Country Cousin

Veterans...

Hi Folks!

Wonder of wonders, it stopped raining for a few days, and on the weekend, too! However, recent developments are less than pleasant. We might see the sun again on two days later this week, and then more rain or maybe snow. No comfort facing up to the fact that there’s worse to come. Months and months of worse. And it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet! Let’s all hope for another real, genuine Indian Summer that lasts say five weeks or so. Well, it could happen.

SPECIAL DATE

On Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, 2011, we as a nation pay special tribute to all the wonderful, brave men and women, living or dead, active service or retired, who fought to keep us free. This is a very special day and date. 11-11-11. Won’t happen again for a thousand years. What will our world be like in 3011? Or will our world be in 3011? No one knows and not sure if anyone really wants to!

END OF WARS

Don’t know if the tradition stands, but when I was a girl, at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, every student in Marinette School District (and that was the whole county) would stand, face east, offer a moment of silent prayer and then recite the Pledge of Allegiance. There were often other observances on Armistice Day, as it was called then, sometimes even parades, but that 11 a.m. salute was sacred. It marked the day and time when the Armistice was signed ending World War I. It wasn’t called that at the time. No one thought there would be a World War II, and that first worldwide conflagration was called “the war to end all wars.”

Didn’t turn out that way. Just 20 years later the world was caught up in what became an even bigger war.

PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION

Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, the nation’s President, Commander in Chief of United States Military Forces, issues a proclamation.

The proclamation issued this year by President Barrack Obama begins:

“Today, our Nation comes together to honor our veterans and commemorate the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect Union. Through their steadfast defense of America’s ideals, our service members have ensured our country still stands strong, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the world know the blessings of freedom. As we offer our sincere appreciation and respect to our veterans, to their families, to those who are still in harm’s way, and to those we have laid to rest, let us rededicate ourselves to serving them as well as they have served the United States of America.

“Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud military tradition that has been dutifully passed forward — from generation to generation — for more than two centuries. In times of war and peace alike, our veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America and our people. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the country they loved. The selflessness of our service members is unmatched, and they remind us that there are few things more fundamentally American than doing our utmost to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Just as our veterans stood watch on freedom’s frontier, so have they safeguarded the prosperity of our Nation in our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our homes. As teachers and engineers, doctors and parents, these patriots have made contributions to civilian life that serve as a testament to their dedication to the welfare of our country. We owe them a debt of honor, and it is our moral obligation to ensure they receive our support for as long as they live as proud veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This year, as our troops in Iraq complete their mission, we will honor them and all who serve by working tirelessly to give them the care, the benefits, and the opportunities they have earned.

“On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families. To honor their contributions to our Nation, let us strive with renewed determination to keep the promises we have made to all who have answered our country’s call. As we fulfill our obligations to them, we keep faith with the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve our Union, and with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which our Republic was founded....”

The President calls upon everyone to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers; display the flag, and participate in patriotic activities in their communities in honor of Veterans Day.

Don’t always agree with the Presidential Politics, but certainly do agree with the sentiments expressed in this proclamation. Thank you, Veterans!

A DEDICATION

A major observance of Veterans Day this year in TIMES-land will be the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial Bridge that connects Wisconsin and Michigan on Hwy. 141 between Niagara and Iron Mountain, Mich. Dedication ceremonies at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 on the bridge include marching bands, a fly-over, speeches by state and local dignitaries and high ranking officers of Wisconsin and Michigan veteran’s organizations, and finally a reception in Niagara.

Do hope the veterans at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain have the opportunity to share in the festivities if they are able to be out and about in any way at all.

GROWIN’ THINGS

As the time for most yard and garden chores draws to a close for the year, there are still a few things you can do, provided the ground isn’t frozen and the snow isn’t too thick.

If you have any left over bulbs, for goodness sake plant them now, assuming you live where the ground is still soft enough.

Add leaves and the last bits of cut grass to the compost. No diseased plant parts and no weed seeds, hopefully. Anyway, cover your compost heap or bin with plastic to keep the nutrients from being leached out from winter rain and snow.

Water your trees and shrubs until the ground freezes. While you’re doing that, check them for diseased foliage and remove it. Remember anything diseased should go into the garbage, NOT the compost.

