The Country Register: Northern Rockies & Great Plains | Volume 11 - Issue 1 | January/February 2021

View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP

January - February 2021 | Page 1

Page 2 | January - February 2021

What’s Inside?

• New Year, New Goals - Page 4

• A Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 5 • A Bucket Full of Thoughts For A New Year Revisited- Page 6 • Shining A Light On Love This Valentine’s Day - Page 7 • Belle Fourche Play & Stay Section - Page 8 • Winter Mixer: Game Night - Page 9 • Robin’s Nest DIY - Page 10 • Chili Recipes - Page 11 • Quilts Are Like Snowflakes - Page 13 • Family Photo Display Tips - Page 15

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Editor’s Notes

Leaning Into Love

Every year as I start a new round of Country Registers I’m faced with an option to lean into winter wonderland or love for this first paper. I enjoy both themes, but this year without question I chose to lean into love.

2020 has given us many obstacles to say the least. We have had to face fears and disappointment.

We have had to roll with many punches, get Kelsey Ruzicka innovative and adapt at an extraordinary pace. We Publisher of have been stressed, worried and stuck. There have been silver linings too. We have spent time at home, The Country Register of ND, SD, WY, time with our thoughts and time with our family.

MT & N. ID Time is a tough commodity these days. So, in many ways that was a gift. But, more than anything we are ready to move on and move forward into 2021 with more hope, more love and more joy. I think we can all say that.

So, as we make our New Years resolutions and move into a new year, let’s lean into love. Showing love for our friends and family is easy. We have missed them. We are so anxious to get to see them, travel to spend time with them and embrace them. Having family celebrations again. One of the things I look forward to the most in the coming year, is gathering together again. Getting to see my friends more often with less pressure and fear. Showing love to our neighbors and community is also something to look forward again. Attending mixers, community fundraisers and festivals all meant to inspire community spirit and togetherness. Taking the time to meet our neighbors, chat with them and help them out when we can. Showing love to ourselves. Taking time to relax, better ourselves and stay healthy. Lots of us put ourselves last on the list, and maybe 2021 is a good time to move those priorities higher on the list. Keeping a sharp and healthy mind and body is so important to tackling challenges, adapting and staying healthy. One thing we learned a lot about in 2020.

Another thing 2020 taught us is approaching life with more kindness, grace and compassion. Love in its most basic form. Everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about. Waving to the postman, holding a door for someone, smiling at the cashier, taking a breath before facing a complaint, saying excuse me in the store, telling someone to have a great day or offering a compliment for no other reason than to make someone smile. All of these are little things that have big impacts on the folks around us.

Let’s begin the year 2021 leaning into love with hope and light for the months to come. Let’s learn from this last year, and take with us the tools to face the next year with better armor.

May your year be blessed and full of love.

View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP

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 2021 | 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 2021 • Volume 11 Issue 1

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2021.

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, 2021.

Page 4 | January - February 2021

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A New Year, A New Goal: Tips for Successful Goalmaking in 2021

by Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher As the new year sets in, many of us take this time to evaluate and set goals for the next 365 days. Sometimes we get through the year and can feel really good about where we landed. Other times we find ourselves whooshed to the end of the year and somewhere along the way the goals fell behind. Here are a few tips to stay on course and keep healthy goals in your pocket along the way.

Set an overarching goal (e.g., get healthier, get a new car) and then set achievable and measurable steps to achieve the goal. If you are trying to get healthier, for example, steps could include getting signed up for yoga classes, drink so many ounces of water daily, make an appointment for a physical, get bloodwork done, create meal plans for the week, etc. Success towards the overarching goal through the achievement of smaller steps to get there makes people more likely to stick with the process and achieve the goal.

Make your resolution realistic. Many of us want to be brilliant, jet-setting billionaires.

Alas, for most of us, this isn’t going to work out. What is actually within your grasp?

Create of series of steps and subgoals and work towards that. If you want to lose a lot of weight, for example, maybe a 20-pound weight loss in increments of five pounds is the best place to start, as opposed to trying to get to a size 2.

