free-----take one 13...through the seasons of many and many a year. last autumn’s leaves clump...

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Missouri Edition Jan/FEb 2013

The Country Register of Missouri Jan/Feb 20132

The Country Register is published bi-monthly. Reproduction or use without witten permission of any material contained herein is expressly prohibited. “The Country Register” is a registered trade name. ©2011.

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USA• Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P.O. Box 84345, Phoenix, AZ, 85071, 602-942-8950• Arkansas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, 405-470-2597• California & N. Nevada: Betty Fassett, 26941 Cabot Rd., Suite 132, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653, 800-349-1858 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797• Connecticut: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-661-1760• Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, 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, 678-641-7728• Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028• Idaho (S) WA & E. OR: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P. O. Box 84345, Phoenix, AZ, 602-942-8950• Illinois: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, 405-470-2597• Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, 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: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243-1118 Maine: Gail Hageman, 221 Winslow Rd, Albion, ME 04910, 207-437-2663• Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217• Massachusetts-RI: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-661-1760 Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211• Minnesota: Kim and Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, 763-754-1661• Missouri: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, 405-470-2597• Montana: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028• Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P. O. Box 84345, Phoenix, AZ 85071, 602-942-8950• Nevada (N): Betty Fassett, 26941 Cabot Rd., Suite 132, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653, 800-349-1858• Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803 New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 330 North Road, Deerfield, NH, 03037, 603-463-3703 • New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, 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: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-661-1760• North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028• Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, 937-652-1157• Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, 405-470-2597• Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P.O. Box 84345, Phoenix, AZ, 85071, 602-942-8950• Pennsylvania: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217• Rhode Island: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-661-1760• S. Carolina: Michael Dempsey, 10213 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, 919-661-1760• South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028• Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243-1118• Texas: Lenda Williams, P.O. Bo 32581, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, 405-470-2597• Utah: Daniel & Stacy Tueller, 153 S 2050 W, Provo UT 84601, 801-592-8498• Vermont: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774, 443-243-1118• Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217• Wash. & E. OR & S. ID: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P. O. Box 84345, Phoenix, AZ, 602-942-8950• West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217• Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, 715-838-9426• Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 10563 Chicken Creek Road, Spearfish, SD 57783, 605-722-7028CANADA• Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0, 780-889-3776 British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0, 1-800-784-6711• Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, 306-736-2441 Ontario: Laurie Holcombe, 166-B Craig Henry Dr., Nepean, Ontario K2G4M7, 613-864-8667

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Just Between Us...Every January, I make of list of “good intentions”, in other words, resolutions. This year, I am going to find at least two blessings everyday to be grateful for. Doesn’t sound like a hard thing to do does it? It only means counting 730 blessings a year. I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to run thru the year not stop and never comprehend how many blessing I have been blessed with.

The obvious ones, I have no problem acknowledging, like family, friends and home. It’s the little ones that I need to concentrate on, like the wasp nest that was attached to the house. I was able to watch them build and go about their business all summer and not once did they try to sting me. Even when I would go close and watch them. My Son-in-law managed to make them mad when he trimmed a bush close to them. He still doesn’t understand whyI refused to get rid them.

Maybe, getting up in the morning and knowing that the coffee pot still works and I will have those cups of coffee that I depend on to keep me going, or when I forgot to go to the grocery store the night before to buy bread and I find that last heel in the bag and it has no mold on it. I will have that piece of toast the same as always.

The granddaughter that came to visit when I was on deadline and she just wanted to play a game. I have to remember that deadlines come and go, but she won’t always want to play a game with her Mimi. Something like when I go to bed, the day has been calm, no disasters, the sun was shining all day, and I took time to read a book that I’ve had for six months and never opened.

If we take time to count our blessings, we will slow down and enjoy life and ap-preciate what we have. I feel like that’s what I need to do. To stop running thru my life and take a step back. What about you?

May all of you have a Blessed New Year.

The Country Register of MissouriJan/Feb 2013 3 Fenton

Please ok/change this ad proof and reply to The Country Register, [email protected] NO RESPONSE, THE AD WILL BE PRINTED AS IT APPEARS HERE

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Uncle Joe’s SpringBy Kerri HabbanI first noticed the brick structure in 2010 as we were driving the back way to visit our friends, Greta and Mac. Greta’s cancer had returned, and those afternoons that we sat together are even more treasured now, as she passed away in July of that year .

Our friends had lived in their neighborhood for nearly fifty years, and Mac is a native to our county, so I asked him about what I’d seen along the road. Mac looked around the creek, and he explained that it was unlikely that the flow and speed of water could have produced enough energy to power a mill. Another day when he was out there, another long-time resident strolled by, and he said that he had always heard of it referred to as “Uncle Joe’s Spring, and that the man had used it to keep his vegetables cold before taking them to the market.

One day Mac said to me, “I wonder what that really was.” And with that the first lines of the following poem came to me. As I reread these words approaching a new season, I saw myself in “Uncle Joe’s Spring.”

I am not exactly who I was last year at this time. I am different because of the joys and experiences I had throughout those days now past. I think of Uncle Joe loading his wagon on Oxford Road. I hope he knows that he and his spring are remembered.

Uncle Joe’s Spring

I am not what I once was. I am what remains.

I have witnessed this branch of water through the seasons of many and many a year.

Last Autumn’s leaves clump their way through Winter; I wait for time and rain to clear them away. I wait and I wonder; for all the days of my life I have stood watch.

I study the roots of a tree that seems as if it reaches to the sky. There is wisdom in these roots. A truth that knows how to be exposed and yet holds close its own power, giving it only to those who would not take it away.

Will I erode away like the clay beneath these roots? What have I given to this place I have called home all the days of my life? Am I a part of this earth now? As much as the rock that is my foundation?

And what is love to a structure such as I? I cannot speak with words to those who draw near me. But I can shine in God’s light and know that love is everything.

I am drenched in His rain, and I know that in every storm, love is still everything. I sleep through dark nights, and I know that for always and always His love is everything.

I am not what I once was. I am what remains.

And what remains is everything.

Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer, and local historian in Raleigh, NC.

Become Inspired!

Decorating, Entertaining, and Living in the Early

American Style.By Annice Bradley RockwellStillness and Solitude

January always brings me a genuine sense of peace. There is a stillness to the month that relaxes and renews me. It is during this time of year that I remember that this solitude has power to recharge my creativity and provide me with all that I need to get through a true New England winter.

