The Country Register | Sept/Oct 2020 Issue

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September - October 2020 | Page 1

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Page 2 | September - October 2020

What’s Inside?

• • • • • • • • •

Kindness Changes Everythibg - Page 4 A Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 5 Dream Big! Dream Bigger!! - Page 6 Preparing Your Porch for Fall - Page 6 Fall Feature - Page 7 Belle Fourche Play & Stay Section - Page 8 Area Fall Festivals - Page 9 Robin’s Nest DIY - Page 10 12 Things Antique Dealers Wished Everyone Knew - Page 13

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Editor’s Notes

Harvest Kindness

These days things look “different”. Milestones look “different.” Gatherings look “different.” Back to school looks “different.” The ever changing and astonishing headlines make a lot of elements of daily life look different. Change is good, but I think we can all agree that this type of “different” has worn out its welcome.

We want to hug our loved ones without hesitation. We want to take in a concert, sit at a coffee shop all afternoon to work, take trips and Kelsey Ruzicka experience different environments and cultures.

Publisher of We want to just live again - without the background The Country Register music of all the headlines creating hesitancy, fear and of ND, SD, WY, worry.

MT & N. ID I personally have been striving to keep positive and hopeful (not always easy). Leaning into the silver linings of the slower pace and forced focus on home and family. It has been wonderful to dwell in life’s simple moments.

Enjoying life in spite of all the swirling around us. “It’s ‘different,’ but good too.

One thing I’ve noticed, is the glaring reality of kindness. The lack of it, how it is taken for granted regularly and how the presence of it means all the difference. This pandemic and chaotic situation has put a bright spotlight on kindness. The good ole golden rule - “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Let’s just say this situation shone a light on the lack of kindness we all forget each day.

Initially, there seemed to be a deep lack of kindness for others. Grumpy folks at the grocery store, gas station , on the phone and particularly on social media. But, as time goes on we adapt and approach more with grace and gratitude. Getting help with a business service over the phone and hearing children play in the background. I just smile and wish that person patience and laughter today, because I understand how hard that is. Try holding the door open for someone at the post office. It is as if you gave them $10 for no reason. Their eyes light up behind their masks, and you can feel the warmth of their shock and gratitude. Tell your postman, doctor or UPS driver that you truly appreciate them. Make their day. Kindness can easily disappear. But, it can spread like wildfire too. Because once you get just a small dose from someone else, you are eager to give it to another.

So, maybe harvest season will look a little “different” this year. But, the most important thing you can reap and sow this year is kindness. Here’s to hoping that the kindness seeds we plant continue forward after the storm passes.

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.

September - October 2020 | Page 3

Our Fall Harvest 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

September - October 2020 • Volume 10 Issue 5

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

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Page 4 | September - October 2020

KINDNESS CHANGES EVERYTHING My Mother is ninety years old this year and is struggling with several health issues and I find myself as her care giver.

She is still quite cognitive and does most things for herself however there are times when she needs my help. I tend to barge right in and do what needs to be done.

She never really complains about how I do things, but sometimes I don’t realize that how I do things is not how she wants them. Lately I have been asking myself if I am being kind in the care I am giving my Mother.

Kindness is defined as being generous, friendly and considerate, doing a kind deed. Let’s go through these one at a time. Am I being generous? I devote a certain amount of time for my Mother’s care but I am not that good at giving her my undivided attention. I could be more generous with my time, for that is all she really wants from me; just a chat and a cup of coffee. This can apply to all of those that we know and those that we don’t know.

Giving ourselves is the heart of kindness in my opinion. When we stop to chat with the neighbor even though we are in a hurry to get home from work; when we stop to say thank you to the delivery person even though we know they are just doing their job; these moments can make a huge difference in someone’s day.

Just acknowledging that people may be struggling or lonely and offering a minute of our time can make a difference in their life.

Am I being friendly? It is hard to separate the Mother from my friend sometimes.

