Whoever said living in a small community would surely be boring usually has not had the experience. This weekend there were far more activities than we could participate in and we had to pick and choose that which was the most appealing. I never could figure out why Lake Wilson chose the same weekend as Fulda for their celebration. Those of us that lived between the two usually had to pick one or the other and taking turns one year and the other the next didn’t always work out especially if you participated in the parade at Fulda. It is also a good idea to check with the city offices to see if the park facilities are available as occasionally groups reserve the tables, shelters, etc. ahead of time to make certain they have a place for seating and use of electricity for their meals (picnics).
Members of the youth group and their sponsors of First Reformed Church in Edgerton left for Ohio on Friday for a mission trip. Jon and Brinna were among them. Jon accompanied other groups on their trips to Louisiana in the past and has always enjoyed the time spent with rebuilding such as after the hurricane. He tried to encourage recycling but it was sort of a lost cause. This year their plan was to help with Habitat but they have to be at least 16 years old so they may have to find other jobs such as cleaning and painting for child care centers.
My gardening skills have much to be desired. I planted carrots more than once and still don’t see much coming up. Somewhere in the back of my mind I recall that a board laid over the row at least until you can see them coming up may help to keep the moisture so the seeds will sprout better. Some beets came up much too thick although I know we planted a longer row than what we see now. I was told to soak the seeds first as they will sprout better. Perhaps the readers have other suggestions. I put up the fence for the beans and in just a couple of days they had started to climb. The tomatoes look okay too. Maybe we will have enough to share later.
Birthday party for great-grandson Mason on Friday night. It had to be postponed a week as he had picked up some sort of virus earlier. Summer flu is no fun when there are so many things to do and nice weather to do it in. Morgan was informing me she had her last swimming lesson on Thursday. She will be four in July. I wish we had had that opportunity at such an early age, perhaps I would enjoy the water more now.
Fourth of July Bean Casserole
1/2 pound bacon strips, diced
1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 can (28 oz.) pork and beans
1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15-1/4 oz.) lima beans
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
In a large skillet, cook bacon, beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish; add all of the beans and mix well. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; stir into beef and bean mixture.
Cover and bake at 350º for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer.
Layered Cauliflower Salad
1 head lettuce
1 head cauliflower
1 package frozen peas
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 envelope dry Italian Good Seasoning dressing
1 1/2 to 2 cups mayonnaise or salad dressing
Layer in 9 x 12 inch pan: 1) Lettuce, broken up; 2. Cauliflower, broken up; 3) Peas; 4) Cheese; 5) Dry Italian dressing; 6) Mayonnaise or salad dressing.
Cover and refrigerate overnight. Toss before serving.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumb Pie
1 egg 3 cups rhubarb cut into
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 inch pieces
1 pint fresh strawberries, halved
1 unbaked pie shell (9 inches)
Topping:
3/4 all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
In a large bowl, beat egg. Beat in sugar, flour and vanilla until well blended. Gently stir in rhubarb and strawberries. Pour into pastry shell.
For topping, combine the flour, brown sugar and oats; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit.
Bake at 400º for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350º and bake 35 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. 8 servings.
