A Breather

Breather: a break in activity for rest or relief

Webster dictionary

We find it to be a refreshing breather when we can visit historical places and off-the-beaten-path spots. Our recent travels to Dillard Mill State Historic Site checked both boxes for us! Located in south central MO, this picturesque location allows visitors to learn about the past while being in a remote setting. Their brochure hosts a fantastic photo we could not replicate since it was taken from a boat.

Dillard Mill is a water-powered grist mill that's nestled along the Huzzah River. Built in 1904, it was operational until the mid-1950s. An especially interesting aspect is that the machinery is original and still works today. In fact, it is typically demonstrated during the tours. The exceptionally high water levels prevented this from being a possibility during ours, though. Our private guide (we were the only people there at the time) explained that engaging it for us would cause mechanical damage to the turbine due to excessive water.

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For years, local farmers brought their grain to the mill to have it ground into flour. During the last few years that the mill was in business, livestock feed was produced. 

The fact that Dillard Mill resembles a red barn just adds to its charm, in my opinion.

The grounds are peaceful!

This mill is actually the second to occupy the space. The first was built in 1853 by Mr. Francis Wisdom and was known as Wisdom Mill. Not uncommon in that the era, the structure burned to the ground. A second was built onsite in 1904 (there seems to be some discrepancies about the exact year, but our guide insists it was in '04) and was considered far superior since it has an underwater turbine rather than a waterwheel. This diving helmet is on display and was worn by owner, Mr. Klemme,  when he made underwater repairs. Does it remind you of the tin man from the Wizard of Oz, or is it just me?

Dillard Mill has been a part of the MO State Park System since its dedication in 1977. As I have mentioned before, we have been incorporating as many of the 88 sites as possible in our travels. This is the third mill we have toured. You can click here and here to see the previous posts. Historical sites, like museums, mills and covered bridges are popular with us because they make for great breathers.

Tuesday's Tablescape

Happy National Picnic Day! I must say that if I were declaring unusual holidays, I would have postponed today's celebration for a month or two. I tend to associate May or June with the picnic season more than April, but what do I know? Since the patio is loaded with yellow tree pollen and it's overcast, I decided to set an inside table for two as today's tablescape.

My red and white tablecloth seemed in order and, of course, our old family picnic basket had to be used. I wrote about it three years ago and if you'd like to see that post, click here.

A faux pie and some succulents added balance and color to the centerpiece. Now we just need some potato salad and fresh corn-on-the-cob. The condiments are all ready for juicy, grilled burgers. Mmmmm!

In honor of National Picnic Day, 

let's all remember to relish today.

 We can ketch-up tomorrow! 🍔

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie

This was one of our Easter dinner desserts. We had a sugar-free strawberry pie option and this was the "full strength" choice!

For many years, we had a fabulous tea room in town. Sadly, it is now closed. I have so many fond memories of meeting friends and family in the stately old Victorian home for brunches, lunches and special occasions. Over the years we had Christmas gatherings, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers and moving-away brunches in addition to our regular just for fun lunches. We ate outside under the canopy of mature trees when the weather was warm and when the seasons turned cool, we enjoyed dining inside among the turn-of-the-century furnishings. All of Miss Aimee B's Tea Room food was delicious, but they were known for their scrumptious desserts. This recipe for their old fashioned buttermilk pie was made public in the newspaper many years ago. If you like coconut, you will adore this one! 

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie

1 stick butter

3 eggs

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

4 heaping T flour

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 unbaked pie crust (use a 9 inch deep dish)  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter and set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat eggs until smooth. stir in sugar and flour until belnded. Stir in melted butter, buttermilk and vanilla. Fold in coconut. Pour mixture into pie crust. Bake in a 350 degree oven until center is set, for about an hour. The center of mine took longer; test for doneness. 

Click here for a printable version.

Happy Monday!

Easter Blessings!

Are you having a good day? Our cutie has on her jellybean and floral scarf in preparation for the weekend.

