Special sections by The Caldwell County news

2013 Holiday Gift Guide A supplement to the Caldwell County News

Inside

- DIY Christmas ideas - Cookies and festive treats - Gift wrapping 101 - Beyond the wish list: things that can help you find the Christmas spirit - Holiday stories and poems - And more merry-making, giftgiving, sanity-saving ideas.

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Rural Living

Gift Guide Index Braymer Delta Chi Holiday Bazaar....................... 3 Mary Lue’s Flower Shoppe .................................. 3 New York Life......................................................... 3 The Hamilton Bank................................................ 4 State Farm.............................................................. 5 Country Cabin........................................................ 5 Bank Northwest..................................................... 6 Angel Wings........................................................... 7 Iron Horse Primitives............................................. 7 Leibrandt Jewelry................................................... 8 Caldwell County Title Company............................ 8 Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories........................ 9 The Penney Mall..................................................... 9 Humphrey Dental Group....................................... 9 The Caldwell County News................................... 10 Lily Anna’s Home & Garden.................................. 11 Pony Express Bank............................................... 11 H & R Block............................................................ 12 Twigs, Rust & Dust................................................ 12 Busy Bee Cafe & Bobcat Den Drive-in................ 13 Foley’s Oil & Service............................................. 13 Sandwich Shop...................................................... 14 Jerry’s Automotive & Hardware........................... 14 Braymer Market..................................................... 15 Buntin Mowing & Landscaping............................ 15

Rural Living

The Tradition

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas—oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it- overspending… the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma—the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church, mostly black. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each

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of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn’t knowledge defeat. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids-all kids-and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the innercity church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition—one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing

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opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn’t end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide- eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. By Nancy W. Gavin The story first appeared in Woman’s Day magazine in 1982 as a contest winner. Unfortunately, Nancy passed away from cancer two years after the story was published. Her family still keeps the tradition started and pass it on to their children.

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Rural Living

No mistakes... a short story by Lisa Parris

A few years back I was working at the Ray County Humane Society as a volunteer. At the shelter we had an unofficial “drop off” season each fall. It was not unusual to come in and find cardboard boxes filled with newborn puppies and kittens, huddled together in an effort to keep warm. Sometimes they made it. Sometimes they didn’t. And sometimes pet owners wouldn’t wait for a litter to be born. They would leave pregnant females tied to the post out front. The shock of it often sent the female into labor- often with disastrous results. In October of 2011, we arrived at work one Sunday to find a terrier mix inside a box that had been secured with duct tape. She had given birth overnight and in her panic had stepped on, sat on, or otherwise mangled most of her pups. We grabbed the box and hauled it to the vet’s office next door. The news was not good. Of the six puppies, only three had made it, and two of those three had sustained multiple bone fractures, bruising, internal bleeding and fluid in their lungs They would need to be bottle fed every few hours for several weeks while they recovered. Even if we could manage to get them fed on a regular basis, the outlook was not good. He doubted they would survive the next few days and recommended “putting them down.” I looked at the tiny pup curled in my hand, and couldn’t do it. If God decided to take them, then I would find a way to live with it, but I was not making that decision. We took the pups back to the shelter and worked out a feeding schedule for our new mascots, Ludwig and Lucky. Progress was slow and more than once I thought they weren’t going to make it, but as the holidays approached I began to feel optimistic about the two of them finding “forever families”. They would always have special needs, and Ludwig

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was permanently blind in one eye and Lucky would never walk right, but they were the most lovable puppies ever born. The week before Christmas we held a special Open House in hopes of convincing those who were thinking of purchasing pets to adopt an animal instead. We had a good turn out and an excellent adoption day, finding homes for almost 1/3 of our animals. But no one even gave Ludwig and Lucky a second glance. Nobody wants a puppy that isn’t perfect. As things drew to a close, a small girl walked in, smiling and giggling at all of the animals. She gazed at a crate full of adorable kittens and asked, “How much does one of these cost?” “Kittens are $75,” I said. Her shoulder’s drooped. “I only have nine dollars. I’ve been saving my money forever. Do you have anything for nine? I wanted to get a present for my sister, maybe a puppy or a kitten…” “I’m afraid not. Adoption is pretty expensive. But so is owning a pet. Most of these animals are here because their owners couldn’t afford to take care of them anymore. Even if you had the money, I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting you take one of our animals home without your parents’ permission.” “Okay,” she said in a small voice. I went back to taking down the tinsel. The little girl wandered toward the back of the commons room. Her eyes were caught by the lone white crate sitting by the back door that housed two small, frail puppies. “Hi doggies,” she said.

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A Guide to Quality Living in Northwest Missouri Rural Living Rural Living The first puppy lifted his head and turned his one good eye on her. The other rose up to greet her and immediately fell over. “Come here, boy” she prompted. The pup struggled to his feet, then drug himself to the front of the crate. “What’s wrong with you? Are you okay?” I noticed her talking to Ludwig and Lucky and approached. “How much are these puppies?” she asked. A series of images flashed through my head: this poor girl trying to play fetch with blind Ludwig or trying to take Lucky for a walk. No. These two needed adult owners who were capable of meeting, and understanding, their special needs. I shook my head. ‘You don’t want one of those two. They were injured when they were born. The one can’t see and the other can’t walk. They wouldn’t make good pets for a little girl.” “But if I wanted to buy them, how much?” she asked. “Sorry, sweetie. They’re not available for adoption. Save your money. Or get your parents to come back with you and get one of those cute kittens you were looking at when you first walked in.” “But my sister would love, love, love these puppies…” she said to my back as I walked away. The little girl turned to the puppies in the crate, “I’ll be right back. I promise.” Thirty minutes later, the front door swung open and the little girl marched in. “I am here to buy those puppies in the back.” “Like I told you, they’re not available for adoption and I wouldn’t feel right about letting you take them without your parent’s permission. Even if you had the money, you wouldn’t want one of those two. They can’t run and play like other puppies --” “That doesn’t matter to me and it won’t matter to my sister,” she interrupted. “And I don’t want one of those puppies. I want them both. My sister will love

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them. I just know she will. Now, how much is it?” The outside bell jingled as a woman open the door and backed into the lobby, gently maneuvering a wheelchair. She blew her hair out of her eyes, spun the chair around and began wheeling towards the back of the commons room. She looked at the little girl and said, “Where are they?” The little girl led them to the lone cage in the corner, “Look, Mom. Aren’t they the cutest puppies ever! Wouldn’t they make the perfect Christmas present for Kara?” I sighed and wandered over to the little girl, her mother and her sister and tried, once again, to explain, “I’m sorry, but these two just wouldn’t make good pets for children. I shouldn’t even have them out on display. It was a mistake. See, the small one, Ludwig, will always be jumpy because he can’t see right and the other one can’t walk, or jump or play…” I paused, looking at the little girls’ wheelchair-bound sister, silenced by the reality that confronted me. “Can I hold one?” she asked. I nodded and took Lucky out of the crate. She stroked the pup’s head and laughed as he eagerly licked her chin. She gingerly lifted his bad leg and said, “I know how you feel.” Then she looked me squarely in the eye and said, “God doesn’t make mistakes.” The little girl tugged on my sleeve. “See? I told you. They’re perfect! Now… how much for both?” I cleared my throat and said, “As fate would have it, we’re having a special sale today. Buy one, get one free.” “So… how much is one?” “Exactly nine dollars.”

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Rural Living

The 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

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This holiday season we’ve enlisted the help of area shopkeepers to put together a guide that highlights some of our favorite places to obtain exceptional items, making it easy to give incredible gifts while giving back to the community by buying local. And if you’re one of the lucky few who have already finished their holiday shopping, hit the sales and grab something nice for yourself. Beauty Shop Girls Give the ladies on your list a stylish gift this holiday season with a certificate for tanning at the Hair Lodge in Hamilton (816) 583-2700, a manicure/pedicure from the Davis Street Salon (816) 583-7895, or a cut, set and style from the Bear Branch Salon (816) 583-4455. Beauty treatments take the guesswork out of gift giving and are always appreciated. For those who don’t mind driving a little farther, Essential Kneads in Chillicothe (660) 646-413, offers Swedish and hot stone massage services, facials, and aromatherapy treatments. Foodies If you have a food lover in your life, gift giving is a piece of cake. Satisfy the sweetest tooth with a single trip to Hamilton’s Cake Junkie. The Cake Junkie offers up a variety of freshly baked cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls and cake pops Tuesday – Friday. Call 816-617-2173 to place an order. Outside of Hamilton, The Country Cabin Bakeshop on Hwy. 36 in Kidder offers a variety of distinctive and delicious ways to celebrate the season, particularly when you’ve got an entire group of family and friends to treat. Call Country Cabin at (816) 284-3556 and forget the hassle. Impress your guests with everything from creamy home style soups and homestyle apple pie to velvety cheesecake with turtle topping. Or you can always throw together a gift basket filled with a selection of local goodies guaranteed to satisfy any food afficionado—fudge from Wholly Cow in Jamesport (660) 605-0575, homemade jam and freshly churned butter from the Jamesport Countryside Bakery, and a bottle of wine from the St. James winery or the Windy Wine Company in Cameron (816) 675-2002. Then fill out the basket with a few pieces of unusual cookware or a vintage cookbook from The Penney Mall (816) 583-7727. Crafters The perfect gift for a creative, crafty or artistic person is more supplies for their preferred art. For example, a person who loves to knit or crochet would probably love to receive a few skeins of handspun yarn, available locally at Sue’s Soft Stuff in Jamesport (660) 684-6205, while a person who loves to sew would enjoy an assortment of unusual fabrics and lace, a sewing class, or a multi-day quilting retreat at the Missouri Star Quilt Co. in Hamilton. Visit http://www. missouriquiltco.com/ for more information. Interior designers/ decorators Whether their style is country or contemporary, rustic or sleek, shops throughout the Caldwell County area offer home decorating gift ideas that are ideal for everyone on your Christmas shopping list. For those who’d like to add a bit of country charm to their current décor, choose hand woven rugs from Green Thumb Seeds at 8514 NW State Route CC in Hamilton or a piece of primitive furniture from the Country Cabin Christmas Shop on Highway 36 just west of Hamilton. The Country Cabin Christmas Shop is a charming store in a quaint rural setting offering an array of furnishings, from rustic to refined,

