janeofwisconsin

Packing Your Kayak for the Ultimate Preparedness

2011-03-21T17:21:00.000-05:00

Jon and I decided to check out the seminar on “The Art of Packing a Kayak” with J. Browning while at Canoecopia 2011 in Madison last weekend. Wow! Personally speaking, I left the session thinking I have totally missed the mark on preparedness and safety on any of my river and lake outings.
But for those of you who missed the session, here are the notes of being ,REALLY, REALLY, prepared, for a day trip or one that is longer.

THE WELL PACKED KAYAK SHOULD HAVE:

A clean top deck as in nothing in the tie down straps. If you tip you need to get back in the boat without having to climb/crawl over things.
Balance.. keep the load even. If you pick the kayak up in the middle, it should balance.
A thermos of hot water, to fight off hypothermia if someone in the group gets wet and then chilled.
A first aid kit could come in handy. A small one for day trips and a more involved one for longer paddles. Make sure you have sunscreen and hand sanitizer like Purell.
A GOOD backup paddle. Yours might break, and if there is still lots of time on the water, you will need a decent replacement.
A bilge pump and a sponge are handy to keep from sitting in a pool of water. The water that runs off the paddle into the kayak can become problematic.The bilge pump will get most of it, and the sponge will finish the job.
A strobe light fastened to the top of your PFD (personal flotation device) is a must, especially in big water, like the Great Lakes or ocean for emergency location.
A flare gun or hand held smoke flares, and fluorescent green dye for emergency locating, if you run into trouble and others are trying to find you.
9. A marine band VHF handheld radio for emergency communication or simply for communicating with others.(waterproof radio would be the best)
10. A signal mirror, a regular flashlight (white light) and a whistle are necessary emergency equipment. Some flashlights come with a radio and don’t require batteries, but are energized by winding.
11. A hydration system built into PFD is nice with tubing that hangs out and easily reached, hydration fights off tiredness.
12. Extra garbage bags and tie-downs are handy if a hatch is lost and Duct tape and a dry cloth as emergency repair for the hull stored in a little waterproof bag.
13. A sighting compass which is much quicker and easier to use than a mounted compass on the hull of the kayak for determining direction, binoculars and GPS, would also be good to include for locating landmarks or determining exact location.
A grease pencil is good for marking on laminated maps or a kayak.
A small knife tethered inside the PFD, for quick use.
Nutrients like extra water and energy bars (fig newtons are equivalent to energy bars).
Velcro and a blankie pin are handy, put the Velcro around their wrist and pin a chunk on the PFD and stick them together to immobilize the arm, if a fellow paddler dislocates a shoulders from paddling,
A Contact tow strap and Carabiners for towing another kayak for whatever reason (like a dislocated shoulder)
A spare change of clothing for you or someone else in your group and of course a bring or wear a hat.
A drop cloth or footprint for a tent should be packed on top of inside of hatch so you can unload onto it and carry your load over your shoulder to your campsite, if you are doing a paddling and camping trip.
A couple tapered waterproof bags work well for hatch areas that also taper.
A repair kit for kayak are a must. They should include a dry cloth, Epoxy (depends if your boat is polyethylene plastic or fiberglass), duct tape, gloves, a multi-tool..you may have to patch a hole or repair a rudder or a skeg.
23. A small sewing kit could come in handy as well.
24. A folding hand spade and toilet tissue would be good to include for basic necessities.
25. Your kayak may have hatches for storage, or space behind your seat. It is suggested that a shelf could be made cheaply above your legs from a large plastic cutting board tethered to inside. The extra paddle, bilge pump,and sponge could be stored there.
26. AND LAST OF ALL…..packing in waterproof compression bags will save space for this long list of “must haves”! Much of this can be kept in “ready to go bags” kept in the trunk of your vehicle.

Keep your paddle in the water and stay paddle sport safe.

Madison Weekend-Part 2

2011-03-17T12:31:00.003-05:00

Sam Stein of Huffington Post (yes a liberal on-line news source) uses this quote in response to citizen political action in Wisconsin : “I think that the governor (Scott Walker of WI) really did wake a sleeping giant,” said Justin Ruben, Executive Director of MoveOn.org. “People feel that what happened was not just a horrible attack but the courage of regular people standing up and getting in the way. That was what electrified folks. It was the first time we had seen anything like that.”

The phenomenal amount of funds being raised to recall 8 GOP WI senators, is unprecedented. They are suppose to be the people’s voice and vote, but they are not listening. In contrast, the conservatives are not putting forth the same support for recall of the “Madison 14”, senators who boycotted the Budget Repair Bill by going to Illinois for 3 weeks. The GOP feels secure “that there are people at home who support them.” Hmm. We’ll see. The people of WI are not going to go back home and forget about the slick legislative move of our new governor that affects countless citizens of all ages. The protests continue and swell into the tens of thousands on the weekends. Last weekend, as we drove into the city, my first time, we circled the capital to witness families, students, and seniors taking the state government decisions to the streets and the steps of the capitol building to show their disapproval.

We were leaving town, as the rally was just getting started, crowds were estimated around 70,000 by the peak of the afternoon. The senators who left the state spoke, Tony Shalub, a De Pere native, and a member of the Actor’s Guild, also spoke in support of unions in WI. April 4th is the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and promises to fuel another big weekend rally.

People are doing what is comfortable for them to speak out. Jon and I smiled as a little old man passed us on our way home with a bumper sticker that very simply expressed his discontent “Recall Walker”. Well that can’t be don e for 1 year, but I am sure plans are in the works as I write this.

Upon our arrival at home, Jon checked our mailbox, and my local newspap er from a small community in NW MI had come. I was pleasantly greeted, but not surprised to see some of my former colleagues with a large picture at the bottom of the front page of the feeling secure “that there are people at home who support them.” Hmm. We’ll see.paper with a caption “Solidarity: Teachers from Benzie Central show support to their Wisconsin brethren by protesting the Badger state’s governor's “attacks” on public sector unions.

In closing, a friend sent me this message last weekend in response to Michigan’s governor pushing through a “Financial Martial Law” package of bills : Really? I thought Republicans were about local control and small federal and state governments?“ Well, apparently NOT! A humble observation, if it is not their way, it is not right.

Canoecopia 2011 in Madison WI

2011-03-16T16:13:00.002-05:00

Canoecopia 2011. You may be wondering what is THAT? Is it a Thanksgiving decoration? No, that would be a cornucopia. Would it be a canoe party? You would be slightly correct, but much more. This is an annual event sponsored by Rutabaga”rooted in the outdoors” as their logo says, to promote time in the outdoors, be it hiking, canoeing or kayaking.