When I am being her care giver she is my

Mom. When I am just visiting she is my friend. The problem is that when I come to visit I usually end up doing something that needs to be done. Friendship takes work and devotion to maintain the relationship. It is easy to take for granted that my Mother is my friend and she always will be. That does not mean the relationship does not need to be nurtured. It does!!! All relationships need nurturing. Kindness can be hard to maintain in friendships. Granted old friends are more forgiving of our unkindness than casual acquaintances.

Are they less deserving of our kindness than anyone else? I don’t think so!! Our loved ones are often the ones we are the most unkind toward. I always wondered why we do this!! We just expect that they will love us no matter how unfriendly we can be. Being truly friendly is hard for many people, especially if you are not an outgoing or social person. I am almost sixty years old and I still have to remind myself to say hello to that person as I pass them on the street or at the grocery store.

Am I being considerate? This is probably my worst trait when it comes to taking care of my Mother. Do I consider how she feels when I do something for her? Not always!! I tend to say “Mom you need to load the dishwasher this way”, when she has been doing it for fifty years her way. I lose sight of the fact that she is the one who taught me how to load the dishwasher. Being considerate takes a lot of thought for me. I have to stop and ask myself if I am disregarding someone’s beliefs or feelings when I do something.

I take care of my Mother because I love

By Robin Snyder, contributing writer &

Robin’s Nest Blog her. I don’t consider it a duty but an act of kindness. I’m not always as kind as I could be but I strive to give her my best for the time she has left.

What if we could treat all of those that we know with that type of kindness? It would certainly change the world we live in today. Seeing kindness these days is hard. It seems all we read and view is discord and violence against others, but there are a lot of good and kind people in the world. We can teach each other by example. So spread a little kindness to your loved ones, friends and those that you don’t know because………

Kindness Can Change Everything!!

Apple Cider Punch 6 cups apple cider 2 cups orange juice, cranberry-raspberry juice or orange-mango juice 1/2 cup lemon juice 1 750ml bottle of sparkling white grape juice In a punch bowl or large pitcher combine apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Slowly add sparkling white grape juice.

Add ice. Serve immediately.

CROSSING BORDERS SPRING FLING SHOP HOP Receive 5- 2 1/2” strips and a FREE runner pattern at each participating shop!

Featuring shops in MN and SD. Check out the Crossing Borders Facebook page for more info!

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September - October 2020 | Page 5

A Cup of Tea with Lydia: A Fun and Games Par-TEA Life isn’t always fun and games. And when it isn’t, perhaps that’s the time to add fun and games to our lives. So, in spite of the pandemic, let the fun begin!

Fun Setting It’s easy to decorate for a fun and games par-TEA. Two tables stood ready on my deck to welcome three of my grandkids (ages 10, 14, and 17), their mother, and my daughter.

Floral paper plates, cheery red napkins, boxed card games, and packages of popcorn to take home set a merry mood.

Soon I heard footsteps bounding up the outdoor steps, and my grandson asked, “Did you make the cake?” I’ve always wanted to bake a checkerboard cake—perfect for a fun and games teatime. Now I had.

By Lydia Harris

A fun and games teatime can easily be adapted for any age or stage of life. Guests can bring their favorite card games or board games. Outdoor games like croquet also work well. Prepare a setting with social distancing during this pandemic. Select foods and games your guests will enjoy. Then make memories together.

I’m ready for more fun and games over tea. Will you join me?

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.

Just for fun, I set out a box of hats and a full-length mirror. Guests laughed as they tried on hats and donned ones that suited them.

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Checkerboard Cake Now you can have both chocolate and white cake in one slice.

Fun Food The simple menu included foods we enjoy: chicken salad served in freshly baked rolls, assorted cheeses and crackers, veggie sticks, fruit, tortilla chips, bean dip, and beverages. Our grandkids like to play the game Apples to Apples, so a tray with four kinds of sliced apples created a new twist as they compared the taste of one variety of apples to another and chose their favorites.

