The Country Register (Northern Rockies Great Plains) | Sept./Oct. 2023 Issue

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September/October 2023 | Page 1

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What’s Inside?

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

• Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 4

Publisher of this Country Register!

• A Moment in A Day in A Life - Page 5 • Become Inspired - Page 6 • Area Fall Festivals - Page 8

• Explore Our Backyard Feature - Page 9 • Local Artist Feature - Page 9

Editor’s Notes

Pumpkin Spice Is Always • Ways to Decorate with Pumpkins & Gourds - Page 11 Nice, Just Don’t Rush Me • Robin’s Nest DIY - Page 10 • Cowgirl Poet - Page 12

• Pumpkin Carving Template- Page 13 • Kids Craft Corner - Page 15

Everyone has gone to the craft store in July Kelsey Ruzicka and ran into the aisle that are full of pumpkins, Publisher of Halloween and fall decor. You sort of look at The Country Register it, roll your eyes and push your cart off in the of ND, SD, WY, MT & N. ID direction of your summer craft project. Most retailers are always thinking and buying products so far in advance of the season we shop in. After working in retail, I understand the need to plan that far out. Doesn’t make it any less “pushy” feeling.

By nature I am a futuristic thinker. I dream of the next thing. Am always setting goals for the next task or next level of growth (in business and in personal growth). If we aren’t growing we are deteriorating is what I’ve always subscribed to.

Now, this way of thinking is good on many levels. It keeps us growing, achieving, and planning for the next dream or destination. It has lots of benefits and many plusses. The side effect, however, is one can forget to be present.

Right here. Right now. What is happening today? What is there to be grateful for in this moment? What feeling, lesson or experience am I supposed to have right now?

If I’ve learned nothing over the last few years, it is that today is a gift and tomorrow is not guaranteed. So, while it is very important to keep making plans, dreaming dreams, and setting goals. It inspires hope. Gives us purpose.

But, it should not take away from the gift of today and the moments we might miss if we were too focused on the next thing.

Fall is my favorite season. I look forward to it all year, and miss it when it’s gone.

But, the beginning of September I just want to sunbath, eat watermelon and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of summer. I will fall in love all over again with fall when it arrives. Enjoy the now, look to the days ahead with hope and be grateful for it all.

Many fall blessings.

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The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern Idaho Kelsey (Snyder) Ruzicka, Publisher Produced by Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC PO BOX 2015 • Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181 Office www.countryregister.com/nrgp www.moxiemarketingmw.com Publisher’s contact numbers across the USA & Canada for The Country Register Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:

September/October 2023 | Page 3

Fall Frenzy Issue!

* Indicates these editions are available on–line at www.countryregister.com.

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 • Volume 13 Issue 5

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2023.

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

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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 November/December 2023 issue are due October 7, 2023.

Page 4 | September/October 2023

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A Cup of Tea with Lydia: Celebration Tea

By Lydia E. Harris In September, many students head back to school, and we celebrate Grandparent’s Day on September 10. In our family we also celebrate our son’s birthday, a relative’s wedding—and this year, the release of my new grandparenting book. What events do you have to celebrate? Why not do so over a cup of tea!

My grandma friend, Val, wanted to recognize the release of my new book, GRAND Moments: Devotions Inspired by Grandkids. She had read each of the forty devotions as I wrote them and had encouraged me to keep writing. “We’ll go out for lunch to celebrate when you’re done,” she said. I looked forward to her kind gesture.

With the book finished, we decided to share a takeout lunch with tea on my deck rather than eating in a restaurant. The weather was balmy, and, as Grandma Tea, I could live up to my title and prepare the setting for our Celebration Tea. I set a cheery table with a lemon-yellow cloth and topped it with a table runner my oldest sister, Helen, sewed for me when I wrote my first book—a grandparenting Bible study. Helen chose a colorful fabric with lots of children on it and wanted me to use it at my book signings. “Then you’ll always have children with you,” she said. It provides a warm, homey feel, and I use it for many occasions.