Make your resolution measurable. Ambiguous goals (e.g., get healthier, improve finances) make poor resolutions in and of themselves. Getting healthier or improving finances are great overarching goals, but they need achievable and measurable steps to help you get there. For example, if finances are your goal, go through your debts and priorities and make a detailed plan to get there. Make the milestones concrete (for example, work with the utility company to pay off the overdue electric bill, or pay a specific amount above the minimum payment monthly in order to pay off the credit card bill). As you tick off specific bills, debt, or meet investment milestones, you will not only gradually achieve your overarching goal, but you will be able to celebrate victories and observe progress along the way. The act of recognizing success as it occurs makes it more likely that you will continue to build on the progress.

What are goals without a little motivation. Inspirational words of wisdom from successful or wise people can help us stay motivated and on course too. We’ve compiled some of our favorites.

“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

“We May Encounter Many Defeats But We Must Not Be Defeated.” – Maya Angelou “Whether You Think You Can Or Think You Can’t, You’re Right.” – Henry Ford “The Man Who Has Confidence In Himself Gains The Confidence Of Others.”

– Hasidic Proverb “The Only Limit To Our Realization Of Tomorrow Will Be Our Doubts Of Today.”

– Franklin D. Roosevelt “What You Lack In Talent Can Be Made Up With Desire, Hustle And Giving 110% All The Time.” – Don Zimmer “Do What You Can With All You Have, Wherever You Are.” – Theodore Roosevelt “You Are Never Too Old To Set Another Goal Or To Dream A New Dream.” – C.S. Lewis “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.” — Coco Chanel “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Henry David Thoreau “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, but never the goal.” — Author Unknown “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects.”

— Albert Einstein “But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”– Albus Dumbledore “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller “We know what we are, but know not what we may be. “ - William Shakespeare “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today.” – Will Rogers

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.”

- Walt Whitman

“It’s Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It’s Whether You Get Up.” – Vince Lombardi

“A Day Without Laughter Is A Day Wasted” - Charlie Chaplin

“If You Are Working On Something That You Really Care About, You Don’t Have To Be Pushed. The Vision Pulls You.” – Steve Jobs “Entrepreneurs Are Great At Dealing With Uncertainty And Also Very Good At Minimizing Risk. That’s The Classic Entrepreneur.” – Mohnish Pabrai

View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP

January - February 2021 | Page 5

A Cup of Tea with Lydia: Delivering Love Hospitali-TEA Then I grew up in a large family in a small farming community where hospitality was the norm. On Saturdays, my five sisters and I divided the housecleaning chores and tidied our home so we would be ready for Sunday guests.

While we cleaned, we smelled the wonderful aroma of homemade bread and rolls coming from the kitchen as Mother baked a week’s worth of brown bread and zwieback for our family.

Sunday morning, Mother often put a chicken or pot roast and vegetables in the oven before we left for church. After the services, we would be ready to host a friend or family for a meal—whether planned or spontaneous.

I often invited a girlfriend to spend Sunday afternoon with me. Other times I received a spur-of-the-moment invitation to a friend’s home.

Even if we didn’t invite company for Sunday dinner, we were prepared to host drop-in guests for afternoon coffee before doing our evening farm chores. If visitors arrived, Mother quickly spread the table with fresh baked goods, cold cuts, sliced cheese, home-canned peaches or pears, kuchen, coffee, and more. She could create a feast in no time.

With Mother’s generous heart for hospitality, it’s no wonder all her daughters grew up to enjoy cooking and sharing food with others. And three of us girls became home economists!

Hospitali-TEA Now I’m one of the girls who graduated with a degree in home economics, and it’s my joy to welcome family and friends for a meal or a cup of tea. But the COVID-19 pandemic has created restrictions and the need for caution. So now what?

Family, friends, and neighbors need TEA-L-C now more than ever, so I’ve looked for new ways to deliver love. Maybe some of these ideas will inspire you.

1. Deliver a love surprise.

Many school children are struggling with changed routines and learning from home.

Three of my grandchildren, ages 10, 15, and 17, are attending school online. Fortunately, their mother, Amy, a former schoolteacher, is home to guide them as needed.