This 70’s company began as a co-op by some University of Wisconsin students dealing in used paddling gear. Over the years the business grew and changed ownership and began selling new and used gear. They offer paddling classes, wilderness first aid classes, outings, and trips all over the country. Its outdoor program is the biggest flat water paddling school in the U.S. for youngsters to seniors, for families or individuals. They also offer certification classes for ACA, BCU,(sea kayaking certification programs) and various master classes.They have received countless awards and received recognition from many paddle sport to backpacker media groups in the last decade. The present location is close to the capital in Madison, in Monona. Their operation is right off an inlet of lakes Monona and Waubesa, so equipment can be tried out. Oh by the way, their site explains their unusual name of Rutabaga being derived from a Frank Zappa song entitled “Call Any Vegetable”.

As for the annual “Canoecopia” event, it had a great hall filled,wall to wall, with hiking and paddle sport equipment from the Rutabaga Store. Representatives were on hand to answer questions. Rutabaga brought in many speakers, for the 3 day event, for seminars covering “how to pack a kayak” to camping and paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) and Quetico Provincial Park in western Ontario,Canada. to paddling trips in New Zealand, Sweden & Norway, New Foundland, and more locally the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Watershed. There were 17 dry land seminar time slots Friday through Sunday and 12 time slots for pool demos.

Jon wanted to see the fishing kayaks up close plus he needed a new PFD, one that would have lots of little pockets that fishermen like to hold all those hooks, sinkers, flys, and whatnots that need to be reached quickly. We succeeded in getting his PFD, paddle tethers, and a very cool water tight bag for my camera that you can shoot pictures through.(I tried it before buying). I like taking pictures and have ruined one camera in the past, I have used a Pelican water tight box also, but this will hang around my neck and be ready for action quickly.
We both were surprised with the many kits available for those wishing to build their own wood kayak. Those already assembled were gorgeous. We drooled.

The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum, from Spooner,WI had a booth. The green canoe was used in early Spring by fur traders navigating the ice in the rivers of Wisconsin. It was made of heavy duty oak, difficult to portage I would imagine, but unbreakable.

Jon and I have decided to make this one of our annual Spring outings. We just got a one day glimpse of the tip of the iceberg. It was a much bigger Expo than we expected. Maybe next year we will do an overnight and take in two days of speakers. We were surprised that next door in another venue was “Bikearama”. It was really a "one stop shopping and learning" convention for outdoor enthusiasts. It was not limited to the young and adventuring type. The event was full of seniors, who have maintained or are just beginning a relationship with land and water fun. We highly recommend this Expo to those who want to learn more about canoeing and kayaking possibilities.

Porchetta or Porketta

2011-03-09T12:32:00.000-06:00

One of the most unique grocery stores in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is Angeli’s located in Iron River. I get a chance, 2-3 times a year, to stop in and quickly shop. As the name implies, yes it has a very wide selection of Italian imported items, displayed throughout the store, and especially just before you get to the checkout.
One of the many interesting meat offerings, is Porketta. I had never heard of it before. But it is commonly found in grocery stores in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Minnesota at certain times of the year, and in Angeli’s, all year round. It is a well marbled, moist, spicey boneless pork roast. I have made my own and bought Angeli’s prepared roast. I found success both ways. I use my crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours, basting it in its own juices throughout the cooking time. Half way through I add potatoes, yellow and orange carrots, a fennel bulb sliced and onions. Cooking in a crock pot keeps the juices in so that it does not dry out. The delicious aroma of fennel, garlic and rosemary fill the house as it cooks.
Yesterday seemed like a good day to cook one of the roasts I have been saving in the freezer. Combined with Ash Wednesday eve and some good news that Jon had, it became a celebratory meal.
The roast is popular throughout Italy, but originated in the central part of the country. It is saved for special holidays and celebrations, but can also be found as a popular street vendor sandwich. As for here in North America, Porketta was brought to the iron ranges in both Minnesota and Michigan by the Italians. The Cornish miners took pasties down into the mines and the Italians took porketta sandwiches. If you have never tried this particular roast I highly recommend it.
I have included some porchetta variations that you might want to try. Ciao!

Allrecipes http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/porketta-roast/Detail.aspx
Mario Batali http://www.esquire.com/features/guy-food/pork-shoulder-recipe-ll-0407
NYTIMES http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/dining/033srex.html
http://phoenix.about.com/od/recipes/r/porchetta.htm
Jamie Oliver stuffed porchetta http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pork-recipes/gennaro-s-stuffed-porchetta

OLD BULBS GONE WILD!!

2011-02-26T14:04:00.000-06:00

…from the Secret Garden

From an earlier post, I spoke of My Secret Winter Garden. Well, nestled there off to the side of the light, I had placed my two old Amaryllis bulbs from previous years. They spend their summer on the deck growing some leaves, enjoying the sunshine, and remained alive and well. So in January when I went to the basement to check on the garden I was surprised to find these bulbs becoming active. Shooting upward, were not more leaves, but fat buds. So I brought them upstairs and placed them in a sunny (sometimes) west window. I documented daily growth with my camera and in about thirty days there was bloom. The second amaryllis (09) grew quick fast, but with a thinner stem. It is still in its opening bud process. The 2008 plant did not bloom last year, it just grew leaves, so it was a pleasant surprise to see it break forth with such a vibrant and healthy flower.The two flowers are entwined as they look out at the cold snow. Since I threw out the boxes long ago, I don’t know the name of either one, so I simply call them: "08 & 09". They bring such cheer to the dreary days of winter that seemingly continue to linger and thrive. So sit back and relax and watch them grow!

A Pine Mountain Romantic Memory

2011-02-15T13:26:00.000-06:00

We were in Iron River last weekend and I happened to see this newspaper in a gas station. Seeing these headlines reminded me of a couple visits I have had to Pine Mountain. No, I was not there ski jumping. My husband Jon took me there in the early days of our relationship to show me the incredible view and to see the 2nd highest ski jump in the Upper Peninsula.

The ski jump was near the top of the list of things I wanted to see and perhaps seeing a bear again was on the list, too. Who would have thought I would see both at sunset, on top of Pine Mountain. I am not sure how Jon arranged that.

Nine months later on a bitterly, cold and gusty day, he took me back, on an anniversary of our first meeting. I found it odd, that we were back there, but didn’t ask questions. We needed to hang on to each other or be blown off the mountain as we exited the car.