The DNR disagrees, but my feeling is, unless you live where outdoor burning is prohibited burn those diseased plant parts. That way you know whatever it is won’t spread.

If you’re going to have a live Christmas Tree, dig the hole now, then cover the hole and the dirt you removed, with a tarp so you can easily plant it when the time comes.

CONGRATS, GOV. WALKER!!!

Speaking of Christmas Trees, Governor Scott Walker deserves thanks from all of us for having the courage to call the decorated tree to be placed in the Rotunda of the State Capitol in Madison just what it is - a Christmas Tree!

He did not succumb to the insult heaped on every Christian in the state for the last 25 years by calling it a “holiday tree.” There is no such thing! It’s a Christmas tree, and those who don’t like it should just not look! If it isn’t to be a Christmas Tree, what is it? A druid symbol? Wrong. Can’t be. Believe that was an oak.

How can anyone with a grain of honesty in their shriveled up souls share in celebrating a holiday they refuse to even identify by its proper name?

If the Freedom From Religion Foundation folks want to think of the Christian segment of the population as ignorant and superstitious fools, that’s their privilege. It’s even their privilege to say so. But for them to say that calling a Christmas Tree by its proper name is a slight to them is just plain ridiculous. And one Freedom From Religion spokesman has done just that!

Sure is wonderful to have a governor that didn’t bow to the game of semantics played by those who want to impose their beliefs on the rest of us. Without fanfare, without drawing attention to the fact that it was a departure from the last quarter of a century, and without drawing battle lines, he simply referred to the Christmas Tree in a routine news release and did not use the words “holiday tree” instead.

The tree in the capital rotunda, incidentally, will be on display from late November through early January, and will be decorated with ornaments sent by school children from all over the state. Hope a few kids send in mangers, stars, shepherds, camels, wise men and the like!

Candles at Christmas are also significant to Christians, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World. Oops! Shouldn’t have said that. Next thing we know some anti-Christian group will be trying to get candles and light bulbs banned from all public properties because they’re too Christian!

By the way, in case some Freedom From Religion folks are not up to speed on the various sects of the Christian faith, many of them also frowned on Christmas trees, and from the Puritans days on, disapproved of the entire secular style celebration of Christmas. They felt it should be an extremely solemn religious holiday only, no fun allowed!

GOOD ADVICE

As Veterans Day draws near, can’t resist another quote from General George S. Patton, Jr.: “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” Great advice from a great general, and probably a clue to his remarkable success!

FULL MOON

Provided the clouds, drizzle and drear are gone, we’ll be treated to a full moon the night of Thursday, Nov. 10.

According to certain astrologists (moonologists?), at this particular Full Moon there’s a strong infusion of Neptunian energy and we may find ourselves feeling even more deeply than we usually do, and reacting more strongly, whether to our own or others’ joys or sorrows. One says Leo and Aquarius people may be affected more strongly than others, and might find themselves “either extremely enchanted or disenchanted with someone or something. Keeping both our heart and eyes open to try to see things as clearly as possible is important, even though it can be challenging.”

Well, keeping heart and eyes open all the time is a good idea anyway, and reacting gently and sympathetically, whatever the crisis is almost always a good thing, so all in all, sounds like pretty good advice, even if you don’t happen to be a Leo or Aquarius.

LIVING ON A DIME

With chilly weather here and Thanksgiving, Deer Season and then the Christmas holidays coming on strong, thoughts turn to baking, and mouths begin to drool for the heady autumn pies, particularly pumpkin and apple.

Friend and co-worker Laurie discovered a website, “www. LivingOnADime.com,” that’s filled with all sorts of cost cutting ideas and cooking suggestions, and they don’t mind if we share it, as long as they get credit.

They have all kinds of suggestions for those of us who need to save money (doesn’t everyone?) and who love to bake pies but don’t always have time.

One suggestion is to use purchased pie crust if you don’t have time to mix up and roll out your own, or for pumpkin pie, don’t bother with a crust at all. Just pour the filling into a well buttered baking dish and bake as a custard. Saves time, calories and carbs!

For something deliciously different, try serving apple pie with butter pecan ice cream instead of the usual vanilla and/or top it with a little caramel ice cream topping.

Lots of recipes call for “Pumpkin Pie Spice,” but you don’t need to run out and buy it. Make your own. (See recipe in Cookin’ Time below.)