With this change, I sensed they would enjoy an occasional surprise during the day. A couple of times, I contacted Amy and arranged to deliver an unexpected lunch from a favorite takeout restaurant. Another time I made homemade Meat Turnovers (recipe in my cookbook) and delivered them in an antique Walton’s lunchbox.

Recently, I tied my red and white scarf with hearts around my neck and delivered “love” to the family by dropping off heart-shaped scones, lemon curd, whipped cream, and peach herbal tea. It’s easy to line a flat box with a pretty cloth or paper so it becomes the tray for the plates (paper or plastic) and tea items. This drop-off-and-go tea is a safe way to express love.

I’ve also delivered love surprises to my neighbors. Some are cautious about receiving homemade food from others, so I bring them store-bought treats, sparkling cider, or flowers. I buy one or two large flower bouquets and divide them into several smaller

By Lydia Harris

ones, adding greens from my yard. Inexpensive vases or empty jars tied with a ribbon hold the arrangements.

2. Order or mail a surprise.

Cards and gifts are good ways to say, “I love you.” With some of my siblings living out of state and some on lockdown in retirement communities, I add cheer to their lives by mailing packages. Some enjoy fresh fruit from Harry & David, so I sent them a box of sweet, juicy pears. For my sister-in-law, a recent widow, I sent her favorite homemade gumdrop cookies, glazed fresh apple cookies, chocolates, and a package of herbal tea.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we have many opportuni-TEAs to show love.

Who needs your love? A neighbor, friend, grandchild, or a lonely widow or widower?

Why not choose one or more people and select appropriate ways to show love to them?

As you cheer their hearts, you’ll experience joy as well, because “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Lydia E. Harris is a tea enthusiast, grandmother, and author of Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting and In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together.

See Recipe on Page 13.

Page 6 | July - August 2020

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A Bucketful of Thoughts For A New Year, Revisited

by Kerri Habben Bosman

Contemplating a new year, I find myself remembering an epiphany during a visit to the dollar store.

A unique setting, I know. However, I have learned to appreciate lessons wherever they arrive.

The following exchange occurred over three years ago. I first wrote about it over a year after my mother had been diagnosed with brain cancer and eight months after she passed away.

I offer you a revised version of that original article.

A warning. There are some gentle bathroom references.

During Mom’s illness, she needed a bedside commode. Having grown up with a grandfather and a great-aunt in a wheelchair I was prepared for this.

The problem was that I didn’t have the original bucket for the commode. I searched the garage until I found every option. One bucket fit, but it was too high. Another didn’t fit at all, but an old metal one seemed to fit just right. The pivotal word in that last sentence is “seemed.”

One day everything which could be in the bucket was indeed therein. Whereupon the bucket fell through onto the carpet. I uttered a phrase that I cannot write here. It was, however, a most accurate sentiment.

The next time Mom and I went out, I stopped at the dollar store. I bought every bucket they had. Yes, one of them did fit the commode perfectly. Now to the moral of the story.

At the checkout the clerk rather robotically rang up my purchases, and I asked, “How are you today?”

He gazed at me with empty eyes and said quite wearily, “Just trying to get through the day.”

I looked at him for a moment. My first thought was, “I have shoes older than you.” My second was “well, at least you’re honest.” My third almost escaped on a sigh: “Do you have any idea why I am buying all these buckets?”

Thankfully I paused until my fourth thought, which was: “You don’t know why he is struggling any more than he knows why you need a bucket.”

I smiled as I handed him $4.00 and change.

“How about this,” I suggested. “I’ll think good thoughts for you, and you think good thoughts for me. Who knows? It just might get better for both of us.”

He smiled back at me. His dull eyes lit up for a precious instant.

We live in a harshly reactive world. People are ever more connected by technology, but we sometimes forget how to genuinely and kindly give. If I had immediately responded to my friend at the dollar store, at best, I would have been derisive and, at worst, self-absorbed and defensive. I am grateful I waited.

If we all lived on mountain tops, it would be easy to seek our best selves in our solitude. But we don’t. We live in the thumb tacks and sometimes dirty details of life. One of our strongest resources in traveling this sometimes tenuous journey is helping one another. We are often each others’ greatest gift.

