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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
Editors’ Corner ®
o f NJ an d D E and DE Gail & Merle Taylor, Editors & Publishers P. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 Phone: 888-616-8319 • Fax: 800-609-0278 email@CountryRegisterOnline.com • www.countryregisteronline.com
The Country Register of NJ & DE • May & June 2017 • Vol. 18 No. 1
“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment. ” –Ellis Peters Yea! Sprng is here. Our advertising shops are all decked out in their spring finest. Stop in and find that perfect front door wreath, centerpiece for your table or even some new table linens. They love seeing you and helping with your decorating and gift-giving needs. Please check the events listing on the following page, taking note of the shop
The Country Register is published every other month. Copyright © 1998. The Country Register of New Jersey, Inc. is one of a national network of independently owned and published specialty newspapers licensed by The Country Register with exclusive rights to publish in the states of New Jersey & Delaware using logos and graphics owned by The Country Register. Page header, footer, and icons accompanying regular features in this edition are copyright © 2006 by Tracey Miller and this publication and may not be reprinted. Reproduction or use, without obtaining permission, of editorial or graphic content by anyone in any manner is strictly prohibited.
open houses and spring events. Mark your calendar or simply place a copy of The Country Register in your car so that you have it along should you find yourself in a shopping mood. Let us know what you think! Drop us a note or send us an email. All of our contact info is always on the top left of Page 2 to make it easy for you to find. We’d love to hear from you! Now....
Let’s Go ShoppingAND THE GR ANDKIDS! GRANDKIDS!
Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed by outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only, and may not express the viewpoint(s) of the management or staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher. Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from purchase or use of products advertised herein. Notification regarding any consumer complaints related to merchandise purchased from our advertisers would be appreciated and would assist in our publishing efforts.
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THE COUNTRY REGISTER OF NEW JERSEY & DELAWARE P. O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 Subscriptions: 1 Year (6 issues): $18 ~ Single copies: $3 for postage & handling
The Country Register Publisher Contact List
The Country Register began in Arizona in the Fall of 1988, to provide effective, affordable advertising for shops, shows, and other experiences enjoyed by a kindred readership. Since then the paper has flourished and spread. Look for the paper in your travels. To receive a sample paper from another area, please mail $3.00 in U.S.A. or $4.00 in Canada to that area’s editor.
Short Stories by a Mystery Book Author The Art of Motherhood
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.COUNTRYREGISTER.COM
The Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd 602-237-6008, Phoenix, AZ
Publications All Across The United States & Canada USA Alabama: Beverly Bainbridge, 304-723-8934 Arizona: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Arkansas: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 California & N. Nevada: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 719-749-9797 Connecticut: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Delaware: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319 Florida: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 Georgia: Linda Parish, 706-340-1049 Idaho (N): Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 Idaho (S): Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Illinois: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, 888-616-8319 Iowa : Linda Glendy, 641-751-2619 Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 866-966-9815 Kentucky: Brandie Ledford, 712-660-2569 Maine: Gail Hagerman, 207-437-2663 Maryland: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 Mass. & RI: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Michigan: Bill & Marlene Howell, 989-793-4211 Minnesota: Kim & Mick Keller, 763-754-1661 Missouri: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Montana: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 Nebraska: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Nevada (N): Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 702-523-1803
New Hampshire: Kathleen Graham, 603-463-3703 New Jersey: Merle & Gail Taylor, 888-616-8319 New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 719-749-9797 New York: Dave Carter, 866-825-9217, North Carolina: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 North Dakota: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 Ohio: Barb Moore, 937-652-1157 Oklahoma: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Oregon: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 Pennsylvania: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Rhode Island: Amy & David Carter, 866-825-9217 South Carolina: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 South Dakota: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 Tennessee: Brandie Ledford, 712-660-2569 Texas: Lenda Williams, 405-470-2597 Utah: Glena Dunn, 702-523-1803 Virginia: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Washington & E. OR: Barb Stillman, 602-942-8950 West Virginia: Amy Carter, 866-825-9217 Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, 715-838-9426 Wyoming: Dee Sleep, 605-722-7028 CANADA Alberta: Ruth Burke, 780-889-3776 British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, 800-784-6711 Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott Kearns, 306-736-2441 Ontario: Harriet Ramos, 343-882-5812
www.countryregisteronline.com
When I was little, I thought all mothers were artists. And musicians. And seamstresses. Like my mother. Because she had so much creative talent, my mom enriched my childhood with constant doses of it. She whipped up numerous dresses for me on her old 1940s Singer sewing machine. I was always in style at church or school. And so were my baby dolls. Chatty Cathy & I often wore matching frocks, thanks to Mother’s genius. In fact, until I took this picture, I never realized that little Muffy’s dress wasn’t just like mine. The turquoise-blue, dotted-Swiss number I wore for my portrait (about four years of age), was a rare store-bought dress. But Mother found similar material for Muffy’s look, added some fancy lace, & I thought we were twins. For my birthday, Mother sometimes drew beautiful ladies on white cardboard, the stiff backing saved from packages of nylons. She sketched enough so each invited guest could take away her own, original paper doll. Each doll wore a unique hairstyle & bathing suit. And each had a large sheet of art paper filled with tabbed clothes. During
by Cathy Elliott
the party, we could fill in the outfits using new sets of colored pencils. Scissors were provided so each girl could cut out clothing for her doll to model. We lay on the living room tiles, industrious, creating our own masterpieces. Probably the only time we were quiet all day. When I think of how much time & love Mother put into such projects on my behalf, I feel rich. Now that she is in Heaven, these memories are great treasures. I hope I remembered to thank her adequately. (Photographs: Top: “Muffy & Me – Twins!” Bottom: “Though I no longer have the paper dolls, I have a lot of my mother’s drawings that are reminiscent.”) –© 2017 Cathy Elliott writes sweet, cozy mysteries on her trusty typewriter from her home in California. The newest release, A Stitch in Crime, features a special heirloom quilt known to carry the secret to great riches. Find out more about Cathy & her books at: www.cathyelliottbooks.com or www.cathyelliottbooks.wordpress.com
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May & June, 2017
Advertiser Index
Events Listing
Shops are listed alphabetically by location. Cities & Shops
P age # Page
Cape May ............................. 16 Historic Cold Spring Village Stitch by Stitch Elmer ................................... 13 Peggy’s Country Gifts/Antiques Glassboro ............................... 7 Gingerbread Primitives Haddon Heights ................. 10 Haddon Heights Fall Festival Marmora .............................. 16 Dollard Baker Sew & Vac Mount Holly ........................ 10 The Village Quilter Morristown .......................... 14 Acorn Hall Mullica Hill ........................... 6 Creamy Acres Farm Needles & Pins Newton ................................ 15 Wilbur’s Country Store Wilbur’s Country Craft Fair Pedricktown ........................ 11 Heart Felt Designs Pitman ................................... 7 Olde Pear Primitives The Scarecrow Factory Red Bank ............................. 14
