3May-June 20202 Nebraska

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Beatrice • Humboldt • Hardy • York • Stromsburg • Aurora

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USA* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950 * Alabama: Beverly Bainbridge, 218 Kingsview Drive, Weirton WV 28062, 304-723-8934* Arkansas: Lenda & Richard Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * California and N. Nevada: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* Connecticut: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, 706-340-1049* Idaho (N): Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181* Idaho (S) WA & E. OR: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Illinois: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * Indiana: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319 Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA 52339, 641-751-2619* Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, 866-966-9815* Kentucky & Tennessee: Brandie Ledford, P.O. Box 458, Marion, KY 42064, 712-660-2569* Maine: Deborah Daney, 660 Country Club Rd., Sanford, Maine 04073, 207-324-7482* Maryland: Stacy Lute, P.O. Box 115, Taneytown, MD 21787, 443-909-0531* Massachusetts-RI: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217 Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211 * Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, 763-754-1661* Missouri: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * Montana: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803 New Hampshire: Deborah Daney, 660 Country Club Rd., Sanford, Maine 04073, 207-324-7482* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319 New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217* N. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* North Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181 * Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, 937-652-1157* Oklahoma: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Pennsylvania: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319* Rhode Island: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217 * S. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* South Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181* Tennessee & Kentucky: Brandie Ledford, P.O. Box 458, Marion, KY 42064, 712-660-2569* Texas: Lenda & Richard Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 Vermont: Deborah Daney, 660 Country Club Rd., Sanford, Maine 04073, 207-324-7482* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217* Washington & E. OR & S. ID: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* West Virginia: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, 715-838-9426 * Wyoming: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181

CANADA* Alberta: Marcy Horswill, Suite 114-919 Centre St. NW, Calgary, A British Columbia: Jenifer Smith, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, 306-736-2441* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, 115-1803 St. Joseph Blvd. Orleans, ON K1C 6E7, 613-424-6420

Shop Local and Keep Our Towns Vibrant and Strong

by Susan BaldaniThe Coronavirus has hit the country hard, and could unfortunately have lasting

ramifications for quite some time. The economy has taken a severe hit, and many stores, especially those that are small and independently owned, will be struggling to survive. So, once this crisis is over, what can we do to help?

Next time you’re out, take a stroll around your downtown. Look closely at the local businesses to be found there. We often drive by without giving them a second thought. In addition to the stores you may already patronize, focus on those you may never have taken the time to visit. Speak to the owners and salespeople and find out what they have to offer. You never know what you might find. If you see something you like, buy it, and then tell other people about it. Spread the word about these fine establishments - word of mouth is an effective form of advertising and doesn’t cost anything. I’ve often visited places because someone told me how wonderful the products and service were in those particular shops.

Pay careful attention to the advertisements in this publications to find out what they actually have to offer. If some shops don’t exactly fit what you’re interested in or are selling things you don’t usually buy, try to support them anyway. For example, if you’re not a knitter but know someone who is, buy special yarn and needles as gifts from those shops that sell them. If you have never gone antiquing, but love the look of old and solid furniture, browse what these types of stores have in stock. If you’re a novice, you can also get all your questions answered about particular pieces or styles you’re interested in. The owners and salespeople in these small stores are usually very knowledgeable about their businesses.

Many of these local mom-and-pop stores have been fixtures in their communities for ages. The proprietors, some going back generations, have worked hard for countless years to build up their businesses and develop loyal customer bases. Small towns just wouldn’t be the same without them.

So, let’s show our support for these neighborhood treasures that can be found all across the country, in small towns and large, by buying locally and encouraging others to do the same. You’ll not only be doing a great service, but also have fun finding some unique and quality items to enjoy for years to come.

Susan Baldani lives in New Jersey and writes articles about small town life, décor, books and food for various publications across the U.S., Canada, and the UK. You can contact her at suebaldani@yahoo.com, through her website at www.mywritingwall.com, or on Twitter @mywritingwall.

Please be sure to call or check Facebook to make sure a shop is open before you head out as these are unusual times. Every community is different and will be following the government

guidelines. Even though a shop may not be allowed to have in-store shoppers, many offer

online shopping with shipping and/or curbside pickup. We all want everyone to be safe and

support the local shops!

Nebraska Upcoming June Event Nimble Thimble Quilt Show • June 25, 26 & 27, 9am-4pm

The Plainsman Museum, 210 16th St (Hwy 14), AuroraFeaturing: Quilts of Valor Presentation, Sat 10 am

Workshop & Country Store • $5 admission for all three daysFor more information visit: www.plainsmanmuseum.org

54 May-June 2020NebraskaWahoo • Fremont Lincoln

Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe

My Extraordinary, Ordinary Lifeby Ann Marie Stewart

Can you guess the movie from the following quote? “We’re all traveling through time, together, every day of our lives. . . All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable life.”

It’s about time. Literally. The movie “About Time” reminds viewers of the importance of a parent/child relationship, about choosing people over things, and how love stands the test of time.

Tim Lake can travel back in time, reliving days of his life. His father advises him to try to live each day TWICE. The FIRST time with all the tensions and worries that stop us all from noticing the good things. But the SECOND time really noticing how sweet the world can be.

But after Tim marries and has children, he comes to realize, “The truth is I now don’t travel back at all, not even for the day. I just try to live every day as if I’ve deliberately come back to this one day, to enjoy it, as if it was the full final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life.

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments is when Tim knows he will be seeing his father for the last time. His dad asks for one final moment. They both time travel back to when Tim is a boy and they play on the beach together and throw stones in the water. It was an ordinary day, celebrating the love between a father and a son. A beautiful reminder of the unique and precious nature of each day.

On the April day of this writing, we had a Skyemoor Farm record with sextuplets. Five lambs made it but two needed some intervention. My college daughter Julia, home during Covid 19 quarantine, and I warmed them in bathwater, blow-dried them, placed them near the oven. We then bottle-fed them and left them alone to cuddle. Today is one of those unique days I was privileged to repeat one of the many days of lambing from when Julia was a little girl. What a simple treasure.

I have no idea if at the time of printing, we will still be quarantined. But still the message from this movie could not be more true: We can choose to really notice “how sweet the world can be.” See a smile, hear the laughter, taste your coffee, hug someone for ten seconds, listen to the birds sing, the cars honk, and enjoy the world unfolding before our eyes. Live deliberately. Enjoy each day as if it was the “full final day” of our extraordinary, ordinary life.

C 2020 Ann Marie Stewart, author of award-winning Stars in the Grass. www.annmariestewart.com All rights reserved

Clutter Happens

Eliminating the “ED” in Your Lifeby Julie Pirtle

A catalyst for change does not always float into our lives like a brightly tailed kite on a spring day. Most of the time it comes in like a steamroller, forcing us to jump out of its way in dismay. It can take on many faces. Untruths said about us by others. The end of a relationship. Betrayal by someone we trusted. Losing a job. The death of a loved one.

The force of it can knock us off our feet and steal the breath from our lungs. The beauty of it all is that we have no control over WHAT is put in front of us, but we do have a choice about how we view it. We can stand back up on our feet and breathe deeply. We can embrace the catalyst as a gift—a new fork in the road. It gives us an opportunity of reflecting upon how things were and the revelation that we can move forward and start a new life journey.

However, that catalyst can create havoc. Many times when I meet new clients, they have recently experienced a major life change that has set them on an unfamiliar course. Once highly organized, individuals can find themselves drowning in disarray because life has changed. Dealing with the emotions of change is all consuming and the everyday stresses are usually put on the back burner. It is a coping mechanism. However, when the fog starts to lift, the reality of having to step back into life and function is a stress all unto itself!

I encourage my clients to give themselves as much grace as they would their best friend. Think about that for a minute. You would not ridicule someone you love who has experienced a loss. You would nurture them and help in any way you could. Ignore the negative self-talk and the “should’ve and could’ve” thinking. Love yourself in the same way you would that friend.