I shared with Mom about our exchange that day in 2017. She said, “Maybe one day you’ll write about this.” So I did. When I first set this story down, I could not have imagined the quietly beautiful way my life would evolve.

From that place of gratitude, I submit an enduring hope as we begin new calendar.

Whatever the circumstances of each of our lives, 2020 was a very different and in some ways quite a surreal year. I hope that this coming year brings each of you much goodness and joy. May we each become our best selves and be each others’ greatest gifts.

Kerri Habben Bosman is a writer in Chapel Hill, NC. She is currently working on a book of essays and poetry. She can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.

Chili Inspiration for Chilly Winters

by Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher Here in the Midwest Chili tends to be a staple for our cold months. Starting in the fall we get out our hearty family-favorite chili recipes. And in the frosty January months, nothing beats a warm bowl of chili and corn bread or cinnamon rolls. One thing is for sure, there are thousands of ways to cook up chili. Ingredients have no limits. Wild game chili, tomato base or cream base, spices ranging for miles, bean options….the list goes on. That is the fun and yummy part about this special soup dish. We all have a couple chili recipes that are our go-tos and favorites. But, this winter you might find yourself wanting to try a new one. We have compiled 5 nontraditional chili recipes worth a try!

Vegetable Three Bean Chili INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying (about 2 cups) • 3/4 cup mild or medium chunky corn and tomato salsa (not corn and black bean salsa, which usually has a puréed bean base) • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed, drained • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed, drained • 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed, drained • 1 (15-ounce) can puréed tomatoes or tomato sauce • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more • 1/4 teaspoon (or more) freshly ground black pepper • 2 (5–6”) corn tortillas, sliced into 1/4”-wide strips • Sliced pickled jalapeños (for serving; optional) • A deep-fry thermometer Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in large heavy pot over medium-high. Cook salsa, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and garlic powder, stirring, until fragrant and slightly reduced, 1–2 minutes. Add black, pinto, and kidney beans, tomatoes, broth, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors are blended and chili is thickened, about 15 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed.

Pour oil into a medium skillet to a depth of 1/2”. Heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 375°F. Working in 2 batches, fry tortilla strips, turning occasionally, until crisp and pale golden, about 2 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer strips to a paper towel-lined plate or rimmed baking sheet to drain; immediately season with salt.

Ladle chili into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and jalapeños, if using.

SEE MORE RECIPES ON PAGE 11.

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September - October 2020 | Page 7

Shining A Light On Love This Valentine’s Day

by Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher

This Valentine’s day may be a bit different. Maybe even spent at home. For some of us this is a BIG change. We are used to a fancy dinner, maybe dancing or a fun party with friends. For some of us, things may not change at all. We are used to doing things at home or not at all. But, in an environment like we’ve had in 2020, and the perspective we’ve gotten on cherished moments with loved ones - maybe we should take some time this year and shine a light on love this Valentine’s Day. So, we have compiled some fun ideas for Valentine celebrations spent at home.

Family Traditions 1. “Fancy” breakfast with heart Molds of food and heart themed menu items.

2. 14 days of “Love Notes”| Each day you write a note to one of your family members. Can be a small note just something you love about them, or one word that describes them. You must write one thing about each member of the family. The notes can then be placed in a basket, mailbox or jar. Notes can also be heart shaped pieces of paper. Makes for a fun daily activity to showcase your love for family. Great for keepsakes as well.

3. Love Jars | find jars, decorate with festive colors and shapes and put candy or special gifts inside 4. Movie Night with Valentine’s Day Spin | Movies centered on love (i.e. romantic comedies/dramas, the movie Valentine’s Day) paired with candy and popcorn.

5. Give Love | together work to do an act of kindness, such as, donating to the food bank, giving away old clothes to a shelter, donating food or walks to the local animal shelter, etc.

6. Send Valentines |Together make or write valentines to far away family members.

Date Ideas At Home 1. Spa Date | Epsom Salt Soak, foot rubs, massages, hot tub (if you have one).

Pampering & Relaxing together.