We walked out on the judging ramp which extends many feet out over the mountain slope. Then he starts telling me how much he loves me. I am thinking why couldn’t he do this in the car where it was nice and warm. His spiel continues for about a minute which seemed like eternity as I slowly begin to numb from the cold. I am trying to shield myself from the icy wind with his body. The next thing I know he is down on his knee. I am thinking, oh my, something is wrong! Was he dying from the cold? He then plucks a tiny box out of his pocket into my hand. Oh my gosh! It then dawned on me what he was doing. But I quickly thought, don’t take the ring out of the box, it will get caught up in the wind and go, who knows where, below us. So I quickly stuffed the box in my pocket as he began to ask me to marry him. I was not surprised he would ask this, but today, on Pine Mountain it caught me off guard. Then he officially spoke the words, I was stunned and I kept saying “OMG”. Then he repeated the question again with a worried look on his face. In the midst of the emotion of the request, I had forgotten to answer his question. He was relieved that was the only reason it took me so long to answer him. I then said, “We have to record this moment!” We always have cameras in our pockets (Dueling Cameras R Us). We decided it was too windy to do a timed shot, we would likely lose the camera over the railing. So we clutched and Jon stretched out his arm and snapped one picture quickly, hoping it turned out, because it was too cold for a 2nd shot .

We then practically ran back to the shelter of the car. We started talking madly, then I realized I had not even looked to see what was in the box. I whipped it out of my pocket and ripped it opened. I was shocked to see a heart shaped garnet ring. My favorite color, red, and a heart to symbolize the moment. He read me correctly, it was perfect.

We then went into Iron Mountain and had an early dinner before heading back to Appleton. I was still reeling in shock and awe while he gloated with pride at his romantic success. I don’t believe he ever wiped that smile off his face during our 3 hour ride. Well, all I can say is, I was impressed, flattered, and deeply moved at the extent he went to carry out that moment. I didn’t ever think that love would happen again, but it did.

So on this 3rd anniversary together, I thought I would re-live it as a surprise for him. Happy Valentine’s Day and Birthday, Jon.

janeofwisconsin: The Sparkle of February's Winter Days

2011-02-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

janeofwisconsin: The Sparkle of February's Winter Days: " It’s 5 degrees this morning, another cold snap here in the Mid West. By February, I begin to hunger and crave for more sunshine a..."

The Sparkle of February's Winter Days

2011-02-08T14:03:00.000-06:00

It’s 5 degrees this morning, another cold snap here in the Mid West. By February, I begin to hunger and crave for more sunshine and its warmth on my face. The light has returned today.

Can you feel it? Its brilliance is magnified and reflected off each delicate crystal,carefully nestled together by the last snowfall.

The shadows of mid winter are getting a little longer each day. I asked my husband if noticed he is not driving home in the dark anymore. It happens so slowly, one can ignore the obvious.

I love listening to the birds in nearby bushes busily chattering away, as I invade their trusted space. Upon returning from Fast Eddy’s morning walk,they scatter to the trees, frightened by this big furry bundle of energy, who,invigorated by all he has seen and smelled, rolls back in forth in the snow.

By mid day, the sun begins to thaw the snow making it a delicious frozen liquid dripping off the eaves, pinging through the down spout, and slowly spreading out across the sidewalk.

I am waiting for the late winter days when I can sit on the deck with my face pointed skyward and soak in some sun, pretending it is summer.

I am reminded that a sunny day, like today, is when the sap in the trees is teased and will soon begin to rise through the roots of the hardwoods.

Ahhh, a vast space of perfect, unblemished snow, just waiting for something to plunk down in it, scattering the flakes outward. A snow field, that in a few months will be transformed from white to green and adorned with the colorful jewels of spring and summer. Carpe Diem!

OH Yeah! Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV, Approaching

2011-02-04T06:16:00.000-06:00

Super Bowl is only 3 days away and I can't wait. It is only fitting that today I should devote my blog to this topic. My oldest son finds this most amazing that his mom is going to watch the Super Bowl and can't wait for its arrival. My history with football, before marrying a man from Wisconsin, was playing in the high school pep band and playing my clarinet at half time shows in the Fall. Oddly enough, the only professional game I attended was a Green Bay Packer and Detroit Lion game in the late sixties. We were in Detroit for Band Day and performed with a mass group of other high school bands. It was one of the best trips. We stayed in the brand new Renaissance Center. Anyhow, I fell in love with Bart Starr at that game,I believe we were seated behind the Packer Bench. He was the only QB that I could recite from memory all my adult life. Then here I am living just 3o miles south of Mecca, Green Bay. Who would have guessed!

My husband has very nicely pulled me into the life of Sunday afternoon football watching. I never really understood the game and he has nudged me into a relatively good understanding of the game. I like it so much I actually watch ESPN shows during the day when a big game is approaching, to listen to the debates on who will win.

As you can imagine the Packer hype is going strong. Green Bay Public Schools announced today that school will dismiss around noon on Monday for the" Welcome Back Packer" celebration no matter the outcome of the Super Bowl. Some of the celebrating will dribble over into Tuesday when there will be a big party in Lambeau for fans.

Our local news shows newborn babies born in the Green Bay hospitals sporting Packer knitted stocking hats and blankies, and recently even cheesehead hats. The buildings in downtown GB are being papered up with green and gold support signs. The groceries stores display their support in the produce, the bakery, the deli, to the special beverages. Children are posting YouTube songs that they have creatively written to show their support. Our new governor has ordered that the capitol dome in Madison be bathed with green and gold flood light. It is Packermania right down to our feathered pets, last night, Jon and I chuckled as we watched a news film clip of a GB exotic bird that chattered "I Love Packers".

I am simply amazed at how much money true fans are willing to spend to follow their team through the season, through the playoffs, and now on to the Super Bowl. Same day flights and a ticket are 4 thousand dollars. Many fans are going to Dallas in support of the team, to be present at rallies, attend parties,but watch the game at a football viewing venue, but that is still a very expensive trip. It's this solidarity about football and the Packers that drives the economy in NE Wisconsin as well as the entire state and beyond.

My former school colleagues will be amused that some of the elementary schools have fun Packer challenges going on. One particular school has each class room picking a player and collecting food that equals the weight of their favored player. Then their collected donations will be given to the local food pantries, a very admirable math and charity project.
Time Warner, the local cable company, for the last two weeks has been distributing Packer yard signs for free. I am going to venture out tomorrow to see if I can get a few for neighbors and our house. Can you believe I have even considered going out and buying a Packer flag. Oh my heart be still

As I have said in previous blogs, football trickles down even into church, too. Our senior Pastor is from Chicago, so two Sundays ago, he sported a very funny Bear hat during the announcements. He promised he would be cheering for the Packers this weekend. I think I am going to break my rule about appropriate church dress this weekend, and proudly wear my Packer girl sweatshirt. I am pretty sure I won't be the only one doing so.