1 chocolate cake mix 1 white cake mix 3 round cake pans (8- or 9-inch) divider for cake pans Chocolate frosting (purchase or prepare homemade)

The checkerboard cake was the highlight of the menu since my family had never seen or tasted one. I showed them the three layers of white-and-chocolate cake and the pans and divider I used to make them. They watched me spread the homemade chocolate frosting and eagerly waited to see the brown and white checkerboard design emerge. I cut the first slice—and it did look like a checkerboard! The cake, along with my homemade ice cream, were a hit.

1. Prepare each cake mix in a separate bowl according to package directions. Use the same brand of mix for both cakes so the cakes are similar in density and the colors don’t run through.

2. Line 3 cake pans with circles of parchment paper.

Add the divider to one pan.

3. Pour chocolate cake batter into the outside ring and center ring. Add white cake batter to the middle ring.

Carefully remove divider, lifting it straight up and setting it aside.

4. Wash and dry the divider; fill the second cake pan the same way.

5. Wash and dry the divider. Add the divider to the third cake pan. Pour white cake batter into the outside ring and the center ring. Add chocolate cake batter to the middle ring. Remove divider.

(If you prefer more white cake than chocolate, fill two pans this way and fill only one cake pan with chocolate batter in the outer and center rings.)

6. Make cupcakes from any leftover batter.

7. Bake according to package directions.

8. Place cakes on cooling racks and cool completely; remove parchment paper before frosting.

9. Frost with prepared or homemade frosting. Alternate layers with the chocolate and white rings of cake on the outside.

10. Spread frosting between the layers, on top, and around the sides.

To continue the game theme, I also cut leftover chocolate sheet cake into domino-sized pieces and added a few white chocolate chips to make dots on top. Frosted brownies would make good dominoes too.

Fun Games and Surprises For entertainment during lunch, I filled an empty tea tin with jokes and sayings I cut from Country Register papers. This one brought loud laughter: “People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.”

I ordered a Chocolate Monopoly game online for a sweet surprise. You play this version with a game board and spinner. Best of all, the properties are pieces of wrapped Belgian chocolate.

The grandkids were excited about the treasure hunt I had planned. Ten clues led them through the front and back yards searching for treasure. The last clue said, “Ring the doorbell and return to the deck. Grandpa will give you your treasure.” Grandpa gave each of them money in his traditional and fun way.

Fun Memories “Thank you, Grandma,” the grandkids said as they got into their car to head home. My daughter lingered, and we enjoyed catching up further. The time spent preparing for the party was definitely worth it.

Generally, I allow three days to host a teatime: A day to prepare, the party day to share, and the day after to wash linens, put away decorations, and unwind.

With leftover food from the teatime, two days later I invited my sister Ruth (age 83), who lives in a retirement community, for tea. Rather than play games, we chatted and prayed together for our families and our nation.

Ruth enjoys crafts and sewing but can’t get out to purchase supplies now with the virus. So I sent her home with fabrics and sewing kits I had. “I’ll have to live a long time to finish all this,” she said and laughed.

Directions:

Tips: Find cake pans and checkerboard cake divider online and in some stores. Find videos online that demonstrate alternate ways to make a checkerboard cake if you don’t have a divider.

Also, you can use other colors and cake flavors to make a checkerboard cake.

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Page 6 | July - August 2020

Dream Big!! Dream Bigger!!

By Barbara Conquest

PREPARING YOUR PORCH FOR FALL

Retreat… such an evocative word for quilters, implying a break from routine, cooking and annoying phone calls, replaced by relaxation, enjoyment, learning something new, friends, and even some self-indulgence. A good quilting retreat (is there ever one that’s not good?) includes all these and sometimes more. Prevented from attending a long-standing annual retreat this year, I began visualizing my ideal retreat. My dream retreat would not suit everyone, but this is my dream, remember. As a man on TV says, “Dream big! Dream bigger!” So I did.