Grandma Val brought a fragrant yellow rose from her garden that made a lovely centerpiece.

The table looked beautiful with china teacups, teapots, and cloth napkins. The takeout meal from a nearby restaurant tasted delicious and seemed elegant served on my wedding china.

“I brought my favorite tea that you introduced me to,” Val said as she pulled out Peppermint Bark teabags.

“Shall I introduce you to a new tea blend?”

She was eager, so I brewed a teapot of Apricot Sunrise black tea.

While we savored the meal in the fresh air, a hummingbird flew by. “This is much nicer than inside a restaurant,” Val said, smiling. I agreed, and read the thoughtful card she gave me.

For dessert, we enjoyed an unplanned smorgasbord. Val brought cupcakes and cookies, and I added rhubarb squares, lemon pie, and baked custard (from a recipe in my cookbook). We didn’t sample everything. Even so, Val commented, “I don’t know when I’ve eaten so much dessert!”

Of course, we talked about my newly completed book: GRAND Moments: Devotions Inspired

by Grandkids. “I love stories about children,” Val said.

“Yes, I do too,” I replied. “I think many will enjoy the stories and quotes from grandchildren and how they relate to wisdom in the Bible.”

Val and I concluded our celebration with smiles, dancing tastebuds, and prayers. We enjoyed our “grand moments” together. I hope you will too, as you celebrate a new season over a cup of tea.

Lydia E. Harris is a tea enthusiast, grandmother of five (Grandma Tea), and author of In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting, and her new release—GRAND Moments: Devotions Inspired by Grandkids. Her books are available through bookstores and online.

From Lydia’s recipe file: Grandma’s Blueberry Tarts

(taken from GRAND Moments: Devotions Inspired by Grandkids).

Gather (Crust for Tart Shells) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1/3 cup shortening or butter 2 to 3 T. cold water Make 1. Preheat the oven to 450º. Spray muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine the dry ingredients.

3. Cut in the shortening or butter.

4. Add water to moisten.

5. Mix well, and roll 1/8-inch thick on a floured surface.

6. With a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut 12 circles from the dough.

7. Place circles in muffin tins to make tart shells. Prick sides and bottoms 3 or 4 times to prevent puffing.

8. Bake for 5 to 9 minutes until lightly browned. Cool in muffin tin.

Makes 12.

Gather (Fresh Blueberry Filling) 1 1/3 cups fresh blueberries, divided 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 T. cornstarch 1 T. water 1 tsp. lemon juice whipped cream for topping fresh mint leaves for garnish, optional Make 1. In a 1-quart saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch.

2. Stir in water and lemon juice.

3. Add and mash in 1/3 cup berries.

4. Bring to a boil; simmer a few minutes to thicken, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

5. When sauce is cool, gently stir in one cup fresh berries. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

6. Spoon berry filling into tart shells. Top with whipped cream. Garnish each tart with a sprig of mint and a few berries.

Get Lydia’s New Book!

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A Moment in a Day of a Life

By Kerri Habben Bosman

I have consciously collected very detailed moments for over twenty years now, and I wish that I had thought of it sooner. It is more than simply being present. I try to memorize every aspect about a particular time and space.

I begin with everyone around me. Then I pay attention to the temperature, surrounding sounds, and aromas. I hone in upon myself, right down to how my bones feel against a surface. Lastly, I choose one particular sensation as a catalyst to remind me of that moment.

The first time I did this was in 2002. My mother and I were sitting with my 96 year old grandmother in her cozy room at the assisted living community. She had moved there a few months before. Mom and I had spent most of that summer cleaning out her house to sell. I was stretched out upon my grandmother’s twin bed. Huba (as I called my grandmother) was crocheting in her recliner, and Mom was cross-stitching in my great-grandmother’s rose chair. I had been crocheting, but I was tired. I quietly watched them as they were immersed in their tasks.

Perhaps the idea came to me because we’d just been through that murky process of sorting through a lifetime. Not just my grandmother’s things, but also family who had passed before her.