My hairdresser shared her thoughts about the game, well I should say about half time. She is in her early 20's and is so glad that Black Eyed Peas will be featured versus the "has beens" and unrelateable groups that she have seen the last few Super Bowls.

A Ham Radio buddy in Oshkosh posted an article on Twitter recently about the former Vince Lombardi home in GB (the link is below and worth a read). People STILL seek out the Coach's home with reverence.

I asked my husband about the ring thing. He really didn't know, so I did a little research. Apparently each team is given a token 150 Super Bowl Rings. If teams want more than that, then they have to pony up an additional $5000 per ring needed. I thought just the players got the rings, but trainers, guys on IR, and other people that work with the team get rings as well.

My husband told me that it is unique for a small city, like Green Bay, to be the home of a NFL franchise. The support, loyalty, and love that the fans have for this team is unfounded. No matter the outcome, the fans will be proud that their young team reached the playoffs and won AND played in the Super Bowl. I have to admit it is fun getting caught up in all the hullabaloo. So, Oh Yeah, let the parties begin and bring THAT Lombardi Trophy back home to Title Town! GO PACK GO!

P.S. I have a new QB favorite, so move over Bart Starr, it's now Aaron Rodgers!

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/sports/super_bowl/green-bay-babies-show-green-and-gold-pride Green Bay newborns
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2010/columns/story?id=6077292 Vince Lombardi's former Green Bay residence

1/3 of the Way Through "30 Days of Gratitude Challenge"

2011-01-30T18:12:00.000-06:00

I was given the idea to do this challenge in the gray days of January by a fellow blogger in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I put the challenge out on Facebook for friends. Some friends picked up on the idea. We have posted each day a simple gratitude reflection instead of moaning and groaning about the snow, cold, clouds, and life in general because it's winter and that's what people in the Midwest do. From some of the postings I am sure others stopped in their tracks and reflected personally. So here goes...my first ten days.

Day 1: In spite of the temperature, 10 degrees, Eddy and I took our usual 40 min walk. It is a good thing I HAVE him and HAVE to take him on daily doggie walks. Without him, I would have looked at that temp. and told myself it is too cold to be outside. Well it isn't. That cold moist air on a daily basic, has kept me healthy. So thank you Eddy!

Day 2: As I continue to settle into WI, I am grateful for all the people God has placed in my life: both family & friends. Thankfully, we can continue our relationships from afar via technology. I am also grateful for so quickly being asked to join a small group within my church last year, where we study various topics & share what's going on in our life. This group satisfies the need of belonging and being cared about.
Day 3: Yesterday Jon and I toured the WBAY RV & Camping Show in Green Bay. We weren't shopping, it's just fun to look. That activity then provides a natural segue into what I am grateful for: I spent many vacations traveling the country camping with my Tonn family. Those were wonderful adventures that have left me with great memories.

DAY 4: To my friend Patty, simply , I am grateful the Packers won!! I have been holding off with this, hoping I could say that:-)
Day 5: As I head out today on my "40 min. morning walk" with Fast Eddy, I am grateful that the deep cold has moved East and it is 18 degrees. It is much more enjoyable to be outside!!

Day 6: Phone calls from both of my sons today. Good chats.

Day 7: We were able to sell the extra electric stove today, that has been in the garage waiting for a new home! Yeah!

Day 8: Jon shoveled our sidewalk on his way to work this a.m....'atta' boy!!! :-)

Day 9: What a great surprise, a date for dinner tonight with my husband. We tried the Wild Truffle Trattoria in Grand Chute. We had one of their wood fired pizzas for two and interesting salads, the kind you wish you would have taken a picture of. We will have to make a return trip sometime with company. :-}

Day 10: For anyone who knows me, I am sure they will be laughing hysterically, this is so NOT me: I am grateful I took an hour and alphabetically aligned my spices for ease of use. I have pantry doors where they are stored and it seems every time I need something I look at every bottle to find the right one .... VERY inefficient. So today, I organized all those blasted little things!!

Hey, it's the small things in life that plant a smile on my face and keep me going. I am just figuring that, in 20 more days of looking on the brighter side, February will almost be over. Yeah!

The 30 Day Gratitude Challenge (greymatterlife.com)
Gratitude is The Eight of The Ten Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts, Homes and Nations (socyberty.com)
Teaching Kids the Importance of Gratitude (everydayhealth.com)
Join me in this month's Gratitude-a-thon! (powerofslow.wordpress.com)

GUEST BLOG: WOOF!

2011-01-26T06:47:00.004-06:00

Fast Eddy here. I decided that I would take my turn at the keys and pound out a few words to you all. So here goes.
A few of you have asked how my rear leg knee surgery is doing from last April. Well, I am glad to report I am back to my old self again. I can run through the deep snow like a pup. Steps are no longer a problem. I can leap about with ease. My doc said I should be good for life, now.

I travel a lot in the “Woofer Mobile” as my friend Ginny calls it. I get the entire back seat so I can see where we are going and easily stick my nose out the window. We make lots of trips between Wisconsin and Michigan. The last time I was back in Michigan was the week before the last Badger run across Lake Michigan. Jane knows I hate the 10 hour truck drives home. I get anxious and worn out from panting the entire trip. So when she goes home in the winter, she parks me at doggy camp, so I can hang with my peeps. It’s kind of fun to be with a lot of other furry friends. Although I don’t appreciate the yippy guys who bark all night. But the kids that work there, really like me and get a good chuckle when I have my lamby in my mouth. I am always glad to go there, but happier to leave and get home for some quality peace and quiet.

I also dig doing my daily doggie patrol around the ‘hood. I stamp many of the trees, fire hydrants, and snow banks with my own personal brand of yellow, to let others know I have been there. That’s important.

I must say, I have not appreciated the deep cold weather we have had lately, because if it is too cold Jane does not want to go for very long walks. Plus big paws get cold, too. In the winter we carefully avoid the heavy salt at the intersections. I don’t have the luxury of wearing boots, like Jane.

I find that I love the taste of winter. Winter is like a giant snow cone, minus the cone. You know a dog gets thirsty doing a lot of sniffing, so it’s convenient to grab up a chunk of snow as we shuffle down the sidewalk.