Rural Living beautiful fashion accessories and an excellent selection of tasteful, elegant gift items for you and yours. If shabby chic is more your thing, take a trip to Iron Horse Primitives in Cameron (816) 724-0235 where they specialize in all things country, vintage, retro and primitive. While they are currently offering a plethora of ornaments, stockings, garlands and lights, Iron Horse’s inventory is constantly changing, making each visit a unique experience. To bring some Ho-Ho home, visit Cameron’s one-stop ornament shop-- Lily Anna’s Home & Garden (816) 632-7473-where they Iron Horse specialize in seasonal decorations and are currently offering visitors hundreds of gift and ornament options. Then walk across the street t o A n g e l Wi n g s flower and gift shop (816) 6325733 and peruse their collection of Lily Anna’s heavenly angle figurines and ornaments. Or make a pass through Twigs Rust and Dust in Hamilton, (816) 5834045, for one-of-a-kind holiday items. Not only does this delightful store offer an assortment of primitive décor, it houses one of the area’s largest collections of snowmen. The Grand River Gallery (816) 583-2727, which sits next Angel Wings

door to Twigs in downtown Hamilton, is a relaxed, country-style gift store that offers local consumers a wide assortment of highly-fragrant candles, gift baskets and picture frames. Auto Buffs Jerry’s Automotive and Hardware in Braymer has the perfect suggestion for the motor head in your life: tools! While this may seem a tad too “sensible” for Christmas, remember-- practical gifts that recipients will actually use are some of the best gifts you can give. The Impossible-to-buy-for person Last, but certainly not least on anyone’s list, the person who seems to have everything or doesn’t seem to like anything a person with a reasonable shopping budget can afford. For these difficult, but loveable, people we suggest the following: A Seiko Melodies in Motion wall clock. Available at Leibrandt’s Jewelry Store in Cameron, (816) 6323382, these sophisticated time pieces feature an eyecatching opening dial that rotates while the clock plays, Swaroviski crystal elements, an assortment of hi-fi classic, popular or Christmas melodies and a light sensor that turns off the music in the dark. Every hour, on the hour, the clock begins to play one of the pre-programmed songs, while it sparkles, shimmers and whirls-- provided there is adequate light in the room. Alternatively, hire a day’s worth of work from A Girl and a Bucket Housekeeping (816) 248-2788 or Buntin Mowing and Landscaping (816) 261-5981. The whole house or yard will get detailed once-over while the recipient kicks back and enjoys the end results without lifting a finger.

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Beyond the wish list: How to find the true spirit of Christmas

As we head into another holiday, we find ourselves confronted by any number of seasonal hazards: ugly sweaters, office parties, Secret Santas, stupid songs, shrinking bank balances, escalating credit card bills, and, the notion that we are always just one new, overpriced gadget away from complete and total happiness. And yet, just below the surface of all of the gifts and the glitz, lies the biggest holiday hazard of all- The Spirit of Christmas. It’s presented each year as some sort of last-minute item on the Christmas to-do list, rather than the entire reason for it. Watch a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. Light a candle. Love thy neighbor. Peace on Earth. Spirit of Christmas? Check. To keep this Christmas from being just another celebration of the season’s best sales, incorporate a few truly festive activities into the holiday. It will keep you

from feeling so frazzled and help you rediscover the true reason for the season. Help those in need If you’re not feeling particularly jolly this holiday, do something nice for someone else. Shovel the driveway for a senior citizen, volunteer at the food pantry, walk dogs at the animal shelter or leave a donation for someone in need. Giving to others, particularly those less fortunate, is the true spirit of Christmas. Helping another person melts away the cynicism and grumpiness created by holiday chaos and opens your heart to the possibility of real love for your fellow man. Sing a song Music causes the brain to produce serotonin (the happiness hormone) which elevates the mood, so as Buddy the Elf likes to say, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Amen, Buddy. But to achieve the maximum effect, it’s best to listen to the classics. The old,

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Rural Living familiar tunes will help to re-establish the warm and fuzzy feelings you had as a child during Christmas. To help get your whole crew in the holiday spirit, try “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, “Mary’s Boy Child” by Boney M, “O Holy Night” by Josh Groban, “Silent Night” by Go Fish or “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra. If you need an entire album’s worth of cheer, you can’t go wrong with “Christmas Portraits” by The Carpenters, “Beyond the Season” by Garth Brooks, “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole, “When my Heart Finds Christmas” by Harry Connick, Jr., or “Home for Christmas” by Amy Grant. Deck the Halls It doesn’t matter if you’re single, married, young or old; nothing says “Christmas is here!” quite like a tree. Even a small Charlie Brown tree brings the lights and sights of Christmas into your home. If a tree is not in the budget, bring the outdoors inside and decorate with pine boughs and pinecones, or throw out a few strings of lights or a couple of felt stockings. It may sound like a stupid waste of time and money, but a few simple embellishments can help create a festive holiday atmosphere that lasts for weeks. Go to Church/ Worship If going to church is not a regular thing in your family, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is the perfect time to give it a go. The sermon almost always includes a heartfelt holiday message, a discussion about why we celebrate the day (the birth of Jesus Christ), and why we give gifts (the Three Wise Men). As

Love is what is in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.

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an added bonus, the pews are likely to be filled with happy faces and many of the hymns will be familiar holiday carols. Drive around town at night During the holiday season, ordinary homes and houses are transformed by the magic of Christmas lights. Be sure to include a tour through downtown and through any area parks as they are often decked out and decorated by shop owners and local community organizations. Go see “A Christmas Carol” For many people, Christmas officially begins with this short story by Charles Dickens. The tale of the miserly Scrooge and the visits of ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future has been a popular holiday fable since it was first published in 1843. Whether it’s live at the theatre or home on the small screen, make time to take in this holiday classic. It is the one Christmas story that always lifts your spirits and never gets old.

Julie Evans

Rural Living

Gift Wrapping 101

We’ve all done it - sat on the floor surrounded by holiday gifts that need wrapping and sometimes it seems like a chore. But with a few tips and tricks you can make every gift, even the oddly shaped ones, look like they were professionally wrapped at the gift counter.

Step 1- Gather your supplies: Scissors, good quality paper, double-sided sticky tape, name tags, and ribbons or bows. Step 2- Remove, or mark through, any price tags on the gift. Step 3- Put the gift in a box- if it isn’t already in one. Secure the lid with tape as this will keep the box from opening during the wrapping process. Step 4- Unroll a piece of wrapping paper on a hard, sturdy surface. Step 5- Place the gift on the wrapping paper and measure how much will be needed. The paper should be 1 ½ times larger than the gift on both sides. Step 6- Use a straight edge, such as a yardstick or a ruler, and a pencil to mark

your cut lines, then cut the paper. Step 7- Turn the gift box over and place it, upside down, in the center of the paper. This way the recipient will see the top of the gift first, rather than the bottom. Step 8- Without folding the paper, pull one edge to the center of the gift and secure it with double sided sticky tape. Now, grab the other side of the paper and pull it towards the center of the gift. Fold any excess paper under forming a smooth crease, rather than a jagged edge. Smooth the paper around the box, pull it tightly, then secure with tape. Step 9- Turn the package and fold the ends of the paper, one side at a time. Begin by pulling the top and bottom edges of the paper towards the center, forming triangle shapes on the sides. Then bring the triangles towards the middle, one at a time, and secure them with tape. Step 10- Add the finishing touches- a ribbon, bow, or ornament. Do not forget to add a name tag. Once the packages are wrapped it can be difficult to remember which gift is which. Don’t let this happen to you! Put down the duct tape, masking tape, bubble gum and glue. There IS a better way...

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My favorite tree My very favorite Christmas tree Was the ugliest one of them all Each ornaments hung on a thin, naked branch And the star caused the whole thing to fall. The trunk was wrapped up in a discarded towel And there were no presents below There was no tinsel and no twinkling lights So we sprayed the whole thing with fake snow. Not the usual Douglas Fir Decked out and dressed to the nines No Frasier, no Balsam, No six-foot Blue Spruce with its perfect symmetrical lines. This lopsided shrub This sad little tree Had a grandeur all of its own Picked up Christmas Eve At the grocery store The year that my Daddy came home.

