Page 2 | November – December 2014
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Great Falls & Townsend, Montana
About the Cover Artist
Betty Padden For 28 years Betty Padden has been honing her craft in the studio she shares with her husband in Auburn, Massachusetts. The two have formed a creative partnership over the years. With their hand-carved sign business, Wooden Apple Sign makers, businesses from all over the country seek out Betty’s skill at instilling their signs with her artistry. She and her husband Bob carefully craft each sign, imbuing it with character that will speak visually of the uniqueness of its owner. Betty has been perfecting her skills in the fine art of wood carving since 1970, but the creative influences of family members go back even further. In particular, her uncle Carl made an impression upon her. He became the inspiration for a carved line of Santa’s known affectionately as Santa Carl’s. The delightful Santa Carl’s carvings are reflective of Uncle Carl’s mischievousness and love of nature. A natural extension of the collection is also found in Betty’s Santa Carls Tree Company. A community of mythical creatures that live in and around tree farms, these elves have devoted themselves to the most magical symbol of Christmas, the Christmas tree. Betty’s capacity for the age old tradition of storytelling, coupled with her artistic
renderings, brings the magical celebration of nature alive especially during the holidays. If you believe in your heart, as Betty believes, that we are all caretakers of the world, then if you are so very quiet you too may be able to peek in among the boughs of your trees and see tiny faces peeking back at you! Betty Padden Licensed Exclusively by: Linda McDonald Inc. (704) 370-0057 lindam@lindamcdonald.com www.lindamcdonald.com
Welcome to The Quilt AWay Baby Lock Dealer for Central Montana Or Shop online 24/7 at www.montanasquiltaway.com 222 13th St. South Great Falls, MT (406) 453-2788 Store Hours: Monday - Friday 10 - 6 Saturday 10 - 5 Sunday 11 - 4 quiltaway2@bresnan.net
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 2015 issue are due December 7, 2014.
View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP
November – December 2014 | Page 3
Publisher’s Notes
Crafty Kids Can Be Fun, Challenging for Busy Moms The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern Idaho Dee Sleep, Publisher Erika Young, Editor Produced by Chicken Creek Communications 132 W. Hudson St. • Spearfish, SD 57783 605-722-7028 Office • 605-385-0035 Fax www.countryregister.com/nrgp www.chickencreek.net 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.
Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, info@countryregister.com, located: Phoenix, AX USA * Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Arkansas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, 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: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC, miked@countryregister.com * 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): Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950 * Illinois: Lenda Williams, 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: Gail Hageman, 221 Winslow Rd, Albion, ME 04910, 207-437-2663 * Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com * Massachusetts: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, countryregister@bellsouth.net 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 Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com * Montana: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * 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: Kathleen Graham, 330 North Road, Deerfield, NH, 03037, countryregister@metrocast.net * 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: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, ohiocountryregister@yahoo.com * Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, 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: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com * Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC , 27603, miked@countryregister.com * South Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950 * South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net * Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, cowprintdesigns@gmail.com * Texas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com * Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 153 S 2050 W, Provo UT 84601, stacytueller@gmail.com * Vermont: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774, cowprintdesigns@gmail.com * 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: Dee Sleep, 132 W. Hudson Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028, dee.sleep@chickencreek.net 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
From the time she was coordinated enough to start stacking wooden blocks, my youngest daughter has always been a builder, a creator. Her sisters are 8 and 11 years older than she is, and she has always considered herself to be just as capable as they are with regards to just about everything. Her building interests quickly expanded from wooden blocks to other materials as she gained access to things like paper, scissors, tape and glue. She truly thinks in three dimensions and her creations reflect that. For example, she has made entire housDee Sleep es, fully furnished, entirely out of paper. Editor of She would love to make things that will last, The Country Register however, as her paper projects often end up in the of ND, SD, WY, trash not long after she finishes them. My attempts MT & N. ID to explain to her that if we kept everything she created, we would have to buy a bigger house have mostly fallen on the deaf ears of a second grader. She received a three-quarter sized Hello Kitty Janome sewing machine from her grandma last Christmas, and she has been anxious to use it. She has sewn a few projects with it; the trouble is, she doesn’t think small. She has little interest in making small things like pot holders or draw-string bags. She wants to sew a full-size sleeping bag or a life-size fort! While we have plenty of supplies, the bigger issue is that whatever she makes, it requires my constant assistance or she will be sadly disappointed with her results. While she can handle the paper medium on her own, sewing fabric with needle and thread using a high-speed machine is an entirely different endeavor. Unfortunately, I have neither the skill nor the patience for the grand projects she envisions. With my oldest daughter away in her first year in college this fall, I am reminded of how quickly time passes. As busy as I think I am, I realize that I should take advantage of this opportunity to spend quality time with my youngest while encouraging her to pursue her passion for creating. She and I may just need to compromise ahead of time on what projects we will make. Any suggestions?
The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains November - December 2014 • Volume 4 Issue 6 The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2014. 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. Chicken Creek Communications produced 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.
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Sidney, Montana
Samplers: Historic Collectibles
Samplers offer a glimpse into history and the everyday life of early needleworkers. The oldest surviving samplers are dated back to the 15th and 16th centuries. When the needlewoman saw a new stitching pattern, she would quickly sew a small sample of it onto a small, narrow piece of cloth which became her ‘sampler.’ They were about 6-9 inches wide and were called band samplers. When unrolled they revealed an assortment of drawnwork, cutwork, needlework and embroidery. They were used as a reference or guide for future projects. Another early form of samplers are called spot samplers. They consisted of little vignettes of flowers, butterflies, birds, or other decorative stitches. The most common samplers found today are ones that were created by young schoolgirls. They consist of cross-stitched alphabets, numbers, poetry or biblical verses, and little figures, flowers and animals. These samplers
Pumpkin Scones INGREDIENTS: For the scones:
2 cups flour 1/4 cup and 3 T. sugar 1 T. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cloves 1/4 tsp. ginger 6 T. cold butter, cut into oneinch cubes 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree 3 T. half-and-half 1 large egg
For the powdered sugar glaze:
1 cup plus 1 T. powdered sugar 2 T. milk
For the spiced glaze: 1 cup plus 3 T. powdered sugar 2 T. milk 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 1 pinch ginger 1 pinch cloves
In a bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Add the butter and toss with a fork to coat with the flour mixture. Mix on medium-low speed until it resembles coarse cornmeal, with the butter pieces no larger than small peas. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, half-and-half and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, and form the dough into a ball. Pat out dough onto a lightly-floured surface and form into a one-inch thick rectangle about four inches by 12 inches. Use a large knife to slice through the dough making three equal portions. Cut each of the portions into an X pattern (four pieces) so you end up with 12 triangular slices of dough. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until light brown. Place on wire rack to cool. While the scones are cooling, make the powdered sugar glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. When scones are cool, use a pastry brush to spread plain glaze over the top of each scone. Allow to firm. While the powdered sugar glaze is firming, combine all of the ingredients for the spiced glaze. Drizzle over each scone and allow the icing to dry before serving (one hour). Yield: 12 scones
Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted 3 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 - 16 oz. can of pumpkin 3 eggs 1 1/4 cup of real maple syrup 1 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup pecan halves
were a way to teach young girls the basics of needleworking, and also their alphabet and numbers. The top half of the sampler was usually devoted to the alphabet, while the bottom was a picture, motto, poem, or biblical verse. Great care should be taken to protect samplers from fading and deterioration. Framing samplers without allowing proper air circulation will cause them to rot. Also, be careful as to not display them in direct sunlight as this will cause them to fade. Today, samplers are highly collectible and are proudly displayed in the primitive/colonial home. For those of you who are not lucky enough to own an antique sampler, reproduction ones are widely available and look very authentic, right down to the colors and imperfect stitching patterns. Kristine Berg Doss is the owner, editor and publisher of A Primitive Place & Country Journal magazine. A Primitive Place is the fastest growing primitive, colonial and country magazine on the market today. For more info, visit www. aprimitiveplace.org or email info@aprimitiveplace.org.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Add pumpkin, eggs, 1/2 cup maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 300 degrees.