Cities & Shops
See shop & show ads for complete details. P age # Page
Antique Center of Red Bank Salem ................................... 11 Cawman’s Antique Mall Suse-E-Q’s Cottage Vineland .............................. 12 The Pin Cushion West Creek ......................... 8, 9 KC Creations Woodstown .......................... 11 Country Swan Gift Shoppe Delaware Bethany Beach ...................... 5 Sea Needles Dagsboro ............................... 5 Serendipity Dover ..................................... 5 Delaware Sewing Center Milford ................................... 5 Delaware Sewing Center Newark .................................. 5 The Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast
Classified ............................... 4 Out of State ........................... 4
Stories of a Farm Wife
by Tammy Page
Spring Cleaning & Front Porch Decorating
With the cobwebs shining in the window sills and the dust bunnies emerging from under the coffee table, I’m aware it’s cleaning time. After a long, dreary winter where the sun hid behind the clouds most days, I get the urge to drag out The Swiffer, the Pledge and the window cleaner. It’s easy to complete the dusting tasks but cleaning the windows is not on the top of my list. You see, we have an older home and the windows are the metal triple pane kind where you have to slide one layer up at a time, run outside or have a co-cleaner standing by outside. There’s usually a ladder and some not so nice words involved with it too. Every spring I put it off later and later and at times have delayed it until I can bribe my daughters or hubby to help out. The windows have been measured and hopefully next season new ones will be installed with shiny, white tip-out ones. While the windows are on the agenda, I might as well pull down the mini blinds and either replace them or carry them to the fence where I drape them over and spray them clean with the garden hose. Moving on while the blinds dry, it’s time to clean and decorate the front porch. I have a covered porch that extends from end to end. I enjoy this part of spring cleaning the most. One end of the porch houses a rattan settee, two chairs and a large coffee table with storage. It’s one of our favorite nighttime spots to relax while listening to the bullfrogs on the pond. Adding a candle-lit lantern and a couple country magazines to the table make it cozy and ready for an early evening read. At this end of the porch I have planted morning glories that climb
up my trellis, helping to shade my favorite reading nook. The area at the opposite end consists of an old swing where my grandkids and I love to swing away the day while playing riddley riddley ree. A rag rug usually rests beneath the swing so we can all go barefooted feeling the cool cement under our feet. My color scheme consists of deep reds and greens to match our front door. Beside the door sits a large battery-lit country lantern for my friends to find their way up my red tiled steps and into our home. Real candles are great but I really enjoy using the battery operated ones especially if they have a timer on them. That way they can light the porch from sundown to time to head to bed. Rounding out my porch area are geraniums, petunias and various perennials planted in old metal tubs, teapots and any container I can find at garage sales. The scent and splash of color around my porch, makes it even more pleasing to the eyes and nose. With spring cleaning winding down, it’s now time to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I pour myself a large glass of diet coke (my addiction), add a snack of cheese and crackers and my newest issue of The Country Register and relax while waiting for my husband to come back from the barn where a new crop of Polled Hereford calves are requiring his attention. What a beautiful and relaxing way to end the day! –Tammy lives on a working farm with her family in IN, farm animals and many pets. She enjoys writing, decorating and collecting vintagehomewares.
May
Day
Event
6 6 13 13 14 20 26 27
Mother’s Day Celebration - Scarecrow Factory/Olde Pear, Pitman ............ 7 Kiddy Kraft Day - Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill ..................................... 6 Design Summer Flower Pot - Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill ................. 6 Make a Fairy Garden / Mom - Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill ............... 6 Mother’s Day Tea - Acorn Hall, Morristown ................................................ 14 Patriotic Open House - Heart Felt Designs, Pedricktown .......................... 11 4th Fridays - Scarecrow Factory/Olde Pear, Pitman ...................................... 7 Make a Fairy Garden - Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill ............................. 6
Day
Event
3 3 4 17, 18 23 24, 25
Outdoor Yard Sale - Cawman’s Antique Mall, Salem ................................... 11 Annual Dairy Day - Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill .................................. 6 Paint and Sip - Acorn Hall, Morristown ........................................................ 14 Military Timeline Weekend - Cold Spring Village, Cape May ..................... 16 4th Fridays - Scarecrow Factory/Olde Pear, Pitman ...................................... 7 Cape May Quilt & Fiber Show - Cold Spring Village, Cape May ............... 16
Day
Event
June
July
Page #
Page #
Page #
1, 2 Independence Day Celebration - Cold Spring Village, Cape May .............. 16 8, 9 Wilbur’s Country Craft Fair, Newton ............................................................. 15 20-23 Quilt Show - Quilt Odyssey, Hershey, PA ........................................................ 4
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
CL AS SIFIED ADS - OUT OF ST ATE & WEB CLAS ASSIFIED STA WEB--BASED
UILT ODYSSEY 2017
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Linda Ballard, Lisa Bongean, Lisa Calle, Norma Campbell, Mimi Dietrich, Bonnie Dwyer, Margaret Solomon Gunn, Michelle Hiatt, Dianne Hire, Debby Kratovil, Cheryl Lynch, Betty Neff, Bethanne Nemesch, Nancy Prince, Andrea Schnur, Donna Thomas & more!
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Classified Ads
TO PL ACE A CL AS SIFIED COUNTR Y AD: PLACE CLAS ASSIFIED COUNTRY These 2x2 ads are offered to crafters, artisans, mail order houses, local events, shop or antique mall space for rent, businesses for sale and similar supporting businesses. Send your ad information along with a check for $40.00 to the address on Pg. 2. Ad copy and check must be received by the 10th of the month preceeding publication. We reserve the right to reject any ad not in keeping with the theme of our paper.
CRAFTERS WANTED Haddon Heights Fall Fest Oct. 7th, 2017 10 am to 4pm (856) 310-0827 www.haddonheights.biz info@haddonheights.biz
Are you organizing a local arts, crafts or antique show?
Need exhibitors/crafters?
This is Your spot! Advertise right here with The Country Register classifieds. Reach over 70,000 readers for $40! Call or Fax by the 1st of the month prior to the issue date to be in our next issues -
Phone: 888-616-8319 / Fax: 800-609-0278
APRON ART BY JAN ELAINE Unique handmade aprons for serving in your cafĂŠ, tea room, bed & breakfast and home entertaining. www.apronartbyjanelaine.etsy.com
Kissed Quilts
by Marlene Oddie
Designs Are Bubbling Forth Another quilt market season is almost upon us. This year’s Spring Quilt Market (for trades only) will be in late May in St. Louis, Missouri, where my latest design, "Sea Bubbles," will be introduced. I’m offering you a sneak peek and my design inspiration! I grew up on the central California coast. This past winter the storms have been fierce causing dramatic changes in the coastline and deeply buried elements often appear. A rock formation, just barely exposed, only reveals itself every few years--a fond memory of my childhood. The changing colors from sea to sand to bluff are reflected in the background of my new design. One of my original designs, “Zoe,� is about 40� x 50". When looking at the new fabric collection, I kept seeing ‘bubbles’ and thought adapting “Zoe� to a larger size would be the perfect idea.
Some of the fabrics from the new collection, Seas the Day, were used. The changes in value and color represented the values and colors in a beach scene. Shown here is my new quilt design (unbound) lying on top of the snow this past winter. This photo shows some of the fun quilting that I did in each of the bubbles. Hope you are thinking about new places of inspiration for your next quilt. Carpe Diem! –Marlene Oddie is an engineer by education, and now a quilter by passion in Grand Coulee, WA. She enjoys long-arm quilting on her Gammill Optimum Plus, but especially enjoys designing quilts and assisting in the creation of a meaningful treasure for the recipient. Follow Marlene’s adventures via http://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts.
