The Country Register: Northern Rockies & Great Plains

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

November - December 2019 | Page 1

Page 2 | November - December 2019

What’s Inside?

• A Cup of Tea with Lydia / Giveaway - Page 4

• Building Harmony | Christmas 2019 - Page 5 • Holiday Meal with A Twist- Page 6 • Family Photo Session- Page 7 • Belle Fourche Feature - Page 8/9 • Robin’s Nest DIY Blog - Page 10 • Give Thanks for the Unknown - Page 11 • Advertiser Index - Page 14

How many gnomes can you find in this issue?

Happy hunting!

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

Editor’s Notes

Home for the Holidays Making Memories

We all run around throughout the year with lists of “to dos,” meetings, events, trips, get togethers, work-related tasks, volunteer-related tasks and family obligations. It is a swirl of tasks and engagements that leave us ultimately saying every year – “Where has the time gone? It went by so fast this year.”

The holidays are often filled with their own set of tasks and engagements, but they are a marking point Kelsey Ruzicka Publisher of that often makes us stop, enjoy and reflect as well.

The Country Register Holidays are about making memories together with of ND, SD, WY, loved ones, sharing our generosity and practicing MT & N. ID gratitude for blessings received.

With so much that fills our lives, it is important to see the little things, stop and enjoy them. The last two months of the year offer many opportunities to relish in the small moments and bank those away for fond memories.

“Home for the holidays,” sparks words like tradition, family and memoriesmade. Time is a constant thing, but not one that is guaranteed. I hear folks say often, “Next year that would be so fun.” Or, “The holidays passed me by this year.” Don’t let those opportunities pass you by to create new traditions, create memories that you will laugh and reminisce about for years to come or fill the glass with warm memories of happiness. The year will inevitably be full of more “to dos” and places to be. Let’s capture those small holiday moments that mean so much for many years to come.

Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season.

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.

November - December 2019 | Page 3

The Holiday Issue!

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

November - December 2019 • Volume 9 Issue 6

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2019.

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 January/February 2020 issue are due December 7, 2019.

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

Page 4 | November - December 2019

A Cup of Tea with Lydia: Easy Holiday Teatime: A Recipe Exchange Brunch

By Lydia Harris Holidays and hospitality go together like a teacup and saucer.

I love sharing time with family and friends from Thanksgiving through the new year. In various seasons of life, sometimes simplicity is best. Here is a simple tea party for your holidays.

coarsely ground pepper.

Planning Ahead Cookie exchanges have long been popular. I adapted this idea so each guest brings one festive menu item to share plus copies of the recipe for everyone to take home.

Lydia’s Sweet Tea Rings (recipe included).

I invited my two prayer partners to come for brunch before our weekly prayer time. With three of us, we planned a menu of an egg dish, salad, and sweet bread. We each volunteered to bring a festive food item and copies of the recipe to share. I prepared my tea ring a week ahead and froze it, so I didn’t have much cooking to do on the day of the brunch.

Setting the Table I set the table with quilted Christmas placemats, glass plates, my mother’s silver, and Christmas teacups and saucers. I folded green cloth napkins into trees (find directions online). For fun, I tied Christmas aprons to the backs of the chairs—aprons I’d made for each of my grandkids to wear when we cook together.

Three small teapots and a selection of teabags—with and without caffeine, including holiday blends—stood ready on the table.

Greeting Guests When my friends arrived, a recording of Handel’s Messiah played in the background, and the spicy, sweet aroma of the warm tea ring wafted through the air.

Dianna brought a mouth-watering egg casserole with sausage and veggies. “Smells delicious,” I said. “I’m hungry.”

“Me too,” she said. “I’ve been smelling this casserole all the way here.”

Sara contributed a bowl of salad loaded with crunchy walnuts and juicy fresh fruit. “I’ve been looking forward to this brunch all week.”

We served portions of food onto each plate and selected tea for our individual teapots. As an extra, I also served chilled strawberry soup in glass punch cups with strawberry slices floating on top.

