The Breeze from Findley Lake

Double Down Borscht for my new friends

2011-10-14T19:29:00.004-04:00

Had a great after dinner chat with lovely new friends at the Blue Heron Inn tonight. Cooking came up in the conversation so here is my recipe for Borscht. It's based on the "Continental Borscht" recipe from the 1970 edition of "America's Best Vegetable Recipes" (Farm Journal).

Double Down Borscht (Purchase beets with fresh tops to make this recipe)

2 - 3 cups coarse grated fresh beets (washed and peeled)
1 medium onion chopped
1 - 2 carrots peeled and sliced thinly or grated
3 cups water
2 cups beef broth
All the beet stems, washed and cut into 1/2 " to 1" pieces
All the beet greens, washed
1 TBSP lemon juice
Sour Cream (optional)

For quick prep, use your food processor - chop onion well, add carrots and chop medium, leaving veggies in bowl of processor, swap out cutter for grater and grate beets (or grate both carrots and beets). Every thing is in the processor and can be dumped into a large soup pot.
Add the water, bring to boil, cover and simmer 20 - 30 minutes
Add the beef broth and the beet stem pieces and continue to simmer 15 minutes.
While soup is cooking, take 4 - 5 leaves at a time. Stack them and cut lengthwise into roughly 4 strips (depends on how big leaves are). Cut strips crosswise into 1/4" slivers.
Add to soup and simmer for 5 - 10 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Take off of heat and add lemon juice.

Soup is ready to serve hot or can be chilled. Traditionally a dollop of sour cream is added to the soup bowl after dishing up the soup.

B & B Free Vets Night Stay

2010-10-18T20:53:00.005-04:00

What a nice way to say "Thank You" to past and current American Veterans! The Blue Heron Inn in Findley Lake is participating in B & B Free Vets Night. Only one room still available (as of 9pm on 10/18/10). The free night is on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. If you are local, this could be a nice stay-cation. If you live further away, maybe you can add on a few more days and enjoy the peace and quiet of our small town. Plenty of scenic drives, local wineries, Peek 'n Peak, and just plain laid back time to relax.

Here's the link: http://www.theblueheroninn.com/special-events.html

Don't wait too long to check availability and book your stay.

Cheaters Piss On The Rural Community

2010-08-07T16:17:00.005-04:00

I've thought about this all day today. Cheating, cheap community members can't find their way clear to pony up $5 to participate in the Community Yard Sale that was held today. It's the same every year. One year it was a Town Board member. For several years it's been a judicial clerk. Every year it's been people who like to benefit from the community organizing that is done to promote the event but can't pay a lousy $5 to help defray the advertising costs and be put on the map. I've got news for you low life's - everybody who joins or has a map knows who you are. You are talked about all over town. Yes, we are nice to your face but behind your back, we know that you cheated. Part of the "rural characteristic of the community" is that we care about our neighbors. Here's a suggestion. Next year care enough to sign up, pay your extremely modest $5 and get on the map. Quit being a deadbeat neighbor.

Xenophobia?? In Findley Lake??

2010-07-17T22:09:00.003-04:00

In my opinion (hereafter IMO), restricting voting membership to only Town of Mina residents is patently wrong on several levels. The easiest way to understand the issue is to look at a situation. The boundaries for Town of Mina stretch about 2 miles towards Erie, 3 miles towards North East, 5 miles towards French Creek, and maybe 6 miles towards Sherman. You can live about three miles from Findley Lake, within the Mina boundaries, pay your "membership" dues to the Watershed Foundation, and have a vote at the annual meeting. You can live 2 miles from Findley Lake, just over the border in PA, give all the money in the world to the Watershed Foundation, and have no vote because technically you can't be a "member".

You may be seriously in love with Findley Lake (the Lake that is). You may have interests and abilities that would benefit and augment the organization. However, if you don't live in Mina, you not only can't be a voting member, your desire to be a voting member is construed to mean you want to take over the board ... and do what????

Do we hear the words xenophobia and good old boys club yet? Time to grow up and grow a set. The Foundation needs it's membership to grow. Most people join organizations to support them. Most people don't want to be on the board (which meets monthly by the way). Most people don't want to have to attend a hot, long annual meeting and go through the dog and pony acts of presentations and reports. However, most people don't want to be second class citizens. If I live in Mina, donate to a non-profit, and get to vote, then someone who lives 2 miles away in PA, donates to the same non-profit, should have the right to vote. In fact, they may be more passionate about the lake than I am.

Time to realize that it's not a private lake any more. Time to realize that accepting Town, County, and State funds means access for all. Blather that allowing condo owners to become real honest to god okie dokie members would cause an influx in people wanting boats allowed through the gate on weekends shows just how "old boy" this network is. You say no member is allowed to get the gate unlocked while another guy is bewailing how much time it took over the holiday weekend to let boats through the gate. In other words, you do it for the current member but you don't want to do it for non-Mina members (should we ever have any). Look at your own rules and ask why you go against them. Its the way you've always done it!! Wake up, move on, get out of your rut.

As a non-profit, you should be open to anyone willing to pay the "membership". Every paid membership should have a vote at the annual meeting. And by the way, every board member should have paid their dues before the first January meeting or withheld their voting on the board until such time as they do pay them, since membership is determined by PAID DUES, not just because you fill a board slot.

Of course, the above is only my opinion. I'll keep paying my dues until they really piss me off with the good old boys, outsiders need not apply attitudes. Then I'll gladly keep my money at home.

