Summer Edition 2018
Inside
Tour lakeside homes on Lake Tenkiller
Artist’s move to Green Country spurs creativity Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort undergoes major transformation
MUSKOGEE muskogeephoenix.com Green Country Living
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Summer Edition 2018
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Beyond the Listing: Home showcases Tenkiller Lake vista from Hillside lot.
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facebook.com/greencountryliving
24 The Amundsen’s residence has view of Tenkiller State Park across the lake.
Builder Chance Parker built his house to be ‘pretty much maintenance free.’
34 46 Randy Rogers’ Strayhorn Cove lodge brings wilderness to families, visitors
Renovate and Restore: Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort sees transformation
Art of the Matter: Artist finds inspiration at home near Lake Eufaula.
Summer Edition 2018
Issue 47
Publisher Dale Brendel editors Ed Choate, Elizabeth Ridenour ADVERTISING Manager Stephanie Elswick ADVERTISING SALES Erin Shriver, Therese Lewis, Angela Jackson, Debbie Sherwood, Kris Hight WRITERS Mike Elswick, Cathy Spaulding, Melony Carey, Heather Ezell PHOTOGRAPHERS Von Castor, John Hasler, Shane Keeter, Mandy Lynn, Chesley Oxendine, Cathy Spaulding, Abigail Washington Layout & Design Josh Cagle Green Country Living is published by the Muskogee Phoenix. Contents of the magazine are by the Muskogee Phoenix. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Muskogee Phoenix. Green Country Living, P.O. Box 1968, Muskogee OK 74402. email echoate@muskogeephoenix.com - Editorial: (918) 684-2933 Advertising and distribution: (918) 684-2804
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STAFF
on the Cover
62 Wonderful Wine: Finding converts for the today’s rose wine.
Summer Edition 2018
Cook’s Pantry: Chrissie, Warren Wagner share good times, food for Summer.
Located in the Cookson area, the 6,000-squarefoot home of LaRissa and Chance Parker was designed with view of the lake in mind. Photo by Von Castor
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Beyond the Listing
Custom Tenkiller Lake home features
year-round lake view Chance Parker-built home has four bedrooms, three full baths, game room and more
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ith a panoramic year-round view overlooking Tenkiller Lake, a newly constructed home by builder Chance Parker is filled with custom features that should attract the most discerning home buyer. Located in the Eagle’s Nest development on the east side of the lake,
the residence also has about every amenity a homeowner could look for. Parker said among the many top selling points is the view from the hillside lot the home is situated on. He said many Tenkiller Lake-area homes only have a seasonal view of the lake during the winter and early spring months when the leaves are off the trees.
By Mike Elswick • Photos by Von Castor 6
Summer Edition 2018
Beyond the Listing FEATURES »» WHERE: 3578 S. Talon Drive, Cookson. »» ASKING PRICE: $395,000. »» UTILITIES: All electric. »» LISTING AGENT: Edna Kimble, Wright Real Estate. »» AGENT CONTACT: Century 21 Wright Real Estate; Office — (918) 931-8413; Cell (918) 456-5288; or visit www.century21wright.com/ »» WOODEN DECK: With a lake view. »» EXTERIOR: Brick veneer. »» BEDROOMS: Four. »» FULL BATHS: Three. »» LOT SIZE: 1.23 acre. »» SCHOOLS: Tenkiller/Keys Public School District. »» OTHER FEATURES: The property is just minutes from the lake and other amenities. It features French drains all around, gutters, sidewalks, lake views from nearly every room on both the main floor and upstairs all on a wooded lot with mature trees.
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Beyond the Listing
The deck on the back of the home features a lake view and plenty of room to relax.
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Beyond the Listing The home built by Chance Parker features brick veneer and rustic touches, like wooden shutters.
But beyond the view, the home is filled with custom touches, including an expanse of large energy-efficient lake view windows in every room. Those windows and a 20-foot-high vaulted ceiling in the main living and kitchen area provide an open, airy feel that is only heightened with an open stairway leading up to a second-story game room that looks down on the main living area. Located at 3598 S. Talon Drive in the Cookson area, the 3,000-square-foot home features double master suites. One of those is on the main floor while the other is upstairs. The lake views from the upstairs game room and master suite offer an even better view of the lake and surrounding countryside. “So if you have multi-families that share a secondary home they have the option of the two suites,” he said. “Everything’s done top quality as far as low E-rated,
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Beyond the Listing
TOP: An open stairway leads to a second-story game room.
LEFT: The dining area off the kitchen boasts a wood-trimmed ceiling and plenty of windows to brighten the large space.
energy efficiency with granite counter-tops — it’s not your normal spec home.” The residence features all stainless steel appliances and knotty alder wood cabinetry. A large two-car garage leads into the laundry room/mud room, and the flooring in the main living areas is
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“
It’s a diamond in the rough.
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— Chance Parker
all tile with a hardwood look while carpeting can be found in the bedrooms.
“It’s a diamond in the rough,” Parker said. He said the development has nine lots available with each lot providing a lake view. A large portion of the people looking for homes around Tenkiller Lake are searching for a weekend or vacation home as a getaway from the big
Beyond the Listing
ABOVE: The bathrooms feature granite and an extra large shower. LEFT: The kitchen features granite countertops, high-end faucets, a walk-in pantry, knotty alder wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
city, he said. “About half our clientele are retired people, but I’ve had people from Houston who got flooded out in the hurricane and came up here,” Parker said. “We also get a lot of people, especially with oil prices rising, getting second homes.”
