7615 www.countryberries.com Like us on Facebook

I must confess as I do not like the cold temperatures or shoveling snow, I do agree there is beauty even in the baron ground. For as the snow melts, we begin to raise our hopes and look forward to the first glimpse of spring.

So, as I sit in front of the fireplace with a book in hand and a cup of tea in another, I will take time to change my perspective as I look at Mother Nature in a different way. There is beauty even in the coldest of dark, dreary days. I will remind myself that God made winter the way He did for a reason. He makes no mistakes. So, I will celebrate my new-found discovery, and may even venture out for a quiet walk on a cold snowy night. Will you join me?

–Janet Young, Certified Tea and EtiquetteConsultant, is a founding member of MidAtlantic Tea Business Association and freelance writer/national tea presenter. Visit her website at www.overtheteacup.com.

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Page 6 | January - February 2020

What Will the New Year Bring?

Whether you believe that January 1, 2020, is the start of a new decade or believe that the new decade actually begins in January 1, 2021, this New Year seems very different.

To me, the fact that we are changing from a numeral one, to a numeral two in the year that we will write on legal documents, checks and other pertinent paperwork makes this one feel very significant.

With this New Year, we are leaving the teens behind and boldly marching into the twenties. Friends I’ve talked to see this numerical change as a chance for a fresh start.

Have you thought about what this New Year will mean to you?

As always, the New Year to me is a chance to organize and start with a new sense of purpose. It is the beginning of twelve new months on my calendar and an opportunity to make this year more productive than the last. Perhaps that means I’ll stitch more quilts and write more patterns. If so, it’s time to pull out my stash, take note of what I have and make a list of what I need to buy.

By Deb Heatherly

Deb Heatherly is a designer for Creative Grids tools®. When not in her studio, Deb is on the road doing Creative Grids® lectures and workshops for guilds and shops across the country. She is the designer of the Creative Grids Cat’s Cradle tool, Strippy Stars tool, Turbo 4 Patch, Ultimate Flying Geese tool, and Cat’s Cradle XL. She is also the author of the books ‘Cat’itude, Strippy Stars, 4-Patch Panache, The Ultimate flying Geese Book, Catitude XL, and her newest, Creatively Yours. Visit her website at www.

Debscatsnquilts.com. Creative Grids® fans are invited to join her Facebook group, Grids Girls, for tips and inspiration. Grids Girls’ members have the opportunity to participate in exclusive Grids Girls’ mystery quilts two times each year. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/770429649800457/.

Want to schedule a trunk show, lecture or workshop in your area? Deb is currently booking 2021 dates. Contact her at Debscatsnquilts@aol.com or call the studio, Deb’s Cats n Quilts Designs, 828-524-9578.

My furry children love this annual ritual because, for them, it’s time to play in the fabric and help. We recently added a new kitten to the family so that will mean one more helper than in previous years. I can already picture the chaos but I can also imagine the laughter. Her name is Little and she is a ball of gray fur that thinks everything is a toy.

Unless sleeping, she only knows one speed and that’s wide open. She and her brother Max are always into mischief but they have sure brought a lot excitement into our house. If I could only bottle that energy!

The New Year is also a time to rid myself of clutter—for instance, that UFO that has been in my closet for 30 years. (Yes, there really is one.) It’s time to either finish it, pass it on to someone who will finish it or donate it to the thrift store. (I’m pretty sure it will be the second or third of these options.) That will make room for the new UFOs started this year. (Just kidding.) It’s time to give a new home to those blocks that I finished in a club that I taught 8 years ago that have never magically sewn themselves together into a completed quilt top. Like the song in the movie, Frozen, it’s time to look at this clutter with a fresh vision and “Let it Go.” I mean, really, what am I doing with these things that are just taking up space? It seems that every closet is bursting at the seams. My New Year’s resolution? Move it out and make space for the things that matter. There, I feel better already. I see a big yard sale in my near future.