More on Ice Fishing Findley Lake NY

2010-02-06T15:41:00.002-05:00

Here's some more information about ice fishing on Findley Lake. I stumbled on this video on YouTube and it gives you a great understanding of the lake and how to ice fish here. The animated map is super! First and foremost, you don't have to walk the length of the lake. It's obvious that these guys parked in greater down town Findley Lake and started walking (and fishing) heading south. Note that where they really started to catch fish was near the "waist" of the lake almost half way between the ends. On the east side right at the waist are the public picnic tables and parking area that parallels Sunnnyside Rd (Rt. 426 heading out of town towards Corry PA). Just park there and you will be near the best area that they found.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMfpy8O7StM&feature=related[/url]

Ice Fishing Is Nice Fishing

2010-01-22T13:22:00.005-05:00

If you are an ice fisher person or know one, here are two websites that have bulletin boards/blogs touching on current ice fishing in Findley Lake.

http://www.grizzlygary.com

http://www.IceShanty.com

I've been posting comments to both regarding access so for all of you ice fisher persons, here's where to park and ice fish on Findley Lake:

1. At the public picnic tables (concrete) on Rt. 426 south of greater downtown Findley Lake located about half way down and at the narrows between the two "ponds"
2. Along the side of the same road (also called Sunnyside) across from the church camp, Camp Findley.
3. At public parking area in downtown Findley Lake next to the market. Right now, access to the shoreline may be impeded by piles of snow. Also, for what it's worth, I just don't see people setting up and ice fishing there.

Not being an ice fisher person, I can't give you first hand info on conditions but I can tell you what I see.

At the narrows (#1), parking will definitely allow at least three pickup trucks to be parked parallel to the road but nicely off the road as the state has cut out a strip for public parking there. I've seen both shanties and just tip ups there. Because of the location at the narrows and because of the depth, it doesn't seem like people go far off shore to find a nice spot. Access on foot is through a cut out in the retaining wall. Persons with mobility impairment may find this a little challenging as the "steps" are deep.

Down at the church camp, you are parked on the berm so be careful exiting or entering your vehicle's drivers seat. Walking down to the ice may be easier, I'm not sure here. I do notice that some people go fairly far out into the lake before setting up shop.

Temperature right now is 33 degrees. The Dunkirk Observer had a short report 1/21/10 that said ice fishing on Findley Lake was producing some nice pike using small suckers and large golden shiners. Again, not my area of expertise. Here's a link to the DEC rudimentary fishing map of Findley Lake: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/findlkmap.pdf

Findley Lake Sporting Goods/Hardware just north of the blinker on Rt. 426 carries worms and fishing supplies in case you forget something. The local restaurants (downtown and out of town) serve good food, beer, or just a nice hot cup of coffee. If you can come for more than a day, consider staying locally. Plenty of shopping and recreational activities for the non-fisher people in the family.

Hope to see you around town, with your stringer full and a tail to tell.

Never Ending Bowl Weekend

2010-01-03T15:40:00.005-05:00

So far, we've watched the "Mixing Bowl", the "Porcelain Bowl", and now we are watching the "Soup Bowl". With probably 20" of new snow on the ground and still falling, watching Bowl games is an normal way for folks to spend the holiday.

Unfortunately, I apparently lack the gene necessary to have a favorite team. I root for the underdog and for any team that doesn't have Brett Farve. While this was a less pronounced aberration before high definition TV, now it has become very obvious. Much to my husband's dismay, I find sports games in high def to be totally disorienting. The players look like Foosball players. I almost see the handles as the little plastic players mindlessly run around the field.

I wasn't always this way. When the Yankees and the Dodgers were both in NYC, I was rooted to my transistor radio listening to the games. Games were played in the daylight back in my day. Once the Dodgers moved, the heart went out of the game. It became just another money maker for high muckimucks and the little people, the ones who used to fill the bleachers, became just another pocket to be fleeced and tossed away.

I've spent my free time today doing laundry (oh - I guess I was doing the "Washing Bowl") and making Spicy Lentil Soup (for filling our Soup Bowls once Pittsburgh manages to lose their lead and the game in the fourth quarter).

Pretty soon we will go out and try our hand at clearing off the snow in front of the garage.
Such is life in Findley Lake in the winter.

OOPS, an addenda to above. Got the plowing done and now are watching the "Toilet Bowl". I guess tonight we will move to garage verbiage for the "Carburetor Bowl". Now if that doesn't get your sports blood fired up, you are welcome to come watch You Tube videos with me.

Wrapping Up The Year

2010-01-01T20:28:00.004-05:00

My thoughts on a few topics:

Zoning - the gift that keeps on giving. Trying to thread the needle of protecting individual rights while avoiding deterioration of the neighborhood. With the wonderful citizens who took the time (repeatedly) to go sit through boring meetings, monitor proposed changes, actually READ the zoning law and promote good ideas - hurray for you. The zoning law seem to be finally getting near birth (rebirth?) and I actually am OK with most of it. Kudos to my significant other and friends for sitting through repeated rants as I sorted out the proposed law and it's ramifications.

Deer - really smarter than we hunters. Have spoken with numerous veteran hunters who were skunked this year. Now (of course), the deer are eating the foundation plantings, standing along the roads, and being very visible. Only one small deer in our freezer but I wanted three.

Death - it's been a hard year for friends and family. Step children's Mother died after a long illness, sister-in-law's Mother died unexpectedly but due to long standing health issues, and good friend's Father died after a slow fade for several years followed by a quick downward spiral.