About half our clientele are retired people, but “I’ve had people from Houston who got flooded out in the hurricane and came up here. ” — Chance Parker
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Beyond the Listing Parker has about 12 years experience as a home builder. While he has done some homes in the immediate Muskogee area he has focused on the Tenkiller Lake region in recent years because of the increasing demand for lake area homes. “We get a lot of Oklahoma City people interested in homes here who just want to get away from work,” he said. The property features French drains and a wooden deck with access from the main living area and downstairs master suite, Parker said. There’s room to build a storage building on the landscaped lot, and the home features LED lighting throughout, he said. The downstairs master suite bathroom features double sinks, a garden tub and tiled walk-in shower. The open floor plan kitchen features a double sink, granite countertops, highend Delta faucets and a walk-in pantry. The home is listed with Century 21 Wright Real Estate Agent Edna Kimble.
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The home features a wooden deck that is accessible from the downstairs master suite and offers a place to relax and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
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Couple admires
beauty of the outdoors Floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of lake vistas
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ary and Sheila Amundsen’s home near Lake Tenkiller is all
about the views. To the east is the sweeping lake view, which takes in Strayhorn Marina, Skunk Island, Tenkiller Dam, and in the
distance, Tenkiller State Park. The Amundsens take advantage of this view with floor-toceiling windows lining the main room’s east wall. Windows also cover a “garage door” in a southeast room. The Amundsens can lower the garage door, or lower a screen if there is a nice breeze from the lake.
By Cathy Spaulding • Photos by Shane Keeter
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Lake Tenkiller’s Strayhorn Marina can be seen behind the home of Cary and Sheila Amundsen. The Amundsens can see Tenkiller State Park across the lake.
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Lower Lake Tenkiller spreads across the vista, seen from Cary and Sheila Amundsen’s vacation home.
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ABOVE: With stone columns and wood beams, the view of Cary and Sheila Amundsen’s home is almost as spectacular as the view from it. LEFT: Cary and Sheila Amundsen wake up to a panorama of Lake Tenkiller outside their master bedroom window. A hot tub is on the porch.
“The room gets used for coffee quite a bit,” Cary said. To the south is another vista. It includes rolling hills, which go from green to a warm rainbow of orange, yellow, red and brown each fall. “When you go out on the south deck, you can watch storms come in,” Cary said. “There is a guy who has several acres, and he’s got a bunch of cows. At 6:30 in the morning, we’re drinking coffee and listening to a bunch of cows.” The Amundsens also savor the view from their patio, which features a hot tub. “We use a ceiling fan in the
summer and a space heater in the fall,” Cary said. “There are very few times we can’t come out here.” He said fall is the best time to be at the lake. “The temperature is in the 70s, the leaves start to turn, we’ve got football on,” he said. A wide-screen TV allows them to watch football games outside. The Amundsens have seen their share of animals, including deer and bear. “When we were moving in, we were sitting out here eating hamburgers, and a bear came up,” he said, pointing the lower part of a terrace.
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Cary and Sheila Amundsen’s kitchen opens to a vista of rolling hills south of Lake Tenkiller.
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ABOVE: A pool table and refrigerator are among attractions in Sheila and Cary Amundsen’s game room.
RIGHT: A stone path leads to a fire pit behind Sheila and Cary Amundsen’s Lake Tenkiller home.
He said the area has “an amazing spectrum of birds up here.” “Cardinals, blue jays, eagles, buzzards,” Cary said. “There is an electric blue bird called an indigo bunting. I’ve never seen a blue like it. We get orioles.” A lawn with a fire pit and bocce ball court extends from the home’s lower level. Sheila said the family gathered around the fire pit at Thanksgiving. The Amundsens used stones from the property to build their terrace. “When you’re moving dirt to get
a level surface, you’re digging up all these rocks,” Cary said. “If you had to move these rocks in, it would have been cost-prohibitive.” The home’s interior offers a beautiful sights, as well. “Rustic modern is kind of our theme,” Cary said. Stone surrounds a fireplace and hearth. Wood from a barn built in 1900 follows the chimney. Cary said they bought a lot of their wood and trim from Vintage Reclaimed Lumber in Oklahoma City.
“They’ll buy old barns, and pick them up and use the lumber,” he said. Sheila said the kitchen counter comes from an old rail car. “And they did our beams and our lights,” she said. Stone work on the front porch and on a wall behind the bar echo the fireplace stone work. It’s only appropriate that restaurant supply dealers have a top-quality kitchen. It features a commercial refrigerator with see-through half-doors. Freezer bins pull out from under a counter. A farmhouse
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sink features a commercial-grade faucet with a spray nozzle. A bar features a see-through refrigerator. The master bedroom features a contemporary fireplace on a stone wall. The bedroom offers a view not only of the lake, but the night sky. They often use a telescope. “We used it last week,” Cary said.
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Rustic modern is kind of our theme. — Cary Amundsen
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“Jupiter was up and the moon was up.” The master bathroom features a standalone copper-tone bathtub and a separate shower. The bathroom leads into a walk-in closet/dressing room. Stairs lead down to a game room with a pool table and a small bar. A bedroom suite is on one side of the game room. Another bedroom features a set of bunk beds with queen-size and fullsize mattresses. Its bathroom is tiled in black and white. The bathroom doubles as a storm shelter.
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Cary and Sheila Amundsen relax with their dogs, George, left, and Izzy, the dachshund.
A commercial refrigerator features clear doors.
Cary and Sheila Amundsen’s vacation home fireplace features wood from an old barn. The beams also are reclaimed wood.
A bedroom in the Amundsen’s vacation home offers a spectacular view.
Black and white tile gives a retro look to a bathroom.
A long table offers space for the Amundsens to dine with guests.
The Amundsens live in Oklahoma City, but spend as many weekends as possible at their lake-view retreat. They bring their rescue dog George and dachshund Izzy with them. Sheila said they average 30 weekend visits a year. “And we try to do long weekends, Thursdays through Mondays,” she said with a chuckle. Cary added “whenever work allows.” The Amundsens operate a restaurant equipment supply company, which does contract work all over the southwest. They provided for the kitchen at Indian Capital Technology Center and the Cherokee Casino at Roland. Cary said they bought the property in 2016 when it had a “small, old 1970s cinderblock house.” They demolished that house, built theirs and moved there on Memorial Day 2017. He said Chance Parker, a Muskogee firefighter who lives in Cookson, built the house. The 4,000-square-foot house has three bedrooms. Sheila said she had been coming to Tenkiller since she was a little girl. “My parents loved it,” she said, adding that their parents had a home by the lake. The home was 300 yards from the Amundsen’s current house.