I am reminded of a time when I spoke at a luncheon for caregivers of family members dealing with Parkinson’s disease. This yearly event was held to honor the caregivers, pamper them for the day and put them in touch with others who were going through the same situation. It was a room of about 50 people who were caring for a loved one (usually a spouse) and dealing with watching their regression. These amazing, strong people went from a loving partnership to being on duty 24/7. I could see their exhaustion and was humbled by their fortitude and giving spirits.

At the end, I opened it up for questions that they might have regarding how to prepare a home for someone was losing his or her memory. One lady spoke up and asked what she should do with her reading materials. Upon further questioning, she admitted that she was an avid reader and that the books and magazines were piling up everywhere since she no longer had the time to read them due to the care required by her husband.

I looked at her and softly replied, “You used to be an avid reader. But you aren’t now.” The room was quiet, as was she. People started to nod their heads in agreement and she

finally said that she had never looked at it that way. She had always identified herself as an avid reader. But change came in (remember the steamroller) and life was different now. The piles of reading that she had were causing her stress. We discussed how it was time to give herself permission to let it all go. She agreed that picking out a few favorites was a good idea and that she would stop the deliveries of all the monthly periodicals that she received. She was actually smiling when she sat down again.

The same thing happens to all of us throughout our lives but most don’t acknowledge it. We camp, fish, golf, hike, craft, knit. But the truth is that at ONE point in our lives we campED, fishED, knittED—(you get the picture). For whatever reason, be it health or disinterest, we no longer do those things. The interesting part is that we KEEP the items that allowed us to do those hobbies because that is how we identify ourselves even if we are no longer doing them. Letting go of those items leaves room in our lives for what we now DO! It also clears the brain of constant reminders of what use to be vs. all that is and can be in our lives NOW!

I challenge you to take a look at your surroundings and acknowledge the things that have an “ED” attached to them. Allow yourself the opportunity to live in the moment and revel in what you do that identifies the incredible person you are today. Release the items that no longer are useful in your current life journey. (We won’t even talk about the tennis rackets from 1979—AND—those old smelly hiking boots probably have seen better days, anyway. Just sayin’!) C’mon, you’ve got this! I know you do!!

Julie Pirtle is a professional organizer and owner/operator of Clutter Happens in Mesa, AZ.

Nebraska Shop Hop 2020Extended Until June 30th

The 22nd Annual Nebraska Shop Hop 2020 ending date has been extended to June 30th by NIFS – Nebraska Independent Fabric Shops. “Roaring into the Twenties” kicked off on March 20th with independent quilt shops across Nebraska taking part.

Exclusive Nebraska Shop Hop 2020 fabric can be seen at https://www.fabricsandquilts.com/shop-hop-fabric-1.aspx and is available only at participating shops. Shop Hop Co-Chair Steva Jo Paus has always liked the Art Deco style of the 1920s and thought it would make a good 2020 Shop Hop theme. She and her daughter and Co-chair, Charleigh Clausen, researched 1920’s colors, clothing, architecture, culture, jewelry, etc.

The colors of the quilt are modern versions of popular colors from the era. The obsidian (black) and metallic gold were used in the traditional version of the quilt (1920’s); and the multi-color version is intended to convey the 2020s. The 29 quilt blocks were all blocks published in magazines, books or newspapers during the 1920s.

Steva said, “Because Art Deco is usually associated with opulence or decadence, I wanted to use a metallic fabric. I liked the quality of RJR Textiles metallic fabrics and contacted them in the fall of 2018 to produce the fabric. I drew a design that I thought mimicked the shape of the border blocks and also a fan shape popular from the 1920s, sent it to them, and their designers went to work to turn our idea into something that could be printed on fabric.”

Participating shops will be handing out a free block pattern to each shop hopper who comes to their stores and kits will be available for purchase. The other five blocks’ instructions are included in a booklet when the bag is purchased. The blocks in the borders were designed to have a geometric Art Deco style. They were embellished with a tape made using strips of fabric and a ¼” bias tape maker and appliqué diamonds.

The $15.00 Shop Hop fee includes a tote bag, a fat quarter of the exclusive shop hop fabric plus your stamp card to record your travels. With your bag, you will also get a free pearl, stringing kit with needles, thread and clasp to make a bracelet or necklace and a pouch to store a collectible free pearl you will get from each participating quilt shop you visit. The idea for the pearl giveaway came from the popularity of the long “flapper” pearl necklaces of the day. There is also a 1920’s Jargon game to play for a chance to win a $20.20 gift certificate at each shop.

NIFS explains the time extension, “Out of concern for our Shop Hoppers who do not want to travel at this time because of the coronavirus, we have decided to extend Shop Hop 2020 from March 20th through the end of June. Shops will only be open their normal hours throughout this time.

“Be sure to call or check Facebook to make sure a shop is open before you head out as this unusual situation may require closures at some point. Every community is different, and it is hard to read the future. Hopefully, life will be back to normal in a few weeks, and you will be able to leisurely visit as many shops as you like through the end of June.

“We want everyone to be cautious. If you have a fever, cough, sore throat, or think you may have been exposed to the virus, please stay home; and we will do the same. You will have plenty of time to do Shop Hop after you get well.

“We will make every effort to keep our shops clean and safe for our customers so all can have an enjoyable and worry free Hop. We look forward to seeing you soon!”

For updates, go to Nebraska Shop Hop on Facebook or NIFS online at https://www.fabricsandquilts.com/.

The UFOby Barbara Polston

Several years ago, I bestowed a small wall quilt upon a friend. I thought it the perfect gift for her as it featured yellow roses, her favorite flower. She liked the quilt and hung it in her home. Recently, she moved. Through a somewhat mysterious chain of events, I discovered that the quilt was lost to her. She felt badly, as did I.

What to do? Good thing that quilters have UFOs (Unfinished Objects). You might wonder how this happens. Why is a project, started with interest and enthusiasm, languishing unfinished? The reasons are many. An occasion like a wedding or birth demands the creation of a different project on a particular timeline. The quilter has learned what she wanted from starting the project and has lost interest. Encountering a new “shiny thing” has the quilter dropping everything else to answer the call of the new sparkle.

I have more than one UFO waiting for a time when it might interest me again. My oldest has been patiently waiting for, maybe, ten years. Periodically, I sort through all those projects. Those that no longer hold interest are broken down. Fabric goes back into my collection. Finished bits are donated, recycled or disposed of. Those that still speak strongly to me are stored away again waiting for the right time to be called forth and finished.

My current quandary—a new quilt gift for my friend—was resolved by using a UFO. She loves the outdoors! An avid hiker, she has completed weeklong hiking experiences, carrying everything needed and sleeping under the stars. In my UFO collection, I had a small landscape piece depicting mountains and a peaceful lake surrounded by a stand of aspen trees. I completed this piece and presented it as her holiday gift. It now hangs in her library room.

“When I look at it,” she says, “I feel centered and calm. It’s like looking out of a window into another place that makes me happy.”

I believe that all those UFOs will, one day, find their time and purpose. I hope all of your Unfinished Objects meet with the same happy end!

©Barbara Polston, Phoenix, AZ, March 2020.

Strawberry Rhubarb Custard PieCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

Strawberries and rhubarb are coddled in a mild, almond-flavored custard and baked until tender in a pastry crust.

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose four 2 cups diced fresh rhubarb 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries 1 (9-inch) deep-dish unbaked pie crust*4 large eggs 1/4 cup skim or low-fat milk 1 teaspoon almond extract Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)Cooking Directions:Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).In medium bowl, stir together sugar and flour. Add rhubarb and strawberries. Gently

toss until evenly coated. Spoon rhubarb mixture evenly into pie shell. In same bowl, beat together remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour over rhubarb mixture.

Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until knife inserted near center comes out clean, an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack.Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.

Makes 8 servings.

76 May-June 2020NebraskaColumbus • Newman Grove • Fullerton • South Dakota Norfolk • Blair • Wakefield • West Point • Hartington

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New Beginnings, Butterflies and Hope

by Lydia E. HarrisI love butterflies. Their beauty, grace and seemingly carefree life captivate me. They

also symbolize the HOPE of brighter things to come. After all, butterflies don’t hatch as butterflies. They go through a crawl-in-the-dirt-and-munch-leaves stage and then wait dormant inside a cocoon. After metamorphosis, they burst forth as beautiful butterflies.

Challenges in life, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may make us feel isolated or cocooned. But, like the caterpillar, we can anticipate a brighter future and go forward with hope. So, when possible, let’s break free and celebrate new beginnings with a butterfly tea. After a season of hibernating, gathering with a few family members or friends could be a breath of fresh air and hope. Let’s take a tip from nature and use a butterfly theme for a beau-TEA-ful hope-filled teatime.

Children’s Par-TeaAny age is a good time for tea. Both the young

and the young at heart would enjoy a fancy or frivolous tea. Using a butterfly theme makes it easy to do.

For the menu, you could make butterfly-shaped sandwiches. Use a slice of bread, cut off the crusts and spread the bread with a favorite filling. Leave it open-faced or add another crustless slice on top. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally to make two triangles. Place the points of the shorter sides together to make a butterfly. Or cut each triangle in half and make two smaller butterflies. My children enjoyed open-faced peanut butter butterfly sandwiches sprinkled with sugar.

For the body, place a carrot strip between the butterfly wings. Depending on the sandwich filling, decorate the wings with bits of colorful fresh or dried fruit, sliced olives or chopped veggies or small dabs of colorful jam or jelly. These sandwiches will fly right into everyone’s mouth.

Add fresh fruit and a favorite dessert to the menu. Homemade sugar cookies cut with a butterfly cookie cutter would be fun for kids to frost and decorate with sprinkles and candy. And don’t forget the tea. My grandkids’ favorite herbal tea is Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion—served with sugar cubes.

For table décor, include a colorful flower bouquet or plant and add one or two artificial butterflies (available at floral shops or craft stores). If you want to get fancy, fold napkins into butterflies. (Find directions online.) You could even teach guests to fold their own.

To entertain children, consider reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly. Checkout books from the library or order them online. In sunny weather, young children will enjoy pretending to be butterflies and fluttering around outside. Maybe some will even come

wearing butterfly wings from a costume party or the Dollar Store.Butterflies are enchanting. One of my friend’s grandchildren named them “fuffies.” And

another child called them “flutterbys.”Adult Butterfly BrunchAn easy menu includes Butterfly Waffles. (See recipe from In the Kitchen with Grandma

elsewhere.) Make them with purchased or homemade waffles, sausage links and fruit. Add yogurt parfaits and dessert to the menu. If you decide on cake for dessert, you could make it into a butterfly shape. Bake the cake in a square pan and make cupcakes from the leftover batter. Cut the cake diagonally to make two wings, place the points together and frost. Use your imagination and add colorful sprinkles and licorice vines for antennae. Or frost a pan of brownies and turn them into butterflies. Cut brownies into squares and then into triangles.

For the beverage, offer an assortment of teabags with and without caffeine and set out teapots of hot water so guests can each make their favorite cup of tea. As you sip tea, guests could share hope-filled thoughts, sayings or Bible verses. My favorite hopeful verse is Romans 15:13 (NIV). “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

If possible, enjoy your tea outdoors on the deck or in your garden. Perhaps you could prepare and share a simple handout about plants that attract butterflies.

Whether life feels like the wiggly worm stage or a season of cocooning, we can be certain our God of Transformation is working His plan. And that gives us hope for beautiful things to come.

“God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT).

Lydia E. Harris holds a Master’s in home economics and has been writing this tea column for 20 years. No wonder her five grandkids call her “Grandma Tea.” She is the author of Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting and In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together. Her books are available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and Christianbook.com.

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Butterfly WafflesTaken from In the Kitchen with Grandma, page 11. These colorful, tasty butterflies are

ready to flutter right into your mouth!Prep time: 15 minutesGluten-free option: Use gluten-free waffles and sausagesIngredients (for each butterfly)1 square waffle, homemade or ready-made frozen1 cooked sausage linkFresh fruit to make colorful spots on wings (kiwi, strawberries and blueberries)1 red apple

Butterfly waffle and butterfly napkin fold

Butterfly bouquet and napkin folded into butterfly

Powdered sugarSyrup or honey (to serve with the waffle)Whipped cream or yogurtDirections1. Toast a waffle. Then cut it in half diagonally to make two wings. Place the points

together on a plate. 2. Add a cooked sausage for the body between the waffle wings. Warm the butterfly in

the microwave.3. Decorate the butterfly with blueberries and slices of kiwi and strawberries. 4. Add two thin strips of a red apple for the antennae. 5. Dust with powdered sugar.6. Serve the waffle with syrup or honey, whipped cream or yogurt and more fresh fruit. Make as many as needed.Variation: Use a round waffle to make a butterfly. Cut the waffle in half. Place the

rounded sides together and add a sausage link for the body. Decorate the butterfly with fruit.

Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe

Plan(T) Something Nowby Ann Marie Stewart

My friend who cares for her aging father, posted a question on FB. “Am I the only one who thinks a quarantine, with books and Netflix and a garden to plant at the start of spring . . .sounds divine?”

Another friend, Pastor Dan Morgan, wrote: What a great time to spend with your families! Read a book together. Sit down and play a video game with your teenagers. Ask your neighbors if they need a roll or 2 of TP. Have devotions together. Go on a walk and talk to neighbors from 6 feet away. Clean the house. Pray! Look at where God is at work... don’t miss the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Obviously, this SHELTER IN is a very difficult time and not to be made light of. However, it will be over. There will be a resurrection of our lives but how will we have grown in the meantime?

Right now we don’t have a lot of control over some areas of our life. But what if we could plan(t) something during this time?

Here is a running list of ideas:• Plant something in your yard, garden, or window.• Learn to sight-read music. (Sightreadingfactory.com)• Take a daily walk for physical and mental health.• Draw! You can learn how! https://www.skillshare.com/browse/drawing• Play a board game when you’re bored. Extra points for the game PANDEMIC (yes it exists).• Participate in an online exercise class• Eat less. (Hoard your stockpile more)• Try a new recipe using whatever you have in the house. (https://myfridgefood.com/)• Learn something new every day. Plot it out on your calendar and look forward to growing!• Designate a room a day to clean and declutter.• Make your bed each morning.• Be still. Ten minutes a day. Replace fear with prayer and thanks.• Take on a neglected task.• SKYPE a voice lesson from a local or not-so-local teacher! What a way to start!• Clean out your spice and medicine cabinets and throw out everything expired. (Well then again, save the spices for flavoring those rice and beans)• Keep a journal of funny happenings and wisdom. (But not on precious paper towels or toilet paper)• Write a thank you to a former teacher or mentor who’s helped you.• Install a bidet for a splashingly new experience. Beats hoarding toilet paper.• Read one of those books you’ve always wanted to dive into.• Write one of those books you’ve always wanted to dive into.• Paint a room.• Try a new craft or hobby.• Go through photo albums with your family, labeling as you go. Enlist your kids to scan the photos.• Listen to entertaining and educational podcasts.• Read the book of John start to finish. Good choice for this Lenten Quarantine.• Teach your kids something new. Make memories.• Memorize a verse: Romans 15:13 is a good place to start: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.• Complete your taxes. (Oh that always brightens a day!)• Order a Gift Certificate for a place to go AFTER you resume social events.This will be over someday, and some things will have changed. What about us? How

will we be different? And there will be so much “catch-up” with friends and family and house and work, but what can we do now to anticipate that?