We shared past Christmas memories during brunch and caught up on life’s events. I also read “A Cup of Christmas Tea,” a touching poem by Tom Hegg.

After our delicious brunch, we prayed together for our kids and grandkids as we do each week. Then I gave my friends each a simple gift.

“This was so relaxing and refreshing,” Dianna said.

“Let’s do it again,” Sara added. “How about every week?”

We all laughed.

Sharing Our Recipes Here are the recipes to make the yummy foods we enjoyed at our brunch.

Dianna’s egg dish: Prepare the Jimmy Dean Sausage Veggie Casserole (https://www. jimmydean.com/recipes/breakfast/sausage-veggie-casserole).

Substitute 2 cups potatoes O’Brien, omit the onion, and use 1/4 cup fresh chopped broccoli for the frozen.

Sara’s salad: Combine chopped apples, celery, and nuts plus slices of fresh mandarin oranges and halved red grapes. For the dressing, combine 1/4 cup organic apple juice, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a dash of salt and

Planning Your Own Recipe Exchange Tea Do your holidays include hospitality to guests? If so, try a recipe exchange brunch, which is easy and fun. Or modify it to become a recipe exchange dessert, a recipe exchange lunch, or a recipe exchange for any meal. Invite as many guests as you wish. The more people, the more varieties of food and copies of new recipes you’ll receive.

pinch ends together.

6. Place tea ring on a prepared baking pan. Cut 4 or 5 2-inch-long slits horizontally across the top of the tea ring.

7. Repeat to make more tea rings.

8. Cover tea rings and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours.

The tea rings will be more flat on top than rounded.

9. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, until brown. Watch carefully.

10. Remove tea rings from the oven and place them on cooling racks. When cool, remove the parchment paper and place tea rings on plates.

11. Frost and decorate tea rings if desired, or dust with powdered sugar. The tea rings are sweet enough without frosting, but the frosting and decorations make them look festive.

Hosting this simple recipe exchange teatime makes the holidays more relaxed as you plan ahead, keep it simple, and share the cooking. When you each make only one food item, you’ll have more time to make something special. And you can anticipate sampling new foods with family and friends.

Icing (optional) Combine: 2 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 T. boiling water

I wish you a simply wonderful holiday season!

1. When the tea ring is cool, use a fork to drizzle the icing on the top and sides in swirls.

2. Decorate with red and green candied cherries for Christmas, or use nuts or sprinkles.

3. Store in airtight containers or resealable bags. You can freeze tea rings for several weeks if not eaten or given away.

Chilled Strawberry Soup (See recipe in Lydia’s cookbook In the Kitchen with Grandma.)

Lydia E. Harris, who holds a master’s in home economics, 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 her recent release is In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together.

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Sweet Tea Rings Our family’s favorite Christmas tea ring. First delivered to us as a surprise one Christmas morning by Hank and Fran Warren.

(Recipe can be doubled.)

Yeast Dough 1 pkg. dry yeast 1 cup warm water (115 degrees), divided 1/3 cup plus 1 T. sugar 6 tablespoons salad oil (1/4 cup plus 2 T.) 3/4 tsp. salt 1 beaten egg 3 cups flour 1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oil, salt, and the additional 1/2 cup water. Stir in egg.

3. Stir in the yeast mixture.

4. Add flour 1 cup at a time, and mix with wooden spoon. Dough will be soft and sticky.

5. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 4 hours or longer.

6. Line 3 or 4 8” pie or cake pans with parchment paper.

7. Prepare filling.

Filling Mix together: 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 3/4 cup flour 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 cubes), softened 2 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Mixture will be soft, not crumbly.

1. After 4 or more hours, remove the dough from the refrigerator.

Divide the dough into 3 or 4 portions.

2. Place one portion of dough on a floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour on top if dough is too sticky. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12” long and 6” wide. The dough should be very thin, about 1/8” thickness.

3. Divide the filling into 3 or 4 portions. Form each portion into a long roll about the length of the dough, and place it down the center of the dough.