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Y OUR
S UMMERTIME
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H OME
I MPROVEMENT S PECIALIST
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Magnificent
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landscape Builder’s home took eight years of design work keeping terrain, view in mind
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ven without the million-dollar panoramic view high overlooking Tenkiller Lake, the Cookson area home of LaRissa and Chance Parker is an eye-catcher filled with loads of custom details. The home with 6,000 square feet of heated and air conditioned space rises above the Snake Creek area and Snake Creek Marina with an unobstructed view of the lake and surrounding countryside. The two-level residence has four bedrooms, four baths with a large game room downstairs and both upper and lower level decks.
By Mike Elswick • Photos by Von Castor
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RIGHT: The 6,000-square-foot home’s two stories rise above the Snake Creek area and Snake Creek Marina with an unobstructed view of the lake and surrounding countryside. BELOW: Decks on two levels upstairs provide plenty of covered outdoor living space.
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“I drew the house and designed it to fit the lot,” builder Chance Parker said. “This home is designed at an angle towards the lake, but it fits the steep lot.” The acre-plus lot located in the Grey Squirrel Ridge development in Vian was so steep that even the basement has a 12-foot tall ceiling, he said. The work was overseen by his
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This home is designed at an angle towards the lake but it fits the steep lot. — Chance Parker
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Construction Resource Management firm.
Both decks provide covered outdoor living space and are connected on the exterior with a spiral staircase and have points of entry from the home’s spacious interior. The deck on the home’s main level has two levels made with composite decking so there will not be maintenance issues. “We lowered the second deck so you
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The Parker home includes room for storing boats and a workout space.
wouldn’t be looking through the hand rails at the view,” Parker said. He said keeping the views of lake in mind was a priority in the design and construction. The lower level deck is accessible from a large retractable garage door that can be opened for entertaining. “It’s a walkout basement-style with a three-
designed to the max “It’swith everything. ” — Chance Parker
car garage and a safe room,” Parker said of the home. There’s also an upstairs office workspace. He has had the lot since 2007 and built the home in 2015 after fine-tuning plans for a period of years keeping the terrain of the lot and the importance of optimizing the view in mind.
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BELOW: The home has storage for accessories for outdoor activities.
The kitchen features knotty alder shaker cabinetry and granite countertops.
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The living area features hardwood floors, a fireplace with stone quarried from the Tulsa area, and a coffered grid ceiling.
A retractable garage door can be opened for entertaining.
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A wall in the bedroom is extra thick to accommodate a television on the other side of the wall in the bathroom.
The master suite features plenty of storage and separate his-and-her vanities.
The master bath features a cutout in the shower wall so a television is visible while showering.
“It’s designed to the max with everything,” he said. “It’s energy efficient with low E-windows and high-energy doors and all LED lighting inside and out.” The garage on the lower level provides ample space for housing a large boat, workshop, space for storing motorcycles and trail bicycles. Hardwood floors, fireplace stone quarried from the north Tulsa area and 13-foot coffered grid ceiling accent the main living area. The kitchen has all stainless steel professional grade
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This house has a ton of storage space with built-ins. — Chance Parker
”
appliances, granite countertops and knotty alder shaker cabinetry. The kitchen features a large granite-top island and a walk-in pantry. “This house has a ton of storage space with
built-ins,” Parker said. The master suite bath features a large walk-in shower lined with brushed aluminum circles grouted into the wall with a cutout in the shower wall so the television hidden behind the mirrored wall across the room can be seen while showering. “I like to watch ESPN in the morning, and if there was glass there it would fog up,” he said. The wall dividing the bedroom suite with the master bath is extra thick to accommodate the television hidden in the wall which can be
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viewed in the mirror. Spacious walk-in closets and bathrooms go with each of the bedrooms while the open feeling is accented with 10-foot high ceilings in the areas of the main floor outside of living and kitchen space. The woodwork is stained birch, and several
The whole place is “ designed to be pretty much maintenance free. ” — Chance Parker
A spiral staircase connects the upper decks with a patio on the ground level.
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rooms have oversized ceiling fans. The air conditioning and heat is all electrical while gas fuels the kitchen range, outdoor grills and tankless water heater. “The number one challenge in designing this one was the drainage and water,” Parker said. He said the hills are dotted with underground springs that have to be taken into account in the design phase so that French drains help divert water away from the home. “The whole place is designed to be pretty much maintenance free,” he said.
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Welcome to
The Lodge Builder rents out waterfront property at Strayhorn Cove
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elieve it when home-builder Randy Rogers says he has some shoreline property on Lake Tenkiller. He said his Lodge at Strayhorn Cove is one of three private waterfront properties on the lake. The rest is owned by
the government, he said. Rogers, a Vian native, said he built his first house on Tenkiller 46 years ago. He said he’s built more than 100 at the lake since then. He said he draws the plans and builds the house, while his wife, Shawna, picks the colors and does the decor.
By Cathy Spaulding • Photos by Von Castor
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A wood carved owl stands watch in front of The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove.
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“I love the clarity of the water,” he said, referring to Tenkiller. “I love the hills that surround it, the bluffs. It’s just home.” A winding gravel road leads down to Rogers’ lodge, which can be rented for a family vacation, wedding or reunion. Trees envelop the property.
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“When you’re right here, you feel like you own the whole world,” Rogers said. “You can’t see another house in the summertime.” Randy described his lodge as “rustic elegance.” He found unique ways to use materials from the area. Boulders from the
property form a terraced boundary. He said Shawna planted a garden along the Terrace. Stone work on the entry and fireplace were salvaged after a fire, Randy said. “A few years back, Vian had a fire that couldn’t burn the entire town,” he said. “Between some buildings, there was an
ABOVE & LEFT: Wood and wildlife abound in the main room at The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove. The lodge features pinewood ceilings and floors.