It occurred to me that if I memorized this moment, it would always be with me.

The hallway still smelled of what they’d served for supper and Canada geese had just honked by.

I grew cold every time the air conditioning came on. My lower back ached from moving furniture earlier in the day. Mom’s right hand was on the top of her embroidery hoop and her left hand was meeting the needle and thread underneath. She peered at her work through her favorite purple reading glasses. Huba finished up a ball of yarn and bent for the next. As was her custom, she was making a lap robe to donate to the hospital.

Thus over two decades later, I can always sit “just one more time” with these two strong, solid, and loving women who raised me.

One moment I collected recently took place this past July. We were staying with my 102 year old mother-in-law, whom I also call Mom. It was a Friday evening, and we sat outside the home she has lived in since 1946. My husband, Wayne, had picked up fish dinners. The three of us ate outside at the picnic table that has served well for generations and countless meals.

Cars passed on the nearby road with occasional thumps of truck tires. It was a mild summer night with a slight breeze arriving off and on. In the tree to our left, red wing blackbirds had gathered and then had flown off in one motion. We’d watched the leaves shimmer back into place. The air smelled of a summer evening; a scent of flowers from somewhere and that hint of humidity that hits your nose every once in a while.

Mom prepared her food in that gentle yet certain way she does everything. She eased her fish to the side and evenly spread her sour cream into her baked potato. We’d just held hands and said the blessing. I ran my fingers over the table, feeling the slight roughness of the wood as I watched the sunset in the distance behind Wayne’s back. The orange orb began to slip into the horizon, casting lingering light at a slant across the yard before settling upon Mom’s treasured statue of the Blessed Mother. We all gazed at her for a bit as the sun fully descended.

Whereupon Wayne nodded and smiled at us before quietly affirming, “A moment in a day of a life.”

Kerri Habben Bosman is a writer in Chapel Hill, NC. 913jeeves@gmail.com.

September/October 2023 | Page 5

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. pumpkin purée 1 large egg 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1 Preheat oven to 375° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2 In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.

Step 3 In a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract until combined, then add flour mixture. Beat on low until no raw flour appears, then fold in chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

Step 4 Scoop 1” balls onto prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart, and bake until puffed up and golden around edges, about 12 minutes.

Page 6 | November/December 2022

Countryberries Designs Mom’s Apple Pie

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Become Inspired: Classic Scenes of Beauty

By Annice Rockwell The season of fall is anticipated with joy for all that it provides. Although the days are noticeably shorter now, the quality of the sunlight as it shines upon our landscapes is unrivaled at this time of year. An early morning walk to North Cove provides a scene of classic beauty as the sunlight reflects off of this quiet and historic cove. For a still moment, we are almost transported back in time. As the canopies of trees on a New England back road radiate now with reds, oranges, and yellows we are reminded of nature’s consistent cycles that beautifully reinforce those of our own.

ABUNDANT HARVESTS On one of the first fall weekends, we might feel as if the day belonged to summer, but as night draws near there is an invigorating snap of cold in the air and we build a campfire to ward off the chill. This simple country tradition brings us all together to chat happily and celebrate fall. Our vegetable gardens, carefully tilled and tended, are still producing in abundance. The huge field which was the last to come in is dotted now with the long-awaited orange glow of pumpkins and the welcomed decorative gourds can be picked and happily shared. Cucumbers that benefitted from additional summer rains can be made into bread and butter pickles and piccalilli as mother and son combine the slices with just the right bit of spices using a time-tested family recipe. The result of this day of effort is a harvest table lined with mason jars filled with homemade, homegrown produce that can be enjoyed all year round.

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 details.

You can do punchneedle or rug hooking techniques too.

Whatever craft you choose, have fun!

Designed by Kathy Graham Please note: Due to a fire, our shop is temporarily closed.

Order from our website and follow Countryberries on our website or on Facebook.