4. Flatten the filling with your hands to make a thin layer of filling down the center of the dough. Leave a small amount of dough without filling at each end.

5. Roll up like a jelly roll. Bring ends together to form a circle and

GIVEAWAY! Get Lydia Harris’s NEW cookbook!

Like our Facebook page and tag a Friend to enter the drawing!

Don’t have Facebook? Shoot us an email with your favorite part of The Country Register to enter.

EMAIL: kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together Drawing: Dec. 1st!

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

November - December 2019 | Page 5

Building Harmony: Christmas 2019

Giving Traditions for the Holidays

There is something about Christmas that can even turn disasters into fond memories. When our grandchildren were young, my wife Cathy and I decided to turn the acreage into a winter wonderland for them over the Christmas season.

Many families have various traditions during the holidays. Often some of these traditions involve spreading kindness or generosity. Clearing out toys or donating to organizations and folks in need is sure to be a great tradition. Thinking about what sort of “giving” tradition you can create? Or maybe you are looking to spread the generosity further this year? We’ve compiled a list of common community organizations and giving ideas.

By Jeff Cappis

We put up robotic deer, planted fireworks, buried inflatable displays in the snow and, above all else, lights. Lots of lights. You could read a newspaper out there at night. In particular, we did a fir tree just outside out front bay window for full effect.

When the time came, we bundled up and headed outside into the dark for the great show.

We were eager to see the looks on the children’s faces. To build suspense, we all stood there and did a count down. “Five, four, three, two, one...” and I hit the switch.

I am happy to say that somewhere in the world that night children were laughing and running around a winter wonderland. I am unhappy to say that it wasn’t at our place.

One of the deer went “Moo,” sparked and popped, then fell over.

Of the five fireworks that actually went off, one knocked a squirrel out of the tree; one went straight up, then straight down onto the snow covered roof of the house before going off; and the last two fired into a snow bank 20 feet away.

The inflatable snowman and Santa began to emerge from the snow like two ghouls rising from their snowy graves. Hunter spilled his hot chocolate all down the front of his coat. Hannah hid behind Cathy. Then one of the candy canes shorted out and everything went dark.

We all stood there stunned for a moment. Then the fireworks went off in the snow bank, blowing snow all over us.

Through the cold, quiet darkness I could hear Hunter say, “I’m hungry. Can I have some potato chips?”

Hannah said, “Let’s go watch a movie.”

Then water from the other fireworks ran on us from the roof. (Don’t worry though. The roof was O.K.) The one thing that came out of that experience was the tree outside our bay window. Every year after that we would plug it in and it would light up beautifully. The vision of a lit up tree surrounded by virgin snow just outside the bay window of a warm house with a fire going is just superb at Christmas. Try a hot drink as well.

Over the years though, the tree has outgrown the lights. Thick branches hide them, some of the bulbs are broken and squirrels have been chewing on the cords. One time we went to test the lights and there was a “Bang!” and a smoking squirrel fired out of the tree. (Don’t worry though. The squirrel was O.K.) So we set about revamping our tree. We got new low power LED lights to save the environment and the local squirrels. Christmas was coming up in a couple of days so we had to work fast. The tree had gotten much taller so we needed taller ladders and even a long pole with a hook for winding the lights down around the tree. We even managed a star at the very top.

It took longer than we thought to get this done (a couple of days) and even the squirrel was chattering at us to finish and get out of his tree.

Finally, everything looked perfect. I was putting away the ladder and various tools just as the family was showing up on Christmas Eve. Later on, as the night had settled in and a light snow was falling all around, I built a warm fire in the fire place and everyone gathered around the window to watch the lighting of the new tree. The children had grown up, but they still remembered the disaster ten years before.

We laughed. For old times sake, we counted down “Five, four, three, two, one...” and I hit the switch.

I am happy to say that somewhere in the world that night a family was looking out over a beautiful Christmas tree and enjoying their warm drinks. Again, I am unhappy to say that it wasn’t at our place.