Deepening Appreciation for Antiques

Shortly after the first of the year, my holiday decorations are safely put away and there seems to be a shift that mirrors this quiet time of year. I always see this as an opportunity to take stock in my home and within. I take time to rearrange my antiques, plan longer projects and reflect upon the provenance behind the pieces I hold dear. My appreciation deepens still as I ponder the antiques that have been touched by the people, places and events of the past.

My rearranging and planning are deeply satisfying to me and I always make sure to save room for just “one more piece,” so winter weekends are spent venturing out to find treasures to fill the winter gaps. Coming home with a perfect piece often takes time, but that’s always fine with me, because as it should be, it is the quest that excites.

The Landscape Transformed

When winter is in full force I gaze out over the landscape and everything is blanketed with snow. I am always delighted to see that our winter birds have once again found our feeder in the magnolia tree and it gives me comfort knowing they will most likely return as our winter friends. My herb garden is transformed into its sleeping state and as I look at it I dream of the advent of spring when I will be able to work with my plants and create new ideas for their use and care.

Looking Forward

The end of last year brought the completion of our eighteenth century tavern room and cage bar. The tavern room at Milltown Primitives in North Stonington, CT was the source of my inspiration and as I look ahead to the winter months I am happily planning our “New England Tavern Suppers.” Consisting of three early tap tables set for two, I envision intimate dinners after a cold, New England day with homemade stews or bubbling hot meat pies that would be a most welcomed sight. Eating by candlelight, surrounded by early New England antiques will inevitably provide a kindred connection to our past and a sense of warmth and comfort perfectly suited for this peaceful and rejuvenating time of year.

For further information and inspirational tavern photos Facebook us at Milltown Primitives.

Annice Bradley Rockwell is an educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She is currently working on her book, New England Girl. [email protected] Robin Rock is the owner of Milltown Primitives. www.milltownprimitvesshop.com

Homemade LoveValentine’s Day is February 14th and is traditionally a day to celebrate love and re-lationships. Take this opportunity to celebrate the relationships in your life – what better lesson than to teach our children to appreciate those around them? Everyone likes to make Valentines for friends and loved ones. Here’s a way to get even the littlest hands involved. Let young children finger paint whatever they like on white paper and let it dry. Older children that are able to use scissors can cut hearts out of the painted paper. Let everyone help glue the hearts onto pink, red or white con-struction paper and sign their name or, if they can, write a sweet message. A gift or sweet sentiment from the heart is the best Valentine ever. © Susan Tipsord 2013

Grandparents and GrandchildrenShe was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of

her young granddaughter as she’d done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, “But Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!”

My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, “62.” He was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, “Did you start at 1?”

After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, “Who was THAT?”


Pieces From My Heart

GreatnessBy Jan KellerEveryone is talking about Steven Spielberg’s movie ‘Lincoln’ and many, including me, say it’s, “Great!” A great film about a beloved President is a fitting tribute. But the film zeros in on a very limited time span so it might be good to also reflect on the life that helped to form the character of Abraham Lincoln.

Surprisingly, Lincoln’s story is full of the irony of failure, hardship and disappointment.

When Abe was seven-years-old he had to work to help support his family because, due to a legal technicality, they were forced out of their home.

He was a shy and diffident nine-year-old when his mother died.

It was a youthful Lincoln who shared a love with pretty Ann Rutledge—only to endure heartache and grief because of her untimely death.

At 22, Lincoln was fired from his job as a store clerk. He dreamed of going to law school but couldn’t be-cause his education was not adequate.

He went into debt to become a partner in a small store when he was 23. Three years later his business partner died, leaving him so deeply in debt it took years for him to repay his resulting financial obligation.

At 28, after a four-year romantic relationship with a young lady, he asked her to marry him. She said no.

He married Mary Todd, a well-educated 23-year-old woman from a wealthy Kentucky family, when he was 33.

He ran for a seat in Congress twice and failed. On his third try, at age 37, he was successful. Two years later he ran for reelection and once again failed and endured the agony of defeat.

Although he is regarded as a man of strong character, about this time he had what some today would call a nervous breakdown.

When he was 41, his four-year-old son Edward died, heaping additional stress on an already troubled marriage.

The following year he applied to serve as a land officer, but was rejected.

He ran for the Senate and lost when he was 45.

Two years later, he was defeated for a Vice Presidential nomination.

At 49, he ran for the Senate again … and lost again.

Lincoln suffered periods of deep depression, was the target of an endless barrage of false and malicious rumors, criticism and misunderstanding. Snubbed and despised by many of his peers, he was hardly the envy of his day.

At 51, however, he was elected President of the United States. He was even successfully reelected to a second term. It was during his second term that he was assassinated.

He died in a little rooming house across the street from Ford’s Theatre, where he was shot. Edwin Stanton, who was present, proclaimed, “There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen … and now he belongs to the ages.”

Mankind is a shortsighted, inconsistent and fickle lot! We chase after those in the spotlight who have earned success and public applause. Seldom do we trace the path that led to a lofty pinnacle.

Bitter hardships, unfair abuses, loneliness, humiliating failures, disappointments and agony suffered along the rocky and difficult path of life are treated as enemies, not friends. We like to forget that those who are worth of emulation and praise have paid their dues.

Greatness isn’t inherited. It is earned at great cost.

© 2013 Jan Keller. No reprint of this article without permission. Jan shares other pieces of her life in her books, Pieces From My Crazy Quilt, and The Tie That Binds. These books can be ordered by calling 719-749-9797 or writing:Black Sheep Books, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO 80831

Quilting with BarbaraBy Barbara ConquestI like January! It’s our coldest month, snowiest month, and often seems to be the longest month. We contend with blizzards, icy roads, clumsy snow boots and wind-chills well below zero – whether Fahrenheit or Celsius. So why do I like January? Since I am no longer a skier, snowshoer or curler, there is little temptation to venture outdoors and I can hunker down indoors without guilt. As a quilter, January is my organizational month, enabling me to be more efficient and productive the rest of the year.