Occasionally we are accosted by other four-legged neighbors. I am kind of the bad dude and bark, pull on my leash, and carry on, letting them know not to mess with me. Jane is embarrassed by my behavior, but I tell her to get over it. It IS what it IS! I am Eddy of the Block.
Today we met our bud, Ray, doing his tour around the block with his rolling walker. He likes me and always gives me pets. But he and Jane start talking which can lead to an easy 5 minute chat. I get bored and lay down.

I enjoy patrolling our back yard. There are varmint tracks all over: under the bird feeder and all around the deck. I am figuring it is rabbits, which are probably spending their winter in cozy nests under there. If I could only get off my leash and crawl under there I would have me a rabbit dinner. Oh well.

A couple of my favorite winter activities are playing king of the mountain on the snow banks and digging holes into the top. After vigorously flinging snow onto the sidewalk and road, I then nestle in the hole. I like to peruse the block from my lookout and checking for invaders or big brown trucks.

By the way, I am finally getting over my humans leaving me alone at home. We play a game. They hide a few treats around the upstairs. They think that I spend the time they are gone looking for them, and forget to miss them. Actually it only takes me a few minutes to find them. I have them buffaloed.

I will let you in on a little secret. Jane didn’t REALLY retire to marry Jon. She retired because I was lonesome at home. It got down to choosing between work or me, and I am delighted to say she chose me. But speaking of Jon, I like him and he likes me too. He thinks he is the Dog Whisper. I must admit he IS very kind, but firm when working with me. AND he gives me his pizza crust. It can’t get much better than that!

Yawn….this has been fun and I feel a nap over taking me. WOOF!

MY SECRET WINTER GARDEN

2011-01-21T11:31:00.000-06:00

I remember that my Grandma Orr saved her geraniums each winter in her unheated upstairs. She kept them in their pots near a window. It kept them alive and in a state of suspension. I, too, do the same, only in my basement
.
Plants are like a pet to me. The same love and caring pours out for them as for my dog, Eddy. I just cannot bear to dump out my planters in the fall and let my plants die in the frost. This does not work for all annuals, I do dump the petunias and marigolds, because they usually don’t make it to Spring inside. But the geraniums, I save for several years, as long as they look good.

In my Benzie County farm house, I turned the enclosed front porch into a greenhouse every winter. It would be a solid mass of planters. I would bring in 2 by 6’s and lay across the patio furniture arms to make table tops. I set up card tables and would leave just enough room to sidle through to do maintenance on the plants through the winter. My family thought I was nuts. But for me it was therapeutic.

Now here in Wisconsin, I do not have the luxury of having a big enclosed front porch. I remember, a year ago, I began desperately thinking how was I going to save my plants in this new house. I had an “aha, moment” and thought,the basement would be perfect. That year, I hastily set up folding 2’ x 4’ tables under the fluorescent light next to my husband’s workbench. That worked fine as a temporary solution. This year I set up an area in the back corner of the laundry room behind the furnace. It is nice and cool there and the light is again provided by a long fluorescent fixture.

So on bitter cold days, like today when the wind chill is -35, and it is too cold to be outside without every inch of your body being covered, it is fun to meander downstairs to my secret garden tucked away behind the furnace. Yes I greet the plants verbally, then tenderly trim off dead foliage and spent bloom. Now that we are near the end of January, it is about time to lightly water them and slowly begin to bring them back from their 3 month rest.

Last night while I was down there I was surprised to find my two Amaryllis sending forth shoots,and one of them, a bud for a flower. I love surprises like that! Today I will bring them upstairs and place them in a sunny window.

This summer I found a tall narrow metal shelf at a neighbor’s rummage sale. I put that in my east kitchen window and have a few kitchen herbs growing there and enjoying the good light.

I cannot imagine having a home without something growing in it. It brings that which I love to do, gardening, inside to continue year round.

Geraniums

pungent, lobed leaves with varied color, long stems

Found in beds, planters, and pots

love mild or hot summers, partial or full sun

hummingbirds and the bees seek out their pollen

the featured ornamental or an accent

clusters of buds turn into symmetrical petals ranging from white to pink,to red, to fuchsia

small and stocky, vining or encouraged to 3 to 4 feet over years

common, hybrid, or scented

Geraniums

Recess vs. Education Minutes

2011-01-18T22:01:00.000-06:00

Last week the news was full of whether American public school students are given enough “play time” or physical activity during the school day. Having taught 29 years, I saw recess time slowly disappear and behavior problems grow. Are they related? Could be! The entire debate has been grinding in my craw for several days.

Children today, do spend more time in front of video games, TV, and computers and less time using their imagination and spending time outside, in my opinion. As far as public education, two years ago when I left teaching, students had one 15 minute recess, which included time getting outdoor clothes on and off AND playing outside. The lunch period was 30 minutes which included eating time, getting clothes on and off, and playing. You ought to try that, students don’t spend much time eating so they can get out to play, plus it is just too much to shoved into 3o minutes. Special classes, like music, gym and art daily replace unstructured play time. If you had a special in the afternoon or morning, then you didn’t get recess.

Now that winter has hit, I remember in the 60’s being able to run out to the community ice skating rink across the road from our school, lace up my skates, and skate, all within a generous 20 minute recess. When I came in, my blood was flowing, my mind was re-energized, and so was my readiness to sit down and get back to learning. The American system is now so caught up in not being equal or better than other countries, we are taking on their approach to ruthless time on task and considering adding minutes to the day. The high expectations continue to be dropped into lower and lower classes. Did you know that you learn to read in Kindergarten now and learn part of the multiplication facts in 2nd grade? Instruction, as I left it, was definitely teaching to the annual assessments given each Fall. You paced to the top students. The slower students hopefully would catch on as the curriculum spiraled. I believe as per the last federal mandates from the last administration that by 2014 ALL students, yes, 100% of the students are expected to satisfactorily succeed on the annual state assessments, yes special education, at risk, and of course the general population of learners. All I can say, that would be a major miracle or perhaps slight of hand by the examiners.

I told a friend the other day that students are learning much more than their parents learned at the same age, and that trend of higher expectations continues as each decade or new federal expectations comes on the scene. So to answer whether student expectations are being dummied down? In fact the bar continues to be raised. With the raising bar, the pressure and time on task increases. I personally found giving students time to burn off some energy gave better results in the classroom. But I too was under the gun to cover the expected material, so one gave in to the other. So come on America, let kids be kids and give them back a morning, noon, and afternoon recess and see what happens. Are we more concerned with the world economy and competition or quality of life?
OK, I am not stepping down from my orange crate. If you think I am in error, let’s hear your opinions.

