Country Cousin

Mom...



Hi Folks!

Mother’s Day is Sunday. Let’s hope for a fine day, so Dad can cook on the grill and keep the mess outside. If not, maybe breakfast out would be a good way to start the day. Mom might appreciate that more than breakfast in bed, considering what generally happens in the kitchen when Dad and kiddies make a production breakfast.

Anyway, Moms, have a happy one. Hope your family pampers you no end.

MY MOM

Feel sorry sometimes for the youngsters of today, who don’t know what it was like to have a Mom who was always there at the end of the day.

My generation is probably the last one in which most kids had stay-at-home moms. Whether by choice or by financial necessity, in this generation, most Moms go off to work each day. Some beat their kids home from school and some do not. That’s not all bad, perhaps. Kids on their own might learn to be more self reliant and independent, but I’d rather have Mom at home.

When we had a bad day at school, she was there. Sometimes she sympathized, sometimes she offered good advice, sometimes she scolded. But she was there, and her arms were comforting. She laughed at our jokes, praised our good grades, and pretended to be amazed at whatever information we had gleaned that day about the big, wonderful world we lived in.

Somehow Mom always knew if we were lying, so mostly we just admitted whatever we were guilty of and got it over with. She didn’t swear, so we didn’t. She was generous, so we learned the importance of sharing. We said our prayers at night and went to church on Sunday, because she wanted us to.

When we were bored, Mom always found something for us to do. Now, it usually wasn’t something fun. It was wash the dishes, wash the baseboards, weed the garden, wash the windows, hang the laundry, peel potatoes...whatever. Even very small kids can do some of those jobs, and we did. Once we were assigned a task, we had to do it, and that was that. So we didn’t often complain of being bored, even before television arrived at our house. The trick was to get our job done and then get outside (or at least out of sight) before she found some other task to assign.

Mom said idle hands were the devil’s workshop, and she believed it, but she found time to have fun with us too.

She’d play hide and seek with us in the house. Being tiny, she could hide in some pretty strange places, and did.

She’d move all the chairs out of our long kitchen to scrub and wax its tile floor. Then, when the floor was dry, she’d give us pieces of wax paper to slide around on before we all helped put the furniture back. She said we were helping shine the floor, and maybe that was true. I think now she just loved to see us having fun.

She’d play guessing games with us on car trips, and sometimes she could get Dad to join the fun.

Mom raised the prettiest flowers in the neighborhood. Sometimes she’d make pancakes for a whole batch of friends who just happened to be there at meal time.

She curled our hair, shined out shoes, pressed our clothes, kissed our wounds, and fussed over us when we were sick. She even fussed when we weren’t really sick, but just hadn’t studied enough for the test our teacher had promised. Think she knew when we were faking, but she fussed anyway. That can bring on a real guilt trip, and she knew that too.

We knew that whatever we did, we count on Mom’s love. And because she loved us, we wanted to live up to her high expectations. Isn’t that about the best thing a Mom can do for her kids?

Maybe it’s never too late to say it: Thank you Mom, for being you. And thank you for being there when we needed you.

GOD MADE MOMS

Some years ago a second grade teacher led a discussion about why and how God made mothers, and what He made them of.

Answers to why He made them included: She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is; mostly to clean the house, and to help us out of there when we were getting born.

As to how He made Moms, and what He made them of, there were some pretty innovative answers, and some mundane ones.

One youngster felt He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. Another decided Mom was made of magic, plus super powers and a lot of string, and still another figured, God made my Mom just like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

At least one mom would have been pretty much bursting at the seams pleased. Her youngster thought mothers were made out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world, but then added, and with one dab of mean.

The kids knew there were differences between Moms and Dads. Moms can talk to teachers without scaring them; Dads are taller and stronger, but Moms have all the real power ‘cause that’s who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend’s house; Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

Those kids did have some ideas for how Mom could be improved, some complimentary, most not. For example:

On the inside she’s already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

Diet. You know, her hair. I’d diet, maybe blue.