Plan(t) something. It’s something we can do this season. Let something take root this Spring and see what grows.

c 2020 Ann Marie Stewart, author of award-winning Stars In The Grass. All rights reserved

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A Cup of Tea with Lydia, continued from previous page...

98 May-June 2020Nebraska Hastings • Kearney • Arapahoe • NE B&BGrand Island • Hemingford • Cozad • Chadron

NE Assoc. of B&B

Loving Springtime in Nebraska;Flowers Are Blooming All Over!

by Pat ColdironWe are into Springtime and loving the weather. It wasn’t such a bad winter for us out

here in our little corner of the Nebraska Prairie and many of us have now been out in our yards checking on the new growth. Tulips are up along with the oriental poppies as well as the larkspur on its vigorous journey.

Gardens are so important in people’s lives for many reasons but maybe the most important are the health benefits and the memories. The healthy aspect of gardening is readily apparent if only for the fact that it gets us outside and into the soothing pleasure of working in the dirt. Even if you are not an active gardener, benefits are felt just by taking a walk and enjoying the surrounding gardens.

Some of us are lucky enough to have a small fishpond. Feeding the goldfish used to be one of my favorite moments of relaxation during the day. However, last year I had a glitch in that little activity when I got a couple of cranky bigger goldfish that would never come near when I sprinkled the flakes of food on the water. They thrived on the insect larva and other life forms and totally ignored me. It was surprising how disappointing that was!

Each year I plant zinnias to attract the butterflies. So many species enjoy them and we can enjoy them in turn just by standing in the middle of the zinnia patch!

I especially love the perennials that are strongly associated with both of my Grandmothers. One Grandma had the loveliest oriental poppies; they were magical. My other Grandma had the old Moonflowers and Hollyhocks plus something she called Kiss-Me-Over-The-Garden-Gate, which I have never found again.

Here in Seward, folks are used to the riotous growth of the Wisteria vine, then the iris, the lilies, the larkspur, the peonies, daisies and more. The biennials all this while are gathering strength and soon you see the Hollyhocks, and the moonflowers that attract those huge sphinx moths that come out in late summer during the early evening. Somewhere in the middle of all this you have the sweet peas, the lavender coneflowers and the yarrow. It is all great for the soul!

I operate Liberty House B&B and Antique shop in Seward and for the last two years we have hosted a lovely county-wide Garden Tour featuring several private gardens in Seward. This year, we had some absolutely lovely and special Gardens ready; however, in light of the pandemic, we cancelled the tour to be on the safe side. Keep the Garden Tour in mind for next year when plans are to resume this enjoyable activity near the end of June.

In the meantime, be sure and plant a tree on or around April 24 for Arbor Day, which was started in Nebraska!

Pat Coldiron owns Liberty Bed & Breakfast and Antiques & Collectible Gift shop in Seward. She is a member of the Nebraska Association of Bed and Breakfast.

Giveaway Winner from March - April Issue

We have two giveaway winners from our last issue.Kaye Foster from Riverton will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at her

favorite Country Register advertiser, Wagner’s Quilts and Conversation Quilt Shop in Arapahoe. Kaye told us this is her favorite shop because, “The shop is full of inventory, displayed so you want to buy, buy, buy!”

Marilyn Engelker from Wood River will be sent The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. Marilyn told us she loves to read The Country Register. Thanks, Marilyn!

We love to hear from our readers about how they enjoy The Country Register and use it to hunt for great finds. In this issue, there is another $25 Gift Certificate and two book giveaways. So, be sure to enter and tell us where you pick up the newspaper. Also, be sure to take a copy with you if you travel around Nebraska this summer.

Afternoon Tea Begins in Englandby Lady Kelly MacVean

Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford (September 3, 1783 – July 3, 1857) was a lifelong friend of Queen Victoria whom she served as a Lady of the Bedroom between 1837 and 1841. She was also the originator of the British meal “afternoon tea”. The Duchess is best remembered for starting and popularizing the British meal “afternoon tea.”

During the 18th century, dinner came to be served later and later in the day until by the early 19th century, the normal time was between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. An extra meal called luncheon had been created to fill the midday gap between breakfast and dinner, but as this new meal was very light, the long afternoon with no refreshment at all left her feeling hungry. She found a light meal of tea and cakes or sandwiches was the perfect balance. The Duchess found taking an afternoon snack to be such a lovely refreshment that she soon began inviting her friends to join her. Afternoon tea quickly became popular in wealthy homes throughout England.

I find afternoon tea to be such an enjoyable time with friends, whether it’s for a special occasion or to just spend some time chatting. It’s an easy meal to prepare and the process of laying the table for tea is a ritual in itself that completes the atmosphere. Laying the table with traditional vintage English china, flatware, linens and serving pieces that I brought home with me from my time living in England, brewing the perfect cup of tea and then sitting back and watching as my guests enjoy themselves and inevitably leave saying “You have made me feel so special.” What could be more enjoyable?

Happy Tea Times!Lady Kelly is the owner of The Confection Cottage Bakery & Tea Room in Aiken, SC.

This is reprinted with permission from her website/Tea Inspired at www.theconfectioncottae.com.

A Cup of Tea Isn’t ‘Just a Cup of Tea’by Lady Kelly

A cup of tea is a meditation, a ceremony, a calming of the soul. To prepare a cup of tea is a ritual when done with intention. Choose the tea you will enjoy from both a flavor and a health perspective and prepare it with love.

Begin the journey by choosing a premium loose leaf tea that is healthier and more flavorful. Next select a mug or cup that feels special in your hands, set a strainer or DIY teabag in place and add the amount of tea leaves that will give you the flavor you enjoy. Add the water and let it steep to its perfect flavor. Savor.

When I pick up one of my special mugs, it signals my mind to slow down, stop multitasking and prepare to enjoy a period of time when I can totally focus on the experience of choosing, preparing, steeping and enjoying sipping a cup of tea.

If I want to slow down and stop my frantic day and my frantic mind, I stop and prepare a cup of tea. I can simply enjoy drinking the tea silently, looking at nature, closing my eyes, or it can be the companion to my time reading a book, enjoying a treat or chatting with a friend.

For me, my cup of tea is a meditation. A meditation that I treat myself to several times every day. I deserve it. I know it’s good for my health, physically and mentally, and for my soul. I take the time to choose a tea that my body needs at that time, properly prepare the tea, inhale the aroma, look at the tea leaves and sip the tea, holding it in my mouth for a few seconds to thoroughly enjoy the moment.

It may be a small thing to some, but to me it’s caring for myself. Something I need and deserve. It helps my mind become clearer and more alert, my body to heal and have more energy and it requires just a few moments to accomplish all that.

Cheers to a cuppa!Lady Kelly is the owner of The Confection Cottage Bakery & Tea Room in Aiken, SC.

This is reprinted with permission from her blog at www.teainspiredlife.com.

1110 May-June 2020Nebraska Papillion • Omaha • Lincoln • Professional ServicesValley • Omaha • Ralston • Special Events

Professional ServicesThis space could be yours! Advertise your quilting, needle art, crafting service business in this section. Very affordable. Call 602-942-8950 or

email - nebraska@barlomedia.com for more information.

KISSed QuiltsSpring Has Sprung!

by Marlene OddieIn our local town we have two beautiful dogwood trees that intertwine, each with a

different color of bloom so it actually looks like one tree with two colors of blooms. They are so beautiful. When I originally finished this quilt, I quickly went to photograph the quilt in the midst of the trees.

This turned out to be a bit more of a challenge as the wind came up and the blooms on the tree were at the top of the quilt so I really needed a drone shot! As I was shooting by myself, I hung the quilt using a photography background stand and would run around to the front to attempt to get the shot before the wind would try to blow it over. Fortunately, I’m able to share this one with you.