We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Easter.

A Few Easter Recipes

I'm certain you already have your Easter menu planned, but here are a few simple recipes which could be helpful. All three appeared in previous posts and all are quick and easy. 

Let's begin with a unique salad in which pineapple and pimento partner. This is a family recipe and a favorite of ours. We will, in fact, be enjoying it Sunday for Easter dinner. Click here to revisit the post and if you want the recipe, there is a hyperlink taking you to a printable version.

Are you serving bread with your dinner? These little bunnies can hop over to your table with little effort since they begin with a tube of breadsticks (not rolls). See the directions here. 

How about some bunny tails (AKA coconut macaroons) as a dessert option? They're delicious! Click here to go to the page and find the link for the printable version.

Enjoy!

Happy Haiku Day!

Did you know that today is National Haiku Day? As you are aware, this unique form of Japanese poetry consists of three lines. The first and last have a total of five syllables each, while the middle line has seven. My paternal grandmother enjoyed penning this form of poetry and I do, too. I have very fond memories of teaching haiku to my first graders each spring since their writing skills were mature enough to handle it by that point in the year. 

Here are a few of my grandmother's gems. 

White waterlily,

a fat bee has lost himself

in your golden heart.

This photo is from my archives and while it's not actually a waterlily, it is white! 😉

Scarlet maple leaf,

lend me your bright cheerful face

when I fall to earth. 

Violet in grass,

how could I bear to bring you

death by my mower?

This is one of mine which I wrote last summer when I photographed this winged beauty.

Busy butterfly,

on sweet flowers you can rest

to sip your breakfast.

Even though the day is nearly over, I want to share one more with you...

Happy Haiku Day!

If you create one of these,

will you please share it?

Tuesday's Tablescape

Today's table has a little blend of real and whimsical Easter. 

 I put together the centerpiece using some pieces I have.

When the Professor Sprenger crabapple began blooming, I decided to clip some flowers to use as scatter.

 My paternal grandparents' wedding china looks like spring to me!

I have had these bunny napkin rings for so many years that I don't even remember where I got them, but they do the trick on this table!

 I hope your day has been 'hoppy'!

Banana Cookies

If you're like me, your baking is usually purposeful since it's for a specific event or occasion. This recipe is a good one because it produces moist and flavorful cookies that are a little out-of-the-ordinary. I happened to have an overripe banana to use this weekend, so I reached for the recipe and made a batch to carry in somewhere. 

                                       Banana Cookies

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar **divided into a 1 cup portion and a 1/4 cup portion

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 large ripe banana, mashed 

1 T cinnamon

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together butter, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and mashed banana. Gradually stir in flour mixture until well combined. Cover and refrigerate several hours (I leave mine overnight) until dough is firm. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees and combine remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with cinnamon. Shape dough into round balls (I used my standard cookie scoop) and roll in cinnamon-sugar mix. Place two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet (I always use parchment paper) and bake about 12 minutes until lightly browned.

If you'd like a printable version, click here. I was able to make nearly 5 dozen cookies from one recipe. These freeze well!

If you're fond of bananas, you might want to try these sometime; I think you'll find them

 a-'peel'-ing! 🍌

Tuesday's Tablescape

How could I resist a patio tablescape today? It was bright, sunny and warm so I decided to go for it!

My little bunny plates came from Home Goods several years ago and are perfect for spring.

The centerpiece came from our yard. As you're likely aware, I like to keep cut flowers in the house from spring's awakening until fall's frost. 

My favorite participants in this particular bouquet are the hyacinth flowers. I wish I had a scent button so you could take a whiff and enjoy them, too! Mmmmmm!

You're curious if we really ate outside this evening, aren't you? Actually, not yet. Once all the spring pollen settles, we will power wash everything, bring out the chair cushions, open the fountain, etc. Once that all happens, we will be outside on the patio virtually each evening. I can't wait!

I hope your day was bright and happy.