GLAZE: Boil 3/4 cup maple syrup and whipping cream rapidly on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until thick. Spread over cheesecake and top with pecan halves.
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All I Know About Quilting
November – December 2014 | Page 5
on my design wall and usually take a step back to look from a different angle. I often leave things for a day or two and then look again. This little grey comedian has taught me that looking on from afar can give one great perspective, and at times, give you insights and ideas that you never imagined. Finally, there is the little angel I captured at in my kitchen. I looked on my shoes and then in last year’s quilting retreat. Lacey was a feral that the yard as I tried to figure out their source. I was would come out of hiding each day when I took sure a strange fungus or mushroom was growing scraps of food out to feed her. Day after day, she nearby and had somehow found its way inside. got closer and closer until finally I took a chance Day after day I picked them up with a tissue and placed them in the trash, but on day four I realized and grabbed the scruff of her neck. None too happy at first, she struggled and fought to be free, that the silk sunflowers on my table looked a little but finally she accepted her fate. Now, almost a odd. On closer inspection, I could see why. The fuzzy brown things that had been on my floor were year later, she has truly become a joy to our lives. I can’t help but smile each time she comes to be actually the centers of my sunflowers. petted or to be snuggled close. For several days, Miss Gracie had been careWhat an amazing change a year has made, fully removing them and placing them on the and beginner quilters, I believe Lacey’s example floor for me to find. Evidently Gracie thought the flowers looked better without them. As I laughed applies to you. At times, new techniques can be a challenge and you may feel like you are strugto myself, I soon had to agree. Sometimes a little change is good, and she has taught me that, in my gling. They may at first seem overwhelming, but as Lacey would advise, just take a deep breathe quilting, the same applies. Just because a pattern shows a block design or setting in one layout does and relax. You must learn to take each new technique one step at a time and let those “light bulb not mean I have to follow suit. Gracie has taught moments” take place. A year from now you will me that it’s sometimes better to change things wonder why you ever struggled in the first place. up and make them my own…and, if all else fails, Yes, I know that it is hard for some people I can follow her example and drop them on the to believe that cats can teach quilting and life floor and wait for someone to throw them away. Our sweet little Lily is example number three. lessons, but trust me…they definitely do. Taking time to learn from their examples has taught me Lily is our climber and she enjoys being as high much, and I look forward to my continued educaup as possible: on top of the refrigerator, on top tion for many years to come. of the kitchen cabinets, on top of the laundry room wall…. I think you get the idea. Although Deb Heatherly owns Deb’s Cats N Quilts in Frankit is sometimes very unsettling to be pounced on lin, NC. Before opening the shop, Deb wrote and while sitting on the couch, we have learned to ac- designed miniature quilts for QUILT magazine cept her need for height and to expect to find her for 4 years. Deb recently designed 3 new specialty in the strangest places. Lily finds simple joy in just rulers: The Turbo 4 Patch, The Cat’s Meow and the Star Power rulers. Check out www.Debscatsnsitting and watching as things take place below. quilts.com for links to Deb’s YouTube videos and My lesson from Lily has been to slow down ordering information. and do the same. I now let my designs “simmer”
I Learned from my cats… The Saga Continues.
Many years ago I wrote an article for QUILT magazine entitled “All I Know about Quilting I Learned from My Cat.” That article (reprinted on my website) had such a huge response that, when I opened my shop, Deb’s Cats N Quilts seemed like the perfect name. Fast-forward to 2014 and I currently share my home with four furry felines. They, of course, make sure that my quilting education continues every day. Let’s take Benji, my supervisor, for instance. Maine Coon cats are nicknamed the “gentle giants,” and he certainly lives up to that moniker. He is 18 pounds of purr love and nothing makes him happier than to have my full attention. Since that is not always possible, we have come to a truce. I am allowed to use “his cutting table” if it is not nap time. I am allowed to sew on “his sewing machine” if I take required breaks in order to lavish attention on him and I am also allowed to bind a quilt if he can sit on it and make sure I am doing it correctly. Benji takes the term “large and in charge” to new heights, but he has taught me an invaluable lesson: to love with all my heart and make sure that I take time for those I love. Nothing, not even my quilting, should become more important than those around me. Even if I am interrupted during my special creative moments, my stitching will still be there when I return. Benji has definitely taught me that I have to get up from time to time and enjoy time with others. Next, there’s ‘Miss’ Gracie. Gracie has taught me so many things that it is hard to choose just one. I think it all started the day I came home from work and found fuzzy brown things on the floor
Cat’s Meow Pin Cushion www.Debscatsnquilts.com www.Facebook.com/DebscatsnquiltsFranklin
You will need: (6) 3” squares (3 dark for face, 1 light for face, and 2 for ears) (1) 5 ½” square for backing (1) 1 ¼” square pink for nose You will also need: (2) Small buttons for eyes Embroidery floss for mouth and whiskers Poly fill or walnut shells for stuffing Instructions: 1- Draw a diagonal line on the back of the pink 1 ¼” square. 2- Place this square on one corner of dark 3” square, right sides together. Sew on the line. Trim off the excess and flip back to make a triangle for the nose.
3-Sew this square together with the other 3” squares to make a four patch. Make sure nose is in the center as shown. 4-Measure up 2” from the top of the nose and measure down 3” from the top of the nose and trim. 5-Make the ears by folding the other squares in half diagonally to make a triangle and then fold in half again to make a smaller triangle. 6-Center raw edges of ears on each side of head and baste in place. 7-Use 2 stands of floss to embroider a mouth. 8-Use (4) 4” pieces of floss (all 6 strands) to create whiskers. 9- Stitch whiskers right under nose and tie a knot.