The tree lit up for an instant, then there was a “Bang,” The star exploded in a shower of sparks and a smoking squirrel fired out of the tree. I guess those lights weren’t as low power as we thought. (Don’t worry though. The squirrel was O.K.) Hunter, startled, spilled his coffee down the front of his clothes. Hannah hid behind Cathy and, just after the house went dark, I heard Hunter say, “I’m hungry. Can I have some potato chips?”

I guess it’s a tradition now and we’ll try again in another ten years.

Merry Christmas from Jeff and Cathy at Harmony Acres.

Copyright 2019 by Jeff Cappis. Email: jcappis@telus.net.

• Crisis pregnancy centers – baby products, cell phones • Foster care — children’s clothing, toys, games, books, school and craft supplies, backpacks • Churches – food, clothing, toiletries • Hospitals — blankets • Schools – school supplies, children’s clothing, and books • Libraries — Books, of course, and gift cards • Animal shelters — blankets and gift cards • Homeless shelters — clothing, toiletries, food, and giftcards • Women’s shelters — cell phones, clothing, toiletries, food, any items for children • Food banks — food and toiletries • Senior centers — blankets, clothing, electronic devices, and games • Day care centers — food, children’s items • Charity shops — Since these shops are selling items, anything with resale value

“Take full account of the excellencies which you possess, and in gratitude remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not.”

— Marcus Aurelius

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

Page 6 | November - December 2019

Holiday Meal Prep with A Twist

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher

One of the more quintessential aspects of holiday happenings, is the meal that we come and gather at. In fact, it usually is one of the more memorable moments we experience during the holidays. It activates so many of the senses and creates deep rooted memories. The laughter of family and f friends joining in conversation, the aroma of the flavorful spread on the table, the candles burning and smiling faces, the taste of your favorite dish grandma makes - all culminate to create that holiday gathering table experience.

We have our traditions, grandma’s famous casserole, and favorite dishes that only make an appearance during this time of year. But, what sometimes happens is that we fall into a holiday meal rut. I know my family likes to mix things up occasionally from the typical turkey or ham. Side dishes and appetizers are often the favorite part of the meal to try something new.

We’ve compiled a list of meal inspiration for the holidays. Maybe you will find a new tradition or family favorite.

Holiday Meals Main dish ideas 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Alaskan Salmon Bake with Pecan Crust Carmel Apple Pork Chops Wild Rice, Lentil & Cranberry Stuffed Delicata Squash Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey Holiday Fettuccine Alfredo Zucchini Lasagna Turkey Breast Stuffed With Bacon And Cheese

Holiday Movie Traditions Cozying up on the couch with loved ones to watch a holiday movie is a tradition you’ll find in many homes. There are the movies that get watched annually during the holidays, and ones we head out to the theatres to watch as they hit the box office during the holidays. Our focus here is on the ones that create traditions. These holiday movie traditions create holiday memories, laughs and conversation.

We’ve compiled a list of movie tradition favorites. What is yours?

Follow us on Facebook! Post your favorite movie on our page!

Holiday Movies • • • • • • • • • • •

Home Alone 1 & 2 THe Grinch Frosty the Snowman Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer Polar Express Charlie Brown Christmas Nightmare Before Christmas Twas The Night Before Christmas Elf White Christmas Jingle All the Way

• Family Man

Countryberries Designs

Side Dishes 1. Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots 2. Brussle Sprouts Gratin 3. Parmesan Bacon Green Beans Desserts 1. Gingerbread Poke Cake 2. Grilled Apples with Carmel Sauce Filling

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 on wood or canvas.

Maybe you’d like to rug hook this heart. It would also be cute appliqued in wool with embroidered snowflakes. You can do it with a punchneedle too. Whatever technique you choose, have fun!

Designed by Kathy Graham

Warm Hands Warm Hearts Please send us your gently used, washed mittens and we will give them to local families in need.