By Robin Snyder, contributing writer & Robin’s Nest Blog

First the location: preferably a scenic area with pleasant walkways for breaks, maybe on a lake. The rooms would be private (no dorms or bunkbeds) with ensuite bathrooms, a good reading light and comfortable bed. Even the most gregarious people need some downtime and it may as well be restful. The quilting area would have a roomy table for each participant to spread out the necessary paraphernalia; the lighting and temperature would be adjusted for (my) comfort and irons would be plentiful. As a bonus, steam irons and bobbins would magically never need filling. (Told you it was a dream!) A masseuse might be on call. A friendly dog or cat wandering around the premises would be great. Even the most organized quilter (not me) can forget something vital to her project, so an ideal retreat would include at least one vendor of fabric and notions. Patterns, kits and new fabric can inspire further creativity. We all welcome new ideas.

Utilize older outdoor items such as old metal or rocking chairs that can be painted or left as they are for seating. They will not be bothered by any bad weather that comes along. Throw some brightly colored pillows on them to liven them up.

Meals would be light, nourishing and tasty, maybe gazpacho or vichyssoise for lunch on hot days. It goes without saying that there would be fresh hot coffee available from early morning until nightfall, with tea, herbal and otherwise, at the ready.

To counteract the four o’clock slump, tasty energizing snacks would appear at the appropriate time. A brisk brief walk and some fresh air might be useful too. Dinners would finish with indulgent, gooey desserts with lots of chocolate. A wine and cheese evening function as either a get-acquainted or farewell to new friends would be a pleasant addition.

The program would include at least one class resulting in a finished product common to all attendees, but it must be non-competitive! (My psyche remains deeply scarred from the time I finished dead last in a strip-quilt race). Some time would be devoted to charitable work, but the majority would be spent on personal projects or UFOs with a grand show-and-tell on the last day.

It goes without saying, however, that the most important component of my dream retreat would be the people. There must be one who wanders around chatting to everyone; she doesn’t get much done on her projects, but she is a pleasant temporary diversion. Notable for their absence would be back-biting, telephone calls taken where we can all hear, gossip, and—especially—personal medical information! All of the attendees would be congenial and friendly, giving opinions when asked, full of ideas and good humour, helpful, interested and interesting, enthusiastic, generous and thoughtful of others—in other words, typical quilters!

Hopefully, someday soon we’ll be able to attend retreats again. In the meantime, dream on! © Barbara Conquest, BlueSky Quilting, Tofield AB.

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I’ve never had a porch before this last year. We replaced our front steps with a new deck which is technically not a porch but it’s very close. I would love to have a large veranda porch on the front of our house but my new deck is my favorite part of our home! The dilemma was how to decorate it so it is functional and attractive at the same time. Here are some tips to help with your outdoor space.

Repurpose older furniture with good enamel paint or stain to make them water resistant. Coffee tables or end tables make the space seem more like a family gathering place. Old dressers can serve as great storage for your outdoor dinnerware.

Indoor/outdoor carpets can give the space definition and are easy to clean. Use pillows made of indoor/outdoor fabric for comfort and color. Have several blankets on hand that are just for the porch.

Have a large container that opens, such as an old cedar chest or a new storage container that can double as a table for drinks and food. This is a perfect place to store your pillows and blankets.

Planter boxes and pots filled with plants are also a plus. Try to choose those that don’t require a lot of care or choose the ones you like the best. You could string outdoor lights along the top of your porch or railing for some soft night light.

If you already have a porch but it needs some renovation remember that decking paint comes in great colors these days. Don’t be afraid to use reclaimed lumber or metal as building materials. Old screen doors and shutters look great refinished.

Small gatherings seem to be the trend during this unusual year. Your porch can be the new hot spot gathering place for your friends and family.

Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin 2 Tbsp butter ½ onion thinly sliced 1 small zucchini sliced in rounds 1/8-1/4 inch thick 1 small yellow squash sliced in rounds 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick 2 large cloves garlic minced ½ cup heavy cream ¼ cup parmesan cheese 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 2. Melt butter in ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until the edges start to turn brown approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook and additional 1 minute. Add cream and simmer until bubbly and starting to thicken. Add zucchini and yellow squash and cook an additional 4-5 minutes.

3. Sprinkle with smoked gouda cheese and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.

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KINDNESS GATHERS HERE

September - October 2020 | Page 7

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Publisher

Fall is here! The days are getting shorter and the milder temperatures are a cool relief from the hot summer sun. This season, as with the summer and spring, looks drastically different than it did a year ago. The pandemic of 2020 has changed life considerably. Many of the things we love about fall are being cancelled of postponed; everything from sports to fall festivals. Schools are starting later with many changes in the day to day education of our youth. Change is hard but it also can trigger new and different ideas on how we go about our lives.

The challenge is to find happiness and kindness amongst all of the changes. Fall festivals may be delayed or cancelled, but that does not mean we can’t celebrate a bountiful harvest. We can think in smaller terms, instead of a large town festival, celebrate with a neighborhood block party or even a patio party with family members. This is a great opportunity to pitch in and help local farmers or merchants that are struggling. The greatest kindness is the giving of your time and talents to those who are in need.

Parents that have school aged children have been put to the test this year. Many activities that their children use to be involved in are no longer available. Sports, dance and music are things that children need in their lives. Being a mentor to any child is so fulfilling that we all should do it. If you have a musical talent, share it with a child. If you like to play football organize a neighborhood game on Tuesday nights. If you know how to do the samba teach it to your grandchildren.

Our elderly have been isolated and unable to see their loved ones. Many long term facilities are still locked down. It is truly heart breaking to believe that our elderly population has to be in this situation. Many facilities have called on their communities to help alleviate the loneliness and isolation of their residents. Volunteer to write letters to those in the long-term care home in your town. Send carnations or make cookies to those you know or those you don’t know.

Visit someone through the window on a regular basis.

Kindness should gather in all of these places. If we all could do one act of kindness a day, not only would we make someone else’s life better we would make our own life more fulfilled. So let kindness gather where ever you are!!

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Bake a pumpkin pie Cook pumpkin seeds Jump in a pile of leaves Go through a corn maze Go pumpkin picking Visit a fair or fall festival Search for beautiful fall leaves Find or light up fall scented candles Go for a hayride Build a scarecrow Thrift or shop for new fall sweater (or clothes) Try making caramel apples Carve pumpkins Bake a pie you’ve never made before Paint gourds Bake a famous cobbler Use fall knitting colors Bake pumpkin bread Go for a walk in the crisp air Make a thankful tablecloth, where you write what you’re thankful for in your favorite colors.

Page 8 | September - October 2020

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AREA FALL FESTIVALS MONTANA

• Missoula Winter Vintage Market

Missoula, MT

September 5th, 2020 • Montana State Hemp and Cannabis Festival

Lolo, MT

September 11-13th, 2020 • Missoula Prairie Sister Vintage Market

Missoula, MT

September 12th, 2020 • Prairie Fiber Fest

Billings, MT

September 25-26th, 2020

WYOMING

• Jackson Fall Arts Festival

Jackson, WY

September 9-20th, 2020 • Cody Art Show and Sale

Cody, WY

September 14-19th, 2020 • Born In A Barn

Sheridan, WY

September 18-19th, 2020 • Lander Fall Craft and Expo

Lander, WY

September 19th, 2020

NORTH DAKOTA

• Dickinson Harvest Showcase

Dickinson, ND

September 11-12th, 2020 • Bismarck Downtowners Street Fair

Bismarck, ND

September 18-19th, 2020 • Fort Ransom Junk, Vintage and Craft Fest

Fort Ransom, ND

September 26-27, 2020 • Norsk Hostfest

Minot, ND

September 30th-Octorber 3rd

September - October 2020 | Page 9

(Check your local listings for changes & cancelations.)