First job: Organize or re-organize the stash. Everyone has his/her own system for this, even if it consists of piling new fabric onto old. What would help you most? Sorting by colour? By size? (e.g. fat quarters, pieces larger or smaller than one meter/yard) by type? (batiks, repros, floral prints, stripes…) By project? (placing everything required for a planned proj-ect – pattern, thread and notions – in a clear plastic bag)? When you’re ready to start you needn’t spend precious time looking for the elusive pattern you know you put “somewhere safe.” By function? (potential quilt tops here, potential backings there) By age? Think: Do you really plan to use that fabric you loved in the 90s? Be realistic. If you don’t have concrete plans for it, jettison it! Or, better yet, put at least some of it in your scrap box and then organize your scraps!

Speaking of scraps, there are as many ways to organize them as there are quilters. Any method that works for you is the right one. But if you don’t have a pet method, here are some suggestions. Some quilters cut large scraps into 2-inch strips, in effect making their own jelly rolls. There are literally hundreds of patterns for jelly roll quilts. What a great use for former scraps – and what a great feeling to have a quilt top instead of a pile of miscellaneous scraps!

Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville (website) is the queen of scraps, and many people use her method of scrap organization. She has determined the most common dimensions used in making blocks, so she cuts and sorts scraps into strips of various widths, and cuts and sorts squares and rectangles into these common dimensions. These precut scraps accumulate, and when she is ready to sew her blocks she has a head start because most of the cutting is already done. For more detail, see Bonnie’s book Leaders and Enders or any recent issue of Quiltmaker Magazine where she writes a regular column showing readers easy blocks that can be made from these pre-cut pieces. Imagine reading that a scrappy pattern requires eighty-five – or a hundred and eighty-five – 3 ½ inch squares and you already have them cut! Joy!

While you’re in organization mode, consider the notions you’ve accumulated. Would it save time later if your thread were grouped by color or size or type so you could quickly put your finger on the exact thread you need? And your applique scissors, snips and shears – what about hanging them so they’re always visible? All you need is a few cuphooks.

The last step might be to clean your sewing machine(s). Ideally, you’ve remembered to take them to your machine professional for maintenance early in January because you wouldn’t be using them while you were organizing, but even if you haven’t, pamper them with a thorough cleaning, brushing or vacuuming out the lint and applying a good machine oil. Your machine manual will tell you what to do.

By the end of January you won’t have much sewing or quilting done, but you’ll have a tidy, organized sewing area, a sewing machine ready to handle anything and the rest of the year to make use of both. There’s an old adage, “Practise what you preach.” Gotta go! I have a date with my stash!

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Right Where I Need It!I know it’s here somewhere! This is not what you want to be saying to yourself when you have a little one with a fever (or a cough, a sniffle, etc.). The last time my son was sick, I tore apart my kitchen cabinet where I keep all the over the counter medicines, vitamins, prescriptions and the like that we use fairly regularly. I FINALLY found the Jr. strength Tylenol. . .and it was expired. I knew there had to be a better way so I divided items by family member and bought organizer boxes that I could label for each person. For example, Ryan’s epi-pens and all junior strength medicines go in his box, and my husband’s vitamins all go in his box. After each person’s box was complete, the last one was filled with things we all use, like ibuprofen and antacids. Each box is labeled and they stack easily so I can just grab the one I need. This system also makes it easier to quickly fill weekly pill organizers when you need to. Organize your world – one cabinet at a time. © Susan Tipsord 2013

The Country Register of MissouriJan/Feb 2013 5Macon, Marshall, Mexico, Monroe, Salisbury


INVOICE Waverings May/June2011issue-5x5”ad 6xrate $145.00

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DMC Floss • Stamped Needle Art • FabricWe Carry over 1200 bolts of Quilting Frabric including:

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INVOICEThe Country Register

PO Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 Mexico Singer Sewing Ctr

123 W Monroe, Mexico, MO 573-581-2047 Mon-Fri: 9-5 Sat-9-3

Super Bowl Sale Sunday, Feb. 3rd, 1pm-5pm

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Fabric up to 50% OFF Books & Patterns 30% OFF

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Super Bowl Fun Saturday, February 2nd, 2013, 9am-3pmSPECIALS THRU OUT OUR STORE!

New Fabric Arriving, New Classes Quality quilting fabrics

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If you enjoy quilting and the easygoing serenity of a quiet village, then Arrow Rock, Missouri is the place to be May 6-10, 2013.

Nationally recognized quilting teachers will be teaching. We promise a fun-filled week.

Please join us in Historic Arrow Rock. The village is located in central Missouri about 160 miles west of St. Louis and 90 miles east of Kansas City. Upon registration, we will send detailed information for flying or

driving. Housing will be in one of the many bed and breakfasts in our village.

P.O. Box 142, Arrow Rock, MO 65320 • 660-837-3268 • Email: [email protected] • www.ArrowRockQuiltCamp.com

Plan to attend the 10th Annual Quilt CampMay 6 - 10, 2013


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Treasure ChestYarn Shop & More

Bring your Knitting, Crochet, Needlework, Plastic canvas, Drop Spindle or Spinning Wheel projects and start your day with

"Stitching, Friends & Coffee."

216 W. Monroe, Mexico, MO573-581-8007

Hours: Wed & Fri: 10am-6pm, Thur: 10am-7pm, Sat: 10am-3pm, Closed: Sun., Mon. & Tues.

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Crochet Project• Cross Stitch Classes, Large Selection of DMC Floss

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Stover Quality QuiltingFor All Your Custom Quilting Needs

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Celebrating 70 YearsOf Beautiful Machine Quilting For People

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rugs, rulers, fabrics, battings, woolens, wines and so much more.