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May & June, 2017
DEL AWARE DELA
Wit & Wisdom
A Lick & A Promise During a recent visit with my sister-inlaw the conversation of house cleaning came up. She said she was taking one room at a time and doing a thorough job of cleaning and hoeing out. That concept truly appeals to me, but I never seem to get around to it. I recently read a magazine article that had a good suggestion for busy people ( not that I am all that busy these days) but the hours do seem to fly by with me not accomplishing much… housework, that is. They suggested if you are short on time, just do a thorough cleaning on one corner of a room. Hmmm….the only problem I see with that is by the time I would get to complete the four corners, it would be time to start over. How about the other eight rooms? I gave them my take on house cleaning… “A lick and a promise.” I do real well with the “lick” part, but I don’t seem to get around to the “promise” part. Today I felt compelled to start on the promise - after morning dishes, that is. But I got side-tracked by a hidden “surprise” in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. Then I proceeded to get the vacuum out and my dog looked at it like it was a UFO. I guess it’s been awhile…. I did do a very thorough job
by JuleAnn Lattimer there…but that was as far as it got because I had to write this article today…then had a dentist appointment, then getting ready for my weekly friend gathering and so it goes…Yep, and so again it got the “lick” but not the “promise.” There is a l w a y s tomorrow…but no, I scheduled lunch with friends. Oh well, so it goes. I suppose it’s really not all that important to our well-being. My mother always said her house was, “clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy.” So a “lick & a promise” works for me, that is as far as house cleaning goes. The problem I sometimes face is that concept spills over in my walk with God. My daily time spent with Him is often cut short and I promise to get to it later…but busyness seems to mushroom into my day and I just don’t get back to it. Lately I’ve blamed it on the dark mornings so I promise to do better when we change the clocks ahead. I make a lot of promises I don’t keep. Thankfully even, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13.) “A lick & a promise” works ok for my house, but not for my commitment to God. I promise to work on that. – JulieAnn writes from her home in NY.
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
MULLIC A HILL MULLICA
Hours: May & June Open Monday- Saturday, Closed Sundays Please call for hours
Cr cr es FFaarm is one of the ffew ew Creeamy A Acr cres working D air Dair airyy ffaarms sstititilll in the aarrea…. Visit our Greenhouse featuring…. perennials, herbs and annuals along with original designed flower combo pots, urban container vegetable and herb pots and patio tomatoes. Buy local. Eat Fresh. Educational tours for the greenhouse, pre-k and up.
Creamy Acres Farm is one of the few working Dairy farms still in the area…Dairy Tours available for all ages(call ahead with a
group of 15) Birthday party packages available.. Shop our Country Store filled with… country – vintage and urban home, garden décor and Fairy Garden décor – beautiful irons and slate inserts, jams, dressing, grillin sauces, mustards, candies, nuts, and other goodies, along with local honey, farm fresh eggs and local produce. Ma Mayy 6 - Kiddy Kraft Day * 2 Classes: 10:00 to 12:00 & 1:00 to 3:00 - Reserve online Bring the kids to Creamy Acres. Enjoy browsing through the greenhouses and gardens while our talented staff assists your children in creating a gift for that Special Someone on Mother’s Day! Afterwards enjoy the playground and petting area and visit our snack bar for an ice cream cone. Cost: $10.00 per child Ma 13– Let’s Design your “Summer” Flower Pot - Reserve online 10 a.m. - Bring your pot Mayy 13 back from “Spring” or select one from here and we will help you design, choose and plant, it’s fun doing it with friends! Ma Mayy 13 –“Let’s make a Fairy Garden with Mom”! Reserve online 1 p.m. – Make it a special day with MOM!...Create a magical Fairy Garden with just a few plants, a miniature patio set, a pebble stone path and a touch of fairy dust; you can have your very own fairy garden. Ma Mayy 27 –“Let’s make a Fairy Garden! Reserve online 1 p.m. – Make it a special day with MOM!...Create a magical Fairy Garden with just a few plants, a miniature patio set, a pebble stone path and a touch of fairy dust; you can have your very own fairy garden. June 3 – 3nd Ann ual Dair y! Annual Dairyy Da Day! Come and visit the farm and learn where your milk comes from! • Activities for the kids To Reserve Online please go to: • Ice Cream eating contest www.creamyacres.com/events.html • Milking Demo of a real cow and click on the specific We serve “Hand Dipped Ice Cream, event to reserve
Milkshakes & Root Beer Floats”
Salvage Style
by Marla Wilson
Shelves from Salvage Items
It is easy to make attractive shelves from salvage materials, as explained below. Shelf Made from Old Shutter: This shelf is made from an old shutter and two wood brackets from a porch that was torn down, a piece of wood (the same size as the shutter) and some old door knobs. The shutter is the back and the wood is the shelf. It is simply a matter of screwing it all together. This project is much easier with a set of extra hands. Attach the doorknobs for hanging garden tools, coats, etc. Paint the shelf and attach hangers to the back, or it can be screwed directly to a wall. It is a great shelf to use in a utility room or garden shed. Shelf Made from Old Wagon: This shelf is from an old child’s wagon box. Clean up the box and spray with a clear sealer. Cut weathered wood to the correct size to fit snuggly in the wagon. Screw in place through the side of the
wagon into the edge of the shelf. This is very cute in a child’s bedroom or playroom.
–Marla Wilson is the owner of The Rusty Wheel, a gift boutique in Scandia, KS. The shop features her floral designs and repurposed "junk," as well as home decor and fashion accessories. Follow The Rusty Wheel on Facebook, or www.therustywheel.vpweb.com or contact her at stumpy1954@hotmail.com
Country Register Recipe Exchange Easy Pumpkin Pie
1 3oz bos instant vanilla pudding mix 1 can (15oz) pumpkin 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 graham cracker crust
Directions: Mix first 3 ingredients together. Pour into crust and refrigerate. –Submitted by Vernita Heckel
nded Expa New ea! Ar
533 Mullica Hill Rd, Mullica Hill NJ 08062 • (856) 218-7467
Shop Hour s: Mon - Fri 10-5; Sat & Sun 10-4 Hours: Large selection of all Quilting Fabrics Classes Offered • Row by Row Participant
www.needles-pins-nj.com
A Homage to an Old House Some weeks ago the old house was there as it had always been. On the property, however, was the signature of doom; a development sign. So I hurried over to save this building the only way I can, through a photograph. The land we live on, ground that I know as well as my own hands, was once a pasture upon a farm. A creek winds its way through our neighborhood, and as children my friends and I followed its banks. As a teenager when it had snowed, I’d wander, studying the almost unbroken blanket. I pondered the little things lost to time. Little things seem so much a part of everyday that soon we barely notice them. It is all too simple to forget that everything changes one day at a time. The old house that initiated these thoughts was struggling and long-empty. The roof was a step from caving in and the columns leaned dangerously. I understood that a tearing down was inevitable. The little house was an anomaly in between commercial buildings and beside a four lane road. It belonged in another time upon a tract of land yet untouched by a more hectic way of life. I was lowering my camera, when the shadows shifted and the house smiled at me. It was in how the stone steps beckoned and the gentling slope of the land. I smiled back and wondered once more. Who slammed the screen door again and again on a summer’s day? Who was called to dinner from those front steps? What color and pattern was the apron that surely hung on a hook by the stove? And the sweater that was worn to ward off the chill of an autumn evening? What kind of pies cooled upon the table? How hot was the kitchen on a humid day of canning a harvest? In winter did the crackle of a warm fireplace fill the room?