FOREVER CHANGING

2011-01-14T13:40:00.000-06:00

I remember when my children were little, I tried to make a deal with my husband that I would gladly be the “go to” parent for problems when the boys were little, but once they hit the teens, his calm and thoughtful wisdom would be required. I never thought that I could calmly sit on my emotions and discuss the enormity of what might come, once their world became larger. It was the same fear I had before becoming a parent. How would I know how to be raise a child? Then the fear became, How would I know how to raise a teenager?

15 years later, parenting roles have changed once again, I now face raising adult children. It never stops. We can never dust off our hands and say, “OK, you are done now, go on out there and live”. I guess I forgot how much parenting my folks did after I was 18.

My opinions have to be offered differently and delicately. My kids are young adults and are still trying to find their way. Their choices and decisions complicate their life at times, and mine too, by association and relation. In redefining myself, my role as a mom to adult children is to voice a response of hearing what they say (showing empathy). Pose questions to them for self reflection. In discussion, try not to vocalize judgments about their life. Communication channels should remain open when following this line of thought. As nice as this sounds, the down side is, it is not always easy to do and I continue to work on it. For me to be effective, it calls for surrounding myself with people of substance and a faith in God that buoys me no matter the storms, and to read good books that expand that personal wisdom that does not come “just because I am old”. This week has been a week of turning inward and sorting thoughts. In the process the following came out of it as a form of personal self expression.

Tracks once clear in the snow

have melted from sight

destination seemed

spot on and direct

but then the path

began to veer.

Once high on the bank,

then obscured, falling behind it,

rising once more

pushing on into the wind

defying its opposition.

Ah, calm, but for a moment

long enough to rest

then facing it again

knowing it’s not the last.

As I am writing this, I am reminded of a good book I decided to read this new year, to improve communication skills: Gary Chapman’s “5 Love Languages”. There is also a another version of this book for communicating with your children. It came highly recommended in a women’s group I belong to.

REDEFINING and REFINING life. That’s what it is all about. I am still growing in knowledge, preparing for the challenges that life brings. So I guess it could be said…. that I am “not done yet”, either. There is still work to be done.

THE BIG 6-0!

2011-01-06T21:54:00.000-06:00

My mom and I were talking on the phone about 3 weeks ago and she mentioned that I was turning 60, I almost dropped the phone in shock. Oh my gosh and YIKES, I was! Where had the time gone? I was suddenly NOT looking forward to this next birthday.

In retrospect, I can remember getting excited about reaching double digits, the teen years and then at 16, being able to drive. At 18, I was a senior in high school and ready to make the break from home. When I was able to step foot in a bar and have that first drink, in public, I was 21 and graduated from college that same year. 30, was the beginning of the proverbial ticking clock, I married, and shortly thereafter began raising our family. 40, was no big deal, just mid life and busy working , although I threw a big party for my husband when he reached that point. 50, came and went, and I was entrenched in children in their mid teens and all of the drama that goes with that. Reaching 59, suddenly I was aware I was at the next turning point, the beginning of aging. I kicked that year off with dental redos and a physical that said I needed to lose weight, get more exercise, and become a vitamin-holic. It was the year that I spent a lot of time reminising, just in case, upon turning 60, I lost my mind.

Well, I am officially 60 and 8 days. I would have liked it to pass quietly. But it seemed family and friends wanted to remind me of the fact in "60" cards, goofy center pieces, and" join the crowd" comments. My kids gasped at the fact, like I already had one foot in the grave. At least they further commented, that I didn't LOOK it, that they thought I was 40 or something. They were being kind.

Do I feel any different? In mind, I hope I am getting wiser. But my body reminds me that it is slowly aging with lower back aches when sitting or laying just right, thinking a 25 pound bag of bird feed is heavy, finding it harder and harder to open jars, and getting a little clumsier, tripping over my own feet.

I find it takes longer to do things I used to do, perhaps because of the luxury of distractions, or just not having to do several things at once anymore.

So bring it on 60, I know that if I want to live another 20 plus years, I have to change things up, a bit. And so this next decade I begin the "age old" work of fine tuning myself so that it goes smoothly.

My Centenarian Grandmother

2010-12-21T21:13:00.000-06:00

Happy 118th birthday, Grandma Orr.

My grandma spent a lot of her youth living with grandparents while her mother did laundry in the lumber camps around Honor in the NW Lower Peninsula of Michigan. She attended a one room country school through 8th grade, the Buchan School, only a stones throw from both sets of her grandparents’ houses.

She met and married my grandfather when she was 16 and he was 21. He too, worked in the lumber camps, as a teamster,one who hauls the logs out with horses and sleigh or Big Wheels. They were married 10 years before they eventually added to their family, 3 sons and 3 daughters. After 15 years of marriage, they moved to the Warren farm, high above Crystal Lake. My grandfather ran the farm for the Warrens, and my Grandmother did their laundry and added to their income by cleaning cottages on Crystal Lake.
As their sons became of age, it was decided that two of them would collectively farm with their father, just south of Herring Lake. My grandparents moved to the large Bovard House. It was a huge house in my eyes, with 5 or 6 bedrooms upstairs and a secret little room under the stairs. There was always plenty of room for overnight guests and the entire family on holidays. Eventually they would move down the hill into a smaller house across from their youngest son.

When my father was busy at Thorn Hill in the Fall and Spring, I, a pre-schooler, was dropped off at my grandparents while my mom taught Home Economics in Arcadia. During those years I witnessed basic farm living, that was interesting and yet different from my experiences.
My grandma made her own soap from lye. It had a very distinct good smell. When a friend visited me this Fall, she brought some of HER homemade soap as a gift. And even thought my friend’s soap is scented, it had that homemade soap smell that I remember from my grandmother’s efforts, providing an instant flash back.

I also remember my grandfather killing chickens. When a chicken’s life had reached a point of maturity, usually before winter, it became a potential roasting hen, and then met its demise. It was shocking that their life came to an end by the wringing of their necks. UGH! After they were cleaned, my grandmother would scald the birds in huge boiling pots of water, which made the plucking of their feathers easier. I even helped a little with the plucking. But that experience had its own distinct smell and it was not one of my favorites.

Grandma’s kitchen often smelled of fresh baked bread. I learned to knead bread under her tutelage. When I was preschooler, she would bake bread on a wood stove later on an electric stove. Another one of her favorite baked goods, were old fashioned sugar cookies. Her cookie crock was always full and it was one of the first things family members went to, when visiting her. The cookies were best dunked in tea or coffee, or in my case, hot chocolate.

