Farm Ponds

Summer's Soothing Gift: Farm Ponds

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER J. Dwaine Phifer

The long summer days of July and August 2022 are upon us. Temperatures soar. Humidity rises. Cicadas, high in shaded trees, chatter with a shrill, vibrating racket. The highpitched, raspy noise somehow just draws more attention to the daytime heat and our discomfort. Seemingly, the hotter the temperature and the higher the humidity, the louder and more intense the insects' racket. Folks all across the Yadkin Valley grumble and grouse. Distant nighttime clouds often flash with what some call "heat lightning”, but no cooling storm arrives. All the while, nighttime insects ramp up their grating babel, incessant buzzing and itchy biting.

Thoughts of frosty iced tea pitchers, cold lemonade, or just a tall glass of refreshing cool water are our constant summer companions. Keep in mind, we grumbling, grousing curmudgeons are probably the same gang of folks who always have more than a word or two about overloads of spring pollen, raking tons of fall leaves, and nearly freezing to death in winter. Mark Twain wisely noted, "Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." Well, maybe...... However....

Because the Yadkin Valley has such an important history of farm life and farming, many old farm ponds remain as rural fixtures and reasons for celebration. Some of these ponds have become the centerpieces of new golf courses or public parks.

Others remain as picturesque features with water lilies on acreage that no longer has grazing dairy cows or the sounds of rumbling machines. Fortunately, both the old and new ponds function as refreshing, revitalizing, and relaxing features in the Yadkin Valley landscape. Even for lucky summer passers-by, farm ponds serve to provide a restful, rejuvenating reminder of cooling relief. Because of locations at low points in the landscape, ponds serve as barriers to soil loss and damaging runoff. Erosion, certainly a very natural occurrence, is a huge problem that gets larger over time if left unchecked. Farm ponds, though, slow the power of rushing storm-

water. The water stored in ponds also serves as a reliable life-giving resource for wildlife and domestic animals. Of course, the fact that farm ponds do create an inviting and beautiful centerpiece for any natural landscape means that they offer tremendous value as recreational spots. What's not to like about a relaxing few hours enjoying nature while fishing or having a leisurely sunset picnic--using summer recipes from Yadkin Valley Magazine, of course--beside a pond? Because stored water is a lifesaver in emergencies such as droughts or major fires, farm ponds remain a priceless resource.

As with all cases involving the power of Mother Nature, nevertheless, one must consider farm-pond safety. Unsupervised children, daredevil teens, and foolhardy adults around ponds spell trouble in the making. People with ponds must remain alert, informed, and plan ahead for emergencies. Nature, the great equalizer, does not suffer fools. Extraordinary caution and forethought should be foremost at all times around any body of water. Also, ponds that are not in an ecological balance due to poor management become havens for annoying insects and swampy eyesores.

Farm ponds require diligent stewardship, attentive upkeep, and money. Nevertheless, given proper care, thoughtful planning, and investment of time and resources, farm ponds are truly a gift of nature, offering a peaceful, lovely place in the Yadkin Valley landscape.

For those of us without our own cooling pond oasis, we owe those fortunate folks with ponds a great amount of gratitude. Even the gift of a brief refreshing glimpse as we drive by on a hot, sticky summer day gives us reason to pause and appreciate water as a resource. Water soothes whether as gentle, cooling summer rain, a babbling stream, a restful farm pond, or those wonderful, tinkling ice cubes in our Southern summer tea. Let 2022's July-August be the time to take a moment's pause. Ponder the importance of water while appreciating how fortunate we in the Yadkin Valley are. Our imposing Yadkin River and its tributaries of small creeks and streams give us all reason to celebrate calling its valley home.

Rotisserie chickens from a local grocery are truly gifts for summer. For quick and cool summer meals, cold chicken salad made with rotisserie chicken puts the old gambler's saying “winner, winner-chicken dinner” saying in a delicious perspective.

Picnic Rotisserie Chicken Salad

by J. Dwaine Phifer

1 rotisserie chicken (4 to 4 1/2 cups diced chicken when removed from bones) 1 (pound) bag large penne pasta 3 to 4 medium stalks fresh celery, diced into small pieces 1 medium onion, diced into small pieces 2 medium carrots grated 2 mini red bell peppers & 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced 1 large clove garlic, finely grated 1/4 teaspoon thyme

Dressing 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sweet diced pickle relish 2 or 3 drops Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 chopped hard boiled egg

Remove chicken’s bones and skin. Place in the refrigerator until needed. (Save bones for making homemade broth.) Place an egg in a saucepan, medium heat, cover the egg with water. Bring to a full rolling boil. Cover the pan, remove from the heat. Let stand for 15 minutes. Pour off hot water; run cold water over egg until it's cool enough to handle. Peel and chop the egg. Prepare pasta by package directions to al dente (firm) texture. Use a timer to keep pasta firm but not overcooked. While pasta cooks, dice celery, onion, and peppers. Grate garlic or use a garlic press. Drain pasta cooking water; return hot pasta to the pot. Quickly add chopped vegetables and thyme. Stir thoroughly; the hot pasta will steam the veggies. Let pasta and veggies cool for about 15 minutes. Add chicken; toss with pasta and veggies. Add the dressing; stir mixture to ensure even distribution. If dressing needs thinning, add one or more Tablespoons pickle relish liquid to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.

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