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

SAVORING THE ESSENCE OF FALL Fall suppers satisfy our desire to draw into our homes as days continue to get cooler. Planning a home-cooked meal of beef stew and buttery biscuits followed by a homemade apple pie somehow works to enhance our experience of the season. The scent of apple wafting through the air of our kitchen as the apples bubble and bake is a true country joy.

Harvest festivals, large and small, are also an experience to take in and enjoy. With huge colorful tents filled with handcrafts, pumpkins and produce, and antiques, there is something for everyone. With a cup of hot, mulled cider, one can venture from booth to booth on a crisp autumn Saturday morning and feel the excitement of fall. Coming home with a handcrafted wreath made of cornhusks and bittersweet or an early blue decorated antique jug, we are reminded of our treasured day reveling in the wonder of fall.

This season spend time planning moments that create joy. Pursue experiences that capture the essence of fall. And as you surround yourself with nature’s abundant blessings, share that magic with those you hold dear.

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

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November/December 2022 | Page 7

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Page 8 | November/December 2022

AREA FALL FESTIVALS (Check your local listings for changes & cancelations.)

SOUTH DAKOTA • • • • • • • • • •

September 9, 2023 Sidewalk Arts Festival Washington Pavilion 301 South Main Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104 September 9-10, Hill City Quilt Show, Main Street, Hill City, SD 57745 September 15-17, North Country Fiber Fair, Watertown, SD September 22-24, South Dakota Festival of Books, Lead-Deadwood, SD September 23, Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, 526 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 2023 September 28-30, Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival, 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730 September 29-30, 2023 Sioux Falls Junkin’ Market Days, W. H. Lyons Fairgrounds 100 N. Lyons Blvd Sioux Falls, SD 57107 September 30, Legends In Light Laser Light Show at Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial12151 Avenue Of The Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730 October 20-21, 2023 KELOLAND Living Arts & Crafts Show, Best Western Plus Exhibit Hall Annex 3200 W. Maple Street Sioux Falls, SD 57107 December 8-9, 2023 Sioux Falls Winter Junkin’ Market Days, W. H. Lyons Fairgrounds 100 N. Lyons Blvd Sioux Falls, SD 57107

WYOMING • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

October 14, 2023 Grafton Fall Arts and Crafts Show, Grafton Armory 309 Hill Ave Grafton, ND 58237 October 21, 2023 Fargo Autumn Vendor and Craft Show, Fargo Masonic Building 1405 3rd St N Fargo, ND 58102 November 3-4, 2023 Minot Christmas Arts and Crafts Show, North Dakota State Fair Center 2005 Burdick Expressway East Minot, ND 58701 November 17–18, 2023 Bismarck Christma Arts and Crafts Show, Bismarck Civic Center 315 South 5th Street Bismarck, ND 58504 November 18, 2023 Williston Fall Finale Craft and Vendor Show, Raymond Family Community Center 1002 11th Street West Williston, ND 58802 November 18, 2023 Fargo Holiday Vendor and Craft Show, Fargo Masonic Building 1405 3rd St N Fargo, ND 58102

AND MANY MORE! CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS!

September 6-17, 2023 Jackson Fall Arts Festival, Visitors Center 206 W. Broadway Jackson, WY 83001 September 15-16, 2023 Sheridan Born in a Barn, 415 Hwy 14 Sheridan, WY 82801 September 23, 2023 Riverton Fall Harvest Festival, Downtown Riverton Main Street Riverton, WY 82501 October 5-6, North East Wyoming Quilt Show, CAM-PLEX Frontier Hall, Gillette, WY October 6-7, 2023 Lander Fall Craft Fair, Lander Community Center 950 Buena Vista Drive Lander, WY 82520 November 10-11, 2023 Casper Craft Fair Casper Events Center 1 Events Drive Casper, WY 82601 November 18, 2023 Cody Holiday Craft Fair, Cody Auditorium 13th and Beck Avenue Cody, WY 82414 December 1-2, 2023 Casper Holiday Craft Expo, Eastridge Mall 601 SE Wyoming Blvd Casper, WY 82609