10-Place kitty face and backing fabric right sides together and trim backing to the same size as the front. 11-Stitch around kitty leave a small opening on one side of face for turning and stuffing. 12-Turn to right side. Stuff and stitch opening.
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Missoula, Montana
Fruitcakes making a comeback
Whether one truly likes fruitcake or not, it has made its way into even the modern Christmas traditions. Here in the United States, the mail order fruitcakes date back to 1913, made by some well-known American bakers of fruit cake such as Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, Texas, and Claxton Bakery in Claxton, Georgia. Both Collin Street and Claxton are Southern companies with access to inexpensive nuts, for which the expression “nutty as a fruitcake” was derived in 1935. It leads one to wonder if the fruitcake has ever gotten the respect here in the US that it demands from other countries. There is a version of the fruitcake in every country in the world. Once believed to be a bread that celebrated harvest and abundance, this European cake would be served at weddings and other
special events. Here in America, the fruitcake has fallen on hard times and been ridiculed by such comedians as Johnny Carson, who famously stated, “There really is only one fruitcake in the world, passed from family to family.” Insulting the traditional cake even more, since 1995, Manitou Springs, Colorado, has hosted the Great Fruitcake Toss on the first Saturday of every January. “We encourage the use of recycled fruitcakes,” says Leslie Lewis of the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce. The all-time Great Fruitcake Toss record is 1,420 feet, which was set in January 2007 by a group of eight Boeing engineers who built the “Omega 380,” a mock artillery piece fueled by compressed air pumped by an exercise bike. If prepared in the traditional way using
alcohol, the fruitcake’s shelf life is unmatched, as demonstrated in 2003 when Comedian Jay Leno sampled a fruitcake held in the Ford family since 1878. The key, they say, is to wrap the cake in a cloth soaked in an alcohol-soaked linen. Still today, commercial fruit cakes are often sold from catalogs by charities as fund raisers. Perhaps this is the year that your family tries to help the fruitcake make a legitimate comeback here in the United States. René Groom is a freelance writer and public speaker who loves to share her adventures, misadventures and the amazing people she meets down life’s dusty trails. She and her husband, Tom, make their home in Prosser, WA. She is the mom of four amazing men. Some of her stories can be found at www.adventureswithdusty.blogspot.com.
THANKSGIVING TURKEY Questions have been ringing ‘round My brain that’s old and gray About our grand tradition Of turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Had the bird been our Nation’s foul The way Old Ben had asked Would there be a special protocol To share this rich repast. Would its tail fan out the same old way Would its gobble sound as neat Would it require a special grace, Before they’d let us eat. Would we stand at strict attention And salute its tender meat If there was a turkey anthem Would it taste as rich and sweet. Would your conscience start to ask you If this was good and right To eat our Country’s Mascot Would you worry late at night. Then the cranberries, yams and stuffing, Required to follow tradition, Since they were part of this special feast Would they be sin by association. Well I’m glad the turkey’s the turkey It eases my holiday mind I’m grateful for this noble foul A finer gift we’ll never find. Give thanks and count your blessings, As you bow your head and pray. Then a nod, in honor to “The Bird,” On this Thanksgiving Day.
Marvin Hass was a farm boy from Central North Dakota whose career spanned 37 years throughout the Midwest as a cooperative lender and CEO. Western poetry is his passion and Marv lives in Green Valley, AZ, with his wife Candy. Marv has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. You can contact Marv at his website www.prairiepoet.org.
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November – December 2014 | Page 7
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Fargo & Devils Lake, North Dakota
HeartSong Quilts: Hot Springs, SD Successful entrepreneurs typically are those who have vision to see beyond their challenges. Brian and Ann Powers owners and operators of HeartSong Quilts in Hot Springs, South Dakota, have creatively built a national business from their small town in just six years. By attending international quilt markets to find new fabrics and utilizing the internet to sell them, Ann and Brian continue grow their offerings. Find them at www. heartsongquilts.com. Brian said, “There are two types of quilters – the crafters who follow patterns and the artists who create their own. Ann is an artist.” In fact some of the quilt kits available feature instructions created by Ann. Other kits are based on patterns from books, which are also for sale. In either instance Ann makes the display quilts and the Powers assemble the fabrics for the kit. “If you make a quilt with 20 colors, you want the colors to go together; if the quilt has 200 colors, it doesn’t matter if the colors go together,” so said Brian. That is the basis for the popularity of aboriginal Australian fabrics, which is their mainstay. At a quilt show market in Houston Ann spied a small booth with bright, bold and different fabrics from Australia. That was the start of their love for these non-trendy fabrics. They bought a few fat quarters, sold them quickly; ditto for the first ten bolts. Now they order between three and five bolts, of the same fabric pattern, from the company’s warehouse in CA. The aboriginal Australian fabrics are designed from artwork created by the native
Aborigines. The designs often use traditional symbols and motifs. Quilters can ‘read’ these symbols, giving additional meaning. The fabrics are 45 inches wide, 100% cotton with a soft, silky feel to them. Brian has quilted and assists customer though he prefers the business side. Ann and Brian have four children from 21 down to 10 years old and the entire family knows how to quilt. The 1902-constructed sandstone building is a contributing structure in the Hot Springs Historic District. Their success in a town of 3,800 residents and business acumen brought the shop feature recognition in the fall and winter 2014 issue of “Quilt Sampler” magazine. Ann has recently completed her first sewalong-blog, to which Brian refers as a large quilting bee at blog.heartsongquilts.com . Knowing that quilters are visual learners, Ann has step-bystep still photos of a quilt as it is made. They also carry a new line of American fabrics—cotton that is grown, processed and woven in the US. Additional fabrics and pattern books from collections of Jason Yenter, Frond Design Studio, Kaffe Fassett and Marcia Derse, as well as batiks and buffalo prints fill the store. The personality of the 2,000 square foot store is readily enhanced by the hospitality, knowledge and enthusiasm of Ann and Brian. Be prepared to have fun shopping! Peggy Sanders is freelance writer from the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. She can be reached through www.peggysanders.com .