By Kerri Habben
Those are the little things to ponder. Then there are the pivotal things. Were the people who lived here happy? Were they kind and loving to one another? Who was born here? Who died here? What were their greatest joys and their deepest heartaches? Did they, too, lose the little things in the course of everyday life? You know the rest of the story, of course. The next time I had reason to drive by smooth red clay seemed to spread to the next county. Yet, for a moment, I saw the blue gingham apron on a hook and the grey sweater waiting to serve. A sweat broke to the scent of bubbling peaches as a pie cooled by the open window. Before I blink three times, an up-to-date complex will fill this space. Inside computers will hum in rhythm with the tapping of keys. Like the house, it will serve its purpose upon this land. It will have its own little things. What texture will the sweaters be when the air conditioning is too cold? Who will always end up making the coffee? What leftovers will people bring for lunch? What family members will smile through the forever window of a framed photograph? We cannot, of course, remember everything, but sometimes I purposely go to the back porch. I contemplate the abundance of branches on the sycamore tree and how shadows shimmer across the flower patch. Sometimes if the sun is just so, all of the little things, past and present, smile at me. And I smile back. -Kerri Habben is a writer, photographer, and crochet instructor living in Raleigh, NC. An avid crocheter and knitter, she learned these skills from her grandmother and mother. Many of her yarn creations she donates to those in need. Kerri has gathered a decade of essays she is working to publish. She can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com
Recipes From Brezzy Manor Farm Backyard Spray to Rid of Mosquitoes (Bonus Recipe - just in time for summer!) “This one works! by Donna Jo” • Big bottle of cheap blue mouthwash • 3 cups Epson salt • 3 stale 12 ounce beers Mix well until salt is dissolved. Liberally spray the yard. from: Donna Jo Copeland, who is a farmeress/fiber artist and owner of Breezy Manor Farm
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May & June, 2017
GL AS SB ORO - PITMAN GLAS ASSB SBORO The
Scarecrow Factory Country Store and
Olde Pear Primitives
Life on the Farm
by Donna Jo Copeland
Hard Winter Fades into Spring Splendor I have said many times “farming ain’t for the faint of heart.” As of late I have been sorely tested. In the span of six weeks I have lost the love of my life—my blueface ram, Cupcake, a favorite pygora goat, Meggie, a twelve year old angora bunny, Philadelphia and a younger doe, Aurora. I have fought pneumonia. And went two weeks without heat in the house other than the oven in the kitchen—no firewood and no energy to build a fire. Hard times laid at my door. Somehow I managed. Finally reached out to friends for help and was amazed at the love and help they provided. Digging graves, firewood, homemade soups and help with chores. Admonishment for waiting so long to ask for help. Gulp. Farming alone for nearly a quarter century and with age 70 looming closer I have learned when things go wrong it’s my fault and when things are right it is just dumb luck. A prime example: the night before my sheep and goats were to be sheared it rained 2 inches. Thankfully I had put them up in the barns but the ground was a quagmire. So we sheared in the barn leaving my clean fleeces to be corrupted with bits of hay and straw. Damn. But friends came to help—wonderful help! And families came to watch and help most having never seen a shearing. At one point about 30 people were there. And some wonderful fiber friends have volunteered to help pick the fleeces on a nice sunny windy day. Okay you ask why I do this. I have to. My animals are the song in my soul. My simple life is my road not taken by many,
but loved by me. And, after a hard winter comes the spring—gentle warm breezes, flowers, thundershowers, new life and growth. And I smile. Shepherdesses and shepherds who stand alone have a very deep and strong faith. We don’t quit. We cry a lot. Laugh with tears. We may forget to eat supper but never miss feeding the livestock. We patch our boots with duct tape and buy new halters and leads. We eat peanut butter sandwiches and stone soup so we can buy the best feed for our animals, our love. And each morning head out to the barn in pjs to check on the barn bunch before coffee, often returning back to the kitchen in time for lunch. Seems like there is always something needing immediate attention. May and June are magic months here in central Indiana. Pastures green up, lambs romp, gardens flourish, strawberries ripen, days are long, twilight lasts forever and midsummer is a time for celebration. On gentle evenings I treat myself to a glass of wine while I relax in my backyard swing. My sheep and dogs lay around my feet. Bats flit after bugs. Lightning bugs light up the night. The spring peepers lead the evening symphony. There is gold in each and every day. We just have to let it be found. And say thank you. And on warm afternoons I invite friends and family for homemade ice cream topped with garden strawberries. – © 2017 by Donna Jo Copeland, who is a farmeress/fiber artist and owner of Breezy Manor Farm & Wool Shed in Mooresville, IN. “Like” her on FACEBOOK @ Breezy Manor Farm.
Recipes From Brezzy Manor Farm Donna Jo’s Homemade Ice Cream “Recipe I have used for 50 years!”
1. Beat 6 fresh eggs with 2 cups sugar until fluffy. 2. Add 2 Tablespoons vanilla 3. 15 ounce can of condensed milk. 4. Pour into ice cream freezer. 5. Fill with whole milk and cover. 6. Fill outside with rock salt and ice. 7. Begin the cranking! from: Donna Jo Copeland, who is a farmeress/fiber artist and owner of Breezy Manor Farm
Come Visit our NEW Location! 11 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 (856) 269-4730 Open Mon-Sat 10-5; Closed Sun
Country & Primitive Furniture, Gifts, Home Decor and More! Mother’s Day Celebration Sat, May 6, 10-6
fresh flowers for all Moms who visit us May 6
Join us for Pitman’s 4th Fridays May 26 & June 23, 10-9 live music,carriage rides, great shopping & restaurants
follow us on: FACEBOOK for New Arrivals and Special Sales
Gift Certificates Available
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
WEST CREEK
Page 9
May & June, 2017
WEST CREEK
Page 10
The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
HADDON HEIGHTS - MOUNT HOLL Y HOLLY Haddon Heights Fall Festival
The Village Quilter Quilting Cottons Cottons,, Supplies and Classes 10 Charles Sr eet Sreet Historic Mount Holly Holly,, NJ 08060
October 7th, 2017- 10 am to 4pm Rain date October 2nd
Downtown on Station Avenue Crafts • Antiques • Entertainment • Food and Fun Interested crafters & antique dealers please contact: Brett Harrison at (856) 310-0827 or info@haddonheights.biz
www.haddonheights.biz
Sponsored by the Haddon Heights Business & Professional Association
609-265-0011 ~ Joyce D oenges Doenges Open Ev ery D ay Every Day Mon-T ues 10-4, W ed-Thu-F ri-S at 10-6, Sun 12-4 Mon-Tues Wed-Thu-F ed-Thu-Fri-S ri-Sat
Shop Online At www .thevillagequilter .com www.thevillagequilter .thevillagequilter.com Mount Holly and the Mill Race Village www .millr aceshops .com www.millr .millraceshops aceshops.com
Row by Row Junior
Happy Memorial Day Cook’s Library with Patsy
By Patsy Terrell
Appreciate Some Ordinary Life "It might have been otherwise" is a line from a poem that reminds me how important it is to appreciate the ordinary. What a miracle it is that we are able to walk and talk and think, much less see and hear. When Jane Kenyon wrote those words she doubtless felt their truth. She died of leukemia shortly after writing “Otherwise.” She was 47. The idea that our time is limited can cause us to look at the world differently. Even songs on the radio encourage us to live like we are dying. A few years ago I was diagnosed with an ovarian tumor. When I left on an icy January morning for surgery, I looked back at my living room and realized that the next time I saw it, I would either be celebrating a new lease on life or preparing for the end of my life. It's not that we don't all know our time is limited, but we can push it aside until we are forced to face it. I was forced. People ask how it changed my perception of the world. In all honesty, I've always had a sense that time is limited. I'm not sure why, but maybe it’s because I was born so late in my parents' lives. I was very fortunate. Although one doctor had told me, "The radiology looks bad. It looks very bad," I got the news that people pray for three weeks later. On a Tuesday evening, a surgeon delivered the most beautiful word, "benign," during a brief phone call. I'm sure he had said it thousands of times. It was the only time I've heard it in relation to me, and few things have ever brought such relief. The ordinary may be a goodnight ritual, a stop at the neighborhood coffee shop or a favorite pen in hand. These are simple things, but they are the moments that make up a life. Few things are more precious than time with a loved one, and yet as the play "Our Town" reminds us, we don't even take time to look at each other. I'm challenging you this month to really look at someone. Really see them. And
appreciate some ordinary life because as the poem says, "But one day, I know, it will be otherwise." As summer approaches you’ll no doubt have chances to gather with family and friends. This is a great accompaniment to any meal and requires no actual cooking. Cole slaw like Grandma made. Cole slaw is one of those things that varies depending on the cook. I like it creamy with a touch of sweetness. If you prefer more tartness you can lower the sugar amount. –Patsy Terrell makes brownies and friends whenever possible. See more recipes and stories at cookslibrarywithpatsy.com.