MONTANA • • • • • •

September 15-16, 2023 Great Falls Vintage and Made Market, Heritage Building at the Fairgrounds 400 3rd St NW Great Falls, MT 59404 September 22-23, 2023 Kalispell Autumn Festival Craft Market, Expo Building, Flathead County Fairgrounds 265 N Meridian Rd Kalispell, MT 59901 September 30-October 1, Peace By Piece Quilt Guild Quilt Show, Park County Fairgrounds, Livingston, MT 59047 October 28, 2023 Hamilton Harvest Fest Sip and Shop, Ravalli County Fair Ground 100 Old Corvallis Rd Hamilton, MT 59840 October 28, 2023 Autumn Art and Craft Show, Helena Civic Center 340 Neill Ave Helena, MT 59601 November 3-4 2023 Helena Vintage and Made Market, Kleffner Ranch 305 Mt Hwy 518 Helena, MT 59635

NORTH DAKOTA • • • • •

September 9-10, 2023 Minot Fall Flea Market, ND State Fair Grounds 2005 E Burdick Expy Minot, ND 58701 September 16, 2023 Fargo Fall Vendor and Craft Show, Fargo Masonic Building 1405 3rd St N Fargo, ND 58102 September 30, 2023 Williston Fall Craft and Vendor Show, Raymond Family Community Center 1002 11th Street West Williston, ND 58802 October 13-14, 2023 Grand Forks Junkin’ Market Days, Alerus Center 1200 S 42nd St Grand Forks, ND 58201 October 13-14, 2023 Fargo Fall Arts and Crafts Show, Fargodome 1800 North University Dr Fargo, ND 58102

REASONS WHY WE LOVE THE CORN MAZE! 1. Being out in the fresh air and enjoying the fall weather.

2. Sipping hot apple cider, and pumpkin spice lattes hot or cold.

3. Challenging yourself to make it out of the maze.

4. Walking around the pumpkin patch and looking at all the unique pumpkins.

5. Picking out the perfect pumpkin to take home.

6. Trying different fall flavors at the vendors they have at the corn maze.

7. Taking a hayride trip around the farm to admire all the scenery.

8. Jumping into a huge pile of hay bales.

9. Admiring the intricate shape and detail of the image the corn maze makes.

10. Going to the corn maze with family and friends is a great way to bond, have fun, and enjoy fall.

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Local Artist Spotlight BRU CE SPEI DEL A R T Wyoming is my home. I am grateful to have lived here most of my life. Before I joined the Marine Corps in 2001, I loved Wyoming. Returning home after my commitment to the Marines, I appreciated it even more. Sure, I like to visit all sorts of other places in the world, but Wyoming is the land that I love.

Explore Your BackYard Feature Established in 1896, D.C. BOOTH HISTORIC NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY AND ARCHIVES, formerly Spearfish National Fish Hatchery, is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management. The Hatchery is located within the town Spearfish at South Canyon Street and Spearfish Creek between the Spearfish City Park and City Campground.

The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery was constructed to propagate, stock, and establish trout populations in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. After a very successful fish production history, the Hatchery ceased operations in the mid-80’s and reopened with a new mission and partnerships to help preserve the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s historic and cultural heritage. The Hatchery is named after its first Superintendent (D.C. Booth).

The grounds features several stops. The Von Bayer Museum that houses over 1.8 million artifacts and documents. It is the largest collection of fisheries artifacts in the country.

Selected items are on display in the Von Bayer Museum. The grounds also feature the historic home of D.C. Booth and his family. A once operational fishery boat (Yellowstone Boat) and a Railcar that carried the fish from Yellowstone to Spearfish, SD are both highlights of the grounds exhibits.

I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. My career in art began when I graduated high school and went into the Marine Corps as a Combat Illustrator. After 4 years of service in the Corps, I went to college at Black Hills State University in Spearfish SD for Bachelors of Science in Art and Communication Art with a minor in Photography.