Do you have special spots in your town with concentrations of color? I hope you get to enjoy them in the great outdoors in this beautiful spring weather. Maybe an inspired adventure on Mother’s Day to mark the occasion.

This Island Batik collection of fabric called “Smooch” seemed like just the palette of colors to use my fat quarter friendly quilt design “City Windows” and create a fresh spring quilt. Check your local quilt shops for this collection that is arriving now.

My pattern “City Windows” is available on my website digitally or you can order it to be mailed. There are 11 size configurations and instructions to accommodate 6 to 30 fat quarters. Check my Facebook page for the ‘Autumn’ version. Let me know by May 30, 2020, what collection you would make this in to be entered for a free pattern.

Marlene Oddie (marlene@kissedquilts.com) is an engineer by education, project manager by profession and now a quilter by passion in Grand Coulee, WA, at her quilt shop, KISSed Quilts. She enjoys long-arm quilting on her Gammill Optimum Plus, but especially enjoys designing quilts and assisting in the creation of a meaningful treasure for the recipient. Patterns, kits and fabric are available at http://www.kissedquilts.com. Follow Marlene’s adventures via http://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts, http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com, instagram marlene.kissedquilts and pinterest marleneoddie.

Paws and Reflectionby Karri Habben

We’ve loved Arthur ever since he came out from behind the bathtub.I never imagined I would be able to love a cat. For as long as I can remember, petting

cats made my eyes burn and caused me to sneeze. Often I found myself sniffling for days after meeting one.

When Wayne’s son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Emily, asked us to keep Arthur for a year, we readily agreed. They would be renting during that time and had a two-pet limit. So Mac (a dog) and Burberry (another cat) stayed with them and Arthur came here. I prepared for him by buying antihistamines and crossing my fingers.

It still seems a minor miracle that no medicine was necessary. I can pet Arthur all I want and even bury my face in his fur with no reaction. At least not from me. He purrs.

After arriving, Arthur hid for close to twenty-four hours and I was in the bathroom when he cautiously emerged. I quietly called out to Wayne, who came right away. Then I looked into Arthur’s blue eyes, sank down to the floor and held out my hand to him.

Thus, he has been contentedly and temporarily ours. Never having had a pet, I worried over little things for a while. One day I said to Wayne, “I hope Arthur is okay. It just seems like he sleeps so much and really doesn’t have a lot of energy.”

Wayne bestowed a gentle smile upon me with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “Hey, Hon,” he reassured me,” he is just being a cat.”

As I write, Arthur is sitting beside me, tail wagging. It seems that he has some canine in him. He readily comes when he is called and begs shamelessly for food. He has turned up his nose at raw fish but eats coffee cake crumbs.

He leads the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night or any time of the day for that matter.

It is possible we’ve spoiled him some. Sometimes little pieces of ham or chicken simply just fall on the floor. When he sleeps at our feet, we usually move ourselves instead of waking him up.

Arthur loves to “knead” any type of fabric, particularly blankets. He likes the blue granny square one in the living room and the Green Bay Packers throw in the TV room. We say “knead” because it looks like he is pawing dough. Then, after all that work, he lays down in another place entirely.

He keeps our favorite spots to sit nice and warm. Often he jumps up on an empty chair beside us when we are eating dinner, looking quite hungry and hopeful.

I’ve noticed something, though. If Arthur does something utterly silly, Wayne says to me, “Your cat is being ridiculous.” If he does something clever, he is suddenly ours again.

Of course, we’ve known all along that he belongs to First Mommy and Daddy (a.k.a. Emily and Brian), and that one spring day, he will go home to them and their two-year-old son, Quinn. Regularly we text photos and receive a happy response like this, “Awwwww...hi, Art!!!!We miss you!!!!!” usually followed by a heart.

Always, Arthur is loved—past, present, and future. By First Mommy and Daddy before he came here, by us, and then once again when he goes home to them.

Very soon, he will go their new house. Undoubtedly, he and the most amazing two-year-old in the world (we’re totally objective on this) will have a lot of fun together.

We are grateful we had this time with Arthur. We will miss his gentle and sweet presence. Some have suggested we get another cat. But we won’t. After all, Arthur has completely spoiled us.Kerri Habben is a writer in Chapel Hill, NC.

Kitchen Table . . . The Heart and Soul of the Home

by Janet YoungWith the advent of Mother’s Day, I began to think of symbols that constitute a family.

As I did, a word that jumped out was kitchen, which in turn, as I contemplated a little while longer, transformed into kitchen table. Stop and think about what goes on at this meeting ground besides sharing meals.

Throughout the centuries, even as far back as the pioneer days, the kitchen table was the heart and soul of the home. In those days, houses consisted of one large room where laundry, bathing, cooking, baking and so much more were carried out.

Perhaps in those days, minus the counter tops of today, this is where the meals were prepared, potatoes chopped, pie dough rolled out. In other words, this was their workstation for preparing meals.

The kitchen table would have been where the children gathered to do their homework, where Dad may have cleaned his rifle and Mom did a sewing/mending project nearby. Stories were shared about their days. Perhaps this is where the children learned about God, as Scripture was read, and prayers said over each meal.

The kitchen table was and is a powerful bonding tool. This is where, after a hard day’s work in the field, the family would gather not only to eat, but also, perhaps, to plan their work schedule for the next day. Planting and harvesting season meant a lot of work. In order to survive, they had to work together to be assured of plenty of food for the coming cold and harsh winter months.

Budgets were planned at the table. Bills were paid. Assessing what the upcoming needs might be for the family and setting aside, if possible, the money to meet these needs all took place at the table.

Fast forward to today. Sadly, our tables are empty at night or some members of the family are missing whether due to work schedules, sports or numerous other reasons. Whatever the reason, it is a time being swept aside for other pursuits. During the times when families are at the table together is there any conversation going on? Are the teens texting, watching shows, playing video games, etc., on their cell phones? These are missed opportunities for connecting and catching up with the day’s activities.

The kitchen today is the central space for socializing. With wide-open spaces, it is an invitation for a larger number of people to congregate and have a festive gathering. Food served at the table today is varied and so various cultures are introduced with the ethnic foods offered.

The kitchen table may have evolved but it still beckons families to come and sit and enjoy time together. This Mother’s Day, my hope is that you and your family members can gather round the kitchen table and share the love you have for one another. Happy Mother’s Day!

Janet Young, Certified Tea and Etiquette Consultant, is a founding member of Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association and freelance writer/national tea presenter. Visit her website at www.overtheteacup.com.

Dilled Corn and Pea SaladCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

A great side salad for putting summer’s bounty to delicious use.Recipe Ingredients:2 cups fresh corn kennels (or frozen)1 cup fresh pea pods1 red bell pepper, cut into strips2 teaspoons butter2 teaspoons chopped fresh dillSalt and ground black pepper, to tasteCooking Directions:In a medium saucepan, cook fresh corn in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes; add pea

pods and red pepper strips; cook for 2 minutes more or until peas are at a tender crisp. Drain and toss with butter, dill and salt and pepper to taste. Can be served immediately or cover and chill.

Makes 4 servings.

1312 May-June 2020Nebraska Wyoming • Special EventsOmaha

Mom’s Daisy Afghan—A True Story from my Heart

by Joy FrederickMom crocheted Afghans for as long as I can remember; the same patterns but different

colors. Long hours were put into each crafted afghan and then she gave them away to family members.

Nearing 90 years old, Mom called me one day to say, “I’m making you a daisy afghan, Joy.”

“Really, Mom?” I was so very excited to hear this news! I’d always loved daisies.That year, Mom took ill, passing away in August 2010. In cleaning out my childhood

home, I found a bag of crocheted daises. Seventeen strips of them, fourteen daisies in each strip, but they needed to be crocheted together. All this hard, beautiful work needed to be completed. But now what? I know nothing about this craft.