2. Scavenger hunt date | Find cute notes around the house that lead to different clues, bringing back memories from the past, testing how well you know each other with different notes 3. Recreate First date | Get creative and try and recreate the first date at home. You can either make it like the first date or close enough 4. Breakfast in bed 5. Cozy Night In | blankets, movies, popcorn, hot cocoa, and snuggles 6. Sticky note heart on mirror. Items on the sticky notes could be: things you love about that person, things you are grateful for about that person, fun memories, quotes about love.

7. Dinner & Dancing | Make a special meal together, new or favorite bottle of wine, dress up and turn on some tunes to dance in your living room.

Page 8 | September - October 2020

See You in Belle Fourche!

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September - October 2020 | Page 9

Winter Mixer: Game Night

by Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher For most of us in the Midwest, small gatherings are trickling back into normalcy. And, for those that it isn’t the small group might just be your family. Either way, what a fun way to mix things up and add some joy to the winter indoors than a game night themed party! We have compiled tips from food, to decor and activities for your game-themed party.

THE FOOD:

Finger food is the best option for sure on this game night. Either bust out your favorite snacks, or take it to another level. Domino brownies. Scrabble cookie bars, dice rice krispie treats are just a few options.

Monoply labeled snacks is another fun idea. For example: water works with a jug of water, veggie tray free parking, railroad pretzel sticks, or park place punch.

THE ACTIVITIES: This is pretty clear. Games! But, there are plenty of other fun elements to include. Maybe a door prize by rolling the dice or drawing a card. Or, maybe the high roll or high card selects the game to be played first, next etc.

Here are a list of classic and new games that might be family favorites.

1. Monopoly 2. Scrabble 3. Battleship 4. Clue 5. Twister 6. Sorry!

7. Life 8. Yahtzee 9. Candy Land 10. Dominos 11. Mouse Trap 12. Cards – Poker, Rummy, Cribbage, Bridge, Hearts, Pinochle, and others!

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Apples to Apples Charades Pictionary UNO Pie face Jenga Bingo Skipbo Catch Phrase KerPlunk Scattergories Trivial Pursuit Bunco

THE DECOR:

The idea is to use game pieces or game elements to jazz up your space. We have found some good ideas to get you going.

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Page 10 | January - February 2021

February is the month of the heart! I happen to love hearts! I have not always decorated a lot for this special day but I loved the trees I made for Christmas and thought why not do Valentine trees? So here is an easy project that happens to be pretty cute.

You will Need:

Step Five

Step Two Starting at the top of the cone, tape or pin the fabric on so it covers the tip.

Step THREE You will need a Styrofoam cone. Now I had to improvise as I could not find a white Styrofoam cone anywhere close by. So I took a green floral cone, which happens to be flat on the top, and wrapped card stock paper around the top to make a point and taped it on. I would recommend using a white cone that has more of a point. The cone I used was ten inches tall. You will also need tape, scissors, pins, a fat quarter piece of fabric, and embellishments, such as ribbon and stick on hearts.

Step One

Cut the fabric into 2 inch strips (you can get 8-10 strips form the fat quarter). For the ten inch cone you will need 5-6 strips.

Start to wrap the material around the cone. I tucked the raw edges under as I went around the cone. I also gathered the material a little as I went.

When you start a new strip of fabric tuck the raw edge under and pin it.

When you reach the bottom you will want to tuck the end under and the last strip and pin it.

You can add some bling if you want but I think they look great just wrapped. You can use just about anything to cover the cone.

Fabric works great but so does ribbon.

The possibilities are endless!!

Step Four Pin the fabric to the cone every couple of inches. I pinned a spot then wrapped fabric over the pin.

FINISHED!

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January - February 2021 | Page 11

Chili Inspiration for Chilly Winters Mediterranean Chickpea Chili Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 large onions, sliced (2 cups) 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons dried basil, crushed ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 large green sweet pepper, cut in bite-size strips (1-1/4 cups) 3 15 ounces can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained 1 14.5 ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/3 cup pitted halved Kalamata olives 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved ½ cup crumbled feta cheese 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Directions: o Step 1 In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the onions, garlic, basil, and crushed red pepper in hot oil for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened. Add the sweet pepper and cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add garbanzo beans and cook 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add the broth and olives.