Two of my uncles ate lunch with my grandparents everyday because their wives were off teaching school. My Grandma provided a good hearty lunch for them. So it was lunch for five, made up of soup, fresh bread with butter and honey, and some of her canned fruit. Applesauce was often served. As she noted, an apple a day kept the doctor away. It must have, in her case.

After lunch, there was a routine of nap time for all. We would all go into the living room, and my uncles would each take a lazy boy or couch, and so would my grandparents, and everyone would take a little siesta. I was expected to nap as well. That part of routine was not always accepted very well by me. I can remember my Grandfather getting after me for not following my grandmother’s orders. I had a pretty good stubborn streak and a lip that could maintain a pretty stiff pout. But I was afraid of my grandfather, if he raised his voice, I relented and obeyed, usually with tears.

My grandmother kept me busy by making homemade salt dough, a precursor to Play Dough. It was fun, I rolled it and used cookie cutters on it, and even went so far as to taste it, not so good. I watched her spent winter months cutting old, worn out clothing, into narrow strips. Then she would sew the strips together end to end, using her treadle sewing machine. After this was done she would wind the strips into softball size balls, that would be later used for weaving. I helped her wind the strips. She had two single harness looms in her basement, in which rag rugs were always in progress. She made rugs for her church to sell at rummage sales. She made rugs for all of the family. I still have some. I have one of the looms here in Wisconsin. As soon as my basement is finished and set up, my plans are to contact some people I met at Appleton Farm Mkt. to help guide me through the warping and set up of the loom and carry on the primitive art form.

Even thought grandma only had an 8th grade education, she went on to self educate herself throughout her long life. She read her Bible faithfully. One aunt noted her interest in reading, and annually gave her a subscription to a national newspaper. She belonged to the Reader’s Digest Book Club, and you could always find The Saturday Evening Post and Farm Journals on her coffee table. When she could no longer see to read, she used the “Talking Book” system through the State Library.

Spending a night with my grandma was an incredibly cozy experience, in spite of the fact that she never heated her upstairs. The wood floors were cold to the touch of my bare feet, so I tried to stand only on her rag rugs. Then as quick as I could, I’d jump into bed that would be fitted with soft flannel sheets covered by a down comforter. As I stretched my feet down to the end of the bed, there would be a a large heated flat soapstone, wrapped in newspaper to warm the bed while I drifted off to sleep. My grandma would heat the stone in her stove prior to bedtime. This was indeed a most interesting way to warm the bed. I can still smell that hot newspaper smell in my mind.

She felt it was important to get outside and get some exercise. She walked 3 miles a day, Spring through the Fall and on nice days in the winter, into her 80’s. I remember her taking my cousin and me out through the deep, deep snow to the hill on the back of the farm to slide. Even she would slide. I know I was exhausted as a young child trudging through the snow, I can only imagine how she felt, because she was NOT a spring chicken.

I spent many an afternoon out and about with her visiting some of her friends from church or older relatives she wanted to check on. She would take some bread, cookies, or something that they might like to read.
I have a couple favorite quotes by her, one was “Don’t worry about housekeeping, it is more important to be outside and enjoying the day and the fresh air.” Well, she may NOT have worried about her housekeeping, but her home was always clean. The other thing she told me that “ You need to go to church to meet a good man”. She was right.

I have lots of memories of her, a few pictures, a little box of favorite scriptures that she received by donating to Billy Graham, a favorite TV evangelist of hers. She told me we shared something special, we both had Christmas birthdays. Her birthday was the 26th and mine was the 30th. She said it was too bad, all of our special days came at once. And then would laugh.

It was heart breaking to see her lose her independence as she aged into her late 80’s and lost her mobility and her vision. The changes began by not being able to drive anymore and then not living alone. She did it with some grumbling, but went along with it. She spent her last 4 years in a long-term care facility, which was humbling to such a “once capable” woman. By THAT time she just wanted to get life over with and join her maker in Heaven. She didn’t like all the fuss her family made on her 100th birthday, either. Her mind was good most of that last year and kept active by daily visits from her children and grandchildren reading to her, singing hymns to her, and telling about their day. She was devoted to her Lord and finally joined him when she was 100 years and 11 months. She lived 22 years beyond her husband and their 62 years of marriage. She was a very remarkable woman and at THIS time of year she is thought of with both a smile and a tear.
Happy Birthday, Grandma.