For the following nine years, I contacted person after person who did crocheting. No luck! Always told, it’s too much, it’s too difficult or it’s too time consuming. I prayed. Surely there must be someone who could finish what my Mom worked so hard to do.

In October 2019, I met a lady with whom I shared my story. She told me she’d been a quilter all her life and would like to take a look at those strips of daisies. I met her at the beginning of November. She said she’d like to attempt to finish the afghan for me.

Two weeks went by and she called me. Would I hear, it’s too much, it’s too difficult, it’s too time consuming? No, she was one of God’s angels here on earth. “I hope you’ll like it,” she said. “I’ve finished your daisy afghan.” I cried upon seeing how beautiful it was! Saying “thank you” didn’t seem to be enough.

In August 2020, it will be ten year since Mom passed. It makes me so happy to display Mom’s completed daisy afghan in my home. I believe God sends his angels that are right here on earth.

Joy Frederick is from Pitman, NJ.

Rainy Days Can Be a Delightby Sue Baldani

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day! My Grandmother Helen would always sing this sweet nursery rhyme to us kids when we were little and stuck indoors due to the weather. How sad we were not to be able to go outside, ride our bikes, and play in the fresh air and sunshine.

My grandmother, who sewed, knitted and crocheted, was never bored. Her hands were always moving, whether it was creating something with fabric or yarn or cooking, baking or cleaning. She didn’t believe in idle hands. I think secretly she also liked that we were stuck inside with her because she truly loved having us underfoot. Truth be told, there were many times that I was glad to be “stuck” indoors with her, too.

Now that I’m older, I also have the capacity to enjoy rainy days. I’m always able to find plenty of things to do—some fun, like baking or crafting, and others not so fun, like doing my taxes or cleaning out closets. A rainy day, though, can be a great excuse to just hunker down inside and hide from the busy, hectic world.

Unlike my grandmother, I sometimes choose to have idle hands. I let those hands hold open books that I’m reading for enjoyment or use them to change channels on the remote to find a new show to watch. And why not? These days, there aren’t many opportunities to just slow down and decompress. It often seems like once we finish one task, another one is waiting in line.

As I write this, it’s raining cats and dogs—another one of Grandma Helen’s favorite phrases. The sound of the raindrops hitting the roof and windows is comforting and makes me appreciate that I am warm and dry inside my home.

I also appreciate that Mother Nature is watering her trees and plants and helping to create new growth this spring. The bulbs and leaves popping up all around us remind us that life always moves forward no matter what else is happening in the world and the arrival of warmer weather is the perfect opportunity to watch this awakening occur once again.

So, since there’s no sunshine to go out and play in and my bike is long gone, I think I’ll go make myself a big pot of soup. Any day is a good day for homemade soup but it’s especially delicious on a damp and dreary one. Bon appétit!

Sue’s Spring Vegetable SoupIngredients:1 tablespoon vegetable oil1/2 cup chopped onion1 clove garlic, minced1 medium potato, peeled and chopped1/2 cup chopped broccoli1/2 cup corn1/2 cup chopped spinach1/2 cup chopped carrots1/4 cup chopped cabbage64 oz. chicken broth6 oz. egg noodles1 cup canned white beansDirections:Heat oil in a large pot. When hot, add the onion and garlic and sauté until tender. Then,

mix in all the vegetables and pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Stir in egg noodles and white beans and continue cooking for 7 minutes or until noodles are soft enough to eat.

Susan Baldani lives in New Jersey and writes articles about small town life, décor, books and food for various publications across the U.S., Canada and the UK. You can contact her at suebaldani@yahoo.com, through her website at www.mywritingwall.com or on Twitter @mywritingwall.

Why Ask Me That?by James Otto

Helping my Mom got me sewing on my own. I even took Home Ed class when it was not cool for guys to do that. When my cotton shirts frayed around the collar and cuffs, I learned how to turn them and make the shirts last longer. That is how I learned that “as you sew, so shall you rip” as I forgot to switch sleeves when sewing the cuffs back on.

Now retired, I enjoy quilting. Maybe it is the challenge of turning scraps into something useful, completing a special gift that will be remembered for years to come or just seeing a child’s smile when handed their own quilt. There is always more to learn.

What has not changed is having fabric clerks asking me, “What is your wife going to do with all that fabric.” I just smile and tell them she is sitting in the car doing her online shopping or maybe having a cup of coffee.

When I was shopping in Pennsylvania, a lady asked me that question and, before I could answer, the young Amish girl cutting my order politely told her I was a quilter. The lady asked her how she knew and received a quick lesson in fabric shopping. Yep, we quilters stick together.

So, the next time you see a man in a quilt store, please, just let him shop away and not ask him that question. It just might be me. See you in the shops!

Jim Otto is a retired police chief and amateur playwright who coordinates Stitchers for a Cause in Glen Allen, VA. Jim has been asked that question numerous times during his trips into fabric stores around the country. Stitchers for a Cause has completed over 5,500 quilts, 4,000 wheelchair/walker bags, 1,500 capes for kids, 2,000 pillowcases and numerous other needed articles for donation since their start in 2007. Their donations have been sent to California Fire Victims, Texas for flood relief, orphanages in the Ukraine, military vets in chemo treatment centers, and over forty other programs, both local and national.

Collector’s Corner

Collecting for Investmentby Jim Olson

Recently I was asked into the home of collectors to assess their collection. These folks wanted to liquidate their items by sending them to auction. They had been collecting for years. They believed in the philosophy of putting their extra money into collectibles as an investment. They were now at a point in their lives where they wanted to sell the collection, buy an RV and travel. It was great hearing the enjoyment they had had over the years of searching out and buying items for their collection. Auctions, yard sales, flea markets, crafts fairs—they were excited when relating the different stories of procurement.

Unfortunately, the house was full of Bradford Exchange and Franklin Mint types of items, including hundreds of plates. They were especially excited about their “Native American” collection, which consisted of tourist type Navajo “Kachinas,” low end split stitch baskets (along with import baskets) and dozens of signed prints by artists most people had never heard of. There were knock-off bronzes and mass produced statues made of pewter.

I do not judge anybody and this kind of stuff is fine to buy if you want decorative items that do not cost much to decorate your home with. However, these types of “collectibles” are rarely a wise investment. They are decorative items and home decor is rarely “collectible” or valuable later on.

I did not have the heart to tell them that, in my opinion, they had not “collected well” as far as an investment goes and there was very little monetary value in the collection. And that the “tens of thousands” of dollars they thought they would get at an auction was actually a couple thousand dollars worth (at best) of yard sale or flea market items. I politely declined the consignment.

This little exchange got me to thinking—hence this month’s article.I am a big proponent of collecting. I have always said it is nice to be surrounded by your

savings account while enjoying it in your home instead of having it all locked away in a bank somewhere. However, when collecting as an investment, we need to get educated on what we are doing! You would not (or should not) invest in the stock market not having a clue as to how the stock market works. You should not invest in real estate blindly or buy it just because it is “cheap.” As a matter of fact, a wise investor does not invest in anything without having a good general knowledge of what he or she is investing in—and preferably also gets some advice from an expert in the field.

An educated collector would not buy “collectibles” for investment that were made in China for a corporate giant. Or buy “crafts” from roadside vendors near points of interest for the tourists or buy spurs made in Japan from a western store. Remember, just because it was a “deal” does not mean it was a good buy. There is “cheap” and there is “inexpensive.”

One of the first rules of buying as an investment is—don’t buy junk! Know the market on things you collect. If you collect coins, know what they are worth and which ones are practically worthless. If you collect stamps, know the market. If buying art is your thing, most knowledgeable collectors will advise you to stay away from prints (with very few exceptions).