SOUTH DAKOTA •

•

•

•

James Valley Threshing Heritage Quilt and Craft show Andover, SD September 11th-13th, 2020 Sioux Falls Sidewalk Arts Festival Sioux Falls, SD September 12th, 2020 Northern Country Fiber Fair (VIRTUAL) Watertown, SD September 18th-20th, 2020 Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival Custer, SD September 24th, 2020

NORTHERN IOWA

• Fields of Yogis Festival

Cedar Rapids, IA

August 28th-30th, 2020

Hello Fall!

Fall is Here!

By Ann Stewart

September is my favorite month. Yes, it is my birthday (hint hint) but it’s more than that. It’s the turn of the calendar page that feels more like the beginning of a new year. It’s yellow buses picking up eager kindergartners for their first day of school. It’s meeting up with friends you haven’t seen over the summer, it’s children in red uniforms kicking soccer balls, football games in packed stadiums, and auditions for the start of a new theatre season.

Except not this year.

But, yes, it’s still my birthday whether I want to get older or not. And I love it because . . .

Fall is cornstalks at the corner store carved pumpkins decorating doorsteps brightly colored leaves to fall into after raking the whispered breath of fog as you exhale summer Fall is also A misty morning fog lifting over the fields chilly walks beneath a canopy of color a sudden rainstorm that pelts your face dark, early evenings with star studded skies Fall tastes like crispy gala apples straight off the tree juicy blackberries along the trail paw paw fruit falling ripe on the grass Fall is the second haying of bales dotting the pasture a garden harvest unfolding its goodness trees dropping chestnuts along our gravel drive Fall means playing games together as a family taking the time to write a letter cooking hearty soups made from garden veggies Fall tastes like a homemade apple pie fresh out of the oven pumpkin pie spice latte sipped in the cold the spicy fragrance of sugared ginger cookies hot spiced apple cider stirred with a stick of cinnamon Fall feels like a warm red scarf and a textured knit hat the softness of plaid flannel sheets cozy sweaters and the return to denim slippers and boots and thick nubby wool socks Fall changes with the surprise of a sudden Indian summer day a sudden rainstorm that pelts your face the first flickering fire luring you to cozy up to the hearth a time to read, reflect, and write in your journal Fall is a gateway to a heart of giving thanks a hint of snow anticipating the advent of . . . another season to celebrate c 2020 Anticipate Christmas with Ann’s “Preparing My Heart for Advent.”

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Page 10 | September - October 2020

Happy fall!! I love fall and all its colors! I have strayed away from fabric this project and moved to paper.

So here is a muted-color paper wreath that is very easy to make.

You will Need: Step Two

You will need a wreath that is somewhat flat.

I picked a round woven vine wreath. Design paper of several different colors (I had six different ones). Some cardstock paper in a light color, leaf patterns (I downloaded these from the internet for free), glue gun and glue, scissors, twine and ribbon of coordinating color

Step Four

Then trace the leaves on the back side of the colored paper (It is easier to see the tracing on the white side of the paper). I made six to eight leaves of each color.

Step THREE

Step One

You can then tie a bow with the ribbon and attach it to the top of the wreath or the bottom, which ever you prefer. I then decided I did not like the bow so I left it off and thought that it looked just fine without it!

Happy fall wreath!!

FINISHED! Your then hot glue the leaves onto the wreath. I made mine cover the edges of the wreath. Tie a loop of twine at the point you want to be the top of the wreath.

Cut out the leaf patterns and trace them onto the cardstock paper. You will be tracing around them several times on the colored paper so I found that the cardstock paper holds up better as a pattern.