Bring to boiling; reduce heat to medium. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. o Step 2 Stir in the grape tomatoes. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, just until wilted and heated through. Remove chili from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup feta cheese and lemon peel until cheese is melted. Top each serving with additional cheese.

Caribbean Chili with Black Beans Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground pork 1 pound lean ground beef 2 cups chopped white onion, 2 medium 8 cloves garlic, minced 1 fresh habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional) 1 tablespoon chili powder ½ teaspoon ground allspice 1 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes ½ cup orange juice 2 ½ cups water 3 15 ounces can black beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup golden raisins

Continued from page 6.

• • • •

2 cups chopped mango ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions In a 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and beef; cook breaking into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Drain fat. Stir in the onion, garlic and habanero, if desired; cook and stir until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the chili powder and allspice; cook 1 minute. Stir in the undrained tomatoes, orange juice and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir in the beans and raisins. Simmer, covered for 10 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir in the mango, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Chili with Three Beans Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 pound lean ground beef 2 14.5 ounces cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 15 ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 14.5 ounce can beef broth 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onions (3 medium) 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground coriander 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon honey Sour cream (optional) Chopped green onions (optional) Unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

Directions In a large skillet cook ground beef over medium-high heat until brown, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat.

Transfer meat to a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, broth, yellow onions, tomato sauce, chili powder, chipotle pepper, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in chocolate and honey. Cover and cook about 15 minutes more or until heated through. If desired, serve with sour cream and green onions and sprinkle lightly with cocoa powder.

Quilters, Knitters, NeedleArtists: Find Your Favorite Shops When You Travel!

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Makes a great gift!

needletravel.com or 888-737-0847

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$25 Gift Certificate Winner Ann McDermand

Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop –

Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop in Edgemont, SD To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or email

kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!

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A Cup of Tea with Lydia Recipe (See page 5 for article.)

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Double-Thumbprint Heart Cookies (Recipe from In the Kitchen with Grandma, page 131) A delicious cookie for Valentine’s Day or any day. Buttery, almondflavored shortbread hearts filled with raspberry jam.

Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract) 2 cups flour Pink food coloring 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam powdered sugar (optional) Glaze (optional) 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract) 2 to 3 teaspoons water Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and almond extract.

3. Add the flour gradually and mix the ingredients together by hand.

4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is blended and smooth.

5. Divide the dough in half. If desired, tint one-half light pink.

6. Shape the dough into 1/2-inch balls (slightly larger than a marble).

7. On an ungreased baking sheet, place 2 cookies side by side so they touch. If you tinted half the dough pink, place 1 pink and 1 white ball side by side. Or make some cookies with 2 white balls or 2 pink balls.

8. Make a hole in the center of each cookie ball with your finger or thumb.

9. Shape the lower part of the cookie to a point to form a heart. Flatten the dough between the holes to join the thumbprints and make one larger hole.

10. Fill the center of each heart with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon jam.

11. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are firm but not brown.

12. Remove the cookies from the oven. Cool the cookies for about 10 minutes before adding glaze if desired.

13. Mix together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies with a fork. If you don’t add glaze, dust the cookies with sifted powdered sugar.

14. When the glaze is firm and the cookies are cool, place the hearts in a covered container.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.

January - February 2021 | Page 13

Quilts Are Like Snowflakes

by Deb Heatherly

We’ve all heard it said that no two snowflakes are alike and scientists confirm this to be true. Researchers point to many reasons for this anomaly and, if you’re like me, it’s hard to wrap your head around such a miraculous natural occurrence. Thousands upon thousands of snowflakes fall each year yet each is unique. (As I pondered this fact the song “Let it Snow” also entered my thoughts and has now stuck there for days.)

As I hummed, it suddenly occurred to me that quilts are like snowflakes because you are unlikely to find two quilts exactly alike, either. Yes, I know that quilts made from kits or in block of the month programs where kits are provided might seem to contradict this but, even then, you will find differences due to individual skills and the way the completed top is quilted.

While those types of quilts might end up similar, let’s think about others.

Three friends walk into a quilt shop. They each decide to make the same pattern and work on them together. Suzy decides that hers will be shades of purple, which is her favorite color. Diane chooses shades of blue because they will match her daughter’s home.