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ABOVE: A gator head is one of the wild surprises at The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove. RIGHT: An elk head hangs on a wall at The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove.
old firewall.” He said he repurposed the stones, more than 100 years old, when the firewall was torn down. A coded push-button front door keeps the entry secure. Inside, floors and ceilings are made up of pine boards. A front bedroom features arched doors, with wood that’s more than 100 years old. Randy said they came from a funeral
“Ioflovethethewater.clarity ” — Randy Rogers
home in Bartlesville. The stone fireplace dominates a two-story main room. Rogers said the mantel beam came from a tree that fell in his cousin’s yard. He said he hand-hewn the log until his hands bled. Wildlife trophies, including bear skin, fish, a bobcat, deer heads, moose antlers and a standalone turkey add to the rustic elegance. Randy said he or his family caught or killed the animals. He said the bear came from Maine, the moose from Alaska. He said he didn’t kill the elk. Windows going up a two-story
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An arched door leading to a front bedroom is made with wood that’s more than 100 years old.
wall present a view of the lake. The island kitchen features granite countertops and JennAir products all the way through. Kitchen cabinets are knotty alder. Glass cabinet fronts display tableware, plates and glasses. The kitchen features a farmhouse sink and burlap-covered lampshades. The master bedroom looks over the lake. The bathroom features dual sinks, an open tile shower and a clawfoot tub. “It was actually a horse trough when we bought it,” he said about the tub. “We took it to a paint and body shop and they fixed it for me.” The interior stairway and balcony’s posts and rails came out of the cousin’s tree and are supported by rebar, Randy said. On the second floor, a game room features a pool table and card table. One bedroom features three sets of bunk beds. Two bunks have full-size mattresses. This allows up to 10 children to stay in one room, Randy said. The bunk room also has a computer monitor with an ample supply of games — something for those rainy days. Two more second-floor bedrooms have unique or antique furnishings. One bedroom has an
ABOVE: Burlap covered lampshades add a rustic air to the elegant kitchen at The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove. LEFT: This bedroom features three sets of bunk beds allowing up to 10 children to stay in one room.
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Play a game of pool or cards at The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove’s game room. But watch out for wildlife.
antique carved wooden headboard and antique vanity. Randy said he built the cushioned headboard in another room. “I took a piece of plywood, cut out the foam and material,” he said. “My wife knew the color she wanted, and I did it.” The outdoors is an olfactory bouquet of pine, cedar, citronella and other natural smells. The three-deck porch is another selling point. A couple of Adirondack chairs sit on a cozy porch out-
three or four years, the deck “hasForbeen completely underwater. ” — Randy Rogers
side the master bedroom. The porch is wheelchair-accessible. A second deck accommodates a long dining table and a Char-Broil Grill. A third deck features a seating area. Palms, elephant ears and other plants adorn each deck. Down the hill, yet another deck is popular for lakeside weddings, Randy said. “For three or four years, the deck has been completely underwater,” he said, adding that there have been times when the lake reached the porch decks. A tire swing hangs beside the lower deck. “Kids wear that thing out,” Randy said. “We used to have a rope, but we had to change to a chain because they were using it so much.”
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LEFT: This seating area of the three-deck porch is adorned with an assortment of plants and is situated with a view of the lake down below. BELOW: This deck is a popular site for lakeside weddings.
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Rest in luxurious warmth at The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove.
ABOVE: The master bathroom features dual sinks, a private toilet and a roomy tile shower.
LEFT: This “antique” clawfoot tub actually is a repurposed water trough.
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Guests can walk from the lodge to a cove, even launch a canoe from the Rogers’ boat dock. They often enjoy sitting in wicker chairs surrounding a fire pit. “Our winter clients burn a lot of wood. Our summer clients love to sit there and watch the fire,” Randy said. “You can see the seats positioned to where you can park your feet upon the rocks. It’s the best place to have a conversation.” Yes, Randy said he does have winter guests. “If the kids are out of school, they’re here,” he said. In fact, Randy said one selling point is they do not have Wi-Fi.
ABOVE: Visitors position the wicker chairs close by the fire pit so they can park their feet upon the rocks.
RIGHT: The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove features beautiful antiques.
At one time, overseas guests were “almost 20 percent of our business. ” — Randy Rogers
“The kids go out on the grass and play, they throw rocks in the lake, they don’t sit on their phones and computers,” he said. Guests from around the world have visited the Lodge, he said. “At one time, overseas guests were almost 20 percent of our business,” he said. “We’ve had them from Kenya. We’ve had them from Holland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, all over.” Other guests from the area pop by outside whenever they feel like it. Randy said they include deer and a pride of fox. “The geese will come into the cove,” he said. “In springtime, you watch the goslings be born. It’s so much fun.”
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For t Gibson Oklahoma’s O l d e s t To w n
Rich In History
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Art of the Matter
Deloras Frederick’s artwork is featured in the Heritage Center Gallery in Checotah.
Inspiration from
Green Country Nationally recognized artist Deloras Frederick moved near Lake Eufaula to create art based on surroundings By Abigail Hall • Photos by Mandy Lynn
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Art of the Matter Deloras Frederick’s home overlooks Lake Eufaula. She gets much of her inspiration from nature in the area.
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ust minutes west of Porum on a lush hillside sits a quaint, white house overlooking Lake Eufaula, where award-winning and nationally recognized artist Deloras Frederick finds her inspiration. Frederick will walk through the forest at the foothill of her property, wandering through the greenery, memorizing the scenery of the lake and trees. Later, in her studio overlooking the lake, she will re-create her surroundings from her memory and imagination.