Money - always short but at least the mortgage is paid off.

Wildlife - been a good year for seeing Eagles, Swans, Deer (except during hunting season), birds, and other small mammals.

Sweatshirts - bought three at Blair in Warren PA and couldn't be happier. Just couldn't find what I wanted in the chain stores.

Food - can't beat the prices at Erie County Farms. It will be open January 5th. Super assortment of greens and veggies, good prices on meat. What I really liked was going there about noon, then getting home early enough to cook up some of what I bought and freeze it as complete meals (pork/kale/sweet potato). Stuff to buy at Sam's Club include gluten free crackers and cocoa coated almonds. Real food and actually good for you. Don't forget the packs of Orbit or Trident Gum with Xylitol. Helps prevent cavities by preventing bacteria from adhering to your teeth. One kind of Trident will actually help build up the enamel too.

Dog - he's only ten years old but I'm already starting to mourn in advance of him dying. He's become more and more a family member. Don't know how he could be doing that but he is. He's funny, slightly OCD, and thinks that he has a vote in family decisions. Did I mention that he is funny?

Bald Eagles of Findley Lake

2009-12-28T12:56:00.003-05:00

The last three weeks have provided numerous sightings of the two Bald Eagles that make Findley Lake their home. While the waters were still pretty open, you could see both Eagles (one smaller than the other) sitting on the trees on the big island. Now that the lake has mostly iced over, we have only been seeing one of the Eagles.

Yesterday morning, it landed in the trees on the small island, right off downtown Findley Lake. It sat there probably for 1/2 hour while crows dived at it. Undoubtedly there was also a lot of avian name calling. Eventually the Eagle lifted off, showing an admirable disdain for the squawking crows.

Today there was an even better show. We first glimpsed the Eagle as it flew from the lake, over Sunnyside and up towards the ridge, near the church camp. It swooped back over Sunnyside near Point of View cottage and flew up the lake to an area of open water just opposite Addie's Restaurant. It was just outstanding to watch this big bird swoop over the open circle of water, back and forth, braking and hovering, obviously with the intent of catching a meal. One of our party thought they saw something in the water, possibly a duck, but nothing surfaced while we slowly drove up Sunnyside. It was one of those "why didn't we bring the camera?" moments.

If you are traveling near Findley Lake, take a drive down Shadyside and up Sunnyside while watching the trees on the islands, open water areas, and trees along the lakeside near open water areas. The Bald Eagles of Findley Lake are thrilling to watch.

Happy Holidays From A Holiday Loving Agnostic

2009-12-24T22:15:00.004-05:00

I like Christmas, Hanukkah, and would love to celebrate Kwanzaa. I haven't tried to do all three in the same year since getting ready for Santa is already overwhelming.

In the spirit of the season, I'd like to wish you all a wonderful holiday and a great New Year. Whether you celebrate a specific special event or just the joy of good friendships or family gatherings, I hope you have a wonderful time. Even if you are spending the holiday alone, just know that I wish you the best.

I've been finding a lot of interesting articles on Slate.com so for your edification, here's some quirky holiday reading links:

http://www.slate.com/id/2239149/ Gives some of the history suggesting neither a virgin birth nor a divine father for Jesus. Before you get distressed by these heretical ideas, there does exist a body of ancient texts that support an alternative view. Also, the author points out that the story would be just as compelling if Jesus was, in fact, the son of Joseph. He would have been a man, imbued by God to save human kind and ultimately resurrected. Would the miracle of a man (born by and of humans) becoming the savior of the world been less to us today? Did we need the divine father to make the savior more important?

http://www.slate.com/id/2238708/ The story of how Jews, over the last 5 centuries, dealt with Christmas Eve. I found this article fascinating. Much of what it talks about has gone by the wayside as the Ecumenical movement has brought a measure of understanding and tolerance to the world view of religion (not enough in my view). Lets just say that, as my way of celebrating Nittel Nacht, I spent my time at a Christmas party tearing toilet paper into single use lengths. None of the recipients of my largess would tell me whether they used 4 or 5 sheets so it was rather a crap shoot :-) as to how many sheets to use. It was actually a pretty soothing occupation.

http://www.slate.com/id/2239252/ This is the story of how Swedes in Sweden spend one hour in front of the TV today. Their tradition includes watching an old Disney holiday show, as a family, at 3pm on Christmas Eve. When I say tradition, I mean really TRADITION. Named after Donald Duck, it is called Kalle Anka for short. Read the article as it's fascinating. Wish we could have watched Kalle Anka tonight at the Christmas party. I have no doubt that we would have been in stitches, as the cartoons in it date from 1920's through 1950's and haven't been sanitized based on current political correctness. Apparently it's considered forbidden to tape/record Kalle Anka so the only way to watch it is in front of the TV, in Sweden, at 3pm on Christmas Eve.

At our household, we're rather behind because of sickness. Our little Charlie Brown tree is still in it's bag in the basement. We did decorate the outdoors and inside of the front porch but not much else. Boxes went out Tuesday. Most of the cards have been sent. I think we are short some gifts for the Grandchildren so might hit the after Christmas Sales on Saturday to stock up for when we eventually celebrate the holiday with them. We are giving ourselves a generator so we've pretty much cut out lots of other gifts. My big gifts were some Crowley's Cheese (mild and sage), a trip to Blair in Warren PA where we bought decorated sweatshirts and several other items, and a lesson (to come) at the archery place in French Creek. Plus, my darling husband has been very tolerant while I've been sick with a bad cold. I bought him a diamond knife sharpener (came with a micro-mini tool), a Collin Street Bakery fruitcake, and I'm still asking for him to pick out a few more things.