But, what else does the New Year mean? As I contemplate the New Year and my plan to get organized, I also wonder if it’s time to step back and realize just how quickly time is passing. With each birthday I wonder how I got this old. And, when did my grandson turn 11? Weren’t we at the hospital awaiting his arrival just yesterday?

Maybe, just maybe, it’s time do some of the things I have been putting off for the future. If that sounds nostalgic, I guess that’s where I am in life as I contemplate this change of numbers. My husband and I love to go to Gatlinburg for short weekend trips but have not done so in many years. We live only two hours away. I think it’s time we make the time and go. I have always wanted to take him to the annual 127 Corridor sale, also called the “World’s Longest Yard Sale.” I attended myself fifteen years ago and had a ball. I think its time to plan that long-awaited trip as well.

You see, if 2019 has taught me anything, it’s that life can change in an instant. I think it’s time to live each day to the fullest and do some of the things we seem to always put off until tomorrow. This New Year will be a time to make memories and go on new adventures .

So, here’s to 2020! May it find you sewing, laughing and trying new things. Make it your resolution and then just do it!

The Covered Wagon

Fabric, Yarn, Wool, Books, Notions Quilting, Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Cross Stitch We have every DMC color floss and variation colors “You never know what you’ll find!”

STOP IN TO SEE ALL THE NEW WARM FLANNELS AND BRIGHT BATIKS. Hours: Monday-Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4 & Saturday 9-2

2006 Main Street • Torrington, WY 82240 • 307-532-1077

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A Letter to a Home of 41 Years Dear House,

By Kerri Habben

It was a sticky August day when we settled into your open arms. The refrigerator wasn’t hooked up yet, and a neighbor brought us ice. I sweated there on the sidewalk with my father from more than the heat; I was a hideously shy five year old who would start kindergarten very soon. I overcame the shyness, except for those rare moments it awakens to remind me how far I’ve come.

I grew up, lived here through college, and spent two decades of adulthood here. As years passed, changes arrived; ordinary ones, necessary ones, and meaningful ones.

Five people lived within you; my mother, my father, myself, my maternal grandparents. Two years later my great-aunt and uncle moved in across the street and my grandparents moved in with them. Later still my parents’ marriage ended. When I was 11 my dad came fully into our lives. This is the dad you have read about in all of my writings. Both my father and my dad were good, kind men who left a valuable mark in my life and many others. But it was my dad who rescued a young girl from a paternally bereft heart, and there was no going back. He essentially adopted me, and I carry his name.

We breathed together here as my mother passed away nearly two years ago. Of my family who thrived within you, only I remain living. Through it all you were a precious house, especially that tender, beautiful year I spent here alone. Even in my grief, a vibrant energy emerged from you and fostered quiet joy. You gently reminded me of who I am and especially of the love within you. When the time came to leave you, what compelled me was exactly that. Home is where those you love are.

House, I ponder you now on a winter’s day. I stand here at the base of the hill and visualize you as you were for so many of these years. Full in every sense of the word.

Full of joy, hope, resilience, and faith. As we quoted the Three Musketeers: “All for one and one for all.”

Also full in the tangible sense of the possessions a family gathers throughout lifetimes. Half of me sees Mom at the stove, Daddy coming out of the garage covered in sawdust, and me at the table doing homework. The other half sees the complete downsizing Wayne and I (with help from friends) have been working on these past months. When this part is done, you will ,hopefully, by summer have a new family.

It is not the first time I have undone a house; my grandmother moved from her home to an assisted living community in 2002. But it has been and continues to be a tedious journey at times. Through it all, House, I have loved you to the best of my ability. For you are a vessel ,not unlike a ship, that carried us through many years and lifetimes of experiences.

I have learned something. These things within you are not inherently me. I am myself simply by being. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am the owner of these possessions. I carry the discernment to choose their destiny, not the other way around.

I am grateful for you. But soon it will be time to let you go.

Be happy, House. May the love we gave each other embrace the next family to call you home.