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For additional information, call Stover Quality Quilting @1-800-521-4171 or email [email protected]

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Tatting Classes * DMC Floss * Saturday Sampler

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Take Care of YouYou know the feeling – scratchy throat, chills, and body aches – those all too fa-miliar flu symptoms that creep up on us this time of year. It’s never a good time to be sick, but if you’re prepared, it can be a little easier and maybe a little less pain-ful, too! No one wants to have to run out to the drug store when they already feel bad. Make sure your medicine cabinet is flu-season ready with just a few simple items. You need a working thermometer – either a good old-fashioned mercury thermometer or a battery-operated ear thermometer will do the same thing. Next, a fever reducer – it’s good to keep both ibuprofen and acetaminophen on hand. You may need both. Electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gatorade, are helpful in preventing dehydration. If you have freezer space, keep clear popsicles (no dairy) on hand – these are great for kids or adults alike. Be careful with over the counter medications for multi-symptoms; you don’t want to treat symptoms you don’t have. Most important, don’t self-treat too long; if you’re not better or if your condition is deteriorating, call your doctor. In no time at all, you’ll be on the road to recovery! © Susan Tipsord 2013

The Country Register of MissouriJan/Feb 2013 7 Lebanon, Nevada, WaynesvilleCamdenton, Osage Beach,

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National Quilting DayPress Release

March 16, 2013 will be the 22nd annual National Quilting Day. At the Annual Meet-ing of the National Quilting Association, in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1991, a resolution was passed marking the third Saturday in March as National Quilting Day. The first celebration was held in 1992. Over the years, many quilters have created ways to observe their passion during the entire month of March, rather than to just celebrate for one day.

The theme for 2013 is “Celebrate America”, coordinating with the show theme for the 44th Annual National Quilting Association Quilt Show. A Nine Patch Stars and Stripes quilt was designed by Kathy Lichtendahl, National Quilting Association Communications Chair. This free pattern can be obtained by accessing the National Quilting Association web site www.nqaquilts.org under NQA Day Pattern after January 1, 2013, or in the Winter 2013 issue of The Quilting Quarterly.

Use the free pattern to create a donation to any organization supporting our veterans and/or people serving in the military as well as their families. The quilt will look great in any colors, and in any size, and not just as featured. Get inspired and get quilting.

CELEBRATE AMERICA! Please send photographs and short stories of your completed NQD projects, so that we may showcase our collective efforts at the 44th Annual National Quilting Association Quilt Show. The show will be held June 27-29, 2013 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Pictures and stories should be sent to Freda Jones, National Quilting Day Coordinator at [email protected]. Make sure that you include your name, e-mail address, and phone number with the e-mail, and thank you for being a part of the celebration of quilting.

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Piecing Life Togetherby Barbara Polston

The Strokes FileI recently attended the Annual Induction Luncheon of

Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame. I love being in the room with 200 or more quiltersand quilt lovers and hearing the inspiring stories of the inductees. Here’s asmattering of overheard responses to compliments about:

• Weight loss: “Oh, I still have at least 10 pounds to go.”• Clothing:“This old thing?”• A displayed quilt: A litany of all the mistakes that, thankfully, the judges didn’t find.Why is it SO hard to accept and acknowledge a compliment? I hear my mother’s

voice ringing in my head, saying, “Don’t ever say anything nice about yourself. Letothers say nice things about you instead.” OK, Mom, but perhaps there should havebeen another sentence. Something like, “And, when they do, just smile and saythank you.”

Why is it SO easy to think poorly of ourselves and concentrate on our flaws? Askalmost any woman and she will tell you that she’s not thin enough, not pretty enough,not smart enough, and not talented enough—despite obvious evidence to thecontrary. While no one appreciates spending time with a braggart, there is such athing as stating and accepting the facts of your life as just that, the facts. Yes, I am apublished writer. Yes, I am an award-winning quiltmaker. Maybe there should be anothersentence, something like, “I work diligently at that; thanks for noticing my efforts.”

For me, each time a goal is achieved, a new one is set, inching the bar of lifeaccomplishment ever higher. Maybe that’s why it’s challenging, at times, to remainpositive, to keep in mind that there have been accomplishments along the way ofwhich I am proud. It’s easier to think about what I haven’t done and fall into thedoldrums than it is to hang on to the positive feeling that achievement provides.

When I am at my absolute lowest point, I consult “The Strokes File.” Over theyears, I have been the grateful recipient of notes and e-mails that compliment myefforts. I’ve saved these in a folder. Here, I find that my quilting students appre-ciated the supportive, safe environment I created in class, freeing them to try newthings. Here I find that a viewer visited my quilt hanging in a show over and over,unable to tear herself away. Here I find that I am a good friend and have helpedothers’ causes and careers grow. When I’m at my very lowest, a visit to “The StrokesFile” returns me to equilibrium. It reminds me that, although I do have flaws, I haveattributes as well, attributes that have been noted and complimented.

Mark Twain had quite a lot to say about compliments. One that currentlyresonates, “If you can’t get a compliment any other way, pay yourselfone.” Or, visit your personal Strokes File!©Barbara Polston, Phoenix, AZ, August 2012. Barbara Polston is a writer by vocation and a quilter byavocation. You can see Barbara’s quilts, join her on facebook, or book her class and lecture offeringsat www.barbarapolston.com. She is the Editor of The Quilting Quarterly, the Journal of The National

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©2012 Jane Morton. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Piecing Life Together

The Country Register of MissouriJan/Feb 2013 9


Directions: Appletree Quilting Center is located in the heart of Missouri quilting country half way between St. Louis and Kansas City on Interstate 70. Take exit #124. Turn south on Stadium Blvd., then turn right on to Bernadette Dr. (second stop light at Wendy’s Restaurant). We are located in Bernadette Square, a shopping center on your right, across from the Columbia Mall.

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Random Acts

Craving Curiosity By Maranda K. JonesHappy New Year! What sacrifice for self-improvement will you be making this winter? Some want to improve their finances by getting a better job or saving more money. Others want to become more organized, reduce stress, and manage time. Many want to improve their well-being and make a resolution to lose weight, exercise more, drink less, or stop smoking. Did you know PEZ, the popular candy dispenser, was created as an alternative to smoking?

In 1948, Oscar Uxa designed the first PEZ dispenser, called “Box Regulars,” to resemble cigarette lighters and to encourage people to quit smoking. PEZ candy was born a breath mint in Vienna, Austria almost 20 years before the dispenser was introduced at the Vienna Trade Fair. Its name also hails from German descent, using the first, middle, and last letters of the German word for peppermint, “pfefferminz.”

PEZ introduced fruity flavors and character dispensers to the United States in the 1950s, hoping to reach adults and children alike. The first dispensers included Santa, a Robot, and a Space Gun. Popeye soon joined the PEZ family, becoming one of the first licensed characters, followed by Mickey Mouse in the early 1960s.

The popularity of PEZ continues to grow with variations of dispenser designs and improve-ments. Interchangeable rubber heads, feet for standing upright, and more beloved characters keep people wanting more bite-sized candy and its unique packaging.