Cole Sla w Slaw Just Lik e Gr andma Made Like Grandma
Cabbage, chopped (about 1 pound or about half a head) 1 carrot, diced Dressing 1 tablespoon distilled vinegar 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon white sugar 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds salt and pepper to taste Whisk together and pour over cabbage and carrot mixture. Mix well. Letting it sit for about an hour in the fridge will meld the flavors. But it will get watery if you let it sit too long. I sometimes make the dressing and stash it in the fridge then I just mix up the amount of cole slaw I want at any given moment. You can add onions, radishes or celery to your mix if you want, and adjust the sugar to make this more or less tart. Some like to add in a dash of cayenne pepper or even some horseradish for a little kick. I like my coleslaw sweet and creamy so I keep it simple.
by Jeannette Kitlan
Row by Row Experience Adds Kid Friendly Program for 2017 Row by Row Experience is the popular, summertime travel event now entering its seventh successful year. Over 3100 brick and mortar quilt shops all over the US, Canada, and Europe participated in 2016. Consumers collect a free row pattern, representing a theme, from each shop they visit. If they return to a shop with a quilt made with rows from eight different shops they win a prize. Row Experience founder, Janet Lutz. “We hope to enhance your Row by Row experience with kid-friendly materials that foster the love of fabric and machine sewing,” adds Janet. “We want to get kids sewing and we’re excited to offer it to you this summer through our participating shops.” Row by Row Junior follows the same time schedule as adult Row by Row Experience, June 21 through Labor Day. It has the same basic guidelines for registered brick and mortar quilt shops. Children need to be present in the shop to get the free pattern handout, but anyone can buy a kit. Grandmothers can buy them as Christmas presents. Travelling family members can bring them home as gifts or souvenirs. The Row by Row Junior program includes five appealing row patterns. Shops choose one (or more) of these patterns as their free pattern handout. Row by Row designed the patterns so you can be sure they are kid-friendly. Have fun traveling to collect all five. Make it an adventure to see how shops creatively use different fabrics to make up their chosen row. Enjoy the experience at each shop you visit. It’s a perfect summer activity for the whole family.
Blue “I Made This!” ribbons will be awarded to the first five kids who return to a shop with something they've made using a Row by Row Junior pattern. Any sewing effort will be celebrated, not just quilting. Red "I Made This" ribbons will be awarded to kids in Canada and the UK. The Row by Row Junior curriculum includes an extensive collection of free online activities, Road Trip journal pages, and support materials for learning to sew at home for both girls and boys. A Junior page, where you can find all these goodies, is under construction at www.rowbyrowexperience.com. Shops participating in Row by Row Junior will have an icon placed by their name on lists so you can find them. Some shops will plan kid's classes and special events. Other shops will just have their row on display and the free pattern available. “We want our kids to learn how to sew and carry on this craft that’s so dear to us,” explains Janet Lutz. “Travelling to new places, collecting something just for them, visiting Grandma, summer vacation...this is all part of the wonder and excitement of Row by Row Experience. It’s a great time to nurture the love of fabric and sewing. Please join us.” For more information about Row by Row Experience and to find participating quilt shops in your area visit www.rowbyrowexperience.com and find more about Row by Row Junior can be found at: http://rowbyrowstudio.com/ 2017/02/19/all-about-row-by-rowjunior/
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May & June, 2017
PEDRICK TOWN - SSALEM ALEM - WOODSTOWN PEDRICKTOWN
Cawman’s Antique Mall Antiques & Things on Consignment Ov er 40 Vendors in 12,000 sq ft Over
Semi-Annual Outdoor Yard Sale June 3rd- 9 AM
Patriotic Open House Sat., May 20th - 10 am to 5pm Refreshments & Door Prizes Special Drawing: $50. Gift Certificate to Heart Felt Designs
Rain date: June 4th
529 SSalem alem Q uinton R oad, SSalem, alem, NJ 08079 Quinton Road, 856-935-0423 Hrs: Wed-S un 10am-5pm ed-Sun See us on FFacebook acebook
Lots of Patriotic Wooden Flags, Red, White & Blue Wreaths & Florals, Vintage Patriotic Prints on Canvas, Primitive American Flag, Draped Wooden Ladders, Candles (Large Selection), Potpourri, Birdhouses, Signs, Glass Candle Cylinders, Lighting, Gourmet Foods, Table Linens, Curtains & MORE!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeartFeltDesignsCountryShop PHONE: (856) 299-2133 • WEB: www.heartfeltdesigns.com Hrs: Mon. 10-5 (Call First), Tues.- Sat.: 10-5, Thurs.’till 8 (Call if coming after 5), Sun.: 12:30 -5 (Call First)
24 So. Railroad Ave., Pedricktown, NJ Minutes from Comm. Barry & Del. Memorial Bridges
25 East Avenue Woodstown, New Jersey 08098 (formerly located at 365 Harding Hwy, Pittsgrove, NJ) 856-521-0401 or 856-769-0014
Suse-E-Q ’s Cottage
Beautiful Flowers, Country Kitchen & Bath Accessories, Swan Creek & Cheerful Giver Candles, Slates, Flags & Garden Decor, Seasonal Country Decor, and so much more!
• Primitiv e Primitive e • Country • Cottag Cottage
Major Credit Cards Accepted · Gift Certificates Available Layaway Available
Furnishings and Decor 107 A West Broadway, (Rt 49) (across from Historic Salem Oak)
Featuring gifts for the elegant hostess and the warm & inviting country home.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 · Wednesdays: Senior Citizens receive 15% off “OUR CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM GOD ON LOAN FROM HEAVEN ABOVE.”
856-935-0669
$5.00 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE (expires 6/30/17)
Major Credit Cards Welcome
May: My Favorite Month
Wed to Sa Satt 10 - 5; Sun Noon - 4 Closed Mon & Tues
Country Register Recipe Exchange Apple Dumplings
1 can crescent rolls 1 large apple
Topping: 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 12oz can Mountain Dew
Directions: Separate rolls and lay out each one. Peel & core apple. Cut into 8 slices and place on the rolls. Put roll up dumplings into a baking dish. Mix top 2 topping ingredients and put over dumplings. Pour can of Mountain Dew over it all. . Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. –Submitted by Vernita Heckel
May was always my favorite month when I was a child. I was a very good student, but I never liked school. So when May arrived I knew that my days of having to get up early, of being stuck in a classroom, of having to deal with science (my least favorite subject, rivaled only by math) would soon be over. History, reading and spelling were my absolute favorite classes, but I just never got into science or math. In elementary school we had to participate in the school science fairs. Mine were always the simplest thing I could find. The only one I remember involved oranges, but that’s about all I remember. It may have had something to do with mold. When I was in first grade our teacher would have us go to the blackboard and she would give us math problems to solve.
by Jo Branham
She gave me one (I don’t remember the exact equation) that was like 1 – 2 =? Well I wrote it on the board and I said it equaled 1. I looked at her and she was smiling. “You can’t do that, Jo Ellen,” she said. “Well, I just did,” I thought. I’ve disliked math ever since. Teachers have a lot to answer for. I did love her, though. Her name was Mrs. Deckard and she taught me to read. My mom had taught me the alphabet before I began school, but Mrs. D taught me to read. She was my hero. May isn’t my only favorite month anymore, but it is still a favorite. The trees are all bright and shiny with their new green leaves. Best of all, the weather is warm, but not too hot, so we can have picnics and cookouts and all kinds of fun activities outside. Or to simply relax.