In our household, just being together is a palpable enjoyment and everything else is just glitz. We remember what it was like in our lives "before". Living in this haven of love, no matter what happens in the world, no matter how finances are tight and health is a worry, nothing ultimately takes away from this moment and every moment together. Our 18th anniversary is the day after Christmas. Even though I'd like us to live long enough to celebrate our 25th and then 50th anniversaries, if it ended tomorrow, I could only feel blessed with our life together.

Swim Float's Lament

2009-12-20T19:29:00.005-05:00

I wonder as I wander up and down the lake,
Why no one has noticed, is my owner a flake?
I wonder as I wander just like early last year,
Why no one will rescue me, why I am left here?

(OK, try and sing it now, it's pretty close)

This is the second time in 2009 that a poor swim float (who's owner will remain unnamed) has taken to wandering loose on Findley Lake. In the spring, it wandered South, making it all the way to the big island. It hung out there, apparently seeking some kind of companionship, until it finally moved north again. It spent some time looking for it's family (who apparently didn't really care about it). It was finally returned to it's mooring.

This winter's perambulation finds our intrepid swim float heading North. It should be moved, post haste, as it is in the navigable channel of the lake and some poor, demented snowmobiler, whipping down the lake, might run into it. Only problem is that it appears to be frozen in place. Technically I believe it is also now non-compliant with our zoning and town laws regarding swim platforms.

Being easy going myself, I think the owner should realize that sometimes swim floats (like trees) just get up and go for no reason. I certainly think that neither the Town, the Zoning Officer, NOR the Watershed Foundation should take any action until maybe July and then, they should politely offer to tow the float back to it's mooring. That would be the friendly, rural, way of helping a fellow citizen.

14 Tundra Swans today

2009-11-05T20:34:00.004-05:00

After our usual breakfast in Greater Downtown Findley Lake, we took our regular ride around the lake. Ninety-Nine percent of the time we go counter clockwise by heading south on Shadyside. Once we turn north on Sunnyside, the road is at a distance from the lake. Where the lake edge curves around to border the road, the swans were close to the edge of the water. It's the first time that I've had a chance to see them feeding. They upend just like geese and apparently they they are happy to associate with the the geese. It was a funny sight to see, large white bird fannies and small white bird fannies, all flashing skyward as the birds chowed down on the goodies Findley Lake has to offer.

Tundra Swan Update

2009-11-04T11:09:00.005-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that we have added three Tundra Swans to our little flock. Now the total of swans on Findley Lake is seven. A ride around the lake yesterday gave us a good look at the new swans. They appear to be a family group as the smaller one still has a grayish tinge to his white feathers. Also, they were separate from the original four swans. Currently the weather is pretty nice for Tundra Swans, who can tolerate much worse conditions. Temperatures were below freezing last night but it was mostly calm. Yesterday's rain had both hail and snow mixed into it but again, not much wind. Today its gray and damp with temperatures around 40 degrees. Until the next big storm blows them further south, they should be with us for a while.

Zoning The RURAL Out of Our Little Community #2

2009-11-03T20:00:00.005-05:00

Before I start this next installment, please consider this idea: to preserve the RURAL nature of our community we need to make the zoning simple, and base it on the ideas of individual freedom balanced by fairness and caring for one's neighbors.

Trying to "fix" our zoning laws by exponentially increasing the definitions and requirements for special use permits is going in exactly the wrong direction IMO.

Today's example goes back to the question of sheds. Where are sheds allowed on one's property? In researching setbacks for non-residential structures, only one zoning area even has a set of setbacks defined for "other uses" (i.e. - not the primary residence). By our zoning law, which clearly states that if something isn't defined/mentioned in our laws it is "not allowed", you can have a shed but you can't locate it on your property. Of the five zones (A1, A2, AR, A, B), only B - Business lists setbacks for other buildings and it's clear that the intent is for locating a business structure such as factory/shop.

Now, lets do a little more research. What is the setback for a rear yard? First, what is a rear yard? By definition, a Yard, Rear - "That area extending across the entire width of the lot between the rear wall of the principal building and the rear line of the lot, and unoccupied except for parking, loading and unloading space, and garages and carports". Please note that the italics are mine. BY DEFINITION, you can't put a shed in a back yard because a back yard is UNOCCUPIED except for the defined usage.

Now, going back to my idea of preserving the RURAL nature of our community, how can we locate sheds simply. Lumping all non-residence structures together, I suggest that they be allowed anywhere on the property within 10' of side and rear property lines. This leaves room for owners to maintain the structures while not walking on the neighbor's property. This would be Permit By Right and structures under 150 square feet would not require a permit at all if meeting the setback and NOT obstructing the neighbor's view of the lake. If the location of the proposed building would be less than 10' from the property line, an Area Variance would be needed. As for the setback from the front, I believe even our residential setback is too restrictive. Certainly this should be discussed.

Notice that the idea is to be the least restrictive on the property owner while not inconveniencing the neighbor.

IMO setbacks in all zones for non-residential structures should be set at 10' for side and rear property lines. Structures under 150 square feet (sheds, dog houses, play houses, etc.) would not require permits if located 10' or more from the property lines. Simple.

