Hopefully you found enough to keep yourself busy if the predictions of another snowstorm, perhaps the worst of the season, were predicted for the weekend. As I have said, I have a lot of books available and some more enjoyable than others. Only one did I bring back to the library that didn’t take long to decide I would not rather have that kind of language in my house. The last two have been of great interest, “A Breath of Hope” by Laurine Snelling about the Norwegians settling in northern Minnesota and “Oh My Goodness” by Effie Leland Wilder. Wilder was 92 years old when she wrote the book and tells of living in a retirement home. Lots of reminiscing by the occupants and how to make the stay enjoyable. I know I’m getting older as many of the incidents I can relate to easily but how good it is to be acceptive of change and take it is stride. For instance, “Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber not the toy”, or “Forget health food, I need all the preservation I can get”. There are about six books in the library by Wilder and most can be read in a short time. Oh, that our minds can be so sharp at that age. The Snelling book sounded very similar as to what the life was like for my grandparents and even some of my time growing up. Granted Grandpa didn’t have to clear the trees out for farming as around here it was more like planting wind breaks, however many of the other chores were quite similar such as planting a garden, no electricity, or carrying water in and out again, using horses for transportation, etc. I know last week was Library week but we are certainly blessed to have a library so close with a variety of reading materials for every age and interest.
My other enjoyment during winter storms is to do needlework. Presently I am making an afghan with leftover yarn. Oops, there was a mistake several rows back and decided it needed to be corrected so an hour was spent unraveling several rows. It does look better and although not perfect will offer some comfort and warmth to whomever gets it eventually.
The tulips and irises are showing signs of growth. The trellis for the clematis had fallen down and with the expected strong winds on Saturday I decided that since it is not very heavy, the wind may destroy it and I should put in storage. Probably not the best idea as there was green growth in some of the stems that I had broken off. We shall see what the result will be. Most years I remove the old growth then I read that some clematis will bloom on the old growth. This fall I will try to lay the trellis down and anchor it so the wind doesn’t destroy it. The grass under the snowbanks appears to be green and before long it will need mowing. Did you notice how very dark the sky was just before the hail fell on Friday morning? Then the rain and snow pellets (hail) came. Winter surely is lasting a long time this year.
Ground Ham Loaf
2 pounds ground ham
2 pounds ground beef
4 eggs, well beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Combine ingredients. Shape into loaf pan or make meatballs of the ingredients. Bake at 325º for 30 minutes.
Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
1 can tomato soup
1/2 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Pour sauce over meat and bake another 30 minutes.
Rice Pilaf
1/2 cup butter
4 cups uncooked long grain rice
2 quarts water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
10 green onions, thinly sliced
2/3 cup soy sauce
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
In a Dutch oven, melt butter. Add rice; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add water and bouillon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat; stir in the onions and soy sauce. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in almonds. Yield: 20-22 servings.
Rhubarb Coffee Cake
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1 egg
1 teaspoon soda (dissolved in 1 cup buttermilk)
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups rhubarb
Mix in order given. Place in 9 x 13 inch pan.
Top with 1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoon cinnamon
Bake 350º for 30 minutes.