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Art of the Matter Frederick moved from Oklahoma City to Green Country 19 years ago, when she and her husband built a house on land in Green Country, which he had bought years prior to fish with his friends. After he retired, the couple decided to move to the quiet countryside where he could fish and she could paint. Since moving to Green Country, Frederick said her work has changed. While living in Oklahoma City she was more focused on competition art, which she describes as abstractcentral. Once she moved to Green Country, she began to create more landscapes and images of nature, such as flowers and her signature – monarch butterflies – from her inspired surroundings. Frederick describes her work as a mixture of abstract and realism, often starting pieces as abstract and developing them to re-create realistic scenes from her backyard, or places she has been and admires. “I have a good imagination,” Frederick said. “I can compose in my head and a lot of people can’t do that. I just love painting, and I love experimentation.” Beginning in the abstract, Frederick uses what she calls ‘found composition.’ She begins with acrylic paint on a surface, usually paper or even an ostrich egg. While the paint is wet, she covers it in plastic wrap until it dries. Once the paint dries, she removes the wrap to discover
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ABOVE: Frederick and her husband left Oklahoma City to live on the lake. Since moving, her art has taken a different path. BELOW: Frederick said her imagination plays a role in her paintings, and she loves experimentation.
Art of the Matter LEFT: This painting of Frederick’s entitled “The Offering” is one of the many watercolors she has completed.
BELOW: A painting entitled “Stormy Sea” was done using acrylics and is one she is offering for sale.
Frederick’s “found composition” features acrylic paint on eggs, and may include butterflies.
ABOVE: Frederick’s “found composition” features acrylic paint on eggs, and may include butterflies.
warped abstractions in the paint, analyzes and develops the visible shapes and patterns. “Everything in nature starts from the abstract,” Frederick said. “I love playing around, seeing what I can come up with. A lot of the time I don’t even know what I’m going to get for sure, I just want to see what happens.” Frederick creates both in watercolor and acrylic paint. She said she has won an equal amount of awards in both mediums. “I can do things with acrylics that I can’t do with watercolor. And I prefer to get a real good watercolor over an acrylic,” Frederick said. “But overall, I like this (watercolor and acrylic) better (than oil) because I can see what I’m getting and see if it’s gonna work.”
Frederick annually shows her work in various art shows, including Muskogee Art Guild’s Art Show, where she has earned several awards for ‘best of show’ and ‘first place’ on her paintings. She is featured in the Heritage Center Gallery in Checotah, where she has an exhibit, with art pieces of landscapes, seascapes, abstracts, multi-media and prints hanging on every inch of the walls. She is an inducted member of Southwest Watercolor Society, Mississippi Watercolor Society, holds signature memberships in four national art organizations and uncountable award ribbons. Frederick said she has a mini-gallery in her home – but of other artists’ work. Art
pieces from friends and artists she admires hang on the walls of her staircase, leading to her studio. Her studio is an open room with natural light, from a window overlooking her property, countless working pieces and a corner, wooden desk from which she produces her work. “This is my production place,” she said. “I get my ideas from outside.” When she creates, she sits in her chair, facing the window and often listens to her favorite artist, Gerry Rafferty. Inspired by her love for Rafferty’s music, and specifically his song, “Baker Street,” she painted a homage piece to the musician – a saxophone and the sheet music to the song. Her tribute to Rafferty hangs on the wall of
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Art of the Matter her home’s open, second level, where she can see it from her living room couch on the ground floor. In the downstairs of her home, hangs one of paintings in a small cove in the entrance of her kitchen. This specific painting, which she calls, “Inner Self,” is an abstract piece that has won several ‘best of show’ awards, six ‘first place’ awards and landed her in three or four national shows, she said. “No one could copy it,” she said. She said “Inner Self ” actually came about by mistake. Even when she creates a piece she doesn’t like, Frederick said she always keeps her art and will often pick it back up again years later – she is working on a piece she began 20 years ago. “Once I got it started I thought I don’t know what it’s gonna be,” she said. “But the color did, and the shapes came out of it.” She said as she thought of what to name the painting, she thought the main dark green figure appeared like the outline of a person to her. The reds and oranges in the background emanated emotions for her, such as anger and rage, which she doesn’t often allow herself to feel. She said when she does exude anger, it reminded
I got it started I thought “Once I don’t know what it’s gonna
Frederick began painting more of nature when she and her husband moved from Oklahoma City to their lake home.
be. But the color did, and the shapes came out of it. — Deloras Frederick
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her of the colors she saw. Despite Frederick’s notoriety, she had a late start to her art career. She discovered her love for drawing at a young age when she would draw all over her school notebooks. Without the finances to pursue her passion, she never took lessons or progressed beyond her notebooks until years later. It was when she was entering motherhood at age 35 that she began to develop her artistic-self – she began to paint. When she had her first child, she quit her job as a hairstylist because of the demanding hours. She said she wanted something to focus on for herself and decided to take a weekly acrylic painting class from her neighbor in Oklahoma City. After three months of acrylic classes, her neighbor, who showed her paintings at art shows, encouraged Frederick to enter with her. “She went to shows and she said, ‘you need to go, you can sell your artwork.’ And I said,
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The Southwestern part of the country is featured in some of Frederick’s paintings.
Art of the Matter
Frederick has participated in numerous art shows and brought home plenty of ribbons for her efforts.
‘oh you gotta be kidding,’” Frederick said. “And so, I started going and trying. It was a lot of fun.” After she began attending art shows and winning awards she thought, “this is a lot of fun, I may do this more heavily.” She then took additional classes in watercolor, which she quickly fell in love with. One of her favorite watercolor paintings hangs in her exhibit at the Heritage Center Gallery – “The Offering.” It depicts the
inside of a cave in the Southwest of America, which she said she enjoys re-creating. She uses a circular motion to create the depth of the cave, shining a light on one plant growing out of a rocky crag, from where a small pool of water pours. The light and seamless stream gives the surviving plant a willingness to keep living and breathing, even in such dark and fraught circumstances. In her watercolor paintings, she said she
doesn’t use white paint, but instead leaves the white paper blank in that space. However, in “The Offering” she used some opaque white to help create the thin lines of the growing bush. “I especially like the inside of the cave,” she said. “I spent hours and hours and hours on that.” Frederick will show new artwork in the fall at Muskogee Art Guild’s annual art show.