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

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

November - December 2019 | Page 7

Tis the Season for Family Photo Preparation It’s that time of year where family photos are being prepared for holiday cards to go out in the mail. Or maybe you have the whole clan in town for the holiday and want to update the 10-year-old photo on your wall? Either way, the question I get asked the most as a portrait photographer is - What do I wear?

photos, especially of multiple people. Large It does look great when families wear the patterns and prints are best, and work well in same color palate and add small differences moderation. here and there. It also works great when families wear complimentary but different Shoes colors from a color palette.

Don’t forget them! Finish your outfit with the right shoes. Be sure to make sure that it fits Most of all have fun, smile and make the the feel of the outfit. For example, if you are best of the time. Most family photos come There are a few tips to creating the ideal in nice slacks and a button up - don’t wear with their fair share of complaints, grumbles outcome with family shoots through your sneakers. and even tears. But, if your mindset is to just wardrobe. Here are a few tips of things to roll with the punches, giggle and have fun... avoid and how to use color to accomplish suc- Accessorize those are truly the best photo shoots. cessful “wall worthy” photos.

Hats, scarves, jewelry and statement shoes are all good ways to enhance and add characBright White ter to your photos. A little goes a long way, so Say no to bright white. If that is your favorite, proceed with conservative porportions. try something with off-white tones. That will help with exposure setting confusion.

Comfort Above all, if you feel good, you will look Logos and Text good! Choose clothing that gives you freeLarge logos and text on apparel will draw dom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, attention away from your face. Avoiding these and won’t require a lot of maintenance for photo shoots with multiple people is best. throughout your session.

Tiny plaid, stripes and complicated patterns don’t always translate well through the Color camera. Don’t be scared of patterns or prints, There are basically two roads of thought. One however. They can be very complimentary in is matching and the other is complimentary.

Trendy Modern Fabrics Incredible Kits Classes for ALL Levels Sewing Machines

Where Prim Friends Gather A Primitive Place Magazine Magazine P.O. Box 197 197 Forman, ND 58032 58032 www.aprimitiveplace.org www.aprimitiveplace.org Email: info@aprimitiveplace.org info@aprimitiveplace.org

FOLLOW US! FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/APrimitivePlace

INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/aprimitiveplacemgazine

Stop By The Shop Today!

Monday - Friday: 9:30 am - 5 pm Saturday: 9:30 am - 4 pm 406-694-1025

nancy@4windsquilting.com

Page 8 | November - December 2019

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

Visit The Center of the Nation

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher

When traveling through the town of Belle Fourche, one of the quintessential stops is the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center. The Center of the Nation monument is right on the grounds, and is a primary attraction for the town and complex. Though, the monument is the biggest draw to tourists, there is much more to see!

The museum and visitor center offers a step through history. The museum has permanent collections focusing on the ranching, rodeo and pioneer life heritage of the Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana region. Temporary exhibits appear four times a year.

Currently, “World of Dolls” is the exhibit. Dolls throughout the ages are showcased.

Kids are not forgotten at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center. There are kid’s activities that change periodically, a dress-up trunk and a banker’s vault full of activity kits.

The gift shop offers treasures specific to the heritage, such as toys, games, purses, scarves, jewelry and state memorabilia. The shop prides itself on having items that are reasonably priced for tourists to find treasures depicting their journey.

The grounds offer a beautiful location for picnics or disc golf on the course alongside Red Water River. During tourism season, the Johnny Spaulding Cabin is open to visitors. This cabin was built in 1876 with lumber from the area, and is one of the few remaining two-story pioneer cabins still in tact. A true-to era sheep wagon is also available during the tourism months. Both the wagon and cabin are fully furnished, and provide a glimpse into history.

The Tri State Performers is a troop formed in 2016 to perform plays at the complex. Museum Theatre uses theatre and theatrical techniques to increase interest in a museum’s collections and exhibits, as well as the history, science and culture of its surrounding area. Catch one of their seasonal plays!

There is lots to see and do at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center.

Over 30 in-house events each year occur at the complex, along with many other events they host. Classes, Family Fun Days, Saturday Brunches and holiday events are just a few.