In the 1990s, a Tweety Bird PEZ made a guest appearance on an episode of Seinfeld, and PEZ graced the cover of Forbes magazine. Collectors enjoy the series of PEZ dispensers that have been released, featuring several characters from the same movie, such as Star Wars, Wizard of Oz, and Snow White and Seven Dwarfs. Star Wars PEZ is the most popular licensed assortment of all time. Collectible tins and limited edition dispensers have made this already distinct candy more appealing.

My children love PEZ. My five-year-old son likes loading the candy and sharing it with friends. He studies the mechanics while enjoying a sweet treat. My three-year-old daughter likes that she can hold the dispenser easily in her small hands and have a favorite character carry her candy for her. They both see it as a toy that gives them candy – what’s not to love?

I love PEZ too. I would not call myself a collector, but I may very well be one. I am slightly obsessed with PEZ. When I opened the silverware drawer this morning, I did a quick count of the PEZ dispensers waiting to be greeted. Twelve popular characters were present. Those are just the ones in the drawer. I have more! I didn’t acquire them as an alternative to smoking though, for that is one habit I have never wondered about. I have however always wondered about the origin of PEZ and finally fed my curiosity. Now I have a promising start on my New Year’s resolution to feed my curiosity more often. This time my curiosity craved PEZ and fed on delicious details at http://wwwpez.com/history.

The Memory FileHow much Halloween candy did we go through last year? How many Christmas cards do I need to buy? Where did I store that perfect birthday gift I found 3 months in advance? Do you find yourself struggling to remember these things? I know I do! So many things I think I’m going to remember, but the time comes and I just can’t. I’m no different than anyone else; we have so much on our minds that we just can’t be expected to remember it all. Why not start a memory file notebook for yourself? A binder with dividers that you can categorize will work fine. Keep it in a kitchen drawer or in your desk, anywhere that you can easily access it when you need to add to it or get information from it. For starters, try making notes at the end of each month with important details that you can refer to next year at the beginning of that month. For example, your end-of-December notes may include items such as how many Christmas cards you need to buy next year and any holiday decorations that need repairs before putting them out next year. Just a few minutes of jotting down important notes at the end of each month will help you immeasur-ably when you need it. © Susan Tipsord 2013

The Country Register of MissouriJan/Feb 2013 11Cape Fair, Sedalia, Windsor

Sat.-10:00am to 2:00pm

(In case of bad weather, alternate date Feb10)

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013


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Using Fresh Ingredients

Gives You Delicious ResultsBy Barbara Floyd, Founder of The Country Register A lesson I learned over the summer was to throw out or use up store-bought salad dressings and vow to rarely buy any more. I say rarely because ‘never’ might be unrealistic. With an abundance of fresh produce all summer in E. Washington, my daughter Brenda and I tried sticking to the rare rule and almost never used bottled dressings. We found out we saved lots of money, calories and preservatives in our diet and gained some awesome new tastes. It took mere minutes to whip up a new batch and in this day and age, salads are year around good nutrition and the ingredients always available.

Our very favorite salad dressing recipe is the Balsamic Honey Dressing: 2 cloves crushed garlic, 4 T. olive oil, 4 T. balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 tsp. honey, 2 T. minced green onion, ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground. Whisk together and toss with 12 cups mixture of fresh baby spinach, baby kale, and/or baby greens, ½ cup sliced red onion to taste, 4 T chopped roasted pecans, and ½ cup grated Parmesan. This will serve 8. Don’t overdress your greens! The dressing keeps for several days.

One Crockpot dish I tried was a chicken-Thai dish that called for ginger sesame bottled dress-ing. Being out of town a few miles made cooking more of a challenge, and when something wasn’t on hand, I would substitute whenever possible. I almost gave in and went to town, but instead Googled a recipe online. We did have olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce and rice vinegar on hand—the basics needed. I made up a double batch, poured it over the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery and onion that had some wine on it already. At almost serving time, peanut butter was mixed into the juices and we all enjoyed that dish a lot.

The next time, I made two Crockpots-full for company except I followed the instructions to use the bottled ginger sesame dressing. My youngest daughter, Bobbi-Jo, had sent some home with us from her “Costco Annex storeroom.” (Of all of us, she lives closest to a Costco and we tease her that she is their overflow storage area because she is such a good customer.) I am not saying the bottled dressing was not good, but the recipe turned out much better in the homemade version.

Well, that is what I learned about salad dressings and by making your own you don’t have to keep throwing out all those outdated bottles that line your refrigerator doors. What do you think our mothers used to make? I know mine made homemade dressings. They did not have the commercial choices in the good old days.

Now, to balance the calories in this story out a bit, I will give you something for your sweet tooth—my new dessert recipe that came from daughter Brenda’s recipe file. Read further if you like chocolate and peanut butter.

Her recipe card says “Brownies” and I think I will call them “Beyond Brownies.” One batch Brownie Mix (I used 2 bags of Costco’s Triple Chocolate mix; it is awesome even by itself.) (No I do not work for Costco, but probably should.) Mix according to directions and bake in 9 x 13 baking dish for 20-25 minutes. Remove and top with 1 cup of peanuts and 1 cup of Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, chopped. Return to oven and bake 4-6 more minutes. Melt 1½ cups dark chocolate chips, ½ T. butter and 1½ cups creamy peanut butter. Stir in 1½ cups Rice Krispies. Pour over top and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

The calories in the Beyond Brownies will more than make up for the calories you save on your homemade dressing!

Barbara Floyd, Founder of The Country Register, has recently returned to winter in Arizona after five delightful months in Eastern Washington with family and friends. Since last February she has been getting the hang of retirement from active publishing and is always happy to hear from readers of The Country Register. [email protected]


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The Country Register of Missouri Jan/Feb 201312 Poplar Bluff, Van Burren


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A Winter Beach VacationBy Nancy Parker Brummett

When I put the topic for this column on a list of topics weeks ago, I expected to be nursing a sunburn as I wrote it. My husband and I were planning a midwinter beach vacation then.

Priorities being what they are, we didn’t make it. Instead, I keep bumping into other people I know who’ve just gotten back from Mex-ico or Hawaii. One tan, relaxed-looking friend just returned from Tahiti!