Tundra Swans and New Phalaeonopsis

2009-10-28T21:40:00.003-04:00

First, the bad news. There were three or four Tundra Swans on Findley Lake today, 10/28/09. This is particularly early and suggests that winter will start early and hard. I hope not since we don't have our two tons of pellets in yet. Fortunately they are paid for and just waiting for delivery.

Now the good news. We have acquired a new Phalaeonopsis. I just couldn't pass it up at Home Depot. The flowers are huge, white but with strong purple centers. The flower spray has 13 open flowers and 4 fat buds. While watering it today, I checked the roots and it is certainly overdue for a larger pot and better potting material.

Because of it's absolutely stunning appearance, I've named it Aphrodite. She joins our first purple Phal, which we call Hermes, and our second Phal, a creamy flower with red striping which we call Apollo. I've also been trying to rehabilitate a friend's Phal. So far, that plant has survived surgery on the rotted plant base and has begun to put up a new leaf. Because of the sad state it was in, I named it Niobe. If she perks up soon, there is a possibility that she may produce a flower in December.

Even my husband gets a lot of pleasure from these Phals. The flowers last up to 3 months, which is amazing. The colors are stunning and the dark green shiny leaves look nice during the rest of the year. Today I repotted Hermes, and found that it was starting to rot underneath. Fortunately the plant is reasonably healthy and has some good roots so it should perk up.

Zoning The RURAL Out of Our Little Town - #1

2009-10-25T20:31:00.006-04:00

This had been a long time percolating in my brain.

In trying to keep the "Rural" aspect of our town, we are zoning it out of existence.

Our town is : the smell of manure as it goes past our house, on it's way from the farm to a field where it will be spread and will help produce food for animals and humans.

Our town is: the neighbor who paints their house a tacky color (by today's standards)

Our town is: people trying to enjoy the property that they own.

Our town is: live and let live.

So the question is, what constitutes a "Rural", how do we keep our town rural, and can zoning and a comprehensive plan do that?

My understanding of the "Rural" way of life is that it gives the most freedom to individual land owners, whether you like what they do on their property or not, while continuing to help them in time of need and keeping your heart charitable towards them.

Here's where (in my opinion - IMO) we are going totally in the wrong direction. We should be trying to minimize the number of rules that apply to owner land usage (very rural concept) while maintaining basic safety issues and some common sense rural ideals.

The current zoning law has a statement in it that says "if something is not stated or defined in this law, then it is not allowed". Not exactly a freedom lover's statement IMO. Because of omissions, inconsistencies, and just basic poorly thought out laws, this "not allowed" statement totally confounds the reasonable approach to "Rural" zoning. Breathing is not specifically stated as allowed so by this law, it is not allowed. Dog houses are not stated as allowed so technically they are not allowed. DUH - we live in a Rural community so who's business is it to tell us we can or can not have a dog house.

There are no set-backs listed for other structures (i.e. not houses) in several zones. Ergo, while the structure may be allowed, since there is no allowable set-back listed, you can not possibly legally locate your structure IMO. Mind you, reasonable minds have OK such structures using their own reasonable setbacks but technically, that's not written in the law and therefore it is illegal.

If your zone does have a set-back for "other structures", why do we have to have a permit to set a shed on our property (any property we own)? Why can't any structure under 150 square feet be by right? Why can't you have multiple such structures on your property? Who's business is it to say you can or can't have a structure under 150 square feet on property that you own but has no residence on it? For some reason, sheds have been singled out to require more zoning ifs/ands/or buts! You can have multiple accessory buildings (over 150 square feet) but only one shed (under 150 square feet). IMO you should be allowed as many structures under 150 square feet as you wish. Call it a shed, a chicken coop, a potting shed, a wood shed, a changing room, a dog house, I just don't care. If you want it, if it is located 5' or 10' inside your property line, AND if it doesn't block your neighbor's view of the lake (mostly), IMO you can have as many as you like. It's your property, enjoy it. IMO that preserves the "Rural" characteristic of our town.

Just to point out how inconsistent our zoning laws are, take "hunting stands" as an example. They are not listed as allowed, ergo, they should be forbidden. Well, people have them and the zoning officer has traditionally ignored them. Pretty much, most of the wood constructed hunting stands are just sheds located 20+ feet off of the ground. In a "Rural" community, this seems to be accepted and OK. IMO it is OK. Taking that one step further, if a shed located 20 feet in the air is OK, then a shed located on the ground is even better - safer for the community while allowing the land owner free use of his land as he see's fit.

Check back for more articles on how we are zoning the RURAL out of our community. It's time to get the zoning juggernaut stopped and reversed. It's your property because you want to enjoy it. Learn to accept and promote the same freedom for your neighbor. Get in a RURAL frame of mind.

What's Cooking This Week in Findley Lake

2009-10-18T14:17:00.006-04:00

I finally got to Erie County Farms during daylight hours. Usually I hit there at 5pm on Fridays, tired, slow, and fighting the last minute crowd. Sometimes workers are actually clearing off the counters.

This past Friday, a friend and I drove in at noon. What a difference 5 hours makes! While I bought my usual assortment of fresh veggies and meat, what was really difference was having the energy to do something with it once I got home.

Friday afternoon I made Cock-a-Leekie Soup using the chicken/leeks/purple potatoes that I'd bought. Put some of the pork into marinate for Thai Spicy Pork. Bagged up the rest of the chicken breasts, boneless pork chops and roasts, and cod, then got them right into the freezer. Usually I'm too tired to do more than stuff the meats into the frig and hope I get back to them.

Saturday cooked up the Thai Pork and made a pan full of Roasted Winter Veggies using a buttercup squash/fennel bulb/red onion that I had bought.