November | Light Up the Night – Open House and central location of festivities December | Gingerbread Village Display – Holiday Play by Tri State Performers and Center of the Nation Quintet - December 13/14

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

November - December 2019 | Page 9

Welcome to the Center of the Nation!

18995 Belleview Dr •$ Belle Fourche MLS#62088 • 529,000 4 BR • 3 BA • 20 Acres • 4-stall barn w/roping arena!

225 Pine Street • $Hulett, WY MLS#62538 • 292,500 3 BR • 2 BA • 3,060 Sq. Ft. • Close to golf course!

2917 Mona Rd • Aladdin, WY MLS#61918 • $1,900,000 3 BR • 2 BA • 1,382 Acres

1702 13th Ave • Belle Fourche MLS#62405 • $319,000 5 BR • 2 BA • 2,320 Sq. Ft.

Cathy Buckmaster

Broker Associate ABR, CRS, GRI 605-210-2222 cathy@realestatecenters.com cathybuckmaster.realtor www.spearfishrealestatecenter.com

Happy Holidays!

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

Page 10 | November - December 2019

Gnomes are so popular right now for a very good reason! They are so incredibly cute!! I thought this little project would be perfect for this issue. It is just a little Christmas tree ornament that you can do with your kids or grandkids.

You will Need:

These measurements may vary depending on how big your pinecone is. Make sure your piece of felt will go around the pinecone and overlap about a half inch. The faux fur should cover all but the tip of the pine cone.

Step Two

Glue on the faux fur first (Wow!! Say that three times fast!) Glue on the wooden bead and then the felt hat. Overlap the seam in the back and glue it together all the way to the point. If you are using craft glue you will need to let it dry between steps. If you are using hot glue watch those little fingers so they don’t get burned!!

Step THREE Glue on your embellishments. I added a pompom on the tip of the hat and a star on the front. I then made a loop with the yarn and glued it on.

Felt, yarn, faux fur, hot glue gun or regular crafting glue, scissors, pen or pencil, a pinecone, 1.25cm wooden bead and embellishments such as stars and pompoms.

Step One

Now you have a really cute gnome to hang on your tree!

Cut a piece of felt in the shape of a quarter circle (I made mine about 5inches wide and about 3 inches tall at the point). Cut a piece of the faux fur to cover the front of the pinecone.

Happy Holidays!

FINISHED!

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

November - December 2019 | Page 11

Give Thanks For Unknown Blessings Already On Their Way

By Kerri Habben For some years I have kept a card on the refrigerator with the Quaker blessing: “Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.” My gaze seems to land upon it on those mornings I need it most. For those times, as a friend used to say, “when the whims of fate have pushed my mood to the bottom of the barrel.”

I have paid more attention these past two years since my mother’s cancer diagnosis and passing. It wasn’t that I was dejected or overwhelmed. I simply decided that if this less than positive, painful thing could happen, then it had to be equally likely that an opposite change could evolve. That somehow, one day at a time, I would live my way to a wonderfully positive, affirming place when I least expected it.

I could call that faith, and in part it was. It was both a release of expectation and an act of seeking all at the same time. Mostly, though, it was the realization that if I chose the shadows, I would never feel the full warmth of the light.

Last year at this time, it was my first holiday season without my mother. Understandably, people warned me about the difficulty of that first Thanksgiving and Christmas.

So in early November I was in a store. I was fine until I saw a simple wooden plaque.

“Christmas is Family,” it read. My eyes filled and my nose began to run. I swiped at my face and finished my shopping.

About a week later I was in another store, and another decoration initiated the same reaction. My secondary response this time wasn’t sadness, but quiet determination. I decided that if I sniveled my way through almost two months of life simply because of clever holiday marketing, all I would be by New Years Day was annoyed with myself and exhausted.

My grandmother’s memory patted my hand, and her voice filled my ear. “You always miss them, but life is for the living.” Also, a mother and daughter were forever reunited. Thus the grief eased.