Replace one quarter of the white sugar in your apple pie recipe with brown sugar and/or replace your regular spices with pumpkin pie spice. Give canned apple pie filling more of a homemade flavor by adding apple pie or pumpkin pie spice to it.

Also, and this is from Yours Truly: adding vanilla gives the illusion of more sweetness with no calories at all, and extra cinnamon is usually needed in any purchased apple pie or the filling you buy for it, if you choose to do that with an apple pie. If you buy frozen fruit pies and plan to serve them up as your own, mix up some sugar and cinnamon, brush a bit of water or beaten egg white on the top crust and sprinkle on the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Looks good and tastes great.

Lime juice works better than lemon juice to prevent fruits like apples from turning brown.

When making fruit pies, microwave the filling for five to seven minutes before pouring it into the crust. This prevents the crust from becoming overly brown before the filling is completely cooked. In the case of an apple pie, you won’t have to worry about partially cooked apples. Use a tablespoon or so of tapioca to thicken the fruit instead of flour.

When making pumpkin pie, before you pour in the filling, bake the crust for two to three minutes, just until it starts puffing a little on the bottom. Watch it carefully because you don’t want to totally cook it. This really helps prevent those sometimes very soggy pie crusts.

If you like cheese with your apple pie, mix one cup of grated cheddar cheese into your pie crust and then layer the apple filling with another cup of grated cheese.

When making pecan pie, melt the butter in a saucepan until it turns golden brown. Watch it so it doesn’t burn. This adds the most wonderful caramel like flavor to your pie.

When you making a graham cracker crust, crush enough crumbs to fill a large container or coffee can. The next time you make a crust, just scoop out the amount you need. Add a little cinnamon to the mix.

COOKIN’ TIME

Time for bone-warming recipes. With the busy season coming on, and the clan beginning to gather, you could find this satisfying soup a life saver. And, it has the bonus of being quick cooking (less than half an hour, start to finish), low carb, low fat, and very high on nutrition and flavor.

PIZZA SOUP

If you don’t have pizza seasoning, use 1/4 teaspoon each oregano and sweet basil. Use reduced fat mozzarella cheese and smoked turkey sausage for even lower fat count. This recipe makes only six servings, but it doubles easily.

1 cup chopped onion

1 chopped sweet green pepper

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup halved, sliced zucchini

1 can beef broth, 15 ounces

1 can Italian-style tomatoes, cut p

1 can pizza sauce, 8 ounces

4 ounces fully cooked smoked sausage, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon pizza seasoning

1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

In a medium saucepan combine onion, sweet pepper, mushrooms, zucchini and 1/4 cup of the broth. Bring to boiling, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining broth, undrained tomatoes, pizza sauce, sausage, and seasoning. Simmer five or 10 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender. Add a bit of black pepper and some garlic salt if you like. Top each bowl with a share of the shredded cheese as you serve it. Have some Tabasco on hand, because some like it hot. On the diabetic exchange, the low-fat version equals 2 vegetables, 1 meat and 1 fat, and has 163 calories.

THE VERY BEST PIE CRUST

3 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/4 cups butter (or shortening), cold

1 egg, cold

1 tablespoon vinegar, cold

5 tablespoons cold water

Sugar

Mix flour, salt and sugar in a bowl. Cut in butter or shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives. (Actually, a mixture of lard and butter is authentic, but frowned on because of the cholesterol.) Add egg, vinegar and 3 tablespoons water. Mix lightly. If dough is too dry, add more water. Mix with hands. Don’t over mix. Mix just until the dough sticks together. Divide into thirds. Roll out to make 3 pie crusts. When using the crust for the top of the pie sprinkle sugar on top. Crust can be frozen in balls and then defrosted and rolled out when ready to use. Makes 3 crusts.

PUMPKIN PIE SPICE

4 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons nutmeg

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cloves

Mix ingredients well. Store in small jar with tight cover. Makes 8 teaspoons. Use in any recipe calling for pumpkin pie spice. Personally, we prefer it without the cloves, but add a half teaspoon allspice instead.

Thought for the Week: It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” - General George S. Patton, Jr., speaking of brave soldiers.

Thank You, Lord. Amen!

COUNTRY COUSIN

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