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
VINEL AND VINELAND
Tulip Fun
Happy Spring Pattern Rt. 55 Exit 32
QUILTING & SEWING CLASSES AVAILABLE Fabrics: Quilts & Dress Notions • Yarns Upholstery Fabrics • Vinyls Foams • Patterns 657 N Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360 just off the intersection of Rts. 47 & 56 (Landis Ave.)
(856) 692-5460
Planning a Wedding? We also feature Bridal Fabric, Appliques, Ribbons & Silk Flowers! OPEN: Mon, Tues, Wed, & Fri 9:30-6, Thurs 9:30-8, Sat 9:30-5:30
20% OFF Any One Item Ann’s Lovin’ Ewe
With coupon only. Not valid with other offers. Expires June 30, 2017 - TCR
by Ann Stewart
Take a Swing at Summer
My cousin Jeff awakened to crying and discovered his four-year-old son on his bedroom floor. “Did you fall out of bed?” the worried father asked. Griffin shook his head. “Did you have an accident?” “No!” “Then why are you crying?” “It’s the next night!” Griffin wailed, tears dripping down his chubby cheeks. Jeff hugged his son. “It’s still last night,” he reassured, as his preschooler climbed on his daddy’s lap. Griffin thought he’d slept through Sunday and it was now Sunday night. He feared losing a day of experiencing the world. Had he missed sailing, sledding, t-ball, trains, or playing with his big sisters? Instead of counting “sleeps,” longing for the future, and growing up too fast, he didn’t want to miss out on anything. Griffin wanted to celebrate today. When do we start wishing away days? When do we begin “counting sleeps,” anticipating big events instead of celebrating today? When do we start living for two days and wishing away the other five? When do we long for Summer, weekends, birthdays, and holidays, skipping over the other seasons, unbirthdays, or 355 days not marked as a holiday? Why do we anticipate the future when we could take Griffin’s approach to life and be glad to wake up to today? Today is a day of summer I’ll never experience again. It’s ripe with life: the flowers bloom, trees bud, and our garden
fills with a harvest of green stripes. And yet the seam between Spring and Summer quietly marks the end of a season as well as a season of life. Summer is a time of limbo between endings and new beginnings. Some put their house on the market and move to a new location before the school year begins. Seniors graduate from high school and head off to college. For others, it is the time for a job-change before Fall. College graduates leave the University and enter full-time work. On June 14, my youngest graduates from high school then leaves to spend her summer in Amman, Jordan to study Arabic. When Julia returns mid-August, she will immediately head to UVA in International Relations. Her life holds so much promise, and I’m thrilled for her. My oldest will spend the summer as a lifeguard and nurse, living onsite at the Camp. Like Griffin—they have both celebrated the days and will enjoy each day of Summer. And in my upcoming empty nest, I can take note. I can celebrate each day’s opportunity to write, create, sing, teach and learn. I don’t want to miss one thing during this season of limbo. Summer holds but one holiday but plenty of days to treat as holidays. What does today hold for you? Wake up and let’s celebrate each new day together! –©2017 Ann Marie Stewart, who lives on Skye Moor Farm, in Virginia. Just released is her first novel, Stars in the Grass. No reprint without permission
Springtime in a new home is full of surprises. No matter how anxious I am to plant, landscape and put my own mark on the property, I wait patiently this first spring to see what is already here. Next winter, I will dream about what to plant and choose plants that will enhance what we were already gifted by the labors of the previous owners. A few weeks ago, the daffodils were real “show offs” and that burst of vivid yellow was a welcome change after a cold winter. I had no idea that these beauties were hidden deep in the soil around the tree near our driveway and was very happy that hubby did not take his weed eater to all that greenery when it first appeared. This week, around that same tree, I was greeted with tulips in a variety of colors and hyacinth in vivid purple. These harbingers of spring happily took center stage as the daffodils finished their performance. Our weather has been very unpredictable this year and these springtime beauties let me know that warmer weather is indeed just around the corner. I am enjoying our ‘mystery garden’ and love waking each day to see what will bloom next. When the tulips appeared this week, I was reminded of a purchase made many years ago—tulip bulbs from a roadside stand. I only had a small space and had decided that eight bulbs would fill it nicely. The vendor did not seem happy with my request for eight bulbs and kept repeating “tulips by the dozen.” I was not sure what he meant and kept stating that I needed eight bulbs. It was not until he repeated it for the third time that I realized that he was stating that he only sold them in groups of a dozen bulbs. Laughingly, I purchased a dozen and later created a little paper pieced runner that I fittingly named “Tulips by the Dozen.” I pull it out every year at this time for a hint of spring inside the house. (You can find that pattern on my website). This year I added a little wall hanging to go with the runner and am sharing that pattern with you here. It measures 15 ½” x 24 ½” and will look great with any spring vignette. Happy Spring!
by Deb Heatherly Tulip Fun - 15 ½” x 24 ½” You will need: • Scraps of yellow and purple for paper piecing the tulip. • FQ of light blue for background. • Cut (1) 5 ¼” square and cut diagonally 2x to yield 4 triangles to set tulip on point. • Cut 9 1/4” x 9 1/4” square for stem block. • 10” of ¼” green satin ribbon and scraps of green for leaves. • (2) 1 ½” strips WOF for inner border. • (3) 2 ½” strips WOF for outer border. • (3) 2 ½” strips WOF for binding. • ½ yard backing. Directions: Paper piece the tulip using yellow for “A2”, and various purples for “A4”,”A6”, “A8”, and “A9”. The rest of the numbers will be light blue background. Remove paper. Add the light blue triangles to set block on point. Sew the green ribbon in the center of the 9 ¼” square by hand or machine to create a stem. Cut out 2 leaves. You may use fusible and appliqué by machine or add a turn under allowance and appliqué by hand. Add stem block to bottom of flower blocks. Add inner and outer border and quilt as desired. –Deb Heatherly is a freelance writer and Creative Grids® designer. When not in her studio, she is on the road doing Creative Grids® lectures and workshops for guilds and shops across the country. Visit www.Debscatsnquilts.com and Deb's Cats N Quilts on Facebook. Creative Grids® fans are invited to join her new Facebook group —Grids Girls.
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May & June, 2017
ELMER
Established 1987
Peg g y’s Country Gifts & Antiques 203 E Ellm er St & Park Av Avee Elm er, N J 08318 • 856 856--358 -2310
NOW OPEN! Military Building Military WWII items We buy and sell! Bldg open Fri & Sat.
Kitchen Kettle Jams, Jellies and more! Old Shutters • Flexible Flyer Wagons LIGHTED PICTURES • DECORATED OLD CHAIRS Candles & Homespun Material Potpourri • Legacy greeting cards Lots of Seasonal Items • 3 w. Bulbs, also Brown wire lights Decorated trees & tree decorations • Bella Taylor Handbags Crossroads Candles • Thompson Tarts ANTIQUES: Crocks, Jugs, Butter Churns, Coffee Grinders, Kitchenware, Yelloware, Wood Advertising Boxes, Benches, Buckets, Water Cans, Old Sleds, Cupboards - late 1800-1900’s, Enamel top tables, Milk Bottles - NJ, Old Quilts, Cookie Jars, Vintage Doilies, & More!