I have been painting full-time since graduation from college in 2009. I enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing. This is where I experience most of the things I paint.

I try my best to accurately reflect the beauty that God created around me. My best work, I believe, is when I can do just that: reflect the work of God’s hand.

It’s my goal to make my list of accomplishments grow steadily over the next few years. I am a member of the Society of Animal Artists. I was blessed to be chosen to have my art on the 2012 National Wild Turkey Stamp and received 3rd at Wyoming’s Conservation stamp competition. I also strive to be a part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Art program, Birds in Art, The Wyoming Conservation Stamp, The Federal Duck Stamp and many others…. Those goals are for tomorrow, I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, I do know that I am blessed today. Lord willing, I will be able to continue to paint in the years to come.

“My best work, I believe, is when I can do just that: reflect the work of God’s hand.”

Admission to the Hatchery grounds is always free. Visitors are welcome to stroll the hatchery grounds from dawn to dusk any day of the week, 365 days a year. However, the Pond Gift Shop, Von Bayer Museum, Railcar, and Booth House are only open during the summer season from mid-May through the end of September. Tours through the historic buildings are available through June – August from 9 am – 6 pm.

You don’t want to miss this hidden gem in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Check out Bruce’s new 2024 calendars now available for Pre-Order!

Or visit his gallery in Sundance, WY.

www.brucespeidel.com

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Page 10 | September/October 2023

Fall Is my second favorite season, I’m a Summer girl at heart but fall has its own appeal.

Pumpkins are one of the best things of Fall. This project is a great way to use those decorative pumpkins that come in all shapes and sizes.

You will Need:

Step Two

Step Four

Next glue your foliage around the pumpkin under the plates. I used orange berries, but you can use anything you have. It’s good to recycle artificial leaves or flowers.

You will need two plastic or foam pumpkins, one a little larger than the other, two platesone smaller and one larger, fall artificial foliage, such as leaves, flowers or berries, hot glue and glue gun, wire cutter maybe needed (not pictured).

Step One

Step FIVE Next you will want to hot glue the large plate onto the top of the larger pumpkin. If you use low temp glue, you will need to work fast to get the plate set. Place the plate upside down and center the pumpkin and draw a circle around the top of the pumpkin.

Then make a circle of glue on the pumpkin and place it on the plate. Hold in place of a few seconds to let the glue set.

Step THREE You will need to remove the handles from the pumpkins. I used the foam pumpkins, so the handles just pull out or twist off.

Center the smaller pumpkin on top of the larger plate, hot glue it on. Then glue the smaller plate on top.

I put the tiers on a bigger serving tray. This is great for cookies and cupcakes or muffins, but you could put other décor on it and make it a centerpiece. Very easy!

FINISHED!

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Ways to Decorate with Gourds & Pumpkins!

By Country Register Staff

There are many different ways you can use gourds as decoration. I am going to tell you about 15 different and unique ways you can use gourds in your house as decoration whether it’s in the fall or all year round.

The first way you can use gourds is you can cure them. The curing process is a matter of drying your gourd then curing your gourd for 6 months. After you have finished the curing process your gourd will last for years, if you take care of your gourd properly it could even last decades. The second type of decoration you can use for gourds is putting a Horn of Plenty Display up. All you need to do is get a widemouthed horned basket, colorful gourds, a little bit of hay, and mums. After you do all of this you will have one of the best looking Horn of Plenty Display.

Another way you can use gourds for decoration is you can paint them. Since gourds have such peculiar shapes it is very popular to paint faces on the gourds! The next type of decor I’m going to talk about is making birdhouses out of your gourd. Decorative gourds are not edible so if you have a decorative gourd once they are dry the insides actually become hollow. This makes your gourd ideal for making a birdhouse.

Make sure you cure your gourd thoroughly then you can cut a round hole in the gourd and hang it up in a bird friendly area. Another way to decorate using gourds in your home is you can make planting pots out of them. The first step you have to do is cure your gourd then you can cut a hole in your gourd for the plant. You need to make sure though you cut drainage holes in the bottom of the gourd to prevent it from rotting.