Love always, Kerri Kerri Habben is a writer and preschool teacher living in Chapel Hill, NC. An enthusiastic crocheter and knitter, she learned these skills from her mother and grandmother. She donates many of her yarn creations . Kerri is currently working on a manuscript of essays and poetry. She can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.

January - February 2020 | Page 7

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10 Growth Goals for 2020

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher

Every year we turn the page on a new year, and think about the 12 months to come. We think about what we might accomplish or focus on in the coming year. It always seems like so much time from the startline in January. There is always so much enthusiasm attached to the beginning of a new year. Then, we get to the middle and even end of the year, and start to frantically accomplish those goals and guilt and worry set in. That will lead to unaccomplished goals. Dreams kicked down the road. And, even giving up on annual goals all together.

Usually, change and growth happen incrementally. Little changes that create big impacts.

We sure can make big changes radically. That happens. But, as creatures of habit, we tend to do better with change in bite size chunks. So, instead of giving up or frantically diving into chaos mid-year, lets take smaller steps with bigger missions. Here is a list of 10 goals that are small changes with big impacts.

What are your goals for 2020? We want to know! Tell us on Facebook!

1. Purge one room in your house each month until you’ve finished the entire house. Skip months! That’s ok. Just keep plugging through!

2. Learn a new skill or hobby by the end of April. Deadlines are helpful.

3. Reflect, meditate or be still for 10 minutes each day. (Sometimes it is hard for me to make my mind stop. So, I take these 10 minutes and think of what I’m grateful for. Let’s my mind work on something, yet is still peaceful reflection.)

4. Create a “mad money” stash. Build a fund with 6 months worth of expenses. Stash some cash for fun outings or shopping sprees!

5. Read a new book each season.

6. Take a class to learn something new. One in the fall/winter months. One in the spring/ summer months.

7. Travel somewhere new. Doesn’t have to be to Spain! Maybe it is a little town down the road that you drive by all the time and never stop. Try their coffee shop or café.

8. Drink more water. Drink 8 oz of water each morning before you do much else. Great 10 minute reflection time.

9. Set professional or volunteer goals for yourself by the quarter. Dividing tasks into 4 chunks is a great way to march through career goals.

10. Create a new habit. Do you find yourself interrupting more than usual when you know that it is rude? Practice active listening. Feeling gloomy? Random acts of kindness not only improve the mood of the recipient, but also your mood. Swearing a bit too much? Create a silly word to replace the swear word. “Oh sh**t!” could be, “Oh shootles!” It is fun to say and the point is still met.

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Creative Business Feature: The Country Cookie Now when you think sugar cookies, we all think of the classic rolling, cutting and flour/sugar sprinkle mess that comes out of the process. We also think of the delicious cookies and frosting outcome. For me, at least, I always am thankful for the process to be done. And, can’t help thinking my cookies could be more refined or fancy.

For the country cookie, this process and final product is truly a work of art. These cookies are not only delicious but too pretty to eat. We’ve all been to baby showers and birthday parties with the classic cupcake treat. What if you could customize the cookie to the occasion and wow your guest with a creative, cute, take home treat? What if your business could commemorate a special occasion with your logo on a cookie? What if your wedding day was adorned with a unique cookie customized to the special day?

Madison started her venture into cookie creation out of curiosity and creativity.

She began watching YouTube videos, and practiced routinely, honing her cookie decorating skills. Her husband is a huge fan of sugar cookies, Madison spent many hours going over the recipe to bring it to perfection. It even passed the test. Her husband said it was the best cookie he had ever had! What started as a friends request for a special event, has now turned into sold out months, separate kitchen office spaces, and custom orders miles long.

That is not all Madison does, she is a mother to 3, a ranch wife and has a teaching background. She has made her country home into the base camp for The Country Cookie. She manages to fit her baking, air brushing, stenciling and other frosting art into the schedule.