PLEASE NOTE HOURS:
Please Call... Spring Open Date Undecided
Special sales on select items
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
MORRISTOWN - RED BANK
Morris County HistoriCal soCiety at aCorn Hall
Est. 1964
The Antique Center of Red Bank Daily 11-5pm
Sundays 12-5pm
100 DEALERS – ALL SPECIALTIES 195 West Front St. (732) 842-3393
226 West Front St. (732) 842-4336
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Exit 109 Garden State Parkway
Madeline’s Musings
Cool Lick’n
“And Madie, what would you like?” “Chocolate, and a bag of chips, please.” “And Madie, what would you like?” “Chocolate, and a bag of chips, please.” “And Madie, what would you like?” “Chocolate, and a bag of chips, please.” Ever notice how some things never change? Same question, same answer, every time. I sometimes wondered why they kept asking. Grrrr! Parents . . . Didn’t they know all I’d say would be, “Chocolate, and a bag of chips, please”? Dark, rich, icy-hard chocolate ice cream in a cone, and a 5-cent bag of the saltiest chips you could find. “How about strawberry, or orange pineapple? Just for a change . . .” Who needs a change when all one wants is chocolate, and a bag of chips?! Sixty-plus years later, nothing’s changed. Well . . . maybe a Fudgesicle and a $3.69 bag of regular Fritos, if you can’t find hard chocolate and salty chips. What is it about ice cream that brings out such a passionate spirit? Not just any ice cream. Oh, no! For my sister, it’s Tiger Tail (yuck!). True to her Gramma, our Mackenzie must have chocolate. And for my DH, a scoop of plain old vanilla, please and thank you. How about Neapolitan? Guess that’s OK, providing you like vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate. And the cone . . . ever bite off the bottom so you could draw out the delicious cream that collected there?! On a hot day, did you ask to have your treat in a cup instead, so it wouldn’t melt and stain your brand-new pants, or drip on your bare legs? Ah, the combos! Cake and ice cream. Banana splits. Milkshakes. Pie a la mode. Ice cream sandwiches. Someone even suggests ice cream and French Fries! To each, his own, I suppose. If it must be “healthy”, I opt for strawberries and ice cream. Chocolate ice cream. And the ratio of one to the other usually leans in favour of the IC. Oh, did I miss ice cream and pickles? There’s little that’s not celebrated sometime on the calendar. So, I went looking for an Ice Cream Festival Day. Would you believe, there are over 20 such days! Everything from the classic National Ice Cream Day in the middle of National Ice Cream Month, July, to one harried mother’s creation, Ice Cream
by Madeline Lister for Breakfast Day, the 1st Saturday in February. I couldn’t find a Pie and Ice Cream Day, but if you prefer it in a shake, celebrate that version on September 12. Wouldn’t you know . . . Chocolate ice cream has its own day, June 7. For a while we tried making our own ice cream. Such an event was generally touted to be the perfect get-the-familytogether-on-the-weekend enticement. The more old-fashioned, the better. We purchased a wooden bucket with a hand crank. We stocked up on such dairy ingredients as were listed in the recipe. And dropped over to the local hardware store for the freezing essentials. Fast forward a few hours. Bucket’s scraped clean. The box of cones, empty. Everybody’s set back in lawn chairs or on picnic blankets. Cool and satisfied. According to one third grader with ice cream from ear-to-ear, “The funnest part is lick’n them beaters!” But it’s hard to change an institution . . . A drive to the local dairy bar on a balmy summer’s evening. This was a tradition in my husband’s family. We would join the queue that wound up and down the rows of cars. Eventually, somewhere, ‘way up there, we’d make it in the door. Double and triple-deckers, all the same, or mixed . . . your choice. Folks milled around, absent-mindedly licked away at their cones, and shared small talk. Starry-eyed teenyboppers twisted to the ‘60s and ‘70s hits crooning across the parking lot. The local deputy, with his tin whistle and a wave from his hand, tried to control the traffic. All sort of Mayberry-style. Today, the ice cream man on his bicycle competes with mall kiosks parading flavors I can’t pronounce. There’s fat-free and gluten-free and flavor-free (so says DH). As for the dire warnings of its being bad for our health . . . not going there. So, tell me, why is it that the kid in all of us still cries, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream? Happy cool lick’n to you! –Madeline Lister writes from the tranquil Trent Lakes district of central Ontario, Canada. Since retiring at the end of 2015 from the quilt shop she founded, Madeline's filled her days with writing and quilting, traveling with her husband Carl, and FaceTiming with their three grandchildren. email: madelinesmusings@gmail.com.
Take an historic house tour at the Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall! Built in 1853, the mansion was remodeled in 1860 in the Italianate Villa-style. Donated to the Society by Mary Crane Hone in 1971, Acorn Hall is recognized for its authenticity and Victorian grandeur. Be sure to stroll through its colorful Victorian gardens, and browse The Gallery Gift Shop! Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m Exhibit: “1917: World War, Women’s Rights, and Weaponry Sciences” through June 25th. Recall the Morris County men and women who went to war, the struggles of women to gain the right to vote, and the advancements in the science of warfare. See WWI era clothing, uniforms, weaponry, militaria, and artifacts. Programs: “Gold Star” Mother’s Day Tea: Sunday, May 14 and “Paint and Sip”: Sunday, June 4. Please call 973-267-3465 for more information.
See website for more details - www.acornhall.org Find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram 68 Morris Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960 (973)267-3465
Become Inspired
By Annice Bradley Rockwell
Decorating, Entertaining and Living in the Early American Style As the month of May approaches our imaginations often turn to our gardens, our plantings and our use of outdoor space. Having longer days filled with abundant sunshine draws us out of doors and we welcome the chance to be out in our yard, happily working on that which we love. Joyful Tasks of Spring Creating a welcoming setting at the entrance to our home is one of the joyful tasks in spring. Finding special plants and sturdy antiques to create a special display is truly a personal choice and our efforts are always rewarded. A careful selection of perennial herbs to enhance our walkways provides beauty that returns each year. The visual appeal coupled with fragrance that only nature can provide gives us a soulful lift that is one of spring’s special blessings. Gathering large antiques that are suggestive of the outdoors helps us to decorate our outdoor space and many times these items may be used to help us complete our gardening chores. Antique wheelbarrows or wooden carts are primitive symbols of summer but also offer a way for us to clear out garden beds with ease or help us to easily fill our favorite antiques with soil to plant our annuals which can provide vibrant pops of color.
Symbols of the Season The addition of other symbols of the season can also enhance our outdoor displays. Bee skeps, so named because they attract bees to a garden area, can be placed in the center of a garden as a focal point to enjoy. Traditionally the interior of a bee skep was rubbed with the fragrant herb, lemon balm to attract bees. Classic sundials are also signature accents to the country garden. Whether reproduction or antique, sundials can be mounted on a wooden hewn post and carefully set in the yard on a sunny day, so as to be in the ideal spot for telling accurate time. Decorating your outdoor space with these traditional accents helps to calm the spirit as they bring us back to a much simpler time. With the Ease of Nature As the season of spring transitions easily into summer our time is often spent more leisurely. We ease into our days as nature does and we feel a deep sense of pride when we know we have created a space that beckons us to enjoy all that nature has to give. – Annice Bradley Rockwell is an educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques in Connecticut. She is currently working on her book, New England Girl. NewEnglandGirl2012@hotmail.com
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May & June, 2017
NEWTON July 8th & 9th, 2017 and th Sept. 16 & 17th, 2017 Saturday & Sunday
Wilbur’s Country Store
arts crafts
food
British Foods & Candy Aprons Cookie Cutters Yankee Candles Gourmet Items Wind Chimes Preserves & Pepper Jellies Greeting Cards Braided Rugs, Chair Pads & Placemats
Rain or Shine From 10AM to 4:30PM CRAFTS PEOPLE and ARTISTS FROM FOUR STATES >ADMISSION FREE< Refreshments Available Held in a charming country setting at Wilbur’s Country Store & Barn Shops 735 Route 94 between Blairstown & Newton, NJ
908-362-8833
735 Rt. 94
908-362-8833
between Newton & Blairstown, NJ
Town and Country Cooking
by Janette Hess
From ho-hum to yum-yum
The Knitting Savant
By Andrea Springer
Start Now - An Invitation to Beginning Knitters Those of us who choose to knit in public spaces often find ourselves in random conversations with complete strangers. These exchanges usually begin with “What are you working on?” or “Is that knitting?” often followed by “My mother/sister/ grandmother/(insert crafter’s name here) used to knit” and on occasion, “I never learned how.” Life is short. If you want to learn to knit, start now. Here’s how. Find an instructor. Call me “old school” but I think the best way to learn to knit is from another knitter. This craft has been passed from one person to another for hundreds of years. A practiced knitter can teach you the basics – how to cast stitches on the needle, the knit and the purl stitch, and binding stitches off the needle – and having an encouraging presence help you adapt knitting to your natural style will help you be successful. Your Local Yarn Shop is a terrific resource for classes, as are public libraries and knitting and fiber guilds. Find needles and a skein of yarn. Start with a basic yarn – worsted weight or heavier – and straight needles in an appropriate size for the weight of the yarn – 10” long in wood or bamboo. It’s important to be able to easily see how the process works and the stitches you’re making. Be sure to choose yarn that feels good in your hands in a color that inspires you, because this new skill is fun and should bring you joy. Yarn that makes you smile is an important part of the process! Your Local Yarn Shop and/or your instructor can help you find the right tools to learn with.