Ava opts for bright batiks in a variety of colors on a dramatic black background.

Each starts out to make the same quilt but each will detour depending on personality or need. Suzy will add extra borders so that her purple quilt fits her king size bed. Diane likes to use her math skills and ends up adding a fancy pieced border. Ava makes many mistakes along the way but being a free spirit just goes with the flow. Chopped off points and wonky seams do not matter to Ava because it’s all about the thrill of seeing her bold colors showcased in a completed design. In the end, there will be three beautiful quilts with three unique finishes.

Each started with the same idea but, as the quilts are finished, it is hard to tell they were all made from the same pattern.

In my Facebook group “Grids Girls” I am reminded of this every time we do an 8-week mystery. Colors chosen—many times colors I would never have put together—end up in strikingly beautiful quilts that reflect the quilters who made them. Some members will follow the pattern exactly while others will let the design evolve along the way. In the end, hundreds of quilts will be made that started with the same goals and ended up being a reflection of the quilters themselves. Isn’t this what quilting is all about? Each quilt is our own personal paint-by-number where we get to choose the color that goes in each space. While

the directions might call for lime green on the leaves, you can paint your leaves purple if you want. It’s all about creativity and self-expression.

Our next online mystery begins January 5, 2021, and I invite you to join us. (See the link below.) We welcome all skill levels and will encourage you every step of the way. I’ve already posted yardage and ruler needs but there is really only one rule. What’s that, you ask? Be a snowflake! Sew with the fabrics that inspire you and let your inner artist shine. Let each stitch be an adventure as you create a masterpiece of love to be used for years to come.

Deb Heatherly is a designer for Creative Grids® rulers. When not in her studio, Deb is normally 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, Cat’s Cradle XL, and the new Kitty Cornered Tool.

She is also the author of the books ‘Cat’itude, Strippy Stars, 4-Patch Panache, The Ultimate flying Geese Book, Catitude XL, and 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/.

Quilt Shop Owners, you are invited to join the group above and Deb has an additional Facebook group just for you. “Grids Girls for Quilt Shop Owners Only. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/273593657256524/ You can contact her at Debscatsnquilts@aol.com or call the studio, Deb’s Cats n Quilts Designs, 828-524-9578.

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Page 14 | January - February 2021

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

January - February 2021 OR visit www.moxiemarketingmw.com, click on The Country Register to sign up online Name________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________________________ Email ________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ City_____________________________ State ____________ Zip__________ Favorite Shop Advertised___________________________________________ This is My Favorite Shop Because______________________________________ My Favorite Feature(s) of The Country Register_____________________________ Found This Issue At_______________________________________________ Are You a:

Regular Reader or

First Time Reader

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

Entries received by February 7, 2021, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

Advertiser Directory by Name Always Your Design • Dell Rapids, SD.......................................... 4 Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce • Belle Fourche, SD.......... 8 Betty’s Quiltery • Rapid City, SD................................................. 16 Black Hills Visitor Center • Rapid City, SD.................................. 12 Creative Closet • Townsend, MT................................................... 4 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY................................................ 11 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD.................................................... 16 Moxie Marketing of the Midwest • Black Hills, SD.................... 16 NeedleTravel.com ...................................................................... 11 Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop • Edgemont, SD................................. 16 Office Emporium/Gone to Pieces Quilts • Belle Fourche, SD....... 8 Quilt Connection • Rapid City, SD.............................................. 16 Quilt Connection 2 • Buffalo, SD................................................ 16 Quilters Corner • Faulkton, SD..................................................... 5 Quilt Yard, The • Pierre, SD........................................................... 5 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center • Belle Fourche SD................. 8 Wall Drug • Wall, SD.................................................................. 12

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January - February 2021 | Page 15

Family Photo Display Tips

by Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher This time of year we either update our family photo or add snapshots from the year to our wall or photo shelf. After you have more than 3, you may be wondering what is best for displaying your treasured loved ones’ photos? Well we have a put together some layout options to help you succeed.

Depending on your space, you may want to incorporate other accent items like decor, shelves, house plants and more.

Check out these tools for inspiration below:

Love On Display.

Page 16 | January - February 2021

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