Instead of writing about my beach bummin’ days, I’m bummin’ about not going to the beach. Instead of giving you an account of lazy af-ternoons spent stretched out on the sand, I’m stretching my imagination to take a seaside vacation to Mexico

in my mind. Want to come along?

Are you packed yet? You don’t need much. Put in a couple of bathing suits so you don’t have to pull on a wet one the day after wearing it. Old, faded suits will do.

You need a pair of shorts and a T-shirt for each day we’re there. Add a sweater or sweatshirt for cool nights in salty breezes, a long skirt or sundress for one nice dinner out, a pair of flip-flops and a pair of nicer sandals for shopping excursions, and you’re ready. (Toss in some suntan lotion and block but forget about makeup…this is a vacation!)

At the airport waiting for our flight, you ask if I have my ticket. Of course! (I went back and got it after leaving it on the kitchen counter.) You looked pretty silly arriving in the snow in that straw hat, but I’ll wish I had it when the sun’s beating down on my head.

Comparing books in our carry-on bags as we wait to board, we realize we both brought Beach Music, so I give my copy to an anxious-looking woman next to me on the plane. One decent book and one mindless romance each is all we need—then we’ll swap!

Finally we arrive! As we walk down the steps from the plane onto the tarmac I look at you and we laugh. It’s like we just walked into a steam room. A breeze stirs the palm trees lining the runway and you grab your hat just in time.

After a bumpy bus ride we check into our hotel (sure, I’ll take the bed by the window), change into our suits, and head for the beach. The chairs are all taken, so we stretch out a blanket on the sand and collapse. Ahhh…this is what it’s all about.

You go for a dip in the ocean. I don’t mean to laugh at your hopping across the hot sand—but it’s funny! Soon you’re back and the smell of salt water on suntan lotion fills the air. (Hey, you’re getting wet sand on the blanket!) Tomorrow I’ll swim, too, but today…I’m vacating.

As the sun starts to go down we pull on our T-shirts and get a couple of overly sweet drinks. We claim a couple of abandoned beach chairs and sit watching the orange sunset appear behind the rock formations out in the water. Silently we absorb the soothing sounds of the surf punctuated by the calls of the gulls as they head home for the night.

I feel better. How about you?

Nancy Parker Brummett is an author and freelance writer in Colorado Springs, CO. “Like” her author page on Facebook, or to learn more about her life and work, visit www.nancyp-arkerbrummett.com.

THE DROPPED STITCH

TEA, KNITTING, AND COZIESBy Sharon Greve

With January being National Tea Month, knitters’ minds turn to the traditional tea pot and its colorful and decorative easy-to-knit cozy. Many resemble winter woolen hats, right down to the pom-pom on top. The first documented use of a tea cozy in Britain was in 1867 when the Duchess of Bedford introduced a social activity to her peers that became a daily custom--the practice of serv-ing afternoon tea. However, these tea parties were often cut short when the teapot and its contents turned cold. Then, the hand- knitted tea cozy came to the rescue. Sometimes small pockets hidden inside a cozy held dried herbs and flowers to exude enticing aromas when placed over a warm pot of tea.

Knitters love tea, so many yarn stores have the tea kettle on for their customers. Some even offer tasty exotic teas for purchase alongside colorful worldly fibers. Tea is one of today’s happy luxuries for knitters across the globe. However, history says tea became a problem for 19th century knitters on Shetland Island. Tea was at the heart of the island’s harmful “truck” system in which labor and goods were bartered, rather than paid in cash. The merchants and shopkeepers of Shetland had transformed tea into the currency with which women received in payment for their hard work--and that hard work was knitting. Their fine hosiery and shawls were valued in tea and paid in tea. They received no other payment for their work. Since families couldn’t live on tea alone, Shetland knitters were forced to spend time and energy turning the tea payment into cash or items they needed. Since 1831 in Britain “truck” had been legal but difficult to enforce. In 1892 the UK Truck Commission visited Shetland Island, returning with a report of economic ef-fects of payment in tea. Despite the report, truck persisted in various forms on Shet-land for several decades. Women continued to receive undrinkable quantities of tea as their only payment. They were forced to sell excess tea to their neighbors at a loss. Today’s tea cozy has evolved beyond the tea pot. A gifted wine bottle dressed in a hand knit decorative cozy always brings a smile to any hostess’ face. A set of beer bottle or beer cans sporting your favorite guy’s sport team earns you extra points. Even soda cans with school color cozies please the teenagers. All of these require little knit-ting time and yarn. Those leftover partial yarn skeins/balls of washable fibers work well. Local yarn shops and the internet offer easy patterns for all levels of knitters so you can produce exciting works of art to keep your beverage of choice hot or cold.

Knit a cozy! © 2013 Sharon Greve Reach her at [email protected] No reprint without permission.

Homemade LoveValentine’s Day is February 14th and is traditionally a day to celebrate love and re-lationships. Take this opportunity to celebrate the relationships in your life – what better lesson than to teach our children to appreciate those around them? Everyone likes to make Valentines for friends and loved ones. Here’s a way to get even the littlest hands involved. Let young children finger paint whatever they like on white paper and let it dry. Older children that are able to use scissors can cut hearts out of the painted paper. Let everyone help glue the hearts onto pink, red or white con-struction paper and sign their name or, if they can, write a sweet message. A gift or sweet sentiment from the heart is the best Valentine ever. © Susan Tipsord 2013

WinnerThe Winner of the Plenty of Posies book is Betty Romig!


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The Country Register of MissouriJan/Feb 2013 13 Osceola

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Winter Word ScrambleUnscramble the words. Key is below.

01. asbnllow ball of packed snow

02. lvoehs tool with a broad flat blade used for mov-ing snow.

03. tsmnwrsoo heavy fall of snow, esp. with a high wind

04. naeosss the four divisions of the year (spring, sum-mer, autumn, and winter)

05. ocaco powder made from roasted and ground cacao seed

06. moofrtcre warm quilt

07. teerwsa knitted garment, worn over the upper body

08. eselt rain containing some ice

09. onwrbdaso board resembling a short, broad ski, used for sliding downhill on snow

10. efezer be turned into ice or another solid as a result of extreme cold.