Sunday, today, I plan on blanching some of the kale and freezing it. The rest of the kale I'll cook completely. Then I'll set up my freezer suppers (about 2 or 3) of Thai Pork, baked sweet potato, and kale using divided freezer ware. Sunday supper is half of the roasted chicken that I bought Friday (other half went straight to the freezer). The side will be the Roasted Winter Veggies plus Roasted Garlic as a condiment for the meat.

Monday, I plan on making my own bastardized Hot and Sour Soup. Got the pork and tofu, bean sprouts, then either some frozen Asian veggie mix or some broccoli and mushrooms (also from my shopping expedition).

Tuesday is suppose to be fish and coleslaw (Friday's shopping)

Wednesday is suppose to be steak salad using a head of Boston lettuce and red onion. I may substitute Thai Pork chunks as they are already cook.

So what does it mean when I cook? It's usually a sign that I feel good. My family, like an army, runs on it's stomach. Most of the meals I'm cooking are also providing enough food for two or three other nights. This works perfectly into my plans for Turkey hunting next week. Amongst the chaos of my life, I have an outlined supper menu for the week posted on the frig (just an aberration this week). Next week will be a reprise of this week so I'll have very little cooking, just nuking. Sounds like a plan for the little hunting homemaker, me!

Winter in October

2009-10-17T22:56:00.004-04:00

The first snow has now officially fallen in Findley Lake, on Thursday, 10/15/09. It started in the morning as mostly rain with big snowflakes mixed in. By evening, we had snow laying on the wet ground.

Here at home, we started swapping out the winter clothes two weeks ago. First to be switched out was my husband's stuff. Cotton quarter socks and half of the cotton crew socks were traded for calf length cotton socks and a large supply of wool socks. Decent tee shirts were swapped out for turtle-neck and mock turtle-neck shirts. Fleece, wool, flannel, and long sleeve cotton shirts appeared in place of the short sleeved lighter variety. Shorts definitely moved into storage.

The following week it was my turn. Tank tops, which had basically not been worn this summer, were swapped for mock turtle-necks. Fleece and flannel shirts replaced the short sleeve ones. I happily switched from cotton socks to my extensive assortment of wool blend socks. They are becoming my shopping downfall.

Each year I swear that I have enough wool blend socks. A good supply is OK since they will be worn from October through April. However, Sam's Club has again brought in a supply that just calls to me. I ended up immediately buying one set (four pairs) in the blue shades for a little less than $13.00. Unfortunately for our budget, there is also a brown set and I have very few brown wool socks. See where this is headed?

One tiny justification for the wool socks is the amazing length of time that they last. Over the last five years, I have not had to get rid of a single pair of wool socks. Since mine are worn and washed regularly for seven months out of the year, they hold up really well. Plus, their warm and attractive.

Panna Cotta Is A Low Carb Dessert To Die For

2009-09-16T21:31:00.004-04:00

Best low carb dessert - Panna Cotta. We've been back on a low carb diet for the last month (husband down 15#s, me just 5#s).

This has got to be one of the easiest recipes:

4 TBSP cool water
2 1/2 tsp Knox gelatin
3 cups total heavy or whipping cream
1/3 - 1/2 cup granulated Splenda (I started with the 1/2 cup but 1/3 is enough
2 tsp vanilla extract
or
1/2 tsp almond extract

Put 4 TBSP cool water in a quart sauce pan. Add 2 1/2 tsp Knox gelatin (measure as this may be 1 envelope plus 1/2 tsp more). Wait a few minutes, then add one cup of heavy or whipping cream. Bring to a simmer on medium high heat, whisking frequently. When gelatin is completely dissolved, remove from heat. Immediately whisk in 1/3 - 1/2 cup granular Splenda (the kind used for baking). Add either 2 tsp vanilla extract or 1/2 tsp almond extract. Now add two more cups of heavy or whipping cream. Whisk well. Pour into 6 (1/2 cup) custard cups or other suitable container, cover, and put in frig to set up. Allow at least 4 hours or more. Total carbs for one serving is 7.5gm. We add a sprinkling of frozen raspberries on the vanilla flavored panna cotta and frozen diced sour cherries on the almond flavored panna cotta. Limit the amount of fruit, add a dab of canned whipped cream and you have about 12 grams of carbs. This has totally replaced the ice cream habit we had been developing.

Laughs on the Internet

2009-09-12T21:37:00.002-04:00

Since the Presidential primary season, I started reading the Anchorage Daily News. They have a Dog Blog that interesting and I've sometimes contributed to the comments. The following links are to a funny article and then a really funny dog blog. I got a lot of chuckles out of both of them.
Here's the ADN.com dog blog link http://community.adn.com/adn/node/143117
Here's the Puppy Dog blog link http://puppydogdiaries.squarespace.com/
We can all use a good laugh and dogs give us that in spades. Enjoy !!

Books I Am REading - Part 2 - #1 Ladies' Detective Agency

2009-07-23T21:49:00.004-04:00

If you like the action in your books to be interpersonal, rather than just murder and mayhem, give "The #1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series a try (Alexander McCall Smith). I'd read the first four books before, then got to watch HBO's series by the same name, starring Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose. While slightly different than the linear narration of events in the books, the TV series was absolutely excellent and left me looking for a second season.

After watching the series, I reread the four books that I had and ordered five more (all except the newest one).