Check out Madison’s stunning cookies on Facebook or contact her below for your next special occasion. Don’t have an occasion coming up? These beauties would make great and unique Valentine treats.

https://www.facebook.com/thecountrycookie/ Madison Lindsey Newell, SD 605-858 1774

January - February 2020 | Page 9

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher

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Page 10 | January - February 2020

The cold winter feeling of January and February is made more bearable by Valentine’s Day!! I am deviating from my love of fabric to paper. Here is a simple but very adorable card to make for the “Love” holiday.

Love is definitely in the air with this hot air balloon card.

You will Need:

You will need card stock paper. I used three colors for my heart balloon and a brown for the card itself. Scissors, glue, heart template, pencil, black or brown marker and embellishments are also needed.

Step Two

Fold all of the heart in half.

Step THREE

Step Four

Next step is to glue the heart balloon onto the card. Keep it more to the top as we will be drawing the basket to the hot air balloon.

Step Five I drew the basket first. Center it under the heart. You can then draw the lines or “ropes” from the heart balloon to the basket.

I added little bows on the outside ropes and some stripes to the basket. I won’t lie I did use a ruler to guide my lines. I then made them a little wavy!

Step One

Add your embellishments and you are done!

Trace out five hearts from the colored paper.

I made my card a 5X7 for visual purposes.

The heart template is 3&1/2 inches long. I think this would look better on a smaller card, such as a 4X6, and then the heart template could be 2 inches.

You will need to decide how you want your colors to go, and then start gluing them together. I glued my red heart to the bright pink one, and then glued it to the pale pink one and so on.

FINISHED!

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Become Inspired

Decorating, Entertaining and Living in the Early American Style Unexpected Opportunities

By Annice Bradley Rockwell

As wintertime asserts its formidable grip there is always beauty found within nature’s artistic hand. Our landscape is often blanketed with snow and a familiar line of trees framing a farmer’s field now stands stark and proud against a cold winter sky. Our country back roads are beautifully banked with snow as we make our way home and as we come in from the cold the warmth of our home’s interior makes us feel grateful and it shelters us from even the fiercest blizzard blasts.

In fact, our days that keep us home provide us with a sense of solitude that comes to us only in this season of winter. Mother nature gives us unexpected opportunities to pause and our days spent indoors give us moments of deep peace and reflection that often lead to sparks of new ideas and creativity that we crave.

A Memorable Winter’s Evening

In winter after all of the Christmas decorations are put away, our homes can be a blank slate again so that we can happily recreate. Our furnishings can be rearranged, lighting can be artfully added to provide enhanced ambiance on a dark, cold winter’s evening and special antiques given to us by a good friend at Christmastime can all become part of our winter arrangement.

With candles glowing in our favorite wall sconces, a fire alight in our fireplace and a fireside meal of roast pork, scalloped potatoes and homemade apple chutney to share with a few of our close friends makes our winter evening one to remember. We can appreciate the beauty in these slower, treasured winter moments and it leaves us feeling blessed.

Winter’s Deeper Appeal

Country outdoor activities in winter take on a different, deeper appeal as well. Morning hikes in crisp, cold air awaken our senses and tempt us to stay out of doors just a little bit longer. The magnificence of a hiking trail in winter is something to be soulfully taken in as you surround yourself with nature’s striking silence.

This winter season indulge in the slower, more deliberate pace of nature. Pause to joyfully accept the unexpected blessings winter can bring.

And take pride in the resilience you naturally feel after a snowstorm brings you a new, breathtaking perspective that only nature can provide.

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

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January - February 2020 | Page 11

My Grandmother’s Quilt

by Jeanette Lukowski

I often refer to myself as a “pedestrian-level” quilter—rather than the experts whom I meet in quilt stores around the country—because I tie my quilts. So how, I have wondered many times during the past year, did I get the honor of reconstructing one of my grandmother’s 9-patch crap quilts?