11. ctekja outer garment extending either to the waist or the hips

12. otbso sturdy item of footwear covering the foot, the ankle, and sometimes the leg below the knee

13. eulgnsg settle or move into a warm, comfortable position

14. efriclaep open recess for holding a fire at the base of a chimney

15. eienbahrt spend the winter in a dormant state

16. nruajya winter month

17. agngobto long narrow sled used for the sport of coasting downhill over snow or ice

18. arhwte an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring

19. voesgl cover hands to protect from cold

20. fracs length or square of fabric worn around the neck or head

1. snowball, 2. shovel, 3. snowstorm, 4. seasons, 5. cocoa, 6. comforter, 7. sweater, 8. sleet, 9. snowboard, 10. freeze, 11. jacket, 12. boots, 13. snuggle, 14. fireplace,

15. hibernate, 16. january, 17. toboggan, 18. wreath, 19. gloves, 20. scarf

Cooking with the Oldies

And the beginning of a New Year!

By Barbara Floyd,Founder of The Country Register

Goodness. It is only December 5th and by the time you read this it will be after the New Year. It is hard to write about New Year’s resolutions when you haven’t had the pleasure yet of putting on extra pounds over the holidays. But somehow that just seems to be a given, and by January 2nd, we are ready to cook healthier and eat less. Usually we are more than delighted to throw out the leftover holiday goodies and get very disciplined with our food for at least a week or a few days!

Recently I redecorated a bit in my kitchen-family room—if you can call it redecorating when you just take a lot of things down from the top of the cupboards, take down some art work, put a small table and decorative fireplace screen and lots of other decor out in the garage, hopefully never to return. The leaf in the table that seats ten came out and now it is a cozy table for four, possibly six, and has moved down by the fireplace. Couches and wicker rocker are majorly moved and the room seems much larger. It is fun to have the table moved far from the mess I always seem to create in the kitchen at mealtime. Best of all, it did not cost a dime but feels fresh and clean.

I did take note that most of my cookbooks were on a lower shelf and easy to grab. But “on display only,” very high up and not easily reached were all my low fat and weight watching type of cookbooks. Thinking ahead to the New Year, I brought them to a reachable place with good intentions of cooking with fewer calories.

I wasn’t quite to that point with the pasta dish I fixed for company last night. I called my brother and his wife at 4 p.m. and asked them if they wanted to come for dinner at 5. Oh, oh—they accepted. So, I threw open the refrigerator doors and noticed two Cajun Chicken Sausages and my usual array of veggies. That is all it took to remember I had recently bought some whole-wheat pasta shells.

My guess is there was about 3 cups of dried pasta that got put onto boil, the sausage got cut up and put into a little olive oil in a frying pan and to that was added one cut up onion, five small sweet peppers, red, yellow and orange in color, and—at the very last and for very few minutes—two large handfuls of fresh spinach. The sausage had a lot of seasoning so the only extra I added was a little salt and pepper, both freshly ground.

In the oven prior to this I had a winter squash cut in slices drizzled in olive oil and a little coarse ground sea salt roasting at 450 degrees for about half an hour. That was the perfect temperature to slip in a pan of inexpensive canned buttermilk biscuits overlapping in a circle in a pie plate and a generous amount of melted butter on top. This, then, was sprinkled with fresh thyme and dried dill. They baked in a little over ten minutes. By now, it was time to get out the fresh salad greens and add some cherry tomatoes and homemade salad dressing. The last thing to do was combine the well-drained pasta with the veggies and sausage—and wish I had some Parmesan cheese. But, heavy whipping cream added to the mixture made a great binder for this concoction. My guess is I used about 3/4 cup of cream—just enough to bind it together a bit and add flavor.

Now that you are into the New Year resolutions you can have the salad and the squash, but probably not the rolls unless you use less butter and eat only one! You can adjust the pasta recipe to include a little more meat, less pasta and more vegetables. Kale would be good as well as other colorful veggies. It will be mighty tasty and a tad healthier just to add a bit of olive oil in place of the heavy cream.

For dessert we cleaned out the last container of ice cream, which made for small servings. To replace that just serve fruit and you will still have a delicious meal and less guilt. Happy and healthy cooking to you in 2013!

Barbara Floyd, Founder of The Country Register, is enjoying semi-retirement and resides in Phoenix, AZ. She currently is recovering from five months of overeating summertime fresh produce in the Great Northwest and cooking for family and friends. She can be reached at [email protected].

Think You Know Everything?• There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.• The average person”s left hand does 56% of the typing• On a Canadian two dollar bill the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American Flag.• The winter pf 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.• No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple

• Almonds are a member of the peach family.• A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.• It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.• In most advertisements, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.• Our eyes are always the same size from birth but our ears and nose never stop growing.• If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.• The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes.

Thanks to the Country Register of Alberta

The Country Register of Missouri Jan/Feb 201314 St. Joseph


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Sweet Memories of TeaI like to live in the present, sipping every drop from my teacup of life. But as the New Year begins, I also want to remember past joys. That’s why I decided to serve my husband Milt a “sweet memories tea” to remind us of tea outings we had shared. After all, he’s my Sweet-TEA.

It wasn’t hard to come up with ideas for this surprise tea-lunch, because Milt and I have gone for tea dozens of times. And as we’ve shared tea, I’ve collected tea tips, menu ideas, and tea ware from tearoom gift shops.

So while Milt went swimming, I looked through my refrigerator and cupboard and prepared a spontanai-Tea using what I found.

Tea Table

I set a pretty table using tea items purchased from various tearooms we had visited. For starters, I used floral placemats and match-ing cloth napkins from a favorite tearoom and then added cute little napkin clips from another. The glass cobalt-blue plates purchased on clearance looked attractive with the Dutch windmill teapot we found en route to a writers’ con-ference. The flower vase, teacups, and teaspoons came from other tearooms. All in all, the table set-ting brimmed with memories of happy teatimes.

Tips for Serving Tea

When we’re out for tea, I glean tips for serving tea at home. At first, I thought a proper tea could only be served from a three-tiered plate stand. So I was surprised when a tearoom in Oregon served us individual tea plates with an assortment of sandwiches, scones, and sweets.

Now I often serve tea this way, especially if only one or two guests are coming. I bought glass luncheon-sized plates for this purpose from a tearoom that was closing. The assorted foods look attractive on the plates. And once I’ve served my guests, I can sit and relax, simply enjoying our time together.