A Spring Lantern

I'm embarrassed to tell you that until this weekend,  my oversized lantern had not been decorated for spring. It still had a winter owl and snow in it and it's not as if I never see it. Sitting on the landing,  I pass it each time I ascend and descend the stairs and with each trip, I would make a mental note to tackle it. Time is limited, though, and it fell pretty low on the list of priorities. Our gorgeous spring weekend inspired me to take a few minutes to finally take care of it. 

The lighting wasn't good in front of the plantation shutters where it sits, but you get the idea. I love my vintage-looking lantern because it is fun to decorate for the seasons. This time, I decided to use this egg-shaped decoration on faux shiplap with a realistic bunny painted on it. My cousin gave it to me last year. Needing it to be taller, I perched it on a clear glass candleholder. Then I scattered decorated eggs along the bottom of the lantern. 

I'm sure you're observant enough to have caught my reflection in the glass 

above the egg-shaped piece! 🙄

Would you believe that I had these eggs bagged and ready to donate because I had not used them in so many years?  When I was inspired with this "egg theme" for the lantern, I pilfered through the give-away box and dug them out to keep...at least until summer! Does anyone else ever have that happen?

It is amazing how quickly spring has sprung in our area. The warm temperatures have caused everything to pop! The grass is greening, the bulbs, early shrubs and trees are blooming, the birds are singing before it gets light in the morning and the peepers (my favorite!) are serenading us in the evenings. I'm positive that we still have lots of rain to come, but it's still safe to say...

For, lo, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds has come. Yes, spring is here!

                                                                                        Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Quick and Easy

Here is a reminder of a quick and easy Easter décor idea. My mother put this together. Isn't it bright and colorful? 

Simply fill a small to medium clear vase with inexpensive jelly beans and add artificial spring flowers. Ta-da! 

                              I like "be-an" 

able to share easy ideas! 

A Pressing Matter

I spotted the first wildflower blossoms of the spring in my parents' yard a few days ago.

It's always such a welcome sight to find these little surprises poking up through the blanket of leaves! Bloodroot (shown above) is an intriguing little plant. Not only does it sport interestingly shaped leaves and perky flowers, but it secretes a red liquid when the stem is broken/cut. Literally resembling small drips of blood, this is the reason for its name. My fingers were dotted with the substance after picking two flowers and a leaf. The reason I plucked them was so that I can preserve them in my flower press.

Designed with several layers of cardboard within, the four screws on this press allow me to put a lot of pressure on the blossoms that I want to "smoosh". The top of it reads, "In Victorian times, pressed flower designs reflected the beautiful art of keeping the blossoms of memory fresh in the garden that grows in the heart."

Here are a few flowers which are already dried. I did some of them, but most came from a workshop I attended last summer when I attended a heritage arts camp. If you want to see that previous post, you can click here.

During the class I took, I made notecards from materials the instructor provided us. 

In about two weeks, the bloodroot flowers and leaf that I am pressing will be all dried and ready for crafting! A flower press is not requred for this task, however. It's possible to sufficiently flatten flowers using heavy books as many of us did growing up. We also used to preserve small floral branches by burying them in a pan of sand. My friend told me that she and her mother used a phone book (not always an option these days, right?!) and joked that to this day, pressed violets and daisies fall out when she looks up a number at her parents' house!

I learned some valuable preservation tips at camp. 
    *Pick your flowers later in the day so that they are without dew drops as the moisture will promote molding.
    *Press your flowers as soon as possible after gathering them so that they are not wilted when they go into the press.
     *Don't allow blossoms to touch one another when they are being dried.
     *Allow your plants to be pressed for two weeks. Afterward, store them flat in a dry location. 

I should be able to gather other varieties of wildflowers soon because they're all just about to burst into beauty. Maybe after the current rains subside, I will snoop around the woods for more possibilities. As you know, most spring wildflowers don't bloom for lengthy periods of time so I will need to act quickly because... it's a pressing matter! 💮