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upscale with rustic flavor Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort sees major transformation under Donnie and Karen Young
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he transformation of Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort on Tenkiller Lake into a firstclass venue has been a labor of love for owners Donnie and Karen Young. The marina is entering the ninth season under the couple’s ownership. Their plans for the marina have been an evolution over a period of years.
By Mike Elswick • Photos by Von Castor
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Donnie and Karen Young have increased the number of boat slips from 76 to 200.
“We love the lake and being on the water,” Karen said. Operating a thriving business on the lake may not leave much time to actually enjoy the location — at least over the busy summer months, but the family still enjoys what they do, she said. “It’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of fun, too,” she said. The couple are originally from Southwest Kansas where Donnie was, and is, involved in farming. She said he flies from the family farm and back to help out at the marina. “We’re not new to the lake at all. We’ve been coming here for probably 35-plus years, and we’ve had a place on the north end of the lake for years,” Karen said. “We both thought we were ready to do some-
If you go WHAT: Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort. WHERE: On Tenkiller Lake at 35190 S. 497 Road, Park Hill. OWNED BY: Donnie and Karen Young and family. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. SERVICES: Full service marina with gas, food, beverages and bait; pontoon and ski boat rental along with a full service restaurant with a lake view. Also available are cabins, RV rental spaces and 200 boat slips. INFORMATION: Call (918) 457-5421; visit — burntcabinmarina.com.
thing different, and we bought the marina and then he decided he wasn’t quite ready to give up farming.” Earlier this year, one of the latest additions to the venue debuted with the Burnt Cabin Marina Ship’s Store opened for business. “This has been about four or five years in the planning stage,” Karen said. The ship’s store replaces a much smaller retail space where watercraft rentals, snacks and beverages and limited lines of accessories were available. “We try to plan and build for the future to where it will function for years to come,”
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Karen and Donnie Young said the improvements they have made to Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort was a labor of love.
she said. “I think we’ve accomplished that. It not only looks good, but it’s very functional for us.” As the plans have evolved over the years, Karen said she did a lot of research visiting other marinas and retail outlets serving the recreational market, such as the Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow. “We wanted to keep the rustic flavor but yet wanted something a little more upscale,” Karen said. The retail location features equipment boaters might need, souvenirs, clothing and fashion accessories like sunglasses, swimwear, hats, life vests, floats and more. A beer cave and coolers feature a variety of bever-
We wanted to keep “ the rustic flavor but yet wanted something a little more upscale. — Karen Young
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ages while snack items and ice cream also are available. The boutique section features lines like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Otterbox, Sun Bum and Chums. One of the behind-the-scene changes taking place over the summer is a point-ofsale computer system designed specifically for marina operations. “It will really do a lot of things for us once we get it up and running,” Karen said. Other parts of the building housing the ship’s store include offices, restrooms and showers available for boaters renting slip space at the marina. Since taking over the marina the Youngs have increased the number of boat slips available year round from 76 to 200. “And they’re all rented with nothing open,” Karen said.
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The Youngs have kept a great deal of the rustic flavor of the marina but the property also has an upscale feel.
Covered decks surround the Burnt Cabin Marina.
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Among plans for the future are adding to the number of boats slips available for rental. “We’ll be building docks for the next several years to get caught up with the demand,” Karen said. Karen’s background prior to taking over management of Burnt Cabin Marina was in the business and finance field working as a bank lender in the real estate field and managing her properties. Son Bryce Lubbers works at the marina full time and over the years two other sons have been involved, Karen Young said.
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“That’s been rewarding to have the family all working together here,” she said. Bryce, the youngest son, graduated from Northeastern State University about a year ago with a business degree. “He’s our full-time everything guy and is the future of the marina,” she said. Bryce plans to continue working at the location for his career. Among the projects Bryce is working on over the summer is construction of a deep water wave break along with expansion of the marina.
ALL: Burnt Cabin Marina and Resort has expanded their business to offer a wide variety of boating equipment, accessories and clothing.
The location also features a full-service restaurant with dining on the dock. Last year, the Youngs operated the restaurant, and this year they have leased the restaurant space to a Tahlequah restaurant operator, LeGrubbs. Karen said future plans include expanding parking, relocating the marina’s campground area and perhaps bringing a boat dealer to the location with demonstration watercraft available. Contractor Chance Parker, with
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We’ll be building docks for the next several years to get caught up with the demand, — Karen Young
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Construction Resource Management, said the work the Young family has done has changed the look of the Burnt Cabin area from being simply boat slips with a gasoline dock into a full resort.
“There’s a high-end RV park that’s really nice,” he said. The Timbers at Burnt Cabin is the name of the RV resort about a mile away from the marina. “The new marina is about 9,000 square feet covered,” he said. “They have the nicest bathrooms on the lake, we kind of went nuts in there” creating a unique look and feel for boaters, campers and dining guests. There is also a laundry and showers for boat owners who
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occupy boat slips at the marina along with two shower rooms. “So, if you’re staying there on your boat for the weekend you’ve got a place to take showers if you don’t have a place on your boat to do it,” Parker said. Future phases of improvements at the marina include upgrading the restaurant, building cabins and more. Parker said the work started with developing a floor plan and then getting started on the unique engineering challenges that building on a lake provide. “There’s lots and lots of engineering that goes into a project like this with the flotation and placement,” he said. “What you deal with on a marina, is you don’t deal with plumb level, you deal with buoyancy.” Parker said the project has about a 40-foot fluctuation allowing the complex to go from one area to another. The fact the marina is floating on the water requires dispersing the weight around at crucial pinpoint locations to balance everything out, he said.