Tea Foods and Menus

I’ve also gathered menu ideas from tearooms. One of my favorites is a croissant sandwich filled with chicken salad. When I make chicken salad, sometimes I add celery, grapes, may-onnaise, and a hint of curry. Other times we enjoy chicken salad mixed with sliced black olives and chopped artichoke hearts.

I’ve learned that tea plates look attractive with at least three foods on them: for example, chicken-salad croissants, spinach salad, and a cluster of red grapes. I also enjoy soup served in a teacup.

Tea for Two

For our “sweet memories tea,” I prepared a tea plate with a chicken-salad croissant, grape cluster, small teacup of soup, and a square of cake topped with lemon curd and whipped cream. And of course, we sipped a tasty tea blend.

Milt enjoyed our surprise tea luncheon, and so did I. As we drank tea and reminisced about special tea outings, we also made new memories.

As the year begins, it’s time to stir up warm teatimes. You’ll be glad you did, because tea-times brewed today will become sweet memories tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Lydia E. Harris, M.A., is the author of Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting. Copyright 2012, Lydia E. Harris. No reprint without author’s permission.

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting winter warm-up.

(homemade noodles optional)

Soup ingredients:1 chicken breast, cut into large chunks

6 cups water

1 small onion, diced (1/2 cup)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

4 or 5 large carrots, sliced in 2-inch strips

2 stalks celery, sliced

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of chicken soup, undiluted

2 cups homemade or purchased noodles, cooked

1 cup frozen peas

Directions:

1. In a large kettle, cook chicken, onion, and parsley in water for 30 minutes. (If you plan to make homemade noodles, mix them up while chicken is cooking.)

2. Add carrots, celery, and bouillon and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables and chicken are tender. (In separate saucepan, cook noodles to add later.)

3. Remove chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces.

4. Stir in the cream soup.

5. Add chicken, cooked noodles, and peas. Simmer a few minutes until heated through.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve piping hot.

Makes eight 1-cup servings.

Variation: For traditional chicken noodle soup, omit cream soup and peas.

Homemade Noodles

Easy to make; taste more like dumplings than noodles.

In medium-sized bowl combine:

1 beaten egg

1/4 cup milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

Add 1 1/4 cups flour and mix. Knead on floured surface until dough is smooth. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes. Roll dough very thin. Dough will be about 8 x 12 inches large. Cut into 1/3-inch strips with pizza cutter. Then cut crosswise to make 2-inch-long noodles. Dust with flour so they don’t stick together. Place noodles in pan of boiling water, and cook a few minutes, until noodles float to the top. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, and add to chicken soup shortly before serving.

Soup DaysBy Susan TipsordCold days make me want soup! A steaming mug of soup with a slice of crusty bread, cud-dling up on the couch watching basketball or old movies – that is winter heaven! The only thing better would be the same soup with the same bread, watching the snow swirl around the house, and knowing we were stuck inside for awhile. I love snow days! Next time you’re stuck in the house, make it a soup day. I think you’ll love this creamy chicken and rice soup that I’ve been making for years. Try it and enjoy!

The Country Register of MissouriJan/Feb 2013 15

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Menu Planning; A Way to Save Real Money!

By Marla Cilley

Many times we just think too hard on a subject or think it is going to take a long time to develop a menu plan for your family that we just don’t do it. We wait till the last minute to even begin to cook something for ourselves and our family. As a result we throw in the dish towel before we even open the refrigerator door and head for the first drive-thru. This drains our pocketbooks and adds unwanted pounds to our bodies. Do you know how much money you have been spending on food for your family? This means in the grocery store and eating out.

Most of our income is spoken for by fixed payments: Utility bills, phone bills, house payments, car payments and credit card payments. When it comes down to saving real money the only place we have any wiggle room is on our food expens-es. A little planning today will keep the money in the bank instead of it slipping through your fingers as you pay your toll at the golden arches.

Here is a simple way to make your menu plan: Keep a food calendar. All you have to do is pencil in what you had to eat every night. This will help you to build your menus for a week and this is a great start. We are all creatures of habit, so use these family habits to help you build a routine for your meals.

Let’s use Sunday as an example: Do you go out to dinner or do you fix a big fam-ily meal. If you cook; is it pot roast or chicken? Are you beginning to see a pat-tern to our meals? This is why I like to have a theme to each meal for every day of the week. It can either be the type of meat you are cooking as the main course or how you cook it; the grill, crock pot or casserole. Or you could have a country theme; Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Greek, American, or Plain ole southern country cookin’. You can have some real fun with this and teach your children how to cook at the same time. Each night you could have a different Kid Chef. You would let your children help decide on the menu, make our grocery lists and then help prepare the meal. There is no better way to help a child learn about nutrition and real food. Just teach your child to make a salad and watch them ask for seconds and offer them to all the family.

Knowing what you are going to cook is half the battle. The other half is having the food in the house so you can pull it out of the freezer or pantry and fix it. If you have to go to the store you might as well just pass those arches again. This is why having a day set aside to plan menus, take inventory of your refrigerator as you clean it out and then go grocery shopping will help you enjoy cooking with your family again. You will be surprised at how much fun it is to cook when your kitchen is clean and your sink is shining and you have food in the house. Are you ready to feed your family while saving money by getting back in the kitchen?

For more help getting rid of your clutter and CHAOS, check out her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net or read her book, Sink Reflections published by Random House. Please bless others with your clutter by donating it to a Habitat for Human-ity Restore near you. Copyright 2012 Marla Cilley Used by permission in this publication.

A Winter PicnicWinter has definitely set in by this time and most of us miss those outdoor activities we enjoy so much during sunny weather months. Why not plan a picnic to bring back some of those warm memories? There are lots of ways to picnic; be creative! Maybe there are certain dishes you only make in warm weather, like potato salad or sun-brewed iced tea. Put together a dinner that you might not usually make during this time. Set the table with paper plates and napkins and a fun colorful tablecloth or you can even put down a picnic blanket in the family room. Pull out your gas grill and put some burgers on. Make your famous potato salad and put the sun tea jar out to brew. Make plenty for everyone; the neighbors will want to come for dinner! 2010©Susan Tipsord


Untitled-1 1 12/12/2012 12:29:04 PM

free-----take one 13...through the seasons of many and many a year. last autumn’s leaves clump...

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