Shake it up with Old Fashion Milk Paints Fall has a way of turning all of our attention inward. All the energies that we had been putting into keeping the outside of our homes maintained are now redirected inside to those projects that have taken a back seat to more pressing things in the yard and garden. For some of us, that will include painting projects that we have put off. With many of us putting more thought into providing a healthy environment for our families and ourselves, attention has turned to a simpler time and simpler paint process—a return to the milk paint. Milk paint has stood the test of time and can be made easily at home by mixing skim milk (room temp) and a water soluble lime available at any hardware or home supply store. Pigment may be added. Milk paint has been around for a long time. It is reported that some monoliths have proven to be colored with milk based paints. It was only
after the Civil War in 1868 that commercial oil based paints were mass-produced, changing the paint scheme. While oil paints were used a long time before that, they, too, were mixed by using more unstable oils like olive, etc., and their drying time and affect were equally unstable, which led most to stick with the traditional milk paint for their painting projects. Yet, it was the green-movement in the mid 1970s that brought the milk paint back into popularity. So if you are looking at doing some painting projects this fall, go ahead and shake it up a little—literally. Grab your handy mason jar and try your hand at some old fashioned Milk Paint. René Groom is a freelance writer and public speaker who loves to share her adventures, misadventures and the amazing people she meets down life’s dusty trails. She and her husband, Tom, make their home in Prosser, WA. She is the mom of four amazing men. Some of her stories can be found at www.adventureswithdusty.blogspot.com.
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Treasure the Greatest Present: Presence
Eighteen years ago I was in a crowded washroom with my grandmother, who was then 89 and used a cane. As we carefully wended our way through the different directions of lines to exit, another grandmotherly lady suddenly stopped right in the middle of the aisle and cast a quick glance at my grandmother.
At this time of year, as the light lessens and festive spirits ignite, I am both filled with joy and awash in wistfulness. I treasure the giving and the fellowship. Whatever greeting is extended or holiday is celebrated, what we offer one another is a timeless hope for peace on earth and goodwill to all.
She then bit into her lower lip so as not to cry, but her eyes were already brimming. She reached out, clutched my free hand within both of hers and placed it tightly between her breasts, close to her heart.
Would that it were so. I wish that kindness could be a daily offering not just one that people remember for a little while in December.
thank you for and nothing to grieve. But even if I am fortunate enough to live to the ages they did, I will always miss them. I see the ‘us of yesterday’ in them even as I know that others around us see themselves of the past in Mom and me.
If I could return to the lady in the washroom again, I wouldn’t say a word. I’d pull my grandmother in and together we’d create an island of honesty and joy. Let the crowd grumble around us. We’d move apart, of course. But in that moment all that “There is everything to was good and true would fully There would be more say thank you for and breathe. Christmas spirit than in all the shopping malls combined. nothing to grieve.”
I’ve thought of our moment in the women’s washroom “Oh, my little Mama,” she whispered, her voice often over the years, cracking. And then a contented smile spread which brings me across her face. to the wistful part. Before we were channeled back into our respecI, too, have certain tive lines, all I had time to utter was a woefully in- scenes that, if I let adequate “I’m sorry.” After all, there were women them, could inspire such a reaction: an older man all around us with more pressing matters to tend. wearing just the right type of plaid shirt; an old woman in a wheelchair, holding a handbag the I did have time to look into her eyes. I hope that way my aunt and grandmother did; a thin man my gaze back to her reflected some compassion and not just shock at this powerfully true moment with a cane and a gentle warmth in his eyes; or an older, bent-over man you knew was once tall and in a women’s bathroom. strong. I am grateful not to fully understand this lady’s The family they evoke would be, at the youngest, emotion since I am blessed that my mother and I 101, and at the oldest, 112. They all lived long still walk this earthly road together, side-by-side, supporting each other in such a beautifully simple lives that many never had the chance to live. Their precious love remains. There is everything to say and yet increasingly complex world.
Our greatest present then was the presence of our loved ones. By remembering, we draw strength that bolsters us today and creates a legacy into the future. Our greatest present today is treasuring each other’s presence. Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer and historian living in Raleigh, NC. An avid crocheter and knitter, she learned these skills from her grandmother and mother. She donates many of her yarn creations to those in need. A published writer for nearly twenty years, Kerri is currently gathering a decade of essays into a book. She can be reached at elhserenade@earthlink.net.
Make holiday shopping stress free
(Family Features) If one of your holiday tasks is shipping gifts to family and friends across the nation, knowing a few tips and tricks will ensure your packages get to them in time for the festivities. From shipping deadlines to packaging, there are many factors to consider when sending gifts, especially during a busy time like the holiday season. Fortunately, there are dozens of resources available to help make shipping holiday gifts more convenient than ever. “Priority Mail is a convenient and affordable shipping option for holiday gifts,” said John Budzynski, consumer advocate at the U.S. Postal Service. “It offers features like package redirect, free package pickup and text update alerts.” Budzynski offers this advice to help make your holiday shipping simple and stress-free. * Take advantage of services that make shipping more convenient. For example, the U.S. Postal Service lets you order free Priority Mail shipping supplies from usps.com and delivers them right to your door - from boxes to envelopes and stickers. * Be informed about policies for handling fragile gifts or items that may be hazardous, such as perfume, cologne and other liquids. * Always include a return address. It tells the shipper where to return the package if it can’t be delivered. * Pack smart. Pick a strong and sturdy box, cushion contents with packing peanuts, newspaper or bubble wrap, and tape it closed with strong packing tape. * Print postage at home using Click-N-Ship from the U.S. Postal Service at usps.com/clicknship. It not only saves time, but money too; you can receive up to an 11 percent discount by buying postage online.
* Don’t get caught in the holiday rush. Schedule a free package pickup from your home or office. * Stay updated on the status of your package. Use Priority Mail to receive tracking to monitor your package’s progress toward its destination. You also can sign up for text and email alerts through my.usps.com to help you track package delivery. Check key shipping dates to ensure your package arrives in time for the holiday. The U.S. Postal Service provides these deadlines to help you plan ahead for delivery by Dec. 25: Dec. 2 - International First-Class Mail Dec. 2 - Priority Mail International Dec. 10 - Priority Mail Express International Dec. 15 - Standard Post Dec. 17 - Global Express Guaranteed Dec. 20 - First-Class Mail Dec. 20 - Priority Mail Dec. 23 - Priority Mail Express Note: Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed December 22-25. “The U.S. Postal Service prepares all year for the holidays,” Budzynski said. “This is our season. We are ready to help customers ensure their packages are packed, tracked and delivered with ease.” For more shipping tips and online tools, visit www.usps.com.
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Quilts That Redeem, Etc:
Know the answer: “What am I going to be when I grow up?”