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The marina boasts spacious restrooms that have a rustic feel.
Food & Drink A rosĂŠ by any other name offers a range of depth, character, acidity and sweetness.
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Rosé revolution Today’s style full of depth and character Photos by Von Castor
Food & Drink
Wonderful Wine Heather Ezell
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or at least five years I have been edifying about the rosé revolution. Often when I broach the subject I am met with a look of apprehension. As I coax the skeptic to merely sample this Rosé, nine times out of 10 they become a convert. Let me state this clearly for the record, this is NOT your mother’s white zinfandel. (Which is what comes to mind for many when I say the word, Rosé).
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Food & Drink RosĂŠ wine colors can range from light pomegranate to salmon to a tinge of pink.
Portuguese rosĂŠ usually shows up in the form of Vinho Verde which is refreshing, light and slightly fizzy.
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Food & Drink White Zin, the “gateway wine,” is a blush wine not considered a true rosé by the majority in the industry. That fruity sweet beverage is cheap and quaffable, but it’s not the wildly popular rosé of today, which is an entirely different animal. Today’s rosé has depth and character. It is made in a variety of styles, typically on the dry spectrum, which is part of the appeal but sometimes off-dry (lightly sweet). It can vary in acidity, grape varietal and origin. Color ranges from light pomegranate to salmon to a tinge of pink and everything in between. It once was considered a trend but is now more of a staple with each passing year. Winemakers from all over realize the potential and are creating captivating pink choices. So naysayers take note, the cool new kid on the block is pink, hip, delightful and all the rage. Rosé is not only having a moment but establishing itself as a dark horse to be rivaled. The growth of rosé consumption in the United States over the last several years has been exponential. Throughout the country, from California to Washington down through Texas and up to New York, production and consumption is at an all-time high. Imports have increased as well, and it is relatively easy to find one from France, South Africa, New Zealand and beyond. Availability has increased so that it may even be a bit mind-boggling when perusing your local wine shop. The vicinity in which it’s made can clue you in on flavors and characteristics. Wherever the origin, you are likely to find notes of red fruits such as strawberry, plum, raspberry and cherry. Other likely fruits to be found are apple, lemon or citrus and sometimes stone fruit. New world wines, those from the United States, Australia, South America, etc. tend to be more fruit forward. Whereas old world wines, those from Europe, typically have stronger properties of earth both organic and inorganic, such as freshly tilled soil, wet leaves, stone and mineral. Again, the likelihood that it will be dry or off-dry is greater
Tavel, in the Rhone region in France is the solitary region to produce only rosé. If you spy a bottle from this region, it’s bound to be impressive. Spanish wines tend to be lighter and fresher. May be labeled as rosado.
A sparkling rosé bubbles up in a narrow wine flute. Rosé wines are becoming a sensation.
German rosé is called weissherbst.
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Food & Drink
Somewhere between a white and red wine, rosé is vastly versatile and known for being fantastically food friendly. Consider light picnic foods, smoked and grilled foods, even Thanksgiving turkey.
Winemakers from all over the U.S. are producing stunning examples of fine blush. Look for those made in Napa, California, Wilthan that of it being sweet, liamette Valley in Oregon and the although a few are made in Finger Lakes region of New York. that style as well. Not a new concept, rosé The first two in all probability will has actually been made for have noticeable fruit flavors on the many, many years. nose and palate where the latter Two fundamental ways to produce rosé are: may be more German in style, 1. Saignee method: with razor-like acidity and French term meaning ‘bled’, also known as short maceration. Darkmore mineral and slate skinned grapes are crushed, then connotations. the juice and skins are left in con-
tact just long enough, somewhere between a few hours up to a few days, to impart the desired hue. The juice is then bled off the solids to begin fermentation and continue the winemaking process. 2. Blending: Involves combining a small amount of still red wine to a finished white wine. The saignee method is the preferred approach and produces much different results in color and flavor than the blending method. Rosé champagne is the prime example of blending, but interestingly enough many basic wines are made this way as well.
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Somewhere between a white and red wine, rosé is vastly versatile and known for being fantastically food friendly. Often touted as only a summer sipper, it can (and should) realistically be consumed yearround with a multitude of foods. It does pair perfectly with picnic foods like salads, hot dogs and olives in addition to salty, smoked and grilled foods, too. Consider it a great accompaniment to the Thanksgiving table with its array of overabundance. Truly, it mates with a tremendous amount of cuisine and appeals to the varied tastes of a crowd. Rosé is not only fashionable but has become an international sensation. Artists, visionaries, intellectuals, cool kids, the famous, the infamous, ordinary, extraordinary and those in the know in Green Country are embracing the Rosé Revolution. If your brow is raised or you are still skeptical, take a chance, pour a glass and embrace all that is good and pink. The moment has passed, yet rosé is here to stay. Cheers!
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Food & Drink
Chrissie planned and designed a remodel and add-on to the cabin she and Warren have owned since 1977. The addition included a great room with kitchen, additional bedrooms, and a master suite.
Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy
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The Cook’s Pantry Melony Carey
he best memories of summer are those sunny, carefree days spent with sleepovers, swimming, boating, and just hanging out with family and friends. Chrissie and Warren Wagner create just such a relaxed atmosphere for their children, grandchildren, and all who cross the threshold of their cabin on the Illinois River.
“You know you are on vacation, when you can sleep late and wake up to a delicious brunch before heading out for the day’s outdoor activities,” Chrissie said. While Chrissie agrees that she loves the quiet time when everyone else floats the river, that’s also the time she creates memorable activities for any guests who may be staying at the cabin.