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Rural Living

Baking basics are a recipe for holiday success

The Caldwell County News P.O. Box 218 Hamilton, MO 64644 Give the gift that keeps on giving! Caldwell County News for your County and school news from Braymer, Breckenridge, Cowgill, Hamilton, Kingston, Mirabile and Polo

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(BPT) - Whether your end-ofyear festivities involve mistletoe and ho-ho-ho, a menorah and dreidel, or a kinara and seven colorful candles, holidays of all cultures seem to have one thing in common: baking. Food is an integral part of many celebrations, and whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or a family get-together, chances are there’s a baked good in attendance. Perhaps you’re thinking of trying your hand at some family recipes you’ve never made before, or want to experiment with favorites from other holiday traditions. Whatever dish you make this holiday season, these baking basics help ensure success: Stock the staples A variety of delectable ingredients is one of the many things to love about holiday baking, but some staples show up in many recipes. Plain white flour is the foundation of many holiday baked goods, so be sure to keep plenty on hand. Baking soda and baking powder are also frequent necessities, as are eggs and sugar (white, powdered and brown). While peppermint may be apropos for Christmas cookies and candies, and cinnamon and cloves impart ethnic flair to Kwanzaa recipes, vanilla is one flavor that appears in nearly every tradition. This year, add Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to your pantry. Your holiday recipes will benefit from the complex and superior vanilla flavor provided by the Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract as it enhances and deepens the other ingredients in your baking. When buying ingredients it is important to remember that quality counts. Higher quality ingredients may be slightly higher in price, but you’ll likely need less of them. Keep these staples on hand in your pantry, and you’ll be ready to tackle any holiday recipe, whether tried-and-true or new and daring. Prep for performance Pre-cooking preparation will help ensure top kitchen performance. Before you dive into a new recipe, sit down at the kitchen table and read it - beginning to end - twice. Make two lists of ingredients; one for items you already have in your well-stocked pantry, and a second for items you’ll need to buy. Check to be sure you have the necessary bakeware. Nothing’s worse than having all your ingredients assembled only to realize you loaned your springform pan to your sister last year and never got it back. Once you have all the ingredients and utensils you need, line them up and get started. Prep pans per the recipe directions, such as greasing cake pans or covering cookie sheets with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to the required temperature. Since this can take 10 minutes or more, depending on the age of your oven, it’s a good idea to start the oven before you begin mixing ingredients. Never attempt to bake in an oven that hasn’t been preheated. Measure dry ingredients first and set them aside, then measure any “wet” ingredients such as oil, shortening, eggs or vanilla extract. Sifting dry ingredients improves the overall texture of baked goods and gets rid of any lumps. Premeasuring helps ensure a smooth, uninterrupted process when it’s time to begin mixing ingredients together. Be sure to add ingredients according to the recipe, rather than dumping everything into the bowl at once. Cool for conclusion One of the most common - and worst - baking mistakes is impatience. Most baked goods require a cooling period before they can be safely removed from

A Guide to Quality Living in Northwest Missouri Rural Living Living Rural the baking pan, tray or sheet. Some recipes may specify the time needed to allow your cookies or cake to cool, while others might simply advise you to wait until the item is cool to the touch. Rushing removal can result in breaking, crumbling, splitting and sticking - the kind of disasters no amount of icing can cover. After removing your holiday goodies from the oven, set them on a rack to cool and go do something else. You’ll be happy you were patient when that fully cooled item slides easily out of the pan. Baking is an exact science - more so than savory cooking that allows room for improvisation. By following the basics, you can be assured of baking success.

Chewy Macadamia Nut Cookies Ingredients: 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract 2 eggs 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Directions: Cream the butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer on a medium speed until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar and cinnamon and mix well. Stir in the macadamia nuts. Chill for two hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat an insulated cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Makes three dozen

#HRISTMAS /PEN (OUSE

Melted Snowman Cookies

Page1111 Page

Ingredients:

1 package Sugar Cookie Mix or sugar cookie dough 10 large marshmallows 1 can cookie/cake icing (white) Decorating Icing Tubes in Black, Red, Green, Blue and Pink Directions: -Mix cookie mix according to directions. Grab a golf ball sized piece of dough, place it on a cookies sheet and press it flat until it’s about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Repeat, then back according to the package directions. -Allow the cookies to cool slightly,

then cover each cookie with a layer of icing. - Spray a microwave-safe plate with cooking spray. Place marshmallows on the plate. Set the microwave for 30 seconds. Cook the marshmallows on High until they being to puff. Remove immediately. Do not let them double in size. - Coat fingers with cooking spray or shortening, then carefully remove the marshmallows from the plate by the base. Set one marshmallow on top of each frosted cookie. - Use colored icing and small candies to decorate any way you’d like.

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Rural Living

Five tips to avoid holiday weight gain

The Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?

-- Dr. Seuss

205 N Main, Braymer, Missouri 64624 660-645-2528

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(BPT) - Who doesn’t love the smell of a warm kitchen during the holidays? They’re designed around food and bringing family, old friends and new friends together. However, holidays can also be a detriment to your healthy lifestyle and cause you to lose your focus through the end of the year. But they don’t have to. “Think of fall as the perfect time to reassess the state of your health and prep for the challenges of the holiday season,” says Alicia Rodriguez, corporate registered dietician at Life Time - The Health Way of Life Company. “When it comes to nutrition and avoiding weight gain, my motto is, keep it simple and easy.” Here are some tips to help you do the same. Bulk up your plate with protein and vegetables The side dishes at most holiday meals are often as good as the turkey or ham, but stuffing and mashed potatoes aren’t the best way to fill your plate. One way to avoidweight gain is to build your plate with protein. This should be easy since holiday dinners revolve around meat. Second, fill your plate with side dishes that include vegetables. You may have a little spot left on your plate - use this space for your “indulgence.” When you look at your plate, the goal is that the majority is still providing you with good nutrients and reduced carbohydrates. Use the “fork” trick Many of us go back for seconds, and even third helpings at holiday meals. This year, focus on asking yourself if you’re enjoying your food. To help you answer this question, use the fork trick. Once you take a bite of food, place your fork down on the plate and let it go. Chew your food, swallow and then pick it up again. The key to this trick is letting go of the fork. This will remind you to slow down, enjoy your food and converse with friends and family. Avoid the clean plate club Growing up, many of us were always told “You can’t leave the table until you finish everything on your plate” and inevitably, we spent many nights sitting alone at the dinner table. These days, Rodriguez advises her clients to eat until they are full and, if their plate is not clean, it’s OK. Focus on one plate of food, slow down and be careful not to overeat. Overfeeding is never really a healthy thing to do. Share your dessert with a loved one After a satisfying meal, it is hard to avoid the sweet smells of pumpkin -or warm apple pie. If you choose not to skip dessert, share a small slice with a loved one or new friend. If you are hosting, designate one family member to bring dessert to limit the endless selection of pies and reduce the urge to over indulge. Make like a turkey and trot out the door Start your holiday with a new tradition this year and gather the family to do something active. Take a walk to a local park, put together a family friendly flag football game, rake the leaves up in the yard (and jump into them) or encourage the family to sign up for a run/walk event such as the Life Time Turkey Day 5K or Commitment Day 2014. Holidays are a time to be thankful for family, friends and everything in between. Savor the moment, really take time to taste your food, get out and have some fun, and avoid the-holiday weight gain.

Christmas waves a magic wand

over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful -- Norman Vincent Peale

Rural Living

How I found the Christmas Spirit By O.M. Gavon

I’m a 45 year old man who has faked it through at least the last dozen Christmases. I wish they were like the OLD Olympics: held every 4 years. Last night, we had a Holiday party/ meeting for the area Avon Representatives. Going out of my way to be a ‘bah-humbug’, I purposely wore black and blue and was the only person not to fit into the sea of red, green and gold sweaters. Part way through the night, my name was drawn and I won a small gift. (I almost called it a ‘stupid, trivial gift, but I’m watching my words because of what happened next.) The prize was an “infinity tea light candle display” – a little rack that houses three candles that look like one of those infinity mirrors. There’s some inspirational message on it about “being the best you can be” and opening your heart up. The woman next to me (no more than 25), was so excited for me because she SO badly wanted one of these items from the Avon catalog, but it just wasn’t in her

budget. With 4 kids, she and her husband are struggling (but not complaining). Earlier in the evening, she mentioned that she was getting gifts for the kids this year, and she had hoped to budget in a new dress for her husband’s holiday party at the plant, but the money wasn’t going to be there this year. She was going to wear the dress she wore last year. I looked at the infinity candle and knew that it wasn’t meant to come home with me. At the end of the evening, I wished her a Merry Christmas and told her that I thought she was being a great mom for putting her kids first. With that, I slipped the candle into her canvas bag and told her I wanted to have a good holiday. Her tears welled up as she thanked me. I got hugged. And my cold ‘bah-humbug’ started to melt away. I floated back to my car in the frozen winter air with a big smile on my face. Even now, a morning later, I feel good about that and how the spirit of Christmas is truly about giving.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS From all of us at the

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Richard Anderson, Owner

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Page 13

Caramel to cranberries: Holiday stainbusting tips keep carpets bright

(BPT) - Whether it’s the ghouls trick-or-treating on Halloween, the gobbles of great food on Thanksgiving, or the gatherings of loved ones over the holiday season, you will likely be hosting an event at your home in the upcoming months. Food and friends make the perfect pairing for celebrations - but that can mean spills and splashes on carpets. There’s no need to panic when you know the tricks the pros use to treat tough holiday carpet stains. From splashes of punch and gravy to smears of caramel and cranberries, the holiday season can leave your carpet looking drab. And many homeowners with good intentions are actually making stains worse by incorrectly treating the spots. This holiday season, try to avoid these common mistakes when treating carpet stains: * Do not over-saturate the stain with cleaning products. This makes the spot larger. * Do not rub the carpet. This can cause damage to the texture of the carpet. * Do not put water on a dry soil. Rather, make sure to vacuum it first. When fighting the inevitable drips and dribbles of entertaining at home, Lichtenstein says there are a few general best practices for treating carpet stains. 1. First, remove as much stain material as possible. If it is dry, vacuum up as much as you can. If it is semi-solid, scrape or scoop it up with a spoon or dull knife. If it is liquid, blot it up. 2. Next, blot the stain with cool water, and then blot dry. 3. Make foam using a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon clear liquid dishwashing soap in a cup of tepid water. Be sure to always test any cleaning agents in an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure there is no adverse reaction with the flooring. If not, apply the foam with a sponge or soft brush to the stained area in a wiping motion going toward the center of the spot. If you start in the center with circular motions, the stain will spread. 4. Finally, blot with cool water, then blot dry. In addition to stains, parties mean more foot traffic in your home. As people come and go during your holidays, you’ll likely notice extra soil on carpets and other flooring. There’s no need to panic that your carpet investment is compromised. Simply vacuum regularly with a quality vacuum that has received the CRI Seal of Approval, which means it’s been tested thoroughly for soil removal,-soil containment and the ability to maintain the texture and appearance of carpet. Frequent vacuuming is also a great way to keep the air in your home clean, especially during the long months of winter when we spend most of our time indoors. A high efficiency vacuum removes 80 percent or more of the soil in a carpet - making carpet a good option even for allergy sufferers.