One of the many major questions we all face in our lives is: “What am I going to be when I grow up?” It’s need-to-ask, need-to-know from deep within. It was so simple in grade school to look around at what seemed the most glamorous answer; “an actor, an astronaut -- the President!” Or, to look at our parents and follow in their footsteps; “a teacher, banker, secretary, doctor.” Once out of grade school, the answer often became elusive. Life pulls this way and that. Sometimes the decision is ours to make and, sometimes, we allow it to be made for us. Life goes on. Lately, I’ve been an “observer” of several people dealing with this major question. It always takes me back to a little over l4 years ago when I took the major leap of faith to begin my business as a longarm machine quilter. Needing to get my business name before the public, I chose to have a booth at our local county fair. Wouldn’t you know, it was BEFORE my assigned building was air conditioned. Temperatures outside were 105*
for most of fair week. Inside was even steamier. Fewer people than normal ventured through the fair grounds OR the sweltering buildings. Vendors found it difficult to stay awake. So, all-in-all, I was feeling particularly hot and disheveled and wondering if it was all a waste of time. Was I acting according to the answers I had prayed for? Did I hear Him right? One day, over the lunch hour, a lady came by my booth and stopped to visit about quilting. She was polite and vaguely interested and then, right before walking away, something in our conversation prompted me to say, “I decided it’s about time I decided what I want to be when I grow up, and - at 50 - this is it.” I heard her softly say, “I wish I knew that for myseIf ” and off she went. I’d never seen her before and haven’t since. For all I had surmised from first impressions, she had it made. I remember it being oddly ironic to feel sorry for her. Knowing what we are to be is a question we all need answered. The answer comes from what
God uniquely designed and put in each of us to be . . . and to do. Little wonder, if in a job we HATE, we have no joy. Step away from life’s busyness and say, “Ok, God. I’ve been doing what “I” thought I was to do. Will You please tell me what “You” have for me?” God isn’t a magic wand, but if asked He’ll answer. Then, go expectantly into your day. You’ll be amazed at all the ways He will send answers. . . a lyric in a song you “happen” to hear, a conversation by Godly people along the lines you’ve been thinking lately, a set of circumstances that come around you from “out-of-theblue”, thoughts going in directions you’ve never thought before. “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8) You CAN know the answer to: “what am I going to be when I grow up?” if you just ask Him. Written by Sherry Osland of Praise Works Quilting in Abilene, Texas. In business and ministry for 13 years. For examples of quilting (as well as pictures of hand-braided rugs and Quilts That Redeem books, for sale) go to: facebook.com/praiseworksquilting.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE ANGEL by Lesley R. Nuttall
1. acorn 2. recipe 3. turkey 4. leftovers, . feast, 6. cranberries 7. tablecloth 8. pumpkin 9. grandparents 10. drumstick 11. harvest 12. wishbone 13. platter 14. centerpiece 15. gratitude 16. stuffing 17. vegetables 18. holiday 19 .settlers 20. carve
Have you given any thought, or wondered why An angel adorns our Christmas tree so high? It all began in the early 16th Century The first angel sat on top a tree in Germany. The angel is a symbol of love and everlasting light A decorated tree with an angel is a beautiful sight! This holiday tradition has a spiritual touch In earlier times, it was said to ward off evil spirits, and such. Our Christmas trees today give off such a mystic glow The children make decorations, which we never outgrow. We purchase ornaments of porcelain and fragile glass And a feather winged angel to give our tree more class! There are illuminated angels, Santa’s and the Bethlehem star Our sparkling tress can be seen from afar. Whatever our reason for an angel on top Some of us will never, anytime stop!
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Chamberlain and Faulkton, South Dakota
Beat winter blues with ‘hot’ party
(Family Features) If cooler temps have you feeling blue, there’s no better time for a party with family and friends to lift your spirits. Though you may not want to treat your guests to an al fresco brunch, winter weather shouldn’t hold you back from entertaining in style. From playful party games to creative recipes that feature the fresh flavors of watermelon, a little mid-winter gathering is just what you need to beat boredom and get you primed for sunnier months ahead. To make your winter party a hot success, follow these tips for setting the theme and creating the perfect menu: Don’t shy away from foods typically associated with warmer weather. Watermelon, for example, is actually available year-round and makes a surprisingly healthful and delicious addition to a winter party spread, whether in a fruity drink, side dish or dessert. The recipe below combines decadent chocolate fondue with the light, sweet pop of juicy watermelon. Remember to save the rind to use as a pretty carved centerpiece. Pick a theme that pays homage to the season. Penguins, snowmen, icicles – the possibilities are endless, so set your imagination free. Remember that lighting sets the mood, so look for options that complement your theme, whether soft and subtle candles or bright and colorful paper lanterns.
Take advantage of the cooler weather as an excuse to savor an array of rich, decadent comfort foods. Serve warm, crusty breads with dips or a thick, creamy soup or chili. Or delight guests with an indulgent chocolate fondue with watermelon dippers for a little extra fun. Serve a hot cocoa or spiced cider bar and let guests add their own toppings and spices, ranging from whipped cream and maraschino cherries to cinnamon sticks and caramel syrup (adult libations optional). Help guests forget the blustery outdoors with action-packed party games that get the blood flowing and rev your internal temps. Charades is a classic example that lets a large group participate. Use wine bottles and ribbon-wrapped miniature looms for a grown-up ring toss. Or simply pre-
Your Cup of Tea
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree! ‘Tis the season for joyous merriment in decorating—or so I am led to believe by all the media marketers. The Christmas tree is definitely a priority so the hubby and I hiked up the drop-down stairs in our garage that lead to our attic. We brought down all the accoutrements for decorating the realistic (at the time) artificial tree I bought at 70% off retail the previous year. Our little heart ornament, with the year of our marriage, was the first to be placed in the heart of the tree and then the madness began. Every single ornament we had somehow landed on a branch in all its glory. It was our magnum opus that year in the tree decorating department and we were über pleased with ourselves. The season passed; Christmas came and went. We would find ourselves parked in our easy chairs, often hoisting an espresso to our lips.
Looking in the direction of the decorated tree, I would say, “We should probably take the tree down today.” To which the hubby responded, “Okay,” and the word rang like a gong throughout the land, followed by his “I’ll get to it.” Winter came and went. Spring soon arrived and still we were looking at the fully decorated tree in our living room. Every Sunday, we would be enjoying it and then giggle, knowing we were derelicts in the matter. Still, neither wanted to make the effort to dismantle the prized ornaments and put the thing away for the season. I would joke about throwing a sheet over the tree and having hidden pneumatic lifts that would gently raise the tree into the attic. Easter arrived and I had my traditional Easter Basket display on our enormous dining room table. A co-worker dropped by the house and her head
pare a spirited play list with music so lively your guests can’t help but get up and dance. For more entertaining recipes and party ideas, www.watermelon.org. Watermelon and Spicy Mayan Dark Chocolate Fondue Servings: 4 4 cups watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 /2 cup fat-free half and half, plus extra reserve 3/4 tsp cinnamon 1 /2 tsp chili powder 1/8 tsp cayenne 1 /2 tsp coriander 8 oz dark chocolate (at least 60 percent cocoa powder) Wrap watermelon cubes in paper towels to soak up excess fluid. Set aside. In medium saucepan, bring half and half and spices to almost simmer. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate. Let chocolate melt, then continue to stir until thoroughly blended and creamy. Adjust flavors to personal taste. Transfer fondue to fondue pot and heat according to directions. (If fondue becomes too thick, stir in extra reserve half and half, 1 tablespoon at a time, to desired consistency.) Place watermelon cubes on platter with fondue forks or skewers.