Order some Bush Tea (Rooibus - plain) from Select Teas. Sit back and enjoy the gentle stories of people and their lives in Botswana. Alexander McCall Smith writes from his personal knowledge of Botswana and the peoples of Africa. Most interesting is his ability to write from (what I call) a woman's perspective. The books are full of the small details that shade our lives. You get a feel for the vast Kalahari desert, life in a dry land, an appreciation for the old courtesies and way of life in a land foreign to many Americans. Part mystery, part travelogue, and part social observation, the books are truly enjoyable.

Books I Am Reading - Part 1 - Eating Alone

2009-07-23T20:41:00.006-04:00

I just finished reading "What We Eat When We Eat Alone", written by Deborah Madison and illustrated by Patrick McFarlin. I was introduced to this book by the Christian Science Monitor website book section, which I check weekly. Patrick started asking travel acquaintances what foods they ate when alone and it turned out that people were happy to discuss this very private activity.

Some of the more unusual (strictly in the mind of the beholder) meal menus included: crackers crumbled in milk; matzos crumbled in coffee; a sauce made with yogurt, mustard, and crumbled feta; and lots of food cobbled from what was in the frig and pantry (fungible greens, starches and proteins).

Tonight I tried the blue cheese sauce (cream with blue cheese melted in it). Pan browned a T-bone, chopped fresh mushrooms browned with the steak and then left in the pan as part of the sauce. Turned out delicious. There are 100 recipes in the book along with some very cute art work. I have several recipes to try including Salsa Verde made with tomatillos, the above mentioned yogurt sauce, and pasta with greens.

My own solo foods start with canned whole hominy (white preferred to yellow but both OK). Drain, dump into a bowl, cover and nuke about 1.5 minutes (you'll hear some popping). Pour off the excess water, add butter, salt, and pepper. Several years ago I found out that my youngest brother also eats this as I do - comfort food for when we are tired, don't feel well, or just haven't any appetite.

Hersey's Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is also a favorite for a light meal, if suffering from congestion, or if a scratchy throat is noticeable. If your significant other shows signs of congestion, it is also acceptable to share this, strictly for medicinal purposes.

When alone for supper, any form of taco is fine. Cook several burgers (put extras in frig for next night's tacos). Slightly warm two corn tortillas under a broiler, in a toaster oven, or in a toaster (rotate while toasting). You want it slightly crisping but not cracking crisp so you can fold it. Take one cooked burger, slice it into three "sticks" and lay them down the center of the tortillas. Smear sour cream on one side of the tortilla along the burger sticks. Add your favorites - chopped or slices of onion (cut in half across and lay the onion strands along the burger), avocado or guacamole, salsa, grated or slices of cheese, and lettuce. Fold tortilla around this, grasp with an overhand hold, and munch while holding a paper towel in the other hand. Messy but uplifting in flavor and a high satisfaction quotient. To make it even easier, use a can of refried beans in place of the burger. Heat about 1/2 cup in microwave and refrigerate the rest. Smear the heated beans down the center of the tortillas and then add your favorites (see above). Note that the salsa should be under the cheese and lettuce to control drips and mess.

Left over pizza and spaghetti are delicious eaten cold. You get a totally different taste when these are cold.

From my Father, I learned to eat plain yogurt with brown sugar mixed in it (leave some lumps so that you get the yin and yang of tangy and sweet). Dannon Plain Yogurt (regular, not low fat) makes a very nice quick dessert fixed this way. Also from my Father I learned to eat whole wheat berries. We used to buy them at the feed store when I was young. Now all health food stores carry whole red wheat berries. Rinse a cup and put into a sauce pan. Add maybe 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer covered for about 1/2 hour (may foam over a bit). Remove from heat, leave in the water, and store in the frig when cooled. Next day, scoop some out with a slotted spoon and put in a cereal bowl. The wheat berries should be split and chewy. Cover and heat for 1 minute or so in the microwave. Sprinkle on sugar, pour on milk just to the top of the cereal, and eat. This can be a meal or a snack. I leave the berries in the cooking water for about three days and they grow more tender each day. The taste and texture is so different from processed cereals, different even from oatmeal.

Deer in the Yard

2009-07-21T22:53:00.003-04:00

We've been seeing a doe and two fawns in the back yard. Friday I was able to snap this photo of the doe. Called her in with my own imitation fawn baaa. That was really very cool.

Findley Lake Watershed Foundation Annual Meeting

2009-07-21T16:28:00.010-04:00

Saturday 7/18/09 was the annual meeting of the Findley Lake Watershed Foundation. Meet and greet started at 7pm in the gym at the Community Center. Kudos to the folks who provided the snacks and water as it was much appreciated.

Ed Mulkearn started the meeting with an introduction of the board members including new member Scott Henry. Scott is taking up the late Don LaRose's job of caring for the fish and fishing in the lake.

Mark Matrozza reported on the condition of the lake (C-SLAP report) and noted that the 2008 C-SLAP report showed modest improvements in clarity of the lake. Jeff Horner reported that the clarity reading he just completed was also quite good. Dennis Luce gave a summary of the current weed harvesting efforts. While the south pound area had some significant weed growth at the start of harvesting, that was now under control and the rest of the lake was in good condition. A short hiatus in running the harvester was in the works.