When the decorations were in full swing, I carried myself to the mall. I brought one of Daddy’s handkerchiefs and wandered the entire shopping space. I looked at everything that could remotely be considered Christmas, from the tiniest bit of holly to the fanciest, tallest tree. I silently sang along with the music, and I waved to Santa. If tears rolled down my cheeks, I let them go until my neck was wet, and I didn’t care who saw me. When I could read the ornament, “I’m spending my Christmas in heaven this year,” without blinking and with a wistful smile, I knew I was going to be okay.

Immersion therapy.

I could not have known the unexpected blessings that would come my way, but I am thankful for them. I have written of my life with Wayne and the joy of sharing the loveliness of ordinary days.

Christmas is about family, but most importantly, so is every day of the year. Throughout this autumn, I made gifts for Wayne’s grandchildren; hand-sewn pillow cases and crocheted blankets that celebrate Isaac and Hunter’s favorite teams, doll clothes and blankets for Laurel and Naomi, and a stuffed dinosaur for Quinn. Somehow they weren’t all saved for Christmas. I suspect you aren’t entirely surprised.

I immerse myself in these words with hope for what time will bring for the kids: “Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.”

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 to those in need. Kerri is currently working on a manuscript of essays and poetry. She can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.

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!”

HAPPY HOLIDAY’S TO ALL! BRING IN YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE AND PICK OUT THE GIFT YOU REALLY WANTED.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4 & Saturday 9-2

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

Page 12 | November - December 2019

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

$25 Gift Certificate Winner Cynthia Kefron

Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop –

Dakota Quilt Co. in Spearfish, SD

To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or email

kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!

www.thecountryregister.com/nrgp

Find past issues, other info and connect with us!

November - December 2019 | Page 13

Home for the Holidays!

COLORING PAGE

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

Like The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains on Facebook!

Page 14 | November - December 2019

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

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________________________________________________________ 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 December 7, 2019, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

4 Winds Quilts • Billings, MT............................................................................... 7 A Primitive Place • Forman, ND........................................................................... 7 Always Your Design • Dell Rapids, SD.................................................................. 5

Betty’s Quiltery • Rapid City, SD......................................................................... 16 Black Hills Visitor Center • Rapid City, SD.......................................................... 12 Belle Fourche Country Club • Belle Fourche, SD.................................................. 9

Covered Wagon, The • Torrington, WY............................................................... 11 Creative Closet • Townsend, MT......................................................................... 13 Dakota Quilt Company • Spearfish, SD.............................................................. 16 Designs by Daphne• Belle Fourche, SD............................................................... 9

Dysfunctional Quilter, The • Whitehall, MT........................................................ 16 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY........................................................................ 11 Gail’s Flutterby Quilt Shop • Mayville, ND........................................................ 16 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD.............................................................................. 7 Le Belle Marche • Belle Fourche, SD.................................................................... 8

Lichety Stitch Quilts •Lusk, WY........................................................................... 16

Love That Shoppes • Belle Fourche, SD................................................................ 8

Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop • Edgemont, SD......................................................... 16 Office Emporium/Gone to Pieces Quilts • Belle Fourche, SD............................... 9 Olive Branch, The • Belle Fourche, SD.................................................................. 9

Quilt Connection • Rapid City, SD...................................................................... 16 Quilt Connection 2 • Buffalo, SD........................................................................ 16 Quilters Corner • Faulkton, SD........................................................................... 13 Quilter’s Fix, The • Sheridan, WY........................................................................ 13 Quilt Yard, The • Pierre, SD................................................................................... 5

Like The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains on Facebook!

Quilts Along the Platte • Ft. Laramie, WY............................................................. 7 Real Estate Center Spearfish • Belle Fourche, SD................................................ 9

Red Truck Quilting • Worthing, SD.................................................................... 16 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center • Belle Fourche, SD....................................... 9 Wall Drug • Wall, SD.......................................................................................... 12

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

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

November - December 2019 | Page 15

Page 16 | November - December 2019

Find us on Facebook | facebook.com/CountryRegisterNorthRockies

www.MoxieMarketingMW.com • 605-568-0181 • Kelsey Ruzicka •

Publisher of this Country Register!