If buying Native American arts and crafts, know that does not necessarily mean it is a collectible even though it may be “Native American made.” Learn the difference between quality handmade items and “crafts” that are hastily put together. Quality is quality, no matter who made it. Sure, buy certain items because you like them; that is perfectly ok, but do not think you are buying them as an “investment.” There is a difference between collecting just because an item pleases you and actually making a potential investment.

Another thing to realize is what you paid for an item does not usually matter when it comes to re-selling it. Remember the markets can and will change. Know the current market.

Other basic things to remember when collecting for investment:*Start small and collect what you like but remember quality is important.*Things made to be collectible—rarely are. This includes pretty much all kinds of commemorative or mass produced items.*Mass produced items do not necessarily just come from large companies. Check out most any gift shop for examples of crafts that are collectively mass-produced by groups of people.*But for sure, if your “collectible” says “Made in China” or “Made in Taiwan” on it — it’s not a collectible. It is a decor item or a cheap knock-off. *There is a difference between collectibles and decor. Decor is rarely collectible but collectibles can sometimes make great decor. *Things that have survived a long period of time and remain in good condition are often sought after.*While condition is a big factor in value, restoration is generally not desirable. *Rarity (or uniqueness) is usually a factor. Things where only a few have survived the test of time or items that stand apart are generally sought after. If there are dozens of them that all look alike, be careful. *Beware of fads in the market.In another article published in this column, we talked about the basics of collecting. It

was mentioned there are many other reasons to collect besides monitory ones. And that is true. There are many reasons to collect.

However, when collecting as an investment, you should study the market. Know what you are dealing in just like Warren Buffet does in the stock market. Otherwise, it will be hit or miss whether you actually wind up with a good investment or not.

Jim Olson is a published author, historian and co-owner of historic Western Trading Post in Casa Grande, AZ, that traces its roots back to 1877! Visit www.WesternTradingPost.com to see what it offers. Jim Olson © 2020

Add a Fun DiversionAnd Do a Jig Saw Puzzle

by Sue BaldaniThere is always a jigsaw puzzle in various state of completion on my dining room table.

I do it on a big piece of cardboard so when people are coming for dinner, I can just pick it up and slide it under the couch. Out of sight, but not out of mind. As soon as the coast is clear, I drag it back out with the guests never knowing that they were sitting on a sandy beach or snow-covered mountain.

As a child, I always enjoyed puzzles but, as an adult, I forgot about them for a while. Then, about 10 years ago, I was planning a trip to the shore to stay in a rental house for a week. I was so looking forward to relaxing. I had all my beach gear, books and magazines, but wondered what else I could do when I was tired of the hot sun and sand. I happened to see a beach-themed puzzle at the store and, just like that, I had my new hobby.

Besides being fun, I find that puzzles are often a great way to overcome anxiety and stress. When I sit down and work on a puzzle, focusing so intently on those little pieces helps me forget about my own problems for a while. It’s hard to worry when you’re trying to complete the whiskered face of an adorable cat. (A lot of my puzzles involve cats, dogs and a variety of other cute animals.)

I am very, very picky when it comes to choosing a puzzle. First of all, I like to occasionally match them to the season so, in the summer, I will pick out a beach or floral scene, for example. I also need a busy puzzle; no big blue skies or wide expanses of green lawns. The more stuff crammed into that square or rectangular picture, the better. I also prefer between 500 and 750 pieces; anything less is too easy and anything more sometimes frustrates me. And I do not like to be frustrated. After all, I’m doing puzzles to de-stress and enjoy myself.

What I find truly amusing is when people come in, see me doing a puzzle and remark about what an old-fashioned pursuit it is. However, more often than not, they find themselves wandering over to watch. Then, before they realize what’s happening, they are doing the puzzle with me.

By the way, I think puzzles are making a comeback and I, for one, am very happy to see that!

Susan Baldani lives in New Jersey and writes articles about small town life, décor, books and food for various publications across the U.S., Canada and the UK. You can contact her at suebaldani@yahoo.com, through her website at www.mywritingwall.com or on Twitter @mywritingwall.

Baked Cheese and Bacon OmeletteCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

For breakfast, brunch or dinner, serve this deliciously easy, oven-baked cheese and bacon omelette with home-style fried potatoes or hash browns, fresh fruit, sweet muffins and mugs of steaming, robust coffee.

6 large eggs, beaten 2/3 cup milk1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 medium green onion, sliced thin3 slices bacon; cooked and crumbled 1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheeseCooking Directions:Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).Whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in salt, pepper, cheese, onion and bacon.Melt butter* in a 9-inch oven-safe skillet. Pour egg mixture into pan. Sprinkle with

Parmesan.Bake for 20 minutes or until puffed up, set and golden. Cut into wedges and serve

immediately.Makes 4 servings.*When melting the butter in the skillet watch carefully, especially if placed in the

preheated oven to melt as the butter will burn quickly. However if it does become a golden brown color, it will simply add a desirable caramelized butter flavor.

1514 May-June 2020Nebraska Kansas • ServicesWisconsin • Special Events

Enter to Win a $25 Gift Certificate

The Country Register is giving away one $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at a local advertising Shop to one of our lucky readers! Use it to go shopping at your favorite

Country Register advertiser.The drawing will be held on June 1st and the winner will be announced in our

July-August issue. The gift certificate will be mailed to the winner.

Entry Deadline is June 1, 2020(Names are not sold, given away or used for any other purpose.)

Drawing Entry FormName ________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________Address __________________________________________________________City, State & Zip ___________________________________________________E-mail address: ____________________________________________________Name of my favorite Country Register advertiser is: _________________________________________________________________

Tell us what makes this advertiser your favorite: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

To enter, complete this form and mail to:The Country Register, 515 E. Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085

(Photocopy of form is fine. Be sure to answer all questions.)

Or email the information to: Nebraska@barlomedia.com and put “Gift Certificate” in the subject line.

Please tell us about a local Nebraska quilt shop, antique store, gift shop, etc that you would like to see advertising in that you would like to see advertising in the special Fall issue of in The Country Register:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We welcome your comments and/or suggestions about The Country Register. Include a note with your drawing entry, send us an email or give us a call at 1-888-942-8950. We enjoy hearing from our readers!

Hopeby Deb Heatherly

It is hard to find words to truly express my feeling about the current crisis that is plaguing the world. I for one could never have imagined a shortage of food and supplies, work closures, and stay at home orders as mandates in most states—unless I did so in the context of a science fiction movie. This invisible enemy has taken over our day-to-day lives and is forcing us to live in a way we never thought possible.

As quilters, we face crisis in the way that women throughout history have done. We turn to our stitching as a way to help others and as a means of solace. With this virus, fabric that may have been stashed for years has suddenly taken on a new purpose and is being turned into facemasks to help protect the front line. Elastic has become a commodity and hair ties and strings made from T-shirts have taken on a new life. While we may be forced to physically remain apart, we are coming together in a mighty way by using our sewing skills to play a supporting role.

It is being able to help that keeps our minds from fear and gives us purpose when our day to day lives are being turned upside down. It is the ‘doing’ that gives us hope.

Hope: Such a small word, with only four letters, yet huge when we all hold fast to its meaning. We all hope that research will give us answers and a vaccine. We hope that those infected will recover. And we hope that our lives can soon return to some type of normal.

Today I am sharing a quilt block that I have named Hope. Dig into your scraps and, as you stitch, pray for those on the front lines. Then make another block as you pray for your family and friends. Finally, make a third block and take time to remember the families who have lost a loved one to this monster. As you continue making blocks, you will soon have enough for an entire quilt—a quilt filled with hope.

This virus has touched us all in some way. Through it all, may we remember to call and check on friends and family and do our part by staying home to prevent the spread. May we always remember to be kind and, most of all, may we never lose hope.