She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I’d get rid of that.

I’d make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

GROWIN’ THINGS

Friend Bill’s garden is always beautiful, and early. His onions are already up two inches.

He passed along a tip for planting seeds easily, and in nice straight lines that we all might find helpful.

Read your seed packet instructions and decide how far apart the seeds need to be.

Prepare your soil and rake it smooth. Then make shallow trenches the depth you want your seeds to be, and as far apart as the package prescribes.

Cut newspapers into strips, and on those strips, at the proper distances, put a dab of thick flour and water paste. Into each dab put a seed. You might want to put them closer than recommended and then thin out the weaker plants later. That’s up to you, and how confident you are that all the seeds will germinate.

Anyway, you then lay the strips into the prepared rows, cover with the proper amount of soil, give the area a nice slow watering, and you’re done.

ON THE SOAP BOX

VOTERS LOSE IN WISCONSIN

The primary election is over, and in June there will be a replay of the 2010 elections - Gov. Scott Walker against Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Gov. Walker alone garnered 595,018 votes, only 58,818 fewer than all five of his opponents put together, and only 38,898 fewer than all four candidates on the Democratic party primary ballot, including that party’s winner - Barrett.

But the recall elections are costing Wisconsin taxpayers thousands and thousands of dollars, and all because some Wisconsinites aren’t happy with the way the last elections came out.

Gov. Walker has done exactly what he promised to do, and that is the problem. So there’s a recall. Suppose if by some fluke Tom Barrett is successful this time around, those who like what Walker and his supporters have done can just go ahead and have another recall.

One sentiment has been coming out more and more often - regardless of the outcome of this recall attempt, Wisconsin needs a constitutional change to insure there will never be a repeat of this mockery of the whole elective process.

As a stranger commented to me recently, This whole thing cheapens my vote. Some people didn’t like the way the last election came out, so they’re throwing the results away. That is simply not right.

He said, and Yours Truly heartily agrees, that two Constitutional changes are needed.

First, persons elected to serve in the Senate or Assembly must be present when those bodies are in session or have an excellent reason for not being there...like they’re dead. If they deliberately skip the responsibilities of the office they were elected to they should either be booted out of office at once, or be subject to recall. And pay for times when they skip should definitely be withheld.

Second, recall elections of state or local officials can be held only for specific offenses, for example real dereliction of duty (such as deliberately skipping sessions), violating ethics laws, or committing a felony.

If we as a state fail to do that, we will be subject from this day forward to a series of recall elections when ever an elected official takes unpopular actions. We might as well then have government by referendum.

We could just skip the legislature as a decision-making body and all go to the polls to vote on whatever bills were introduced during the preceding week.

Then, perhaps we could also vote each week on whether or not the governor should stay in office or be replaced.

That might not be a bad idea, except that hardly anyone would understand the full implications of what they were voting for. Who among us is going to read several hundred pages of legalese every week - on our own time - so we can be informed voters? Our legislators are paid to do it, and it’s a pretty good bet they too often turn that responsibility over to their hired help!

Mob rule is never good. Our forefathers chose to make our nation a Republic and not a true Democracy because representative government like ours works better. We need to keep in touch with our legislators, let them know if we’re pleased or unpleased, but once the voters have spoken, they have spoken and agree or not, we live with their choices until the next election.

COOKIN’ TIME

EASY COOKED CHICKEN

If you want to prepare a dish that calls for leftover cooked chicken but happen to be fresh out, here’s a quick, easy and somewhat foolproof way to cook chicken breast in the microwave. All you need besides three skinless, boneless chicken breasts are a microwave safe baking dish or bowl with a lid, 1/2 cup chicken broth broth, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and if desired a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkling of pepper. Mix the broth, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Set three raw boneless chicken breasts in the bowl with the thickest parts facing the outside. Cover with the lid, but leave one corner ajar for ventilation. Cook on medium power for six minutes per pound. Let sit for a few minutes, then take out of the microwave. Be careful not to let the steam come toward you when you remove the lid. The chicken is done if the juice doesn’t run pink when pierced with a fork. If you’re not certain, use a meat thermometer to be sure the center of the largest breast is at least 165 degrees.

ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

This South of the Border casserole isn’t very spicy unless you dash on some hot sauce or hot salsa after it’s cooked, but it has a nice Mexican flavor. Serve with sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, sliced green onions, and perhaps some avocado slices. Easy enough for Dad and kids to make while Mom enjoys her day. Please remember to wash up the dishes afterwards.

1 (14 ounce) can green enchilada sauce

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 (6 ounce) can chopped green chilies (not jalepenos, but

mild green Hatch chilies)

1 large cooked chicken breast, chopped or 1 cup chopped

leftover chicken or turkey

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

10 corn tortillas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x12 baking dish, preferably glass, with cooking spray. Mix first three ingredients in a bowl. Spoon enough of this mixture to coat the bottom of the baking dish. Then add in layers: tortillas, torn in pieces; chicken; 1/2 of the cheese; 1/2 of the sauce, more tortillas, rest of sauce, rest of cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes until the middle is bubbly and the cheese on top is turning brown. It’s already cooked, just has to get heated through enough to melt the cheese.

SPECIAL STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Make Mom proud with this gorgeous (and delicious cake) for Mother’s Day or any other day. Strawberry season is coming! If you don’t want to work this hard, use a white cake mix and add a teaspoon of lemon extract. Frost the cake with thawed whipped topping for a total shortcut. If the berries aren’t very sweet, slice them ahead of time, sprinkle on half a cup or so of sugar and let them sit until it’s time to assemble the cake. You could bake this in a 9x12 cake pan for a pot luck offering.

Non-stick vegetable spray, for coating the pans

1 1/2 cups cake flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup milk

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon extract

3 large eggs

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 pints fresh strawberries

1/2 cup sugar (optional)

1 recipe whipped cream frosting

WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

1 teaspoon gelatin

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the middle of the oven. Lightly coat two (9-inch) cake pans with nonstick vegetable spray. It’s easier to remove cake layers if you line the bottoms with a circle of baking parchment. Into a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together, 3 times. In a small saucepan, bring the milk and butter to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla and lemon extracts. In separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale yellow, and fluffy, and doubled in volume. While still beating, drizzle in the hot milk mixture. Fold in the flour mixture. Spread the batter in the prepared pans and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden, the center springs back when lightly pressed, and a cake tester comes out clean. Set the pans on a rack to cool. Run the tip of a knife around the edges of the cakes to loosen them, and turn them out of the pans.

Whipped Cream Frosting: In a medium bowl, mix together the gelatin and 1/4 cup of the cream. Let rest for 5 minutes to soften, then place the bowl over barely simmering water until the gelatin has completely dissolved. Remove the bowl from the heat and let cool to tepid. In the meantime, in a mixing bowl, whip the cream until slightly thickened. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and whip to the consistency of shaving cream. Fold 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into the gelatin mixture, then fold in the rest.

Now, or before you start the cake, wash and dry the strawberries. Pick out the 12 best. Stem and slice the rest. If you’re using sugared berries, lay half of the sliced berries over one cake, pour on half the juice from the berries, then spread a 1/2-inch layer of whipped cream on top. Place the second cake over the first. Pour on the remainder of the juice and spread out the remainder of the berries across the top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. Top with the 12 whole berries. Serve proudly.

Thought for the week: Oliver Wendell Holmes said it well: Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendship fall. A mother’s secret hope outlives them all... An unknown philosopher advised, We only have one Mom, one Mommy, one Mother in this World, just as we only have one life. Don’t wait for tomorrow to tell Mom you love her. Do it now. Good advice. Love you, Mom!