Next thing you can do to use your gourds is you can carve them. You can carve your gourd into a jack o’lantern or whatever else you would like. Another technique you can do when you are carving your gourd is you can carve cute designs into your gourd then put lights inside of it. The next interesting way you can use gourds is you can carve them into bowls and vases. The first step you are going to do when you are making a bowl is cut a fully dried and cured gourd in half next you can paint the inside after the paint dries coat the inside with a food-grade varnish. An important thing to note about the bowls though is only eat the bowls with dry foods and never put the bowl in the dishwasher. When you want to make a gourd you can choose to either dry and cure it or not, but if you dry and cure your gourd it will last longer. The first step you are going to want to do is cut the top off of your gourd then scoop out the insides till it’s slim enough to be a vase.

Another fun way to use gourds is you can use them in your Thanksgiving table setting. You need to find miniature gourds then if you cut a little hole in the top of your gourd you can put a ribbon through the hole and also add a name card. You can use the ribbon to hold your guests silverware together as well. The next way you can use gourds is you can make a rattle. When your gourd is well dried the seeds will start to rattle. The rattle will make a perfect baby present or if you are having a spooky halloween party. In addition, you can also make wind chimes out of gourds. All you need to do is hang 3-6 mini cured gourds close together when the wind blows they will make a very pretty sound. Finally the last thing you can do is make a pendant necklace. The first thing you need to do is find a really small gourd, next you will want to dry and cure it. After this drill two holes across the top of the gourd to put string through. The last step will be painting and decorating your gourd and adding beads if you wish to do so. Now you know some fun and spooktacular ways to decorate your house in the fall or even year round!

September/October 2023 | Page 11

Page 12 | September/October 2023

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Cowgirl Poet, Quilter, Entertainer Yvonne Hollenbeck The Little Red Geranium I wrote this about my Grandmother, who lived in a sod house for many years.

The church that day was crowded, it was filled clear to the brim, as the organist was playing her favorite old hymns.

I thought how folks would miss her, for the most of ninety years she’d been doin’ things for others, and the thought brought me to tears.

Pretty flowers lined the altar, but among the large bouquets sat a little red geranium, and it looked so out-of-place.

I wondered how it got there, but I didn’t wonder long for the service was beginning; first a prayer, and then a song.

Then the pastor started talking and he left the Speaker’s Stand; he picked that scraggly plant up and held it in his hand.

He said he went to see her just before she passed away, how she gave that plant to him with instructions for this day.

She first told him a story that he’d tell to us today, because she asked him if he’d share it just before she passed away.

Her folks came West to homestead when she was just a girl and her mama got so lonely in this strange and foreign world.

But one day a kindly neighbor brought a red geranium, she gave it to her mama and that was to begin a long and lasting friendship; then every year towards fall her ma would make some starts from it and she would give them all to others that were lonely, or sick, or needed care; she’d take a red geranium and leave it with them there.

She said her mama told her it reminded her of God, how He made us in His image from a little clump of sod.

With a little bit of kindness and a little bit of care, plants, like His love, could multiply and be for us to share.

Then she married and was living in a soddy in the hills, and always had geraniums blooming in those big wide sills.

Red was the only color in her drab and dingy home reminding her that God was there and she was not alone.

Then came those awful thirties when the hills were parched and brown; those pretty red geraniums were the only thing around that seemed to keep on growing, and how she loved them so; she kept right on a-giving them to visitors when they’d go.

Now her life on earth is over, but before she went away she started many little plants to give to you today.

She hopes you all will take one and you’ll have it in your home, then when you’re feeling lonely, you will know you’re not alone because blossoms fade and leaves wither; seasons come and seasons end but your plant will live and grow if you share it with a friend.

We all were taught a lesson at the funeral that day: The greatest love we will receive is the love we give away!