Candy Shops and St. Nicholas: NE Wisconsin's Favorite Christmas Traditions

2010-12-19T14:21:00.000-06:00

St. Nicholas Day. Did you miss this Christmas tradition on December 6th? NE Wisconsin’s population is heavy with families that can trace their heritage back to Northern Europe to the countries of Holland, Germany, Poland, and Denmark. St. Nicholas makes his visit prior to Christmas to small children with treats for good little girls and boys and lumps of coal for those not so good. On the Eve of St. Nicholas (Dec. 5th), children leave their shoes or stockings outside the door of their bedroom or by the fireplace. Then the next morning they hopefully find chocolates,nuts, popcorn balls, coins, or a small toy left by St. Nicholas.
My family did not practice the tradition of putting up stockings. It was not until my future sister-in-law entered the picture and was shocked that my brother did not have one. She quickly whipped him up one and so the tradition began, but not on St. Nicholas Day, instead we did this on Christmas Eve.
When moving to Wisconsin, I was surprised to learn about St. Nicholas Day and find out how widely it is practiced on the west side of Lake Michigan. Which leads me to my next discovery. NE Wisconsin has a very thriving “candy wonderland”, shops that carry hand made, hand cut, and hand wrapped confections that are used for St. Nicholas Day and for other holidays and special occasions. In one day you could do a 150 mile drive and visit 7 locally famous shops that are continuing their candy making tradition into the 4th and 5th generation. Of course, you would need some Pepto Bismol following such a trek.
Being in the middle of the dairy belt, fresh butter and cream are a couple of the necessary ingredients and can be found local creameries. So it is natural for many, once mom and pop shops, to be still thriving into the 21st century. The Dutch and Germans are particular about their chocolates and Russell Stover and Doug Murdock fudge, which I am most familiar with, are not high on their list or even on it. Shoppers flock to these little shops on the holidays and don’t even flinch at the prices they must pay for these carefully crafted delights.
Last Christmas, Jon and I traveled north to De Pere, just south of Green Bay, to Seroogys. This shop is nationally known and on most tour bus stops. The big seller there is the “Meltaway” chocolates. Jon takes a box into his co-workers every Christmas and is instantly the most popular guy in the office.
Yesterday we decided to try the local confectioner, just down the street, Wilmars. This shop looks like it a miniature Dept. 51 Christmas Village shop. It is very charming with old fashioned awnings and large store front windows located on the corner of a busy street and older Appleton neighborhood. The parking lot was full as we approached. As we entered the store, we were immediately greeted by a little elderly lady that sported a tray of chocolates and asked us if we would like to sample. Us? Of course we would. The tiny store was crowded with shoppers getting their gifts and stocking fillers.
The store has been there a long time, gauged by the tin ceiling and other antiquated décor, slightly modernized.The candies ranging from homemade popcorn balls, to creamy caramels, and a variety of gourmet chocolates are pricey. But you can tell that it is choice gift to give, by the wide range of shoppers, young and old, that I saw patiently waiting to check out.
Jon said when he was growing up his family whipped up a batch of homemade turtles, chocolate and caramel covered pecans or they purchased a box just for Christmas. My father made fudge, which was surprisingly the only thing he knew how to cook. I remember my mom buying a box of chocolates for her father. It is a special treat that one does not purchase for oneself. It is a time honored tradition, just like St.Nicholas Day here in Wisconsin. It is a time to forget about that fact that it is not good for the diet, unless, of course it is dark chocolate. So may you and yours find such a delightful confection under your tree, in your stocking, or most importantly in your mouth this Christmas.
Appleton:
WILMAR CHOCOLATES http://www.wilmarchocolates.com/zc/index.php
VANDE WALLE CANDIES http://vandewallecandies.com/cart/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&chapter=0
De Pere:
SEROOGY’S http://www.seroogys.com/
Green Bay:
KAAPS OLD WORLD CHOCOLATES INC http://www.kaapscandies.com/
Manitowoc:
BEERNTSEN CONFECTIONERY INC http://beerntsens.com/history.asp
Oshkosh:
HUGHES HOMAID CHOCOLATE SHOP
OAK’S CANDY STORE http://oakscandy.com/

Midwest Winter Nights

2010-12-15T21:57:00.000-06:00

I must say there are few similarities to walking here in town in Wisconsin and walking out in the country in Michigan. Each has their own unique aspects. Fast Eddy, my furry four legged friend loves snow and forces me out every night into the cold for our usual evening walk.
Our familiar day route take on a different magical look as we head out into the night. When it is bitterly cold, like this week, I rarely see anyone else out walking so it is a private experience. The snow muffles much of the city sound. Christmas lights decorate the exterior of many houses on our route, and provide an added beauty. Some nights I walk with my iPod tuned to Christmas music to embellish the walk. In darker sections, where there are no Christmas lights, one only has to look toward the glittering sky and see the moon, the stars and familiar constellations or look down at the sparkling snow reflecting the light of a distant street light. Last winter I heard an owl several nights in a row in a stand of pine trees in a neighbor's back yard. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love cupping my hands and blowing soft calls back to the hidden bird. This can go on forever. Owls are curious and usually come in close. I have done this many times living out in the country in Michigan, but never expected to hear them in town. Great fun, my husband if he is along, rolls his eyes, and who knows what the neighbors think!
In NW Michigan, my home for most of my life, walking at night is a different adventure. A few years ago, I received a headlamp as a gift to illuminate my evening walks. There are no sidewalks, so I walked along the edge of our country road. You might be walking on a plowed road or in a foot of snow. And if you hear a distant whine of a snow machine, you had to be prepared to jump out of the way as they cut around the corner or appear over the ridge of a hill at lightning speed. As the snow deepened and covered the fields, I refined my walking by cross country skiing at night away from the road and the dreaded snowmobiles. My dog, would walk on the trail either behind me or ahead of me as my beacon. Our 100 acres farmland between my brother's house and my house provided the escape. By day, my brother created trails around the perimeter and through the middle as a recreational course for family and friends to enjoy. By night the terrain, mostly hilly, would be my trek and vigorous workout zone.
This one particular winter, talk of cougars being sighted around the county spooked me. My mind started churning "what if" scary stories. Thinking that cougars likely hunted after dark, and there were lots of deer in the orchard, I might run into one stalking its prey. Then I thought, well my dog would alert me or protect me if such a beast were near. Or there was the coyote scenario that came to mind. The packs are often heard howling into the night, very close to our house. Perhaps a pack of wild coyotes would attack the dog as he venture out into the shadows away from me. It was scary being out there alone without other human company, but I felt adventuresome for being outside while most of the world was inside their cozy houses safe and sound.
So if you have not taken an evening stroll in the winter night in a great while, give it a try. Its beauty is incomparable, and maybe you will get lucky and have your own adventure and hear an owl, experience a quiet snowfall, see a deer, or better yet, discover the Christmas Star.

Visions of Hansel and Gretel

2010-12-13T11:48:00.000-06:00

CANDY, CANDY, EVERYWHERE!! That is all I noticed during my trip into the local grocery store the other day. Yummy sweet delights tempting me on the end of every aisle. I clung to my ability to have tunnel vision and tried to ignore them. But as I did this I thought about what I have done with these sugary treats in previous years. I recall making a candy house with my mom every Christmas when I was a kid and then I carried on the tradition with my own children and friends.

When I was growing up our candy house was not the gingerbread variety. My Dad made a rectangular 2 story plywood house on a 12 by 18 in. plywood base.  My mom and I would make a giant batch of  Royal icing in the mixer and then we coated the entire house and base.   Hershey chocolate bars were used to make a front door, windows, sidewalk, and the chimney. Gum drops lined the outside of the base and the eaves. Peppermint candies outlined the sidewalk. The generic traditional holiday hard candy and candy canes were used to line the edges of the house and roof. M&M's and candy orange slices filled the roof. I am drooling as I write this.

It was fair game to start  prying the candy off on Christmas Day. With each pass of the the house, the candy decorations slowly disappeared leaving behind a stained impressions in the frosting. Finally once most of it was gone, the house was bound for the sink to soak the frosting off. We never ate that.

I made these houses with my mom, started the tradition with my boys, and extended it to one of my God children. It has probably been 10  years since I have made one, now that the little people in my life are all grown up, and the plywood house of yester year is long gone. It was fun to do and it made a delicious and festive table decoration. Visions of Hansel and Gretel always came to mind. I am sure my doctor would say it is not a healthy holiday activity. But I say, memories have no sugar or calories and are delicious to think about. It is a good thing we are snowed in or I would figure out a reason to make one. Cheers!