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

Pumpkin Crisp Filling

September - October 2020 | Page 11

Countryberries Designs Pumpkin Harvest

*1 15oz can of pumpkin puree (or homemade) * 2/3 cup of sugar *5oz can evaporated milk *3 eggs *1 tsp vanilla extract *2 tsp pumpkin pie spice *1/4 tsp salt

Topping *1 cup crushed gingersnap cookies (very finely crushed) *1 cup quick oats *1/3 cup brown sugar *1/4 tsp baking soda *1/4 tsp baking powder *1/2 cup butter softened

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Grease a deep square pan or a 2-3 qt casserole dish.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the filling ingredients; pour into the prepared dish.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed gingersnaps cookies, oats, brown sugar, soda and powder. Then, use a fork to incorporate the butter into the dry mixture.

5. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the filling mixture.

6. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the center of the pumpkin filling eaches 175 degrees F. The center will still have a little wiggle, but it won’t be super runny.

7. Serve with ice cream or whipped topping is desired.

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. You can also applique in wool or cotton and embroider the berrtes and vines.. You can do punchneedle or rug hooking techniques too. Whatever craft you choose, have fun!

Designed by Kathy Graham

Countryberries LLC

NEW Websi te

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

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

Visit

NeedleTravel.com

to find shops online for FREE! Or order the 2020 edition of our Travel Guide for only $9.95

Makes a great gift!

needletravel.com or 888-737-0847

Facebook

Pinterest

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Page 12 | September - October 2020

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$25 Gift Certificate Winner Karen Mixon

Won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop –

The Knothole

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!

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

September - October 2020 | Page 13

12 Things Antique Dealers Wished Everyone Knew Remember Reader’s Digest? They are still around and have a series of articles called “What _______ wants you to know.” All manner of categories are used, like pets, flight attendants, doctors, mechanics and more. Well I thought you might like to read, “12 things antique dealers want you to know.” Let’s dig in; 1. Not everything you have is valuable.

Value has many criteria. Age, scarcity, condition, region and more. Dealers know their market and what sells for them and have a general sense of what most things are worth.

Many factors can go into the offer a dealer may make on your item.

2. Know how to haggle on an item’s price.

We all love a good deal and sometimes we don’t always agree with what a seller has an item priced at. Haggling properly without offense is a skill that takes time to master. Asking “What’s the least you’ll take for this?” is probably not the best way to get that discount.

3. Our time is valuable too.

Owner/operator business owners have many things to do in a day. They are chief cook and bottle washer and don’t mind listening to a short anecdote or two, but please don’t tie up large blocks of their time if you don’t plan on buying anything. They are at work and have a full schedule.

4. We can’t buy everything.

Many antique stores have extensive inventories and sometimes more in storage. Some specialize and only buy certain items. Also, buying can be dependent of cash flow as we all have slow seasons. Don’t be offended if we don’t buy everything you offer, but we are appreciative you did.

5. There is more to the price than just the item.

Antique dealers have much to figure into our pricing. There is the item’s value of course, but this can fluctuate. There is also vehicle gas, research time, cleaning, possible repairs, and time to merchandise the items. Sometimes the value of an item may decrease over time, but our original costs don’t. Remember that until we sell that item, it is money frozen.

6. Yes, you might find it on eBay. That doesn’t mean it will cost less in the long run, or look like it did in the photo. Also shipping is free only if the seller offers it and shipping takes time. If there is a problem (such as damage) and you have to return it, you pay the return shipping. If the item was insured, you also have to deal with the carrier to get your money back. Not an easy task.

7. We have expenses too.

Many costs are incurred in running an antique store in addition to inventory costs. Rent, electric, advertising, insurance, phone & internet, supplies, other utilities and even with no employees an owner must figure in their time. Sometimes we just can’t accept a lesser offer on an item or have many sales events.

By Ed Kindle

8. There is no set markup.

We don’t buy inventory at fixed wholesale prices. Sometimes we have to pay a bit more to get better quality or rare items. This will sometimes translate into higher prices to maintain a profit. The jewelry store that offers 50% off sales can do this because their markup can be as high as 800%.