swung immediately to the fully decorated tree in our living room and simply said an emphatic “Oh wow!” and then burst into laughter. We, too, thought it hilarious at the time. After she left, I looked in the direction of the ‘I’ll get to it guy’ while picking through my Easter candy and said, “Oh, boy—I think it’s time we did something about the tree before summer gets here.” We did not ‘get to it’ for another few weeks and then, finally, succumbed to the peer pressure to put the Christmas tree to rest in the attic for the next season. Putting up the tree was never quite the same thereafter. I guess I got enough of the tree to last a lifetime because I have not put up the Christmas tree in the last 8 years—may she Rest in Peace. There is freedom in jumping off the bandwagon for seasonal decorating. But then again maybe next Christmas ‘I’ll get to it.’ Susan Salisbury Springer is a freelance home economist who has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family & Consumer Sciences and is affiliated with several professional organizations. Copyright 2014 by Susan S. Springer. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Contact Ms. Springer at ssspringer@ consultant.com.
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Cooking With the Oldies
One of my favorite desserts when dining out has been Crème Brûlée, also known as burnt cream, crema catalana, or Trinity cream. It is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hard caramel. It is normally served at room temperature and the custard base, made with eggs, is traditionally flavored with vanilla. In spite of all the other flavorings it can be done with, I prefer the traditional version. Now, I don’t have this dessert often, but I am tempted by it, but not tempted to make it at home. It is offered frequently on good dessert menus. Interestingly enough, there is another dessert, Panna Cotta, that rates right up there for me these days with the Crème Brûlée but does not seem to be as well known except to the Italians. It was a great surprise to find both desserts on the same menu this past summer at the culinary school cafe at Walla Walla Community College in Walla Walla, WA where I had several delightful lunches. It was not a hard decision to select the Panna Cotta. To be honest with you, I did not grow up knowing anything about either of these desserts. The French and Italian cuisine was not a part of Minnesota cooking. When my mom made custard we called it custard or pudding or it came in the form of a custard pie, sometimes with bananas or my favorite, coconut, but always homemade. During the WWII years we had Eagle Brand Pudding, made
Panna Cotta
Total time: 40 minutes, plus chilling time Servings:
1. Lightly oil insides of 8 serving 1.5C whole milk ramekins or dessert dishes and set 5 Tbs sugar aside. (Half cup servings). (You can 1/2 Tsp real vanilla extract delete the oil if serving in the dish). Half fill a large bowl with ice and add enough water to make an ice bath and set aside. 2. Place recipe water in small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over top, stir to distribute and soften 3 minutes. 3. In saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in softened gelatin and the vanilla. 4. Set the saucepan in the ice bath, (making sure no water goes into pan) and whisk until the mixture is lukewarm. There should be no grit from undissolved gelatin or sugar when rubbing mixture on your fingers). 5. Ladle mixture into oiled serving dish or cup or goblet and chill at least 4 hours or overnight. If keeping longer, cover with plastic wrap. Preparing more than 24 hours in advance will result in firmer set and you may not like it as well. 6. Release from mold if desired about ten minutes before serving by running a thin bladed knife around edge, dip the mold into a bowl of hot tap water and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Garnish and enjoy! 2 Tbs water 1Tbs powdered clear gelatin 2.5C heavy cream
with sweetened condensed milk. My mom raised chickens making eggs easily accessible those lean years. So last year, when my granddaughter, Hannah Skalleberg, (then 17) said she was going to make Panna Cotta for a family-friends evening affair where she was teaching us all how to do visual journaling, I tasted my first Panna Cotta. It was served to us in China tea cups with an optional fruit sauce and since then I have had it molded and turned out on a plate. It is best eaten freshly made and “set” and so it is a good dessert to make for company because you will probably not have any left overs. It does not show up in home kitchens often so it will be well appreciated and is very fun and easy to make. Panna Cotta means “cooked cream” in Italian and consists of a lightly sweetened cream mixture that is set with a small amount of gelatin. The gelatin allows the cream to thicken without needing to use eggs or starches, like many other types of custard do. Only a very
small amount of gelatin is used, just enough to hold the cream together without giving the dish a tough or jello-like texture. The result is a dessert that has an exceptionally light and silky taste. Panna cottas can be flavored with a whole variety of different ingredients such as fresh berry sauces which gives a nice flavor and color contrast but my favorite is grated lemon rind and a thin lemon sauce. For simplicity and less calories, garnish with a few fresh berries and some grated lemon rind. If you don’t want to fuss with taking the Panna Cotta out of the mold to serve, you can leave it right in the ramekin, or other small individual serving dishes, perhaps some antique ones. It looks great in the very popular small individual glass wear
serving goblets with a small spoon. You will be the hit at your next luncheon for the ladies for sure...just don’t tell them how simple Panna Cotta is to make. Barbara Floyd, Founder of The Country Register, The Antique Register (of Arizona) and Love of Junk, Walla Walla’s Vintage Market, resides a good part of the year in Arizona which has been home for over 50 years. Cooking, entertaining, reading, traveling, probably in that order are her favorite past times. She can be reached at barbara@ countryregister.com. Enter the Cookbook Drawing on the homepage of www. countryregister.com to possibly win a cookbook from Barbara’s downsized cookbook collection.
‘Gifty’ get-togethers prepare for Christmas
Folk wisdom tells us that time seems to pass more quickly as one ages, and I’m beginning to think that, like most folk wisdom, there is a kernel of truth in there somewhere. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that we wrapped our fragile Christmas decorations carefully before putting them away and taking down the tree? Much of the rush to accomplish the impossible (an immaculate house, to-die-for Christmas baking, and the perfect present for everyone on our list) is pushed on us by commercial interests, of course. When we lived in the city, the department stores were displaying Halloween and Christmas items simultaneously, while the strains of “holiday music” drifted through the air while shoppers picked up treats for the little ghosts and goblins who would appear at their doors October 31. (In fact, I have seen fully-decorated trees in stores as early as September, along with back-to-school). In our small town commercialism isn’t nearly as blatant, but even here we are beginning to plan Christmas events and get-togethers because time
is marching on at an increasing rate. If one feels obligated to have a stock of hostess, emergency and “small” gifts on hand (who doesn’t?) and time is galloping past, there must be ways to lessen the stress, save time and add enjoyment to Christmas preparations. Many of us have participated in Christmas cookie exchanges, where each member of a defined group makes enough cookies of one kind to provide a pre-set number --usually a dozen -- to each member of the group, and in return receives the same number of cookies from other members, resulting in a variety of goodies for everybody. Economy of scale applies here. It is more efficient to make one huge batch of the same kind of cookie than to make several small batches of different kinds. Why shouldn’t the same process be used by quilters and crafters with hand-made “gifty” items instead of cookies? One person in the group might be a whiz at making a particular type of unique ornament, while others might specialize in such items as fast (“ten-minute”) table runners,
sewn coasters, Christmas-print kitchen towels or fancy seasonal pot-holders. Festive reusable gift bags made by one member could be used by all. If a number of group members, say ten, wanted to book a day to get together, they could spend that day working on their specialty projects, trade at the end of the day, and everyone would go home with nine different projects that someone else had made in addition to their own. Add a pot luck lunch, or perhaps a celebratory grand finale with wine and cheese, and you have the recipe for an enjoyable, productive day spent with friends. How about that? What’s more, you can grin to yourself and feel a little smug as you watch other people coping with crowds and cheesy canned Christmas music as they hurriedly search for the elusive one-of-akind gifts you already have stashed away at home! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Barbara Conquest writes her column from Blue Sky Quilting in Tofield, AB. © Barbara Conquest.
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Dell Rapids & Pierre, South Dakota Kit ’n Kaboodle
What’s the purpose of Stuff? What do you do to prepare for Christmas? Or for that matter, the winter? I had a Dutch friend who used to wash the interior walls of her house every fall as part of her housecleaning routine. In this country we tend to repaint every few years to spruce things up instead of washing walls. When I start de-cluttering, it seems to be a prelude to Christmas in our house and though I don’t why, I can count on it. We have lived in this house since December 1974. Since we’ve not moved and have no plans to do so, we have accumulated a lot. My weakness is books, especially on South Dakota history. Our sons will have a great collection some day, as the volumes increase every year. They are the one thing I do not purge. What really got me started with my deep
cleaning this year was an essay which was read at the funeral of an old friend. She had lots of stuff. When she passed away, it took her extended family a week to just weed through it and skim off the dross. Perhaps this reminder will nudge each of us toward paring down our “stuff.” When we come into this world, we don’t have any stuff, but come naked. And we are a little angry about being disturbed and taken from such a nice warm place. Our parents knew we were not going to come with any stuff; yet they put us in a special room to hold stuff. As we grew older, we got a lot more stuff and needed dressers and closets and places to store our stuff and now we had more places to keep stuff. When we got to be teenagers, we got jobs and had money so we could get more stuff. And we got a lot of stuff. Some of our stuff by that time was old, too small, or broken, so we got rid of some stuff, but quickly replaced it with more
stuff. Then we got married and brought our stuff together with another person’s and got a lot more stuff. As I grew older I got better and better jobs and promotions, and boy, could I buy stuff. When I retired from the office, the gang at work gave me stuff to remember them by. Oh, I had some of the most beautiful stuff. And I even used banks and things to store some more of the stuff. I had stuff in the garage, the bedroom, the living room, dining rooms and lots of places. I gave my kids stuff and then got more stuff. My kids and even their kids gave me more stuff and we found lots of occasions to celebrate by giving even more stuff. Then one day, much to my surprise, I died and I didn’t need any more stuff—and now, someone else has to get rid of all my stuff!!!!—Anonymous. May this be the year you give more than you receive. Peggy Sanders is a national award-winning selfsyndicated columnist and author. Visit her website at www.peggysanders.com
Survive the holidays with tea for one If you are of a certain age, we have all heard the phrase, “Tea for Two”... well, how about Tea for One? After all it is the holiday season when you find yourself inundated with many additional responsibilities apart from your normal routine. It is at this time, that most of us are ready to say, “STOP”! But, what do we do? Most likely we take the burden on, thereby adding even more stress to our already hectic lives. Why do we do that? Is it because we have certain traditions we don’t want to give up? IF that is the case, then look for ways to simplify that tradition. Also be honest, if it is something that you should eliminate at least this year, then do so without feeling guilty. One added bonus might be that you will discover how much that tradition really means to your family when it is not there one year. You may find you can eliminate it altogether. But, let’s suppose you really want to host your annual Christmas Open House Tea. Fine! But, look for ways you can make the task easier. Start by asking your guests to each bring a tea food item. To make sure you get a nice assortment, devise a system such as dividing the alphabet into three or four groups. Then tell your guests if their last name begins with an A – G they are to bring sandwiches, H – R tea breads or scones, S – Z dessert. IF that is too risky, how about asking a specific guest to bring something for which they are famous. If your friend is a terrific baker then perhaps she could be the one to make a dessert or some scones? If you have someone who does not consider herself to be a good cook, then how about supplying
her with a recipe for cucumber sandwiches. It is only a matter of assembling the items, no cooking required. You get the idea. Use whatever method works best for you. There are numerous ways we can survive the holidays. But, one that you may want to incorporate into your schedule is a daily “Tea for One.” Each day, prepare a tea tray consisting of a pot of tea, a pretty china teacup, and a cookie, or piece of fruit, whatever treat you wish to add. Then find a quiet spot, perhaps by the fire, if you have a fireplace, or wherever you can unwind and sit back and savor each sip of tea and each bite of your favorite tea treat. If you like, put on some soothing holiday music, read a book (at Christmas time, there are quick read books that might serve as an inspiration and reminder of what Christmas is all about). The main thing is to be in the moment. Do not let your mind race thinking about all the things you have to do. Just be. If you practice this starting in November, by Christmas you may have discovered a new reason to enjoy teas, as calmness overshadows you. Tea for One – there really isn’t anything more rewarding. Try it and may you experience a Blest Christmas! –Janet Young, Certified Tea and EtiquetteConsultant, is a founding member of Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association and freelance writer/national tea presenter. Visit her website at www.overtheteacup.com.
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WIT AND WISDOM
Hot Springs, South Dakota
Let’s reclaim the spirit of Thanksgiving!
By Judyann Grant, Mannsville, NY Autumn has always been my favorite season. Even as a child I loved everything about it – the sights, sounds and smells. September brought school. October brought Halloween and November brought Thanksgiving. Thoughts of Christmas never crossed my mind – until we flipped the calendar page to December. Years ago, Thanksgiving was more than just a special day. With school and church activities centered around the holiday, Thanksgiving encompassed the entire month of November. Unfortunately, this season of giving thanks has been all but squeezed off the calendar. Last year, Christmas “sales events” were promoted in September along with back-to-school bargains. Before
we had gone apple picking or visited the pumpkin patch, stores were decorated with Christmas trees and garland. The synthetic silver and gold decorations looked gaudy and out-of-place against the backdrop of autumn’s yellow and orange hues. Advertisers claimed the early start was necessary because Thanksgiving arrived later in the month, leaving six fewer shopping days until Christmas. So, in response, they began hawking their wares two months early. In reality, the length of the shopping season is fueled by greed. There are only so many shopping dollars to go around and every store chain wants their share. I am tired of this “Christmas creep” and long to return to the days of celebrating each holiday in its season. I am tired of hearing
about mall stampedes and employees getting hurt or killed because of selfish shoppers. I am tired of having Thanksgiving shoved aside and replaced with spending frenzies. It is possible to not just reclaim the day, but the spirit, of Thanksgiving. It is possible to actually stop and count our blessings, giving thanks for what we have as a family and as a nation. We cultivate an attitude of gratitude by taking the focus off our “want list” and focusing instead on God and how He supplies all our needs. This November, step back from the insanity of early bird and night owl sales; take a break from weekend blow-out events. Before you write down your Christmas list, take time to write down all the blessings God has bestowed upon you through-out
the year. Draw aside with your Bible; read the Psalms which are filled with verses of adoration, gratitude and thanksgiving. Yes, there are problems, and we don’t always like or agree with what’s going on in the world, but God is still in control. He continues to bless us with uncountable things we take for granted…fresh air, clean water, food, shelter, family and friends . . . we are indebted to Him for every breath we take. “Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1 ESV.) If enough of us seek to reclaim Thanksgiving, and postpone the frenzy of shopping, advertisers may take notice. If not, don’t be surprised when you start seeing Christmas sales along with Easter clearance.
Keep winter energy bills in check As winter temperatures drop, the potential for higher utility bills goes up. Taking steps ahead of the cold season can help you trim costs and make your home more energy efficient, keeping those utility bills in check even as the winter weather rages. “Many homeowners just assume the winter season means their bills will go up as systems work harder to keep their home regulated,” said Francois Lebrasseur, marketing manager of water products for GE Appliances. “In reality, there are many steps one can take to improve energy efficiency and minimize the added expense that comes with extreme winter temperatures.” According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity costs are on the rise. Before winter weather sets in for your part of the country, take some time to assess your home for potential problem areas and improvements that can help lower your energy costs.
Lighting. Though turning off unneeded lights is a smart strategy any time of year, it’s especially helpful during the winter months when utility expenses can add up. New technology from GE Lighting lets you manage your lights away from home - handy if you’re gone for the day and realize lights were left on. GE Link Connected LED lights can be adjusted using an app on your smartphone. These energy-efficient LED lights also will come in handy if you’re away from home for an extended period or traveling over the holidays, as you can turn specific lights on to give the appearance that someone is home so you can vacation worry-free. If you replace a 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a 12-watt GE Link LED bulb, you would save $132 over the life of the bulb at an electricity rate of $0.11 per kWh. Water heaters. Heat isn’t the only system that gets an extra workout come winter. Cooler house tem-
peratures may require water heaters to work harder, so ensuring you have a model well-suited to your family’s year-round needs is key. In fact, heating water is the second source of energy use in the residential home after space heating and cooling, with standard electric water heaters costing the average homeowner $585 every year to operate. One energy-efficient option is the 50-gallon GE GeoSpring(tm) hybrid electric water heater, which can save the average household $365 every year (using 1514 kWh per year and national average electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh) compared to a 50-gallon standard electric water heater (using 4646 kWh per year), as based on a test comparison. GeoSpring also offers features such as vacation mode, which lowers the water temperature during a trip, then reenergizes itself the day before the homeowner’s return. Thermostat. A programmable thermostat is easy to install and saves energy (and money) by automatically adjusting to pre-de-
termined temperature settings. This allows you to drop the temperature during the day when no one is home, but have a comfortable environment ready when you arrive home from work each day. Depending on the model you choose, you can select numerous settings to adjust your indoor climate for various days to fit your lifestyle patterns. According to ENERGY STAR(r), when used properly, a programmable thermostat can save as much as $150 a year in energy costs. Air leaks. An airtight house is critical to managing your heat-related expenses. You take time to close windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping, but that’s only half the battle. Sealing cracks around those windows and doors, and other leak-prone areas such as the basement and attic, will help keep heat inside and costs down. To protect your wallet with more seasonal energy-efficient savings tips and products, visit www.geappliances.com or www.gelighting.com.
Page 14 | November – December 2014
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Custer, South Dakota
Advertiser Directory by Community
Great Falls & Townsend, Montana...................................................................... 2 Sidney, Montana.................................................................................................... 4 Missoula, Montana................................................................................................ 6 Devil’s Lake & Fargo, North Dakota................................................................... 7 Chamberlain & Faulkton, South Dakota..........................................................10 Dell Rapids & Pierre, South Dakota ................................................................12 Hot Springs, South Dakota................................................................................13 Custer, South Dakota..........................................................................................14 Edgemont, Hot Springs , Spearfish & Rapid City, South Dakota.............................15 Hill City, Spearfish & Belle Fourche, South Dakota........................................16
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:
Always Your Design, Dell Rapids, SD............................................................... 12 Black Hills Visitor Center, Rapid City, SD....................................................... 14 Creative Closet, Townsend, MT.......................................................................... 2 Dakota Quilt Company, Spearfish, SD............................................................. 15 Flip-Side Fabrics, Sidney, MT.............................................................................. 4 Heartsong Quilts, Hot Springs ,SD................................................................... 13 Hill City Mercantile, Hill City, SD..................................................................... 16 Knothole, Spearfish, SD...................................................................................... 16 Little Norge Fest, Rapid City, SD....................................................................... 15 Nuts & Bolts Fabric Shop, Edgemont, SD........................................................ 15 Quilters Corner, Faulkton, SD........................................................................... 10 Quilt Essential, Devils Lake, ND......................................................................... 7 Quilt-Tiques, Rapid City, SD............................................................................. 15 South Dakota Quilter’s Guild, SD..................................................................... 10 The Fiber House, Sheridan, WY.......................................................................... 9 The Quilt Yard, Pierre, SD.................................................................................. 12 The Quilt-A-Way, Great Falls, MT...................................................................... 2 The Quilter’s Nook, Custer, SD.......................................................................... 14 Tri-State Bakery, Belle Fourche, SD.................................................................. 16 Vicki’s Quilts Down Under, Missoula, MT........................................................ 6 Wall Drug, Wall, SD............................................................................................ 15
The Country Register 132 W. Hudson Street Spearfish, SD 57783
November - December 2014 Entry OR visit www.chickencreek.net, 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: n Regular Reader or
n First Time Reader
What stores would like to see in The Country Register? (include town) ____________________________________________________________ Entries received by December 7, 2014, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.
PRIZE WINNER!
PRIZE WINNER!
$25 Gift Certificate Winner Karen Bumann, Lake Preston, SD won a $25 gift certificate to her favorite shop – Hill City Mercantile, Hill City, SD. To enter the next drawing, fill out the form on page 14 or visit www.chickencreek.net.
View the paper online at www.CountryRegister.com/NRGP
November – December 2014 | Page 15
Edgemont, Hot Springs, Spearfish & Rapid City, South Dakota
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Hill City, Spearfish & Belle Fourche, South Dakota
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