Jeff Horner reported on attending the NYSFOLA meeting, going to educational programs, and generally being able to talk to other "lake" people. He reported that Findley Lake is very highly regarded because of the amount of years the lake has been studied and because for such a modest size lake we have a functioning weed harvesting program. He also reported on the latest edition of the "Laker" newsletter. He plans to do three a year. Through the efforts of Dennis Luce and Jeff, a new and improved website for the Foundation is up and running at: www.findleylakewf.org. The newsletter is reproduced on the web in color and, as more information becomes available, the website will be expanded and updated. Check it out and then pass on the web address to your family and friends. There is a contact link for any suggestions that you might have for additional content or features.

Marci Schwab reported on this year's membership numbers. While down about 15 members to date from last year's total, donations for harvesting in addition to the dues had helped keep the total dollars up. If you haven't paid your 2009 dues yet, you can download an application at the Watershed Foundation's website : www.findleylakewf.org

Scott Henry reported on the fish stocking plans. He also noted that fish are being taken without regard to type and size limitations. As he pointed out, if younger fish are removed from the lake (illegally), fishing will decline. Make sure all parties fishing from your docks and boats have a current copy of the NYS Fishing Guide (free at the Town Clerk's office).

Comments from the audience included questions about the well water testing currently being done, concern regarding lack of enforcement of both the counter-clockwise rotation for boats and the lack of attention paid to the no wake zone. Whether there are buoys or not, the no wake zone has been established and is 100' from shore. Again, anyone using a boat or jet ski needs to adhere to this restriction. Speeding inside of the no wake zone can have catastrophic results should a swimmer or object be struck. Excessive wave activity near the shore leads to more shoreline erosion and more nutrients and particulates being washed into the lake.

A presentation was made after the adjournment showing how the bed tax revenue was being split and showing examples of projects that had received prior funding. The Findley Lake Small Island Project, under the Nature Center's aegis, is one of the projects currently being funded.

Usually the annual meeting tends to be stuffy and hot but, given the strange weather this year, it was comfortable. There was a lot of good information provided by the board and attending members. Congratulations to the Watershed Foundation for another successful year!

Lovely July 4th Boat Parade

2009-07-04T23:04:00.005-04:00

Beautiful weather and imaginative decorations thrilled the enthusiastic crowd at the Findley Lake Boat Parade on July 4th. With a theme of College Football, the rivalry was intense. Eight motorboats and six pontoon boats went head to head, striving to win the peoples choice Grand Prize. When the over 150 votes were counted, the overwhelming win for the Crum Family's "Wossamotta U" pontoon boat returned the traveling Breter Cup Trophy to them for another year.

The five judges for the Motor and Pontoon Boat divisions did not let offers of candy or other favors intrude on their serious deliberations. First Place in the Motor Boat division was awarded to Anderson Family, who decked out their boat and themselves in a sea of red for OSU. Second place went to the Proctor/Kelleher Family decorated as the ever-popular Notre Dame. In the Pontoon Boat division, First Place went to the Schneider Family who were Penn State Proud. Second Place went to the Jusiak Family saluting the University of Findley Lake. Many participants stopped by the judging tent to thank the Findley Lake Community Foundation for organizing this year's event.

Wacky Wren

2009-07-01T16:05:00.004-04:00

I could hear the wren singing from inside our house, with all the windows closed. He was really carrying on. Then I could hear little feet landing on the pellet stove exhaust pipe.

Carefully peaking out the window, I found my little wren removing pieces of grass from the nest in the pipe. He wasn't taking them to another nest, he was just flying to the fence or a branch and dropping them. Back and forth he went, stopping each time to sing and then remove a bit of the nest.

Maybe the missus didn't like the softness of the nest. Certainly there is enough dog hair hanging in the net on the fence, suitable for lining a nest.

Listening to him sing is really uplifting. He has so much enthusiasm and the song is so cheerful. What a nice musical interlude he gave me today.

Wildlife Babies and Birds

2009-06-29T19:43:00.005-04:00

We've been having a fun time watching four groundhog babies grow up. I like watching them browse out back. When the sunlight hits them at the right angle, they look blond. What I can't decide is if it is two families combined or one Mother with four babies. Yes, they do dig holes around the property, and in the barn, and in the hay shed. Since we don't have horses right now the holes are less of a concern. If they start digging into the house, they're toast.

Last week my husband saw a doe browsing along the back edge of our side acre. She had a fawn with her and according to my husband, the fawn just attacked her for lunch. No "please" from the fawn and no "not now" from the Mom. I saw a doe nursing a fawn last month, along an interstate about five miles from our house. Apparently everything else stops until Junior gets fed.

We've had a little male House Wren doing a lot of singing near the back of the house. I started hearing strange sounds coming from the pellet stove exhaust so went outside and took a look. Sure enough, the pipe was plugged with twigs from the fir trees close by. Doing a little research, I found out that the male wren may build up to 8 rudimentary nests in his quarter acre homestead. The female will inspect the offered residences and once she chooses one, will start to fill it with softer material. I keep a net bag of dog hair, from the resident spoiled house pet, for the birds to use. Only the male sings and he is so cute, basic brown, sitting on the fence with his little tail flicking up and down. I've seen the female and I think she has taken up residence in the pellet stove exhaust but I'm not absolutely sure. I even bought some "freeze dried meal worms" to feed these little birds. Meal worms are suppose to be attractive to blue birds, indigo buntings, and other worm/suet eating birds.

The bird feeder has become a problem due to the persistence of a local raccoon. It's a medium size animal and I am loath to dispatch it at this point. It doesn't come into the dog's yard as far as I can tell. It can access the bird feeder by climbing the yard's fence on the outside and dumping the bird seed out. I quit putting out seed for quite a while but now that the wren may have a family to support, I've started putting out very small amounts of seed with