Sometimes we make as little as $2.00 on an item.

9. We don’t get our items donated.

Antique stores don’t operate like thrift stores. We select and purchase every item in our inventory and have to earn a profit on each item. Thrift stores can afford to sell items at lower costs because items are donated, and they sell in much greater volume.

10. We are not experts in everything.

I have a pretty solid knowledge base as I have been buying and selling items for a long time. That doesn’t mean I am an expert in all areas. I learn new things each day in this business. I also try to pass that knowledge along as much as I can. This means sometimes I just can’t take a chance buying an expensive item, if I don’t know much about it.

11. Condition is everything.

No matter how amazing an item is, or how much we might want to buy it, we can’t if it’s damaged.

Things like broken or missing parts, scratches, dents, chips, nicotine stains or water damage all take away from an item’s value. The item in the best condition garners the best price. Mint in the box or new old stock are always best.

12. We can’t pay for sentimental value.

We understand some of your items that you offer us have special meaning to you. That being said we can’t pay an inflated price for sentimental value. Provenance is a special category and must be documented. If an item was owned by someone famous or had a significant place in history, we have to have proof of that for it to affect the purchase and selling prices. Otherwise it is valued at the same rate as other similar examples.

Owning any small business is difficult. Owning an antique store has special challenges on top of the normal ones (especially now). The nature of this business changes year to year, month to month and sometimes day to day. Values change, item availability changes and customer interest waxes and wanes frequently.

Many of us do this and accept these challenges because we love what we do and for the love of the items. The history, the quality, the connection to, and preservation of the past and the nature of these items become interesting and meaningful. The personal relationships developed can last for years. We love seeing the items we curate and sell go to folks who will cherish them and build their own memories of the items they have found on our stores. *** © Five Katz Antiques - 4509 S. Hopkins Ave - Titusville, FL 32780 - www.fivekatzantiques.com - All rights reserved - no reuse without permission.

WYOMING’S 3RD ANNUAL COWBOY YARN CRAWL Local yarn stores in Wyoming will be having their 3rd annual Cowboy Yarn Crawl. This year’s crawl will be active from August 1 through September 30, 2020. This obviously is dependent on the status of Covid-19 recommendations for that time frame. We have seven participating stores: Mountain Meadow Wool in Buffalo, Ewe Count in Cheyenne, Cowgirl Yarn in Laramie, Pingora Yarns in Lander, Knit on Pearl in Jackson, The Fiber House in Sheridan, and Grand Loop Yarns in Cody. Passports can be picked up at participating stores. Grand prize picked from crawlers who visit all seven stores. Free stitch marker from each store and individual store prizes as well.

See more at our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cowboyyarncrawl/.

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Page 14 | September - October 2020

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

www.t hecountryregister.com/nrgp

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.......................................................... 6 Designs by Daphne • Belle Fourche, SD............................................. 8 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY....................................................... 11 Hill City Arts Council • Hill City, SD..................................................... 2 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD........................................................... 15 Lickety Stitch Quits • Lusk, WY.......................................................... 16 Moxie Marketing of the Midwest • Black Hills, SD........................... 15 NeedleTravel.com ............................................................................. 11 NE Wyoming Quilt Show • Gillette, WY............................................ 16 North Country Fiber Fair • Watertown, SD........................................ 14 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 Quilter’s Fix, The • Pierre, SD............................................................... 4 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center • Belle Fourche SD........................ 8 Walkin’ C Boutique Belle Fourche SD................................................. 8 Wall Drug • Wall, SD......................................................................... 12

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

September - October 2020 | Page 15

Giveaway!

Tag 3 of Your Friends on Facebook To Win a Prize!

See Our Page Posts for Details.

Drawing is October 1st!

Publisher of this Country Register!

Page 16 | September - October 2020

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