Order Yvonne’s new book, “A Stitch in Rhyme” at www.yvonnehollenbeck.com — just $15 + $3.50 postage. © Yvonne Hollenbeck; 2023 Yvonne Hollenbeck, from Clearfield, SD, performs her original poetry throughout the United States, captivating audiences in her wake. She is one of the most published cowgirl poets in the West and is not only a popular banquet and civic entertainer, but also co-writes songs with many western entertainers. Yvonne also pens a weekly column in the “Farmer-Rancher Exchange” and writes articles about life in rural America in various publications throughout the West. For more information, visit https://www.yvonnehollenbeck.com

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Butternut Squash Soup

September/October 2023 | Page 13

Clip This Stencil For Your Pumpkin This October!

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth One 2-pound butternut squash—quartered, seeded, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces 5 thyme sprigs 2 garlic cloves, halved 2 medium leeks, white and pale green parts only, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 celery rib, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 thick slices of bacon, cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick 2 packed cups coarsely chopped collards or kale One 15-ounce can pinto or roman beans, drained and rinsed 1 medium carrot, finely diced 1 red bell pepper, finely diced 1 cup corn kernels Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large, heavy pot, combine the broth, squash, thyme, garlic, leeks and celery and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.

In a medium skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the bacon strips and cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until crisp, about 7 minutes.

Discard the thyme sprigs from the soup. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the pot. Add the bacon, collards, pinto beans, carrot, bell pepper and corn and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper and serve.

Make Ahead The soup can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently.

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Page 14 | September/October 2023

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Advertiser Directory by Name

Always Your Design • Dell Rapids, SD.................................... 6 Betty’s Quiltery • Rapid City, SD........................................... 15 Creative Closet • Townsend, MT............................................. 6 Emporium, The • Belle Fourche, SD......................................... 7 Farmer’s Daughter, The • Hill CIty, SD.................................. 16 Fiber House, The • Sheridan, WY............................................ 5 Heartfelt Quilt Shop • Spearfish, SD.................................... 16 Hill City Quilt Show • Hill City, SD.......................................... 7 Knothole, The • Spearfish, SD.............................................. 16 North Country Fiber Fair • Watertown, SD........................... 13 North Country Fiber Fair • Watertown, SD........................... 13 North East Wyoming Quilt Show • Gillette, WY................... 15 Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop • Edgemont, SD........................... 16 Peace By Piece Quilt Guild • Livingston, MT........................... 7 Quilting Across the Dakotas.................................................. 16 Quilt Connection • Rapid City, SD........................................ 16 Quilt Connection 2 • Buffalo, SD.......................................... 16 Quilters Corner • Faulkton, SD............................................... 6 Quilter’s Fix, The • Sheridan, WY............................................ 5 Quilt Yard, The • Pierre, SD..................................................... 5 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center • Belle Fourche SD......... 16 Wall Drug • Wall, SD............................................................ 14

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September/October 2023 | Page 15

Kid Craft Corner | Stress Ball Pumpkins

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Editor

This fun little project isn’t just fun and easy to make, but has a lasting purpose as well.

These stress balls are great for sensory play, and also are great for calming down and actually helping to alleviate stress. The best part is the filling can be made of many things and even a combination of things.

Head to the grocery store to pick up these easy supplies for Halloween calm down balls. You might even have everything you need to make them already.

YOU WILL NEED: * Halloween Balloons or colored balloons & permanent marker * Funnel * Filling – Flour, Corn Starch, Baking Soda, Play Dough, Corn Kernels, or Dried Beans

STEP 1. First, you need to blow up a balloon and hold it for 30 seconds. This will help pre-stretch the balloon before you fill it.

STEP 2. There are a couple of ways to fill the balloons. You can use a funnel for fine ingredients like flour. You can also use an extra set of hands to stretch the top of the balloon to fill with materials like playdough or corn kernels. It takes a bit of work to fill the balloons, so don’t give up if it doesn’t go quickly!

STEP 3. Use a permanent marker to give your Halloween stress balls faces. Make them happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared, or confused faces for teaching emotions play too.

Page 16 | September/October 2023

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