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Food & Drink
Chrissie’s
Summertime playlist Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Honey, I’m Good – Andy Grammar
netic Zeroes
Hold On – Alabama Shakes
Shower the People You Love with Love – James Taylor
Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow
Party Rock Anthem – LMAO Summer Nights – John Travolta and Olivia Newton John Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince Philadelphia Freedom – Elton John Home – Edward Sharpe and the Mag-
Cheap Sunglasses – ZZ Top The Sound of Sunshine – Michael Franti Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
Cheer to summer and good friends with a brunch Bellini Bar, a fun way to use those wedding flutes gathering dust in the closet. Put on your summer playlist and greet the day.
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Food & Drink “We keep cooking at the cabin easy and to a minimum, but I do love special events and the planning that goes into them,” she said. “This is the time and place to enjoy life.” Just recently, Chrissie planned and designed a remodel and addon to the cabin she and Warren have owned since 1977. The original cabin was built in 1952 by long-time Muskogee residents, Joe and Nicki Butler, and had minimal kitchen facilities. “The premise of the original cabin was that it was primarily for sleeping quarters when not on the river,” Chrissie says. “Over the years, things have evolved to accommodate more conveniences and our growing family.” Today the cabin can sleep up to 16 and has a full kitchen, great room, and separate suite for the Wagners. “This is where the memories are made with our children and grandchildren — good food and
Traditional family favorites like olive puffs, pictured on pedestal, reach back decades.
Chrissie’s oatmeal muffin recipe is a family favorite to start off the morning.
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Food & Drink good times with family and dear friends at the cabin in the summer,” Chrissie said. “It’s an experience and sense of belonging they will never forget.” Chrissie shares her ideas for an Independence Day brunch with Wagner family signature recipes and a playlist to set the mood. Delicious anytime.
ABOVE: Catherine’s spicy pimento cheese spread and Greg’s burnt ends from smoked brisket wake up the palate at brunch. BELOW: Living (and cooking) during the summer is easy. Brunch hors d’ oeuvres can include muffins, cheeses and meats to accompany all tastes and diets.
Bellini Bar A Bellini Bar is a perfect time to dust off those wedding flutes in the back of your cabinet. Use the good stuff ! Glasses don’t have to match. Display on a pretty tray. Chilled champagne or prosecco (I use Lamarco). Puréed strawberries, orange papaya, or any good juice. I use Jimenez peach nectar from the Hispanic section of the grocery. Mango is good, too. Snap bowls of fresh berries and peach slices. Fill glass 3/4 with champagne and add juice and fruit. Serve very cold and enjoy. Chrissie’s Oatmeal Muffins
1 cup brown sugar 1 cup uncooked regular oats 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
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Food & Drink
A new sitting porch with ceiling fans creates a friendly summertime gathering place.
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Food & Drink Combine first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture. In another bowl, mix butter, milk and egg; add to dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Spoon batter into lightly greased or parchment lined muffin pans, filling 2/3 full. Sprinkle with additional oats, if desired. Bake for 15 minutes; remove immediately from pan. Serve with any good jam or honey.
Catherine’s Pimento Cheese
3 oz. cream cheese, beaten until fluffy Add: 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar 1 cup freshly grated Monterey Jack 2-3 tsp mashed pimento 6-8 sliced jalapeĂąos drained and chopped finely 1 tablespoon grated onion Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Blend well and refrigerate at
least six hours to let flavors meld.
Serve with crackers or on toasted bread triangles for brunch. Add a sliver of avocado or bacon piece to toast point.
Greg’s Burnt Ends Burnt ends are traditionally the left over pieces of brisket from those tougher, crunchier end pieces that are typically cut off. These used to be giveaways at most barbecue joints, but the popularity of burnt ends has made them a legitimate thing. To prepare, you will need 1 freshly smoked brisket point, 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce, plus more for serving, and 1/2 cup drippings from smoked brisket, if you saved that. Cut smoked brisket point into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a large disposable pan. Add in 1 cup of barbecue sauce and brisket drippings, if using, and toss to thoroughly
coat brisket pieces. Place tray back in smoker and smoke at 225 degrees until brisket pieces darken and become crisp around the edges, 2 to 4 hours. Remove from smoker, let cool for 10 minutes, then serve, with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
Olive Puffs
1/2 lb. grated sharp cheddar cheese, softened 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup flour Cayenne pepper to taste 25 large stuffed green olives, well drained
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix cheese and butter thoroughly. Add flour and cayenne, mixing until smooth. Wrap about 1 tablespoon of the mixture around each olive, completely covering them, and bake 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
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Summer Dining
Guide
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Eat Local
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Scene and Be Seen Renaissance Festival Patrons from all over visit Muskogee for the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. The event featured an Elizabethan England theme. Photos by Chesley Oxendine
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Scene and Be Seen APT Reception Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism held a reception to welcome players of the Adam’s Pro Golf Tour who competed in the 2018 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casino’s Real Okie Championship. Photos by Abigail Washington
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Scene and Be Seen Mendenhall reception A Reception was held for incoming Muskogee Public Schools Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall. Photos by Cathy Spaulding
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Scene and Be Seen Timothy Baptist Fireworks show Muskogee residents enjoy activities awaiting the fireworks put on by Timothy Baptist Church. Photos by Cathy Spaulding
GRM ribbon Cutting The Miller Family Center for Life Change hosted a ceremony of the newly renovated home for the Gospel Rescue Mission. Photos by John Hasler
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Scene and Be Seen Kelly B. Todd’s Night in the Tropics A Night in the Tropics featured Caribbean-style dinner with roasted pig, tropical drinks, live music, dancing and more. Proceeds benefited local and area children with special needs. Photos by John Hasler
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Scene and Be Seen Leadership Muskogee Class XXIV Graduation Members of the most recent Muskogee Leadership class celebrate with a reception at Three Forks Harbor. Photos by Abigail Washington
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Scene and Be Seen Symphony in the park Event packed Broadway, Big Band, Bond and more in “An American Tribute” at Honor Heights Park. Photos by Cathy Spaulding
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