Foley’s Oil & Service Braymer 660-645-2166 Tim & Tabitha

Page 14

Rural Living

Handmade Christmas ornaments anyone can make Give your Christmas tree a homespun touch with these fun and easy ornament ideas. Frames and Molds Tuck scraps of leftover wrapping paper inside miniature picture frames, then tie them to a tree branch with a piece of curling ribbon, twine or colorful yarn. Alternatively, frame pieces of fabric in old embroider hoops to create homemade ornaments with a classic look. Or vintage baking molds can add a sweet touch to the tree. Just glue ribbon loops to their backs and hang. Plain glass ornaments Fill empty ornaments with wood chips, lavender , tiny pine cones , moss , feathers, sand , butterflies , tiny shells , beads, glitter, sprigs of rosemary, fake snow… or paint them to create an assortment of one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments. Pinecones Gather a few handfuls of pinecones, allow them to dry, then cover them with a coat of spray paint or glitter and glue pieces of red ribbon to the end and hang them on the tree. Fill in empty spaces with eye-catching bows made from pieces of ribbon. Edible Ornaments From popcorn strings to candy canes, holiday goodies can make excellent

holiday ornaments. To make your own cutout cookie decorations, buy ready-made sugar cookie dough — it’s sturdier than homemade. Knead in 2/3 cup flour until the dough is smooth. This will increase dough’s density, making it suitable for ornaments. Roll dough. Cut into the desired shapes. Make holes for hanging. Chill and bake per manufacturer’s instructions. Outdoor ornaments Decorate outdoor trees with ornaments made to attract blue jays and finches all winter long. Begin placing grease, metal cookie cutters on top of two layers of aluminum foil. Wrap the foil up to cover the sides of the cookie cutter. Then, for each ornament, melt 1 cup of coconut oil in a medium pan. Stir in ¼ cup chopped nuts and ¼ cup birdseed. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. While the seed mix is cooling, place one end of a six-inch piece of string or twine near the top of the cookie cutter as this will allow you to hang the ornament once the seed mixture cools and hardens. Pour the seed mixture into the cutter until it almost reached the top. Let harden at room temperature. Once the mixture has set, move the cutters into the freezer. Leave for one hour. Pop the ornament out of the cookie cutter and hang outdoors.

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Legend Of The Candy Cane

Along with candles, wreaths, stars, bells and mistletoes, another ubiquitous decorative item for Christmas, which is also a favorite with children, is the candy cane. And like all other facets of Christmas, this J-shaped, red and white candy also has an interesting story, legend if you may call it, behind it. As so, the origin and symbolism of candy cane is steeped in myth. The Legend It is widely believed that the candy, which earlier was straight as a stick, was given its distinctive J-shape by a German choirmaster. It is said that during service one evening, the children were being very loud and noisy, creating quite a ruckus and not paying any attention to the choirmaster. To keep them quiet and still for the nativity ceremony, he gave them a long, white, sugar candy stick. Since giving chocolates and candies at church was considered sacrilegious, he bent these sticks at one end to make them look like a shepherd’s cane and thus, attached a religious significance to them. In Christianity, Jesus is regarded as the Good Shepherd and so, the staff is considered to be a sacred symbol. The Staff also represents the shepherds who came to visit the infant Jesus. Symbolism Traditionally, the only symbolism that was associated with the candy was that of the shepherd’s staff. But now, there is a modern allegorical interpretation of the candy cane. It is said that since the candy cane, when inverted, becomes J-shaped, it is a direct representation of Jesus Christ. The white color of the candy denotes the purity of Christ while the stripes represent His sacrifice and the whipping he received at the hands of the Romans, the color red symbolizing his blood. It is believed that even the peppermint flavor of the candy is so because it is similar to hyssop which, according to the Old Testament, symbolizes purification and sacrifice.

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Rural Living

Page 15

‘Tis the season to entertain: A simple guide to artisanal wine and cheese pairings (BPT) - Planning a get together with close friends or family this holiday season and fretting over what to serve? Regardless of theme or guest list, a delicious artisanal cheese and wine platter is a great way to start off any gathering. By following these simple guidelines, creating the perfect pairings can be one of the simplest things on your to-do list this holiday season. Step 1: Vary your cheese choices Lindsey Jessup, cheese and wine pairing expert and wine ambassador for Bridlewood Estate Winery, suggests that balancing a variety of flavors is a good place to start. The key is creating a diverse platter that offers something for all your guests to enjoy. “Contrast your tastes and textures by offering a number of different cheeses,” suggests Jessup. “By balancing the different flavors, you’ll have a dynamic and complete holiday cheese plate that can be the perfect complement to your wine selections.” Jessup recommends a selection of four cheeses to build a crowd-pleasing and winefriendly cheese plate: an aged, hard-rind cheese, a soft-ripened cheese, a blue cheese and a mild cow’s milk cheese. Step 2: Select your wine Along with a variety of cheeses, consider the range of wine options to offer your guests. A good rule of thumb is to have at least two red options and two white options to match the versatility of your cheese selections. If you are offering artisanal cheeses, balance them with handcrafted wines. Step 3: Begin pairing Personal preference plays a large role in all wine pairings. In general, Jessup recommends some general guidelines when pairing artisanal cheeses and wine: * Mild and hard cheeses match a wider range of wines than soft, ripe or mature cheeses. * White wine may pair more easily with a wider range of cheeses.

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* More tannic red wines pair better with harder cheeses. Step 4: Set up the display Now that you have the cheese and the wine, don’t forget the presentation. First and foremost, it is important to serve your cheese at room temperature to maximize flavor profiles. Be sure to take the cheeses out of the refrigerator at least one to two hours before guests arrive. When considering layout, place cheeses from mild to strongest and accent them with colorful fresh and dried fruit, artisanal breads, and nuts. When displaying the cheese, pre-cut some while leaving larger pieces for a backdrop and have a dedicated knife for each option. Once your cheese is laid out, place your selected wine pairing next to each cheese option along with enough stemware for guests. Keep the white wine on ice so that it’s appropriately chilled throughout the evening. Whether you are planning a large party or a more intimate gathering, creating a simple and elegant artisanal cheese and wine platter is a delicious way to create a memorable and enjoyable experience this holiday season.

Local Spotlight: MARY LUE TUCK Owner, Mary Lue’s Flower Shoppe LOCATED AT: 118 Main St Braymer, MO (660) 645-2802

Mary Lue will be celebrating her 40th year as a full service florist and gift shop in 2014. She is hosting an Open House on Nov. 2930 and a Holiday Sneak Preview on Sat. Nov. 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Top Gifts for 2013 available at Mary Lue’s Flower Shoppe - Wind and Willow mixes - Christmas centerpieces - Poinsettias- Norfolk pines - Hallmark cards - Deco Mesh Wreaths and Garlands

Buntin Mowing & Landscaping 400 S. Hughes St. Hamilton, MO 64644

816-261-5981

“Bright ideas for your lawn care needs!”

Page 16

Rural Living

Penney High School

November 27, 2013

Football

Trey Lund attempts the extra point while Korby Ford holds.

Keithan Litton, TC East, Trevor Elliott, and Shawn Cook bring the Tiger ballcarrier down.

The offensive line.

Kellen Overstreet on the move.

The Hamilton Football teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run for another State Championship was turned upside Jaren Richman looking for a receiver. down when they lost the state semi-final game to Marceline 42-22.

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 2

How They Got Here… Westran - 56

District 5

Westran - 9

South Shelby - 7

Marceline - 42

Milan - 0 District 6 Marceline - 26 Wellington - 21 District 7

Marceline - 13

West Platte - 46

West Platte - 55 Penney - 22

Penney - 40 District 8 East Buchanan - 34

Penney - 61

Craig Richardson battles on the line.

Ian Orr bringing down a Tiger.

Dana Kavanaugh encourages the Hornets

Kellen Overstreet goes up for the ball.

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Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 3

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 4

Craig Richardson helps Trey Lund on a tackle.

Telly Harper on a reception

Congratulations On A Great Season!!

Hornets are set to drive

Trey Lund on the kick off

DR. BOB & PEGGY ADAMS

Ian Orr comes to the aid of Keithan Litton

Hamilton

First Baptist Church Pastor Doug Crabb www.hamiltonfbc.org

816-583-4435

Dental Ofﬁce Hamilton, MO (816) 583-2750

Congratulations on a Great Season! ADKISON BARBER SHOP Andrew Adkison 110 N. Davis Hamilton, MO Open

Tuesday-Friday • 8-4:30 Saturday • 8-Noon

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Traditional Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11:15 a.m.

