Memorial Service for Red Bratsven

Rhubarb Anyone?

A member of our Magnolia family has a hankering for some rhubarb. Many people do not know that rhubarb is a strictly northern fruit. Not sure it qualifies as a fruit but at any rate it does not grow in the south. Cindy Peterson is a former resident of Iowa and now lives in south Texas year around. She would very much appreciate it if someone could bring her some rhubarb so she could make a rhubarb cobbler. Maybe if you bring her enough she will make enough to share with you. Any questions about this request you can call Cindy at 515-571-2189



Rhubarb is a vegetable, but it is often cooked, sweetened and combined with other fruits as a dessert. Rhubarb is an ancient plant traced back to China in 2700 BC. It was used for medical purposes as a laxative, to reduce fever and cleanse the body. Rhubarb is a perennial plant that has stalks similar to celery.

Raymond "Red" Bratsven -Death Notice

Raymond "Red" Bratsven  81,  of Osseo, Wi. died Thursday at HSHS Sacred Heart

in Eau Claire.  A memorial gathering will be at a later date.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, is handling arrangements.

Jim and his Bees

When in Magnolia Park Jim likes to shoot pool. When back home in Wisconsin he plays with his bees. This is the end of the bee season for this year and the bees are being transferred from his hives into the ones that will take them to California where they will pollinate the almonds.

One for the road

I thought since we are all beginning to think of getting to Magnolia Park in sunny south Texas that you might want to consider this recipe for a travel snack. I have not tried it yet, but it is on my todo list.

Cheese Wedges

   In South America cheese pastries are sold on the street. They're also a favorite with travelers who make them the night before to grab and go in the morning. They make an ideal, sugar-free getaway breakfast when you’re headed early to a first-come, first-served campground.

4 cups biscuit mix

½ stick butter

4 eggs

About 1 cup milk

12 to 16 ounces grated Cheddar cheese

Set the oven to 350 degrees. Let butter come to “room” temperature and cut it into the biscuit mix. Separate eggs and mix yolks into the dough with enough milk to make a thick dough. Spread dough in two greased pie pans and smooth flat with the back of a set spoon.

In a bowl whisk egg whites until foamy and fold in cheese. Spread atop dough. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Cut in wedges. Makes 8 meal-size servings or 18 snacks.

Hitch Itch

We are getting a case of the "Hitch Itch" meaning it is nearly time to hitch up the car to the Moho and head for parts south. We have been working on the motor home lately and that intensifies the itchy part.

In fact, Butch was washing the windshield when the ladder tipped over and he grabbed the windshield wiper to catch himself, breaking the wiper, cutting his finger and other assorted bruises. 7 stitches later and a few days healing and we are back at the process. However, this time I am there holding the ladder. Would have been the first time had I known he was doing it.

So the outside is nearly ready and I am ready to tackle the inside. This is one of those chores you always promise yourself you will do when we are down south and then again we promise when we are up north creating a teeter-totter effect. I have about 3 weeks to get my act together.

Raspberries

From Kay V.

We pick 4 pints every other day!  If this warm weather continues--no end in sight!

Car Keys-Tip from Kay V.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night.


Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him..... He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

Please pass this on even IF you've read it before. It's a reminder.