COUNTRY COUSIN

Recent stories, opinions and photos

Issue Date	Department	Headline
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Myron Torzala
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Janette F. Tisch
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Rose Sokol
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Jeff R. Seguin
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Joyce Schick
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Donald Roach
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Gerald W. Pleau
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Edward S. Peterson
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Lois Palmer
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Susan M. Moore
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Michael Magnin
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Jane M. Lewandowski
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Shirley J. Leavens
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Irene M. Lang
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Richard J. Lacousiere
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Dorothy L. LaCombe
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Joyce Kostreva
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Alice C. Kartheiser
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Claude J. Hebert, Jr.
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Sharon L. Heberling
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Richard M. Desjarlais
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Mary E. Conder
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Norman J. Champeau
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Patricia A. Brenner
09-21-2016	Obituaries	Donna M. Bertrand
09-21-2016	Sports	Marines Maul Panthers for First Win Of Season
09-21-2016	Sports	CROSS COUNTRY
09-21-2016	Sports	M&O Volleyball
09-21-2016	Sports	M&O Football
09-21-2016	Front Page	County Board Keeps Sales Tax, Cuts Sunset Clause
09-21-2016	Front Page	USS Wichita Christened, USS Marinette Announced
09-21-2016	Front Page	Cemetery Board Delays Action on Burial Rates
09-21-2016	Front Page	Peshtigo Town Board Changes Plans Where to Gate Road
09-21-2016	Perspectives	Country Cousin
09-21-2016	Perspectives	From our readers
09-21-2016	Perspectives	From My Window
09-21-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Legion Post 66 Chili Fest Sept. 24
09-21-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Rangers Plan Tailgate Party
09-21-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Athelstane Fire Chief Asks To Replace Used Tanker
09-21-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Town of Wausaukee Population is 1107
09-21-2016	Community - Crivitz	Free Business Start Up in Crivitz Oct. 10
09-21-2016	Community - Crivitz	Transportation Meet at Crivitz Sept. 29
09-21-2016	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Legion Gun Show on Sept. 24
09-21-2016	Community - Crivitz	Car Seat Checkup at Frank Porth Chev
09-21-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman Utility To Flush Water Mains
09-21-2016	Community - Coleman	Pound Woman's Club Pot Luck
09-21-2016	Community - Coleman	Kickers Fall Dance at Equity Sept. 24
09-21-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman Am. Legion Flag Disposal Ceremony Sept. 24
09-14-2016	Sports	Area Runners Shine at Shawano Invite
09-14-2016	Perspectives	Country Cousin - Autumn is Here!...
09-14-2016	Sports	Marinette Golfers Have A Big Week
09-14-2016	Sports	Peshtigo/Niagara Post Early Season Wins
09-14-2016	Sports	Titans Dominate In Blowout Win
09-14-2016	Perspectives	From My Window - The High Price of Gasoline - In Rocking Oklahoma
09-14-2016	Perspectives
09-14-2016	Perspectives	From Our Readers
09-14-2016	Front Page	Westlund Bus Lines Receives Award
09-14-2016	Front Page	County Board Chair Criticized for Budget Information Request
09-14-2016	Front Page	Grover Hears Request for Fire Department Levy Hike
09-14-2016	Front Page	County Board Faces Sales Tax, Zoning Decisions On Sept. 20
09-14-2016	Front Page	Meeting Sept. 21 On Peshtigo High School Facilities Needs
09-14-2016	Perspectives	From Our Readers
09-14-2016	Perspectives	From Our Readers
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Edgar C. Voelker
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Trudy K. Schultz
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Ernest D. "Ernie" McCormick
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Angela Longsine
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Alma L. Kristopeit
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Betty J. Groesbeck
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Delores C. Grant
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Dennis C. Gilbertson
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Frank Duffeck
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Mary C. Brewer
09-14-2016	Obituaries	Lorraine E. Anders
09-14-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Legion Auxiliary Unit 66 Chili, Soup Fest Sept. 24
09-14-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Legion, Unit To Meet on Sept. 20