Fabric Needed: NOTE: Cutting is not given for the geese units as this will depend on which method

you are using. You will find a tutorial on my website for 3 methods that are created slightly oversized and then trimmed to perfection with the Creative Grids® Ultimate Flying Geese Tool. You may also use the old-fashioned fold back method if you wish.

Light Blue (4) 2 ½” squares and enough to make (4) flying geese centers and (4) flying geese sides

with your preferred method. Light Background:(4) 2 ½” squares, (4) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles and enough to make (4) flying geese

centers with your preferred method.Dark Blue: Enough to make (4) flying geese sides with your preferred method. Center square: (1) 4 ½” square. Directions: • Use (1) 2 ½” light blue square, (1) 2 ½” white square, and (1) 2 ½”

x 4 ½” white rectangle to make the corner units. Make (4). They should measure 4 ½” square.

• Using your preferred method, make (4) flying geese with white centers and light blue sides that measure 2 ½” x 4 ½” unfinished. (They will be 2” x 4” finished, once sewn into the block). Use “D” on the Ultimate Flying Geese tool to trim.

• Using your preferred method make (4) flying geese with light blue centers and dark blue sides that measure 2 ½” x 4 ½” unfinished. (They will be 2” x 4” finished, once sewn into the block). Use “D” on the Ultimate Flying Geese tool to trim.

• Sew the geese together as shown. Stacked geese unit should measure 4 ½” x 4 ½”. Make (4).

• Sew the units and center square together in rows as shown and complete the block as shown. Block should measure 12 ½”.

Deb Heatherly is a designer for Creative Grids tools®. When not in her studio, Deb is normally on the road doing Creative Grids® lectures and workshops for guilds and shops across the country. She is the designer of the Creative Grids Cat’s Cradle tool, Strippy Stars tool, Turbo 4 Patch, Ultimate Flying Geese tool, and Cat’s Cradle XL. She is also the author of the books ‘Cat’itude, Strippy Stars, 4-Patch Panache, The Ultimate flying Geese Book, Catitude XL, and her newest, Creatively Yours. Visit her website at www.Debscatsnquilts.com. Creative Grids® fans are invited to join her Facebook group, Grids Girls, for tips and inspiration. Grids Girls members have the opportunity to participate in exclusive Grids Girls mystery quilts two times each year. https://www.facebook.com/groups/770429649800457/.

Want to schedule a trunk show, lecture or workshop in your area? Deb is currently booking 2021 dates. Contact her at Debscatsnquilts@aol.com or call the studio, Deb’s Cats n Quilts Designs, 828-524-9578.

Building Harmony

The Standby Jeff Cappis

They say that good fences make good neighbors but walls just build ignorance.At the end of our road is a 2000-acre property owned by a very wealthy family called

the Barons. None of us have ever met them. Their big electronic gate, complete with video security, was always closed. I am told that JR Baron, the head of the household, had made his fortune building office towers and subdivisions in a few different cities.

On occasion, we saw security guards patrolling the perimeter or a helicopter coming and going but the house (actually it must be a mansion) itself was at the top of a hill surrounded by forest. I am told that the paved road we see beyond the gate meanders around the property and past a few small private lakes on its way up to the mansion.

Must be nice. My gravel driveway doesn’t have a gate and on its way to our garage it meanders past a propane tank. At any rate, the Barons have been a source of speculation and envy among us poor folks.

One day, we all noticed logging trucks coming and going from the back gate of Baron’s property. There were quite a few of them and they were full of trees. We kind of wondered what was going on and this started a small buzz around the neighbourhood.

A few days later, a couple of us met at the gate to ask one of the drivers what was going on. We could hear the echo of chainsaws and trees toppling from all over the property.

A big truck stopped in front of us with a cloud of dust. We looked up to the cab and carefully asked if he knew what was going on. “Are you blind?” replied the driver rolling his eyes, “We’re pullin’ trees outta here.”

The impatient driver went on, “Look, I don’t know nothing. Maybe the old man is puttin’ up a shopping centre. All I know is I got a lot of trees to get outta’ here in two weeks. Now get away from my truck! We got a schedule, you know.” With that, he started moving his rig. We quickly had to step away as we choked on the dust.

A shopping centre? Way out here in the country? That would be crazy. At first no one really believed it but, after a while, the idea actually got some traction. With 2000 acres, you could build a community with lots of land left over and, after all, JR Baron was known to build these things.

As you can imagine, nobody wanted the noise or traffic out here. The next day, a few more neighbours met at the front gate hoping to catch Mr. Baron. We’d counted the trucks. The echo of chain saws continued and soon more locals showed up. Some brought coolers with beer and wine, expecting a wait.

From the sounds of things, Baron must be clearing his property. People began to wonder about apartment complexes or upscale condos. The crowd grew; the speculation grew; and the concern grew. We were up to 24 people. That’s when I wondered if we might be getting just a little stupid about this.

A local handyman named Jake pulled up in his pickup truck. A few of us had seen him around repairing fences. He was a bit of a rough looking old guy in his worn work clothes. He got out and asked somebody, “Ya’ll having a block party or something?” Some one handed him a drink and he got caught up in the conversation.

After about an hour of listening (and a few drinks), Jake began to pipe up. “I hate those money grubbing developers. That’s just the kind of crap we all moved out here to get away from. Right?”

We all nodded and muttered. A little tipsy, he climbed up into the back of his pick up and asked, “This land is

beautiful, isn’t it? Don’t you just love the smell of the forest?”Most of us went “Ya!” He went on, “It’s natural, clean and quiet! The animals can roam freely and we can see

the stars at night!!” Now we were a congregation. We all started to get a little worked up. He went on even more, “And they want to pave over paradise? Well, we’re not gonna’

let ‘em!” And with that, Jake let out a loud belch and fell down in the back of his truck. We cheered and whistled. Now we were a mob.Someone yelled, “It’s our neighbourhood, too!” Another yelled, “We got a right to know about these things!” Jake yelled, “Respect the land or go to blazes!” Someone else yelled, “Ya! JR Baron can go to blazes!” With that, everyone chanted, “Go to blazes! Go to blazes! Go to blazes!” And some

even danced around.Everyone, that is, except the handyman. He peered over the side of his truck, then

slowly got to his feet. He motioned to quiet everyone and, after a few moments, he had our attention. He was a little fidgety. “Um,” he stuttered and looked around. “I’m- uh- I’m JR Baron.”

We were stunned into silence. He began to straighten up and cleared his throat. “Is this about what’s happening on my

property?” He began to laugh a bit then got sincere. “Hey ya’ll, I’m not developing. I’m selective-logging. You know, for forest fires and the environment and stuff. It’s costing a lot of money, but it seemed like the right thing to do. I love my land.”

Now everyone knew we had been stupid about this.Jake R. Baron, as it turned out, was actually a good-hearted man. We all had a nervous

laugh about it and he invited everyone up to the house. Turns out it wasn’t a mansion but it was a very beautiful house and everything we’d heard about the road up to it was true.

We all finally got to meet him and his family and have gotten together many times since. Surprise! They live pretty much like the rest of us. Turns out, even Jake liked to go out and mend his own fences once in a while.

He won’t let us ride in his helicopter, though.© 202 Jeff Cappis. You can email Jeff at jcappis@telus.net

Free Needle Travel Guide Giveaway

The Country Register is giving away a free copy of the 2020 Needle Travel Guide book to one lucky reader. ) Send an email to nebraska@barlomedia.com and put Needle Travel Guide in the subject line (one entry per person please). Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and where you pick up your copy of The Nebraska Country Register. You can also send a note or postcard to: The NE Country Register, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085.

The drawing will be held on June 1 and the winners will be sent a copy of the book in the mail and announced in the July-August issue.

16 NebraskaSpecial Events