Knit something basic. The cable sweater you saw that makes you want to learn to knit is a great project goal, but not necessarily the first thing you try to make. Think dishcloths, scarves, very simple hats and bean bags for beginning projects. There are thousands of beginning patterns available at your public library and online. Ask your instructor or knitting friends for recommendations. Practice. As with anything in life, we learn by doing. Knit a little every day – even if it’s just 15 or 20 minutes. Ask any veteran knitter, and they’ll tell you every knitted project is created one stitch at a time, over and over and over again. We make mistakes, we tear out, we rework, and we finish (most of the time). Each project builds our skills – with practice. Join a knitting group. This isn’t a requirement to learn to knit, but it definitely adds to the experience. Knitting can be a solitary social activity and having a tribe of crafty friends to help and inspire you while you’re learning makes a difference. Again, your Local Yarn Shop, library, or local pub may host a group or two you can join. If you’ve always wanted to knit, the best time to learn is now. Here’s your open invitation! –Andrea Springer blogs at www.knittingsavant.com where she helps folks remember that they have e verything they need to be successful in knitting and in life. You can share comments or ideas with her at andrea@knittingsavant.com or follow Knitting Savant on Facebook and Twitter.
When circumstances call for a sandwich, why not skip the ho-hum deli meat and instead concoct a more flavorful filling? Red Pepper Cheese is a versatile treat that may be served as a sandwich filling or a party spread. If you wisely choose to grill it between slices of buttered French bread, the hot, gooey result will be anything but ho-hum. Pulled pork is a perennial favorite, but instead of going the barbecue route, try slow-cooking the pork in pineapple juice and then serving it with internationally inspired sauces. It’s high time you let your taste buds travel! Tuna salad can be conventional or it can be surprising, so why not, in honor of a new season, go with surprising? This month’s Italian-inspired tuna salad is best served open-faced as a tuna melt. Yum! –A trained journalist, Janette Hess focuses her writing on interesting foods. She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local Extension service and enjoys collecting, testing and sharing recipes. Grilled Sandwiches with Red Pepper Cheese ¾ cup chopped roasted red peppers (approximately 6 ounces drained weight) 1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded mild cheddar or Colby cheese 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese 2 generous tablespoons finely diced pepperoncini Generous 1 tablespoon finely minced red onion 1/3 to ½ cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 teaspoon horseradish 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 16 slices French bread Soft butter or butter spread Drain and rinse roasted red peppers. Discard any charred pieces before chopping. Combine with cheeses, pepperoncini and red onion. In separate bowl, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, horseradish and mustard. Stir into pepper and cheese mixture, adding additional mayonnaise as needed to create an easily spreadable mixture. Divide among 8 slices of bread. Top with remaining slices. Butter and grill until bread is nicely browned and cheese is warmed.
Italian Tuna Melts 1 4.5-ounce can solid white albacore tuna, packed in water ¼ cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Italian salad dressing ¼ cup finely chopped celery 2 tablespoons finely chopped pepperoncini 2 teaspoons dried parsley 3 or 4 thick slices Italian bread 3 or 4 slices provolone cheese Drain tuna and combine with remaining ingredients. Spread on slices of lightly toasted Italian bread. Top with provolone cheese. Place under broiler until cheese begins to melt. Serve immediately.
International Pulled Pork Sliders 2 to 2½ pounds boneless pork loin or pork roast 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder Freshly ground pepper 1½ cups pineapple juice 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon liquid smoke 20-24 cocktail buns, lightly buttered and toasted Mayonnaise of choice (see below) Place pork in slow cooker and rub with salt, garlic powder and freshly ground pepper. Add juice, soy sauce and liquid smoke. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until pork is very tender. Remove from slow cooker and discard all visible fat. Shred pork with two forks; chop shreds into manageable pieces. Strain juice from cooker and skim fat. Use juice to moisten pork if needed or desired. Serve pork on lightly toasted cocktail buns with mayonnaise of choice. Cuban Mojo Mayonnaise: Combine ½ cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons mojo sauce (found in Hispanic foods section). Serve with pulled pork sliders. Asian Cilantro Mayonnaise: Combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 1½ teaspoons Asian hot chili sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 heaping tablespoons finely chopped cilantro. Serve with pulled pork sliders.
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The Country Register of New Jersey and Delaware
CAPE MA Y - MARMORA MAY
Stitch By Stitch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Washington Commons • 315 Ocean St., Unit 9 Cape May, NJ 08204 < Cross Stitch & all the “goodies” < Needlepoint & Patanayan Wool < Custom Framing < Nancy Spruance Trunk Show We will be having classes. Please call for information.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
June 17 & 18 – Military Timeline Weekend June 24 & 25 – Cape May Quilt & Fiber Show July 1 & 2 – Independence Day Celebration
OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM - 5PM (Please Call First:1-800-868-3215)
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An Early American Living History Museum 720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 3 Miles North of Cape May City Admission Charge (unless noted) - Free Parking
Call for more information 609-898-2300 or visit our website: www.hcsv.org
Quilt Show Historic Cold Spring Village is featuring all things fiber arts at the 27th annual Cape May Quilt and Fiber Show, Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25. Both days will feature demonstrations and vendors of quilting, textiles, knitting, crocheting, basket weaving, broom making, wool dyeing, sheep shearing and more.
On Saturday, visitors may vote for their favorite quilts in the Welcome Center at the Viewer’s Choice Quilt Show, and on Sunday continue to enjoy the display and see the winners. A rare wedding quilt, c. 1714, handmade by Cape May Countian Sarah Spicer, will be on display in the Welcome Center. The quilt was restored in 2012 through a grant from the Cape May County Culture and Heritage Commission.
Regional vendors are attending with quilting and sewing fabrics, baskets, supplies, and equipment to help inspire the creation of an heirloom project. The Corson-Hand House, home to fiber arts demonstrations at the Village, will feature use of the “Great Wheel” which will be used along with wool preparation and dyeing. Bobbin lace making and tatting will also be demonstrated by a fourth generation artisan. Seasoned knitters and
newcomers to the craft alike will learn from these discussions and demonstrations. Opened in 2012, the Needle Arts Coop The Shepherds Hook , located in the Taylor Poultry building serves as a learning center for interactive lessons and information on handmade crafts and skills. Kits and supplies will be available for purchase along with specialty items made by and Village artisans.