Thanks to the mother who taught me to sew my own clothes when I was about 12 years old, I was ignorantly bold enough to think I could quilt when I spotted a project I liked on display in a fabric store during a deer-hunting-widows-craft-fair weekend twenty-five years later. No rotary cutter or single plastic template to my name, I first traced the required fabric shapes onto cardboard, then used the same lead pencil and pair of scissors to transfer the designs onto the five fabrics used in the 40x40 wall-hanging.

Flashing-forward another twenty-five years, I’ve discovered I’m a bit more cautious in my quilting than I was when I first started. While I still rarely rely on a pattern for my quilt projects, I have a rotary cutter, mat, and two plastic templates I use regularly as I create my many quilts with squares and rectangles. So why be so hesitant to branch out? I think I’ve just generally lost my confidence (in a number of things, I’m embarrassed to admit).

My aunt felt I was a good quilter, though, when she asked me if I would be interested in doing “something” with her mother’s (my grandmother’s) quilt “at the cabin.”

“Sure!” I boldly exclaimed when asked— “Before” because I selfishly just wanted to see the quilt I vaguely remembered from nights when I was a “guest,” sleeping on the sofa-sleeper in my grandmother’s living room.

I received the bag transporting the quilt in March 2019; I took photographs of the quilt on my living room floor, carefully measured and recorded the details of each square, block, and bit of sashing, then carefully snipped the pink yarn ties which had held the quilt together for decades.

Since neither my aunt nor I had a plan in mind, I became somewhat frozen with responsibility and indecision after snipping the yarn ties. While I knew the back fabric needed to be replaced (there were two large stains in the middle), I wasn’t sure whether to replace only the portions of each 9-patch that was worn through, or replace 9-patches and sashing that was shredding, or turn each of the sturdier 9patches into a singular throw pillow, or...

Rather than making a decision, I carefully snipped the fabric from the back, and peeled it away to uncover the mesh-and-stuffing which had formerly been batting for the quilt. Yuck.

My next move was to see what survived a spin through the washer, and then the dryer.

I purchased replacement backing-fabric from a quilt store in town in April, then packed up the whole project a week later because I was moving to a new job 1,500 miles away.

In November, I finally committed to a course of action. Step 1: safety pins were placed in the middle of each of the ten 9-patch blocks needing to be replaced, and fabrics were selected from my scrap stash to complement my grandmother’s scraps (as each of the thirty 9-patch blocks were different). Step 2: cut the horizontal rows apart through the middle of the sashing. Step 3: move the “good” 9-patch blocks towards the center, and arrange the new blocks for color balance.

Using the original back-fabric in strips to re-connect all sashing and blocks, it took me 2 days to re-assemble to the quilt top—and a third day to re-tie the quilt (with new polyester batting for a moisture-prone lake cabin).

I share this tale because the New Year often fills quilters’ lives with long windows of time indoors. The projects we’ve worked on to give as gifts for the holidays are completed; the days of being out-of-doors working in gardens might be several months away.

The bold young woman who created a wall-hanging from a project she saw hanging in a store in November 1992 went into hiding; the woman who was too nervous to destroy a family heirloom discovered a new chapter for her grandmother’s quilt by throwing the quest-for-perfection out with the sawdust-like batting she discovered between the layers of grass-green fabric.

My grandmother’s three great-grandchildren will again be sleeping under her quilt at the cabin this summer thanks to their grandmother (my aunt) who gave me a chance to take a risk—all in the name of quilt restoration. © Jeanette Lukowsk 2019 Jeanette is a mother, grandmother, teacher and author; she is inspired by the lives of strong women.

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Page 12 | January - February 2020

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$25 Gift Certificate Winner Shirley Debus

Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop –

The Covered Wagon in Torrington, WY To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or email

kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

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Life in Skunk Hollow: Winter’s Joys

By Judy Druck

January - February 2020 | Page 13

Random Acts

Winter is such a delightful time of year.

I didn’t always think that way. Years ago, as a stay-at-home mom of 3 little boys, winter often meant ear infections and pent-up energy and cabin fever! Those cold days often seemed very long.

But seasons change, and winter has grown on me. In fact, it’s become an old friend. Now I view the season as a time to cozy in and hibernate, a time to read and rest and reflect. In contrast, it’s also a time to embrace the crisp cold with its incredible clarity of sound and distinct pleasure of a tingling face when entering the warmth again. Winter can be full of its’ own particular beauty and sweetness.

In honor of the season, here are a few of its’ pleasures we’ve enjoyed: * a game of Upwords or Rummikub with a hot cup of vanilla chai on a cold winter’s night * the intricately beautiful icy patterns painted on the windows by Jack Frost * making Almond Heart Cookies with my vintage cookie press, the oven warming the house * movie marathons to the land of Narnia * the stark beauty of bare trees silhouetted black against a pink-hued sky at dusk * crafting handmade Valentines and imagining the joy others will have in receiving them * an on-going puzzle set up on the card table in the living room to “pick at” here and there * Sunday afternoon sledding parties with cocoa and cookies to warm up with afterwards * forcing flowers in the midst of winter for some-much needed color * re-visit my old book friends, like Anne w/ an “e” and Frodo the Hobbit * long walks around the farm through the snow, following dozens of animal tracks * the razor-sharp sound of skates, pucks, and sticks striking the frozen pond in a rousing game of hockey * baking gingerbread biscotti on a snowy day to share with friends (See recipe in this edition.)

Even if winter isn’t your favorite season, perhaps this list will encourage you to seek out and discover some of its’ many simple joys awaiting you in its midst of this time of year.

Julie Druck is from York, Pennsylvania, and writes from her farm in Skunk Hollow. She’d welcome your comments at thedrucks@netzero.com.

Reading Love

by Maranda K. Jones Winter is the perfect time to fall in love again!

The boots are off next to the door, Mittens dry above the wet floor.

The soft lamplight is glowing warm as snow piles up outside.

Reading on a frosty day is always worth the time.

With my favorite mug full of warmth, I head straight for the couch.

My feet land on the table with my socks in perfect slouch.

I open my beloved book to the place the feather marks and instantly I once again begin to feel those sparks.

I glance at the pages in my left Praising the width of pages read And carry on to the end with a soul that is well-fed.

The words have spoken and I have listened To the characters’ predicaments and pain, Shared their losses and celebrated gains.

My right hand holds just a few more— it seems reading has done its part.

My first love is still close to my heart. © 2019 Maranda K. Jones

Maranda Jones’ new book Random Acts is now available at amazon.com.

The book includes her reader-acclaimed articles from the last decade.

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Page 14 | January - February 2020

Advertiser Directory by Name

Win a $25 Gift Certificate!

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to be used at YOUR FAVORITE SHOP!

Just fill out this form and send it to:

The Country Register P.O. Box 2015 Belle Fourche, SD 57717

May - June 2019 Entry OR visit www.moxiemarketingmw.com, click on The Country Register to sign up online Name________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________________________

Always Your Design • Dell Rapids, SD......................................................... 5 Betty’s Quiltery • Rapid City, SD................................................................ 16 Black Hills Visitor Center • Rapid City, SD................................................. 12 Covered Wagon, The • Torrington, WY........................................................ 6 Creative Closet • Townsend, MT................................................................ 13 Dakota Quilt Company • Spearfish, SD..................................................... 16 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY................................................................. 8

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Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD................................................................... 16

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Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop • Edgemont, SD................................................ 16

City_____________________________ State ____________ Zip__________ Favorite Shop Advertised___________________________________________ This is My Favorite Shop Because______________________________________ My Favorite Feature(s) of The Country Register_____________________________

Office Emporium/Gone to Pieces Quilts • Belle Fourche, SD.................... 16 Quilt Connection • Rapid City, SD............................................................. 16 Quilt Connection 2 • Buffalo, SD............................................................... 16

Found This Issue At_______________________________________________

Quilters Corner • Faulkton, SD.................................................................. 13

Are You a:

Quilt Yard, The • Pierre, SD.......................................................................... 5

Regular Reader or

First Time Reader

What stores would like to see in The Country Register? (include town) ____________________________________________________________

Entries received by February 7, 2020, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

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Red Truck Quilting • Worthing, SD........................................................... 16 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center • Belle Fourche, SD............................ 15 Wall Drug • Wall, SD................................................................................. 12

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warm, fuzzy feeling that one can conjure up with references of sitting by the fire with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, while snuggled in a warm blanket.

View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP That is when I thought perhaps it was time to slow down and challenge myself. It’s time to think of some of the positive things about winter. Obviously, I am not fond of cold weather, but I began to think it can’t be all bad. So, I began my quest to discover some of the things I did enjoy about winter.

As I was contemplating some of the virtues of winter, words such as peaceful, calm, quiet, purity came to mind. On a snowy night I can imagine hearing the crunch of the snow-covered ground as I breathe puffs of crisp, cold air. Watching snow falling softly on streetlights, and the tree boughs bowing from the weight of the snow-covered branches, what an exhilarating experience. Of course, I would like to add that a cold crisp walk in the snow are all ways to enjoy the cold outdoor air, as we take in the beauty of the season.

Another by-product of snow, would have to be Icicles glistening in the sun on those rare sunny days. They hang in a stately manner all the while glistening, and sparkling, announcing to the world that even frozen water can be a thing of perfectly pristine beauty. Stepping on a frozen puddle of water, I hear it cracking upon the weight that has been exerted on it.

Fun activities exist for those who enjoy being out in the cold. Skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, just walking in the crisp, cold air are all ways to experience the joys of winter.

Of course, I would like to add my own version of a fun activity. Walk in the cold to a nearby coffee shop, even if it is only walking in the parking lot to the door of the establishment. If it is a cold windy day…that counts, right? After all you can always park your car in the far end of the lot to add a few more steps and additional exposure to the elements. Seriously, a pumpkin latte, or hot chocolate would be a welcomed treat, as this is the time to add hardy comfort food such as soup or stew etc. to our menus. I got so carried away going to the coffeeshop, I forgot to mention snowball fights and making a snowman as other fun activities to do.

The cold weather invites us to stay home and spend more time with family. It is a slowing down time of the year and offers much needed rest after a busy holiday season and the beginning of sports-related activities in which our children are involved.

I must confess as I do not like the cold temperatures or shoveling snow, I do agree there is beauty even in the baron ground. For as the snow melts, we begin to raise our hopes and look forward to the first glimpse of spring.

So, as I sit in front of the fireplace with the latest edition of The Register (just like my friend the snowman) and a cup of tea I will take time to change my perspective as I look at Mother Nature in a different way. There is beauty even in the coldest of dark, dreary days. I will remind myself that God made winter the way He did for a reason.

He makes no mistakes. So, I will celebrate my new-found discovery, and may even venture out for a quiet walk on a cold snowy night or, if weather permits tomorrow out to visit all the shops I have marked that I need to check out. Will you join me?

–Janet Young, Certified Tea and Etiquette Consultant, is a founding member of MATB Association and freelance writer/national tea presenter. www.overtheteacup.com.

Free Pattern

ilts s of m/ 28.

Use this pattern for embroidery, wool applique, punch needle or rug hooking, painted projects or whatever your imagination can dream up! Reduce or enlarge pattern as desired.

Free Embroidery Pattern May not be sold or used for commercial purposes.

For more fun and creative inspiration visit:

www.JacquelynneSteves.com

January - February 2020 | Page 15

Recipe for Lover’s Punch Ring in the new year or celebrate love with this delicious drink!

2 cups orange juice 2 cups cranberry juice 1 cup pineapple juice 1 cup ginger ale *Add adult beverage if desired. ** Serve chilled or frozen.

Page 16 | January - February 2020

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