09-14-2016	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Pharmacy to Host PPK Event
09-14-2016	Community - Crivitz	New Garden Honors Wrightstown Teacher
09-14-2016	Community - Crivitz	Free Business Start Up in Crivitz Oct. 10
09-14-2016	Community - Crivitz	Car Seat Checkup at Frank Porth Chev
09-14-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman Cougars Team Up To Tackle Cancer
09-14-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman Am. Legion Flag Disposal Ceremony Sept. 24
09-14-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman High School 1957 Class Reunion
09-14-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman Annual, Regular School Board Meets Sept. 29
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Marsha D. Werlein
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Melvin L. Wenzel
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Donna M. Waschbisch
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Andrea A. Stamsta
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Eugene A. Staidl
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Pearl Spice
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Stanley Skrzypinski
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Jayne P. Shehow
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Gary A. Plewa
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Harry E. Olszewski
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Delores Nemetz
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Mark W. Miller
09-07-2016	Obituaries	John A. Miller
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Gene Martin
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Norman G. Marquardt
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Roy C. Hubbard Sr.
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Svea Hart
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Donald H. Hansen
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Edna J. Hanamann
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Johanna Groy
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Gloria S. Graham
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Ruth A. Fick
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Carol J. Ewald
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Joan Mary Dufresne
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Lynne A. Cavill
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Florence M. Belongia
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Marjorie Barlament
09-07-2016	Obituaries	Diane Bakotich
09-07-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Story Time, Bee Keeping at Library
09-07-2016	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Book Sale is Sept. 19-23
09-07-2016	Community - Crivitz	Goodman-Armstrong Creek Dedicate New Play Area
09-07-2016	Community - Crivitz	Silver Cliff Fire, Rescue Unit Meets
09-07-2016	Community - Crivitz	Car Seat Checkup at Frank Porth Chev
09-07-2016	Community - Coleman	Resurfacing US41 in Oconto County
09-07-2016	Community - Coleman	Lena Taste of Fall Cook-off Competition
09-07-2016	Community - Coleman	CCBA "Shop Local" Raffle Winners Listed
09-07-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman Am. Legion Flag Disposal Ceremony Sept. 24
09-07-2016	Sports	Mustangs Too Much For Marines In Early NEC Conference Matchup
09-07-2016	Sports	CROSS COUNTRY
09-07-2016	Sports	Area Volleyball
09-07-2016	Sports	M&O Football
09-07-2016	Perspectives	Country Cousin
09-07-2016	Perspectives	From My Window
09-07-2016	Front Page	Approve Snowmobile Trail, Send Fish Platform Back To Committee
09-07-2016	Front Page	Peshtigo Family Losses All Belongings in Fire
09-07-2016	Front Page	Tom Behnke Named Coleman Fire Chief
09-07-2016	Front Page	Archaeologist Speaker on Name "Peshtigo" Sept. 12
08-31-2016	Front Page	County Taking Another Look At Borrowing, Budget Policy
08-31-2016	Front Page
08-31-2016	Front Page	Peshtigo School Board Sets District Goals
08-31-2016	Front Page	Snowmobile Trail Through Peshtigo Goes To Council
08-31-2016	Front Page	Marinette County Fair A Success, List Event Winners
08-31-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Legion Post 66 Meets Sept. 10
08-31-2016	Community - Wausaukee	17 Residents Attend Athelstane Board Meet
08-31-2016	Community - Wausaukee	Place 3 Defibrillators in Athelstane, SC Areas
08-31-2016	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Legion Trap Shoot on Sept. 3
08-31-2016	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Book Sale is Sept. 19-23
08-31-2016	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Ski Cats in National Figure 8 Barefoot Tourney
08-31-2016	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Auxiliary To Host County Council
08-31-2016	Community - Coleman	Oconto Marsh Hike Sept. 8
08-31-2016	Community - Coleman	Open House At Hillside Assembly
08-31-2016	Community - Coleman	Coleman Village Board Sept. 6
08-31-2016	Community - Coleman	Beef Cow/Calf Meeting Sept. 12
08-31-2016	Sports	Champions Crowned at UPIR Season Finale
08-31-2016	Sports	M&O Volleyball
08-31-2016	Sports	M&O Football