Let us cater your next party! Mr. Bill’s B.S. & BBQ 816-583-4807

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Congratulations Penney Hornets On A Smokin’ Hot Season!

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Call Chris for a New Tire Quote 6 to 8 PM

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24 Hour ATM’s at all 3 locations Seven day a week ATMs located at Hy-Klas in Plattsburg & Lathrop, Twin Creeks, Kingston and Kidder Kurve, Kidder Lathrop, MO, 214 N. St. 816-528-4200 Breckenridge, MO, 190 S. 7th St. 660-644-5815

Gongratulations on a Great Season!

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 5

TC East heads to the end zone. Kellen Overstreet fighting through the defense.

Telly Harper shows some emotion after his reception

The pass gets by Kellen Overstreet and two Marceline players.

Kellen Overstreet gives God the glory for his TD

Keithan Litton making the tackle

TWIGS, RUST AND DUST 108 N. Davis, Hamilton, MO. 64644 (816) 583-4045 SHOP • (816) 583-4800 HOME

Good Luck Congratulations Hamilton Hornets Penny Hornets

FULL LINE FLORIST WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. WE SPECIALIZE IN PRIMITIVES! SHELVES, SIGNS, FURNITURE, CANDLES, AND MANY ONE OF A KIND ITEMS!

Congratulations on a Great Season! JIM AND TRACI FLINN, Owners

Dr. Terry Ross, D.C. Family Chiropractic Physician

Ofﬁce Hours: Mon. Wed. & Thurs. 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Tues. 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. 2:30 - 6:00 p.m. The Human Body Shop Limp In, Leap Out & the entertainment is FREE! Phone: 816-583-4306 205 W. Berry Cell: 816-261-8793 Hamilton, MO 64644

Keithan Litton wrestles the Marceline player to the ground.

Hamilton United Methodist Church 104 West Samuel - PO Box 396 Hamilton, MO 64644

Worship 8:30 am & 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 am

Congratulations! On a Great Season! 816-583-2325 umc007@centurytel.net umchamilton.net

Scott Beard, Pastor

We support the Hornets!

Richard & Shari Lee

Congratulations Son Good Luck at State We’re Proud of You Kellen #29 -

Mom, Dad & Rauni

Congrats Trey & the Penney Hornets on an awesome season!

Darrin & Heather Lund

Way to go #12 Love Mom & Conner

PENNEY MALL

Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage Ereline & Larry McCord, Owners Downtown Davis Street PO Box 214 Hamilton, MO 64644

816-583-7727 816-632-0788 Cell

See Us On Facebook!

Congratulations & a Great Season!

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 6

Keithan Litton punts the ball away as Kellen Overstreet blocks the defender.

Kellen Overstreet bowls through the Tiger defenders on this play.

Keithan Litton dives forward for a few more yards while getting blocking from teammates Skyler Dorrel and Trevor Elliott.

Keithan Litton goes after the ballcarrier.

Fan Club - blankets, hoodies, gloves and scarves were the order of the day to support the Hornets.

Go Hornets!

Housman Construction

Dayrel & Chris Adkison

Darren & Courtney

Coach Smith talks with Trevor Elliott after the game

Hornet Automotive Auto Repair and Detail

711 W. Berry Hamilton, MO 64644

Congrats!

816-583-2880

Brad Edwards Owner

Dewayne Reeder

Mechanic

Hornetauto1@hotmail.com

Julie & Roger Hill

Anderson Brothers HEATING & COOLING Hamilton, MO

816-632-7807

“Great Season Big Blue”

Rick, Cindy & Tucker Ross

Yetter Pest Control “Yetter is Better”

816-632-6766 Craig Grifﬁn, Certiﬁed Applicator Jan Englert, Associate Congratulations Hornets!

Owners John & Ann Anderson Chris & Tina Anderson

Don’t forget to be a facebook fan!

Shawn Brown cheers for the Hornets

Hair, Manis, Pedis & Spray Tan Services

JenniSutton Easton Jenni owner/stylist Christal Hicks, Stylist

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Way To Go Hornets!!

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816-583-7895

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 7

Waiting To Go In. Haley Siders, Rebecca Daul and Madison Spoor Kellen Overstreet tries to sidestep this defender.

The Hornet Cheerleaders gets the crowd fired up. Despite the cold weather, they kept the spirit hot.

Jordan Pickrell gets his hands on a Marceline runner as Craig Richardson and Trevor Elliott collapse on the play.

Craig Richardson knows the dream is over for this year. Richardson will be back next year to play for the Hornets. Robbie Moore

Aaron Rodgers got his. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Aaron How about How about you? Rodgers you? Rodgers

Band members traveled to the game but due to sub freezing temps were unable to use their instruments.

got his.

Great Season Team!

got his. got his. Aaron Rodgers gotHow his. about How about How about you? you? you?

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We’re Proud Of You!

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City of Hamilton

Mickie, Rick & Chance Cummings

Sharmin & Lucas Dolan, Shelby, Jake & Jarrett Kruse

Locally, family-owned funeral home in Caldwell County

208 E School St • Hamilton, MO

(816) 583-4423

Congratulations To The Penney Football Team! Gary & Pat Brown and Todd & Dana Brown

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 8

Busy Day For The Band

The Hamilton Marching Hornets were busy last Saturday as they traveled to Chillicothe and Cameron for their Christmas Parades then to Maceline to support the Hornet Football Team but due to sub freezing temps were unable to use their instruments.. Members of the band include: Bailey Brown, Quinn Brown, Maddie Cavender, Kelly Christensen, Braxsten Cook, Kevin Cooley, Emma Crabb, Ethan Crabb, Jaylynn Donaldson, Mariah Dorrel, Skyler Dorrel, Elizabeth Dunnington, Mckenzie Durbin, Alex Durfee, Noah Earnheart, Jasmine Forgey, Marisa Forgey, Jacob Graham, Nick Hartley, Reed Henderson, Alison Hildebrand, Shayna Kinzler, Keithan Litton, Tessa Lund, Makayla McGrew, Meghan McIntosh, Jude Moore, Robbie Moore, Jackson Morlan, Raven Rhoads, Kenna Schmidt, Mckenzie Wilson, Stephen Yates, Lora Youtsey, Kayla Belshe, Jeremy Dobbins, Isaac Earnheart, Latroy Harper, Caitlin Hoak, Kenneth Morgan, Haley Neill, Kenny Pulley, Josh Westover, Shayla Williams, Tori Youtsey

It’s a Hornet Touch Down!!

Jordan Pickrell blocks for Kellen Overstreet

Coach Dave Fairchild talks strategy during a time-out early in the game Way To Go!!

Carrie Miller Caldwell Co. Circuit Clerk

Gabe and the rest of the Hornets. Very Proud of You

Chris and Tracy Bowen

Thanks! Kelly, Jessica, Danica & Jasper Green

Dean &

Dixie Hales

Caldwell County Mutual Ins. Co.

Call Today to Congratulations on another winning season. purchase photos from this Special So proud of you! Section plus many more, 4x6 to 24x36 & Banners!!

Hamilton Federated Church Pastor Lavon Winkler Dana Kavanaugh, Secretary Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m.

Photos by Teresa 660-626-7973

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

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MATT GRANT Multiline Agent

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C & N SALES

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Jim and Marlene Mogg

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Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 2

Ian Orr bringing down a Tiger.

Craig Richardson battles on the line.

Kellen Overstreet goes up for the ball.

100 N Ardinger • Hamilton, MO Shawn Brown cheers for the Hornets

Congratulations Hornets!

Coach Smith talks with Trevor Elliott after the game

Good Job Hornets!

AVCO Construction Co. 303 S. Davis, Hamilton 583-7460

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Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 4

Craig Richardson helps Trey Lund on a tackle.

Telly Harper on a reception

Congratulations On A Great Season!!

Hornets are set to drive

Trey Lund on the kick off

DR. BOB & PEGGY ADAMS

Ian Orr comes to the aid of Keithan Litton

Hamilton

First Baptist Church Pastor Doug Crabb www.hamiltonfbc.org

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Congratulations on a Great Season! ADKISON BARBER SHOP Andrew Adkison 110 N. Davis Hamilton, MO Open

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Traditional Service 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11:15 a.m.

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www.hamiltonbank.net 111 N. Davis St., Hamilton, MO 816-583-2143

Gongratulations on a Great Season!

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 5

TC East heads to the end zone. Kellen Overstreet fighting through the defense.

Telly Harper shows some emotion after his reception

The pass gets by Kellen Overstreet and two Marceline players.

Kellen Overstreet gives God the glory for his TD

Keithan Litton making the tackle

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Congratulations on a Great Season! JIM AND TRACI FLINN, Owners

Dr. Terry Ross, D.C. Family Chiropractic Physician

Keithan Litton wrestles the Marceline player to the ground.

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Worship 8:30 am & 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 am

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Scott Beard, Pastor

We support the Hornets!

Richard & Shari Lee

Congratulations Son Good Luck at State We’re Proud of You Kellen #29 -

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Way to go #12 Love Mom & Conner

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Congratulations & a Great Season!

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 6

Keithan Litton punts the ball away as Kellen Overstreet blocks the defender.

Kellen Overstreet bowls through the Tiger defenders on this play.

Keithan Litton dives forward for a few more yards while getting blocking from teammates Skyler Dorrel and Trevor Elliott.

Keithan Litton goes after the ballcarrier. 24 hour TOWING SERVICE

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Jeff & Theresa Dalton Phone: 816-583-2177 Congratulations Hornets!!

Hornet Automotive Auto Repair and Detail

711 W. Berry Hamilton, MO 64644

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Owners John & Ann Anderson Chris & Tina Anderson

Don’t forget to be a facebook fan!

HAMILTON HOME CENTER

Cody Walker Dennis Walker

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Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 7

Waiting To Go In. Haley Siders, Rebecca Daul and Madison Spoor Kellen Overstreet tries to sidestep this defender.

The Hornet Cheerleaders gets the crowd fired up. Despite the cold weather, they kept the spirit hot.

Jordan Pickrell gets his hands on a Marceline runner as Craig Richardson and Trevor Elliott collapse on the play.

Craig Richardson knows the dream is over for this year. Richardson will be back next year to play for the Hornets. Robbie Moore

Aaron Rodgers got his. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Aaron How about How about you? Rodgers you? Rodgers

Band members traveled to the game but due to sub freezing temps were unable to use their instruments.

got his.

Great Season Team!

got his. got his. Aaron Rodgers gotHow his. about How about How about you? you? you?

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We’re Proud Of You!

We're Proud of you! Love Mom, Dad, Jordan, Jalen, Jessie & Addy

City of Hamilton

Mickie, Rick & Chance Cummings

Sharmin & Lucas Dolan, Shelby, Jake & Jarrett Kruse

Locally, family-owned funeral home in Caldwell County

208 E School St • Hamilton, MO

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Congratulations To The Penney Football Team! Gary & Pat Brown and Todd & Dana Brown

Hornet Football

The Caldwell County News November 27, 2013 - Page 8

Busy Day For The Band

It’s a Hornet Touch Down!!

Jordan Pickrell blocks for Kellen Overstreet

Congratulations Hornet Football

Coach Dave Fairchild talks strategy during a time-out early in the game Way To Go!!

Carrie Miller Caldwell Co. Circuit Clerk

Great Season Hornets!

Kelly, Jessica, Danica & Jasper Green

Gabe and the rest of the Hornets. Very Proud of You

Chris and Tracy Bowen Dean &

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Caldwell County Mutual Ins. Co.

Steve & June Grooms Brandon, Meagan, Ledger & Aselyn Brooke, Andrew & Chase

Hamilton Federated Church Pastor Lavon Winkler Dana Kavanaugh, Secretary Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m.

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C & N SALES

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816-583-7713 660-334-0411

Ru ra l Li v i ng Fall 2013 A supplement to The Caldwell County News

Inside

- Weaving the Past into the Present: an inter view with a local craftsman - Fall checklist for home and garden - Beginners guide to ghost hunting - Fall food favorites - Planning the perfect Halloween And much more!

Page 2

Fall 2013

Ghost Hunting 101: A beginner’s guide to paranormal investigation with caution. Ghost hunting is not a parlor game or fun party activity. Be objective. Be open minded. But above all, be safe. Step 1- Choose a location Start with whatever seems easy and comfortable to you. Explore safe, allegedly haunted locations close to home. Cemeteries are generally a good starting point as are old houses, hospitals, schools, churches and battle sites. Make sure you have permission to investigate, if necessary. Private property is off limits without permission, even if “everyone goes there.” Step 2- Assemble your equipment Gather a camera (digital or film) and extra batteries, a tape recorder, a video recorder, a flashlight with extra batteries, a notebook and pencil or pen, a cell phone and a first aid kitbumping around in the dark can lead to unexpected bumps, scratches and scrapes. Step 3- Gather your crew Never go ghost hunting alone. Always take at least one person with

Do ghostly spirits linger in the darkness waiting to remind the world that they have unfinished business to conduct, or are they simply figments of wild imaginations and long-held superstitions? Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, ghost hunting can be a fun, fascinating experience that blends hard science with spirituality. Ghost hunting is the process of investigating places that are said to be haunted. While “haunting” can occur virtually anywhere, popular folklore tells us that haunted sites tend to be places in which some human drama or tragedy has occurred, or where the remains of the deceased are kept. Typically, a ghost hunting party of three to five people will enter a site and record any observable data using equipment such as voice recorders, video cameras, digital cameras and digital thermometers. While advances in technology have made it easier for amateurs to try their hand at ghost hunting, both believers and non-believers should approach investigation of the paranormal with respect and

you, two is better. Step 4- Arrive early Plan to arrive at your designated site at least twenty minutes before sunset. Do not begin snapping pictures right away. Take a few minutes to observe the surroundings. As night falls, you’ll be more comfortable with the setting and you’ll be more likely to notice any anomalies or changes in the immediate environment. In addition, it gives any ghosts that might be present a chance to get used to you. Step 5- Document the experience Record the start time of the investigation, the local weather conditions and make note of the surrounding light. As the evening progresses, write down any significant observations or occurrences. Step 6- Start a dialogue Clear your mind and think of positive, happy thoughts. It has been said that ghosts can sense fear, therefore a benevolent spirit will not make itself known if it senses you are afraid, as it wouldn’t want to scare you. Once you have reached a positive state of

mind, say something friendly such as, “My name is ________. I mean you no harm. I only want to take a few pictures of you, any of you. We won’t stay long and we won’t damage anything. Thank you so much for your help!” Step 7- Take lots of pictures Digital cameras allow ghost hunters to point and shoot to their hearts content. To increase the odds of “catching” something, take pictures of background images such as people, trees, tombstones or buildings. This not only adds to the overall quality of the photo, it makes anomalies such as orbs, mists and fogs easier to see. Most spiritual energy appears two to ten feet above the ground, so aim accordingly. As you prepare to leave, turn and say, “We’re leaving now, but just in case I missed anyone I’m going to take a few more pictures of this (tombstone, statue, monument, etc.) Would one of you mind posing for me in these last few photos? Take the pictures, then thank any spirits who may be present for putting up with you.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK THE HAMILTON BANK

The Hamilton Bank, a locally owned 4th generation community bank has been serving the Hamilton area since 1938. We offer individual customer service and provide solutions to all your banking needs. We know you will appreciate our brand of banking.....independent ownership, local decision making and community commitment. These are just some of our products we have to offer: Car Loans, Personal Loans, Farm Operating Loans, Loans for Livestock & Equipment purchases. Real Estate Loans, Individual Retirement Accounts, Free Checking Accounts, Certificates of Deposit. Drop by and talk to our experienced staff about your financial needs. We can start you on your way to financial success. Visit us online at www.hamiltonbank.net

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Page 3

Fall 2013

Tips and tricks for planning the perfect Halloween (BPT) - Planning the perfect Halloween can be pretty spooky, and it’s not just because of the ghosts and ghouls that run from door to door. Coordinating Halloween activities, planning a festive party and pulling off the perfect costume for each family member can be frightening. But with a few technology tricks, you’ll be rewarded with a lot of treats and plenty of fun to make this holiday one to remember. Eerie e-vites set the tone for parties Planning a Halloween party? Email invites are perfectly acceptable for a casual soiree. Send out e-vites a few weeks ahead of time to give friends and family plenty of notice. Be sure to mention that costumes are encouraged, and list any other important details, like if the party is potluck style. The best part of email invites is you’ll receive RSVPs electronically, so you can track responses and get the perfect amount of party supplies for all attendees. And if you have an Outlook.com email account, you can flag RSVPs to the top of your inbox for easy reference, and instantly chat with friends on Facebook, Skype or Gmail to firm up last minute details, right from your inbox. Scary inbox? Organize email easily If your inbox is a scary sight, it’s time

to tap your magic wand for an organization transformation. With Outlook. com, it’s easy to sort through hundreds of messages in a few clicks. You can use the “sweep” feature to get rid of outdated emails you don’t need, like all those costume coupon deals that have expired. Frightful or friendly, find the perfect costume Whether young or old, Halloween is a time to let imaginations run wild and play pretend for the day. Finding the perfect costume for each member of

the family can be a difficult and costly process. Track sales from your favorite Halloween supply stores and subscribe to email newsletters to get the latest alerts on costume trends and discounts. After Halloween is over, you can use Outlook.com’s one-click unsubscribe to get off all those emails lists with little effort. Access the perfect trick-or-treat schedule Hit the candy motherload and have fun with all the neighborhood kids and parents by plotting your trick-ortreat schedule ahead of time. Upload it to SkyDrive and everyone can ac-

Halloween costumes

MARK A. HILL

MARK HILL AGENCY, INC. 601 SOUTH DAVIS HAMILTON, MO 64644.0235 Office: Cell: E-mail:

cess it while en route on any device. Then, all you have to do is get your flashlights, candy bags and giggles ready. Share boo-tiful photos from the day’s festivities Whether you love your smartphone or are a diehard digital camera guru, there are bound to be plenty of fun photos the group needs to exchange. Use Outlook.com and SkyDrive together to share all your Halloween snaps in one mail - the file size doesn’t matter - and they will arrive in slideshow format! There’s no limit to the number of photos you can share and, since they’re all stored on SkyDrive, you can access them on any device anywhere, anytime. Share with Grandma and Grandpa, or gather the kids and relive the Halloween fun over and over again.

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A Ghoul and a Goblin And a ghost in a sheet Meet one another Out there in the street. Now here comes a witch Riding her broom Here comes a bride And with her a groom. Oh! Look at the pumpkin, So round and so fat. And a star studded cowboy With a hole in his hat. Here comes a Hobo And a fierce leopard too! Aw, look there’s Eeyore With Winnie the Pooh! Now here comes a Zombie, With the Wizard of Oz. And here comes Pinocchio Just look at that schnoz! As the sky starts to lighten They all disappear And turn back into children For another whole year.

Fall 2013

Page 4

Fall is the best time for planting Whether you are a beginning or seasoned farmer, a couple just starting out...

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Spring may be the busiest gardening season, but fall is actually the ideal time for planting cool-season plants, trees, perennials and vegetables. Prior to spring planting, farmers and gardeners must wait until the soil has thawed and warmed enough to plant. Even after spring planting, seedlings may never appear and there is a danger that seedlings that have emerged may not survive as there may still be days in early spring that winter temperatures or even snow return. In the fall, the soil is already warm. Roots grow more rapidly under these conditions. This makes for ideal planting of fall seeds, fall ornamental grasses, plants, flowers and vegetables, and bulbs, such as tulips, that bloom the following spring. While many vegetables thrive when planted in spring and summer, there is the opportunity to have your own freshly grown great fall produce. In most areas of the United States, fall planting can include certain varieties of leaf lettuce and greens. In more northerly zones, carrots, greens, or turnips can also be planted. Some vegetables planted in fall can last well into early winter weather, such as mustard, turnip or turnip greens. Since roots grow best when the soil is already warm that is one of the primary reasons that fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. According to guides printed by the Cooperative Extension office, early fall planting is best for container-grown and balled and burlapped shade and ornamental trees and pines. Consider the site where you will plant the tree or shrub carefully. Make sure the site you choose will accom-

modate the full-grown tree or shrub, and be sure to plant the tree or shrub at proper depth and where soil drainage is ideal. While most people plant spring and summer grasses, there are colorful and unique ornamental grasses that will not only grow in fall, but are best planted when temperatures begin to cool. Grasses require minimal care in fall since there is less competition from weeds. Besides being low maintenance, ornamental grasses provide a nice sound as the wind rustles among the grasses; provide an excellent means of restoring an area of poor soil, provides seeds for birds, and are easy to propagate. Some ornamental grasses grow to a maximum of four to six feet, while some, such as Pampas grasses, can grow as tall as twelve feet. Colors of ornamental grasses range from white to blue to vibrant oranges in the fall. Karl Foerster or Feather reed grass can grow in colder areas very well making it an ideal ornamental grass for the Midwest. Fall mums are one of the easiest and most enjoyable flowers of the fall. They can be planted from seed or purchased at the local nursery, big box store and even many grocery stores. Fall is also the time when you plant bulbs that will grow next spring. Follow package instructions carefully to ensure the best growth of the root system which will result in beautiful flowers grown from your bulbs planted this fall. For more information and guidance on the best trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and flowers that thrive in your area during the fall, consult your favorite garden center.

Fall 2013

Page 5

Autumn offers beer drinkers a wealth of options Fall and winter are great times for beer lovers as there are a lot of seasonal beers out there, from traditional seasonal options to innovative new recipes from some of the nation’s most respected craft brewers. What’s on tap? Here are a few of the different autumn beer types that you’ll find out there. Pumpkin Ale Pumpkin ales span a very wide range of flavors and characters, from polished well-balanced beers that have only a hint of pumpkin to those that positively reek of pumpkin pie and go down like a bottle of syrup but, hey, to each his own. Pumpkin brews can be found in several styles, but they generally have less hops added to the mix and feature a range of different spices to kick up the flavor, including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom and more. Harvest Ale Harvest ales are somewhat similar to pumpkin ales in that they have a more sweetness and a higher ABV than those brewed for summertime refreshment. Harvest ales often feature brown sugar, molasses, fruity characteristics (think apple) and other differences from standard ales. They are also often highly hopped and feature strong malt flavors (some craft brewers use four types of malt in their brewing). Fruit flavors other

than apple include raisins and figs. They are also often darker beers than their spring and summertime brethren. Black barley features heavily here, and hops use is usually a bit less than during the rest of the year. You will also find a very wide range of other ingredients used here – honey, herbs, spices and brown sugar are just the tip of the iceberg in this regard. Quite a few craft brewers use their winter Spiced Ale Spiced ale starts rolling out in October or November (depending on the brewery and your geographic location) and is available through January. It is usually a brown or amber ale with plenty of body to it, and brewers can add a range of different spices to improve character and flavor. You’ll find that ginger features heavily as a spice in these beers, as does cinnamon. Other spices include allspice, cloves, oranges (both sweet and bitter), nutmeg, molasses and honey. It is often similar to Christmas ale, though the ratio of ingredients can differ significantly between the two brews. Whether you prefer to hoist a pint of hard cider or enjoy a mug of spiced ale, fall and winter have some truly incredible options to tempt your palate. A quick perusal down at your local grocery or specialty store should yield up some interesting options.

Internet

Fall 2013 Home & Garden checklist

This handy guide can help you prepare your home and garden for winter. LAWN & GARDEN: Pull up annuals. - Cover roses, perennial beds and strawberry plants with 4 to 6 inches of organic mulch to help the roots survive the winter. - Remove unsightly foliage, fallen leaves, dead branches and stems, faded blooms and other plant debris. Add leaves and grass clippings to the compost pile. - Repair any bare or damaged areas in the lawn. - Trim trees near house and roof to

prevent damage to roof and siding. - Disconnect, drain, roll and store garden hoses for next season. - Clean, sharpen and oil garden tools, the put all summer tools and patio furniture into storage for the winter. THE HOUSE: - Clean the gutters and flush the downspouts to prevent drainage problems. - Clean the roof and replace missing or damaged shingles. - Cover any exposed water pipes with insulation or heat tape. - Check smoke detectors and replace the batteries, if necessary. - Have the main heating system serviced prior to turning it on.

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Fall 2013

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7 ways an apple a day can help keep the doctor away Apples are one of America’s favorite foods. Not only are they tasty, they are filled with antioxidants— compounds that scientists believe help prevent and repair damage to cells throughout the body. In addition, apples help improve health in the following ways: - Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria. - Drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study that were fed an apple-enhanced diet showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet. - Eating apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. -Enjoy at least one apple a day and you are 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. - Increase your soluble fiber intake to slow the growth of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

- To manage your weight and improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fruits, such as apples, and fresh vegetables. These high fiber foods fill you up without weighing you down with fats and calories. - According to Livestrong.com apples may also play a role in preventing wrinkles and promoting hair growth.

With all of these benefits, it’s easy to find a reason to work a few more apples into your diet. You can just grab one and go or try some of these easy tweaks to incorporate them into the foods you already eat. Breakfast For a delicious and nutritious breakfast, grate an apple into pancake batter and mix in some cinnamon for delicious, sweet tasting pancakes that you won’t even need to add syrup to. Of course, you could use apple butter instead of syrup on your pancakes, or even top pancakes or waffles with fried apples. Chop up an apple and mix it in your oatmeal for a healthy, slightly sweet breakfast that will keep you going all morning. Lunch An apple can be part of a healthy and nutritious lunch whether you’re eating on the run, sitting at your desk, or taking a break from housework in the middle of the day. Apple slices with cheese cubes and few crackers make a great lunch that will fill you up and satisfy your sweet tooth. Dinner Wash, peel and core apples. Slice the apples and drop in a saucepan with some water and a bit of brown sugar. Add cinnamon if you like, or even pumpkin pie spice. Voila! Applesauce you can serve warm or cold as a side dish at dinner. Core and chop apples, mix with chopped celery, walnuts, mayonnaise and honey to make a Waldorf salad.

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Fall 2013

Fall food favorites

Autumn fun for the whole family (Family Features) Fall brings with it beautiful weather, cool breezes and colorful foliage. Celebrate all of the beauty, fun and flavors of the season with your family. Take a hike, visit a pumpkin patch, plan a party or spend the afternoon baking autumn-inspired treats. Here are a few fun ideas to enjoy fall with your family: • One traditional fall favorite is apple butter. Crisp apples are cooked slowly until the sugars caramelize into a deep, rich flavor. That’s also the way Musselman’s makes it. Spread it on toast, pancakes or other baked goods. It is also a great way to add a new flavor to your favorite, familiar dishes. For tips and recipes, such as apple or pumpkin dips, visit www.musselmans.com. • Take your family to the pumpkin patch. Pick a pumpkin or enjoy playgrounds, hay rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, hay forts and farm tours found at many patches. Take a picnic and enjoy the day. • Celebrate autumn with a potluck. Encourage guests to bring dishes made with classic fall flavors like

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Every autumn, nature puts on a brilliant color show in many parts of the country. The beautiful weather, colorful background and traditional activities are the perfect excuse to embrace fall fun with your family. Heavenly Sweet Potato Casserole

Servings: 8

2 pounds (3 large) sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed 3/4 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 2 eggs 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup melted butter 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup pecans, chopped, optional 2 tablespoons butter, melted caramel, pumpkin, apples and warm spices. Simply adding apple butter to favorite family recipes will give a cinnamon apple flavor to much loved dishes. • Those lucky enough to live in an area where leaves turn breathtaking shades of bronze, yellow, orange and red should take advantage of the natural beauty with a family hike or slow drive through the country.

Place potatoes in medium saucepan; add about 1 inch of water. Cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until tender. Drain very well. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 1 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Mix apple butter, eggs, cream, honey and 1/4 cup melted butter. Add potatoes and beat by hand or with electric mixer until mashed and well mixed. Spoon into casserole. Mix brown sugar, pecans and remaining butter in small bowl. Sprinkle over potatoes. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Servings: 16 1 1 3/4 1/4 8 1

Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

cup flour cup old-fashioned oatmeal cup light brown sugar teaspoon salt tablespoons butter, melted cup Musselman’s Apple Butter

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Line with heavy-duty foil, leaving an overhang on two sides to facilitate removal of bars from pan. Coat foil with cooking spray. Mix flour, oatmeal, sugar and salt in medium bowl. Stir in butter with fork until well mixed and clumps form, and then spread half the oatmeal mixture over foiled pan bottom, pressing to form thin crust. Spread butter over crust and then sprinkle remaining oatmeal mixture on top. Bake until crisp and golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Use foil “handles” to remove bars from pan. Cut into squares and serve.

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Fall 2013 Thanksgiving is for turkeys

Her version: - Out of bed at 5:30 a.m. to put 20 lb. turkey into the oven. - Wash turkey and extract gross-looking turkey parts out of unmentionable places while trying not to gag. Ignore the fact that if turkey were actually good we’d have it more than once a year. - Disinfect sink, counter and hands so as to not kill all guests with salmonella. - Peel potatoes until fingers too gross to look at from being covered in starch. - Chop onions and celery. Wonder, briefly, how the Pilgrims managed to pull this off without microwaves and frozen, premade pumpkin pie. The Husband wanders into the kitchen freshly showered, shaved, dressed and smelling like aftershave. You’re still in your pajamas. There are mascara smudges under your eyes and you smell like onions. He asks about breakfast. You throw him a Poptart along with the hairy eyeball and a long list of chores you need him to take care of before his mother arrives. He nods absently and vanishes into the garage. - Prepare two kinds of stuffing, sweet potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce.

Page 8 - Throw together a relish tray and set the table. - Baste turkey every thirty minutes, and occasionally, the interor of the oven. The burning butter causes the smoke alarm to go off. The Husband emerges from the garage long enough to joke about Turkey Jerky being the main course. Give him a look that would turn Medusa to stone and slam the oven door. Then throw smoldering potholders at his back as he runs away. - Run upstairs for a five-second shower, try on 15 different outfits...all of which make you look fat. Decide on the same pair of black, elastic waist pants and big itchy sweater that you wore last year. It’s comfortable and you won’t have to hold your stomach in all day. - Beat the gravy for twenty minutes to remove the lumps. Give up and open the six jars of turkey gravy you bought just in case. - Whip 10 pounds of potatoes spraying yourself and the room with bits of potato in the process, while keeping an eye on the stove top and oven so none of what seems like 1,000 side dishes burn. - Grab some gourds and arrange them in a horn-shaped basket on the dining room table. Add shellacked vegetables and congratulate yourself on adding a festive

touch of seasonal decor to the event. - Run outside, grab a handful of multicolored leaves and toss them into the mix. The Husband cracks his fourth beer of the day and comments that it looks like the Battle of Gettysburg was fought in the kitchen. He walks past you, sniffs and asks if it’s you that smells like onions. - Greet the guests before realizing you still haven’t combed your hair or put on your make-up. - Get all the food on the table, get everyone seated and finally sit down and take a deep breathe. You did it! (Fast Forward 20 minutes) - Listen to everyone complain about how stuffed they are. Wait for them to fall into a turkey induced coma. - Spend an hour and a half cleaning up and stuffing the leftovers into the fridge, muttering “Thanksgiving sucks,” under your breath. - Make coffee and take pies to the table. - Sit down, finally, and enjoy a private moment. Give thanks to the powers that be that you made it through another Thanksgiving Day without having to call 9-1-1. - Enjoy the serenity until some pour soul mentions taking home a few leftovers. - Respond with an “Of course... what’s wong with me?” then ignore your sister

when she starts wildly waving her hand, yelling “Oh, Pick me! Pick me! I know!” - Force a smile to your lips and tell them where to go...er...where the kitchen is and to “help themselves.” You can’t stand the thought of pulling everything out of the fridge again. - Usher all guests out the door and head for bed. Ignore husband’s suggestion to “work off some of that food a little later”. There is no time for that. You need to rest! Tomorrow is Black Friday!!! - Set alarm for 2:00 a.m. Go to bed. His version: - Roll out of bed just before the start of the first football game. - Spot frantic wife in kitchen. Grab remote control and a six pack. Head for the man cave, moving with stealth to avoid detection. - Football. So. Much. Football. - Eat. Sleep. Watch more football. -Stand in front of fridge for 30 minutes trying to figure out what you want -- a turkey sandwich or another slice of pie-- muttering, “Thanksgiving Rocks!” under your breath.

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Fall 2013

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Weaving the past into the present Old t-shirts, faded blue jeans, odd socks, threadbare curtains, tattered tablecloths and mismatched bed sheets are hot items at Green Thumb Seeds. There, shop owner Olen Yoder cuts these castoffs into strips that he weaves into cheerful rag rugs. Weaving is a time honored tradition that combines the practicality of using up leftover fabric with the artistry of transforming the fabric into attractive designs. Yoder got started weaving seven years ago after being injured in a roofing accident. This old-world art offered him a way to earn an income while he was recovering. He insists that rugs can be made out of any material. His most common rugs are made from old t-shirts or socks, though he is working on a line of “shag” rugs made from old upholstery fringe. Once the material has been cut, the strips are stitched together and wound around a wooden shuttle. Yoder moves the shuttle by hand, passing it back and forth across the loom, while pressing down on the pedals to shift the threads to form the finished product. The process looks simple,

but in reality, it requires close coordination between hands, feet and mind in order to create an artfully woven, soundly constructed rug. Two types of thread or yarn is used in weaving. The warp is the set of lengthwise threads that are held by the loom. The fabric or yarn that is inserted over and under the warp is called the weft. Yoder spends the better part of a day threading the warp on his loom. However, once the loom is set up, he can weave and entire rug in about one hour. The warp holds enough thread for 20-30 rugs, depending on the length of the finished product. Yoder’s skillfulness is displayed in variety of shapes, sizes and styles of rugs and handbags he creates. He shares his weaving techniques with others in his family, enlisting their help with large orders and soliciting their advice. He plans to teach his children to weave when they are older, for now they keep busy by tying off the knots at the ends of the rug where the threads have been cut. Yoder creates around 300 rugs a year which he sells for 50 cents per inch

at craft shows, Jamesport Sherwood Quilts, the furniture and craft sale in Jamesport each spring, and from his own shop—Green Thumb Seeds located on 8514 NW State Route CC in Hamilton. “I can go by a pattern in a book or just wing it when making a design,” he says. When he gets tired of picking out colors and often asks for advice from his wife and children. His most popular pattern is something he calls, “Hash, mash and trash,” vibrant, colorful creations made from odds and ends of fabric. “We’d always find one rug in the bunch and we’d declare, ‘nobody will buy this’,” Yoder says, “And it’d always be the first one to go.” Even when Yoder begins with a pattern in mind, each finished rug is a one-of-a kind creation. In fact, the biggest problem he faces is creating rugs that match to sell as a set. “You can’t get two exactly the same,” he says. But if a customer requests it, he does try to make them as close to identical as possible. While rug making may not be as pre-

One of Olen Yoder’s two wooden looms. dictable as some of Yoder’s customers would like, the vast majority are happy with the finished product and the combination of warmth, beauty and durability it displays. “I’ve only had one customer who wasn’t satisfied. They said the rug was too thick,” Yoder says with a shrug. Green Thumb Seeds is open Monday- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located 1 ½ miles NW of Hamilton on CC Hwy.

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Page 10 To reduce Lyme disease risks, keep tickcarrying deer out of your yard

Fall 2013

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larities may get mistaken for flu or other illnesses. In the northeast, mid-Atlantic and northcentral states, deer ticks carry the disease. On the Pacific Coast, blacklegged ticks (who also like traveling on deer) spread Lyme disease, the CDC says. Year-round, especially during fall and winter, you should check your own body, children and pets for ticks. Deer ticks are often so small you won’t even feel their bite, so visual inspection is important. If you suspect you’ve been bitten, talk to your doctor right away. Keeping deer away from your backyard can help reduce your chances of encountering ticks in your home environment.

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Fall 2013

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Fall 2013 The colors of Autumn

The tree gave life to the leaves. It held them securely in place, keep-

ing them attached to a branch throughout the storms of spring and the heat of summer. And now, with just a hint of a chill in the air, the leaves began to drop, leaving the tree to face the winter uncovered and empty; exposed to the world. Some of the leaves went slowly, others rushed away on the breeze, drifting as far from home as they could. But the leaves did not go quietly into the night—oh no. Leaves, like people, cannot hide their true colors in the Autumn of their life. Age gave them an opportunity to say aloud what they thought and felt. They exploded in a riot of unapologetic color, creating a showcase of red, gold, orange and yellow, making one last offering to the world. In this way, each Fall leads us brightly into winter. Thousands of leaves went before this year’s crop. Thousands of more will go after them. But nothing changes the majesty and glory of each autumn. Yes, the leaves will die- as all things do- but they will not be forgotten. And it seems the leaves know this. For even as they sail off into the great unknown, a few always seem to land in the hands of people who will take the time to immortalize them, pressing them into scrapbooks or sealing them between sheets of waxed paper. Then, when the world is gray and the skies are dim; when snowflakes have buried autumn’s splendor beneath a blanket of icy snow, these would-be artists will pull out their collages and see something more than leaves. In the faded colors and the weathered creases of a season past, they see lifetime of love and of loss. They sense the stillness of an autumn afternoon and perceive traces of what has been, what could be, and what might never be. When did it all change? Wasn’t it just a moment ago the robin sang of a spring that would never end? How did it pass by so quickly? And then their eyes will travel once again to the tree, standing tall and bare and proud, with roots too deep for the frost to touch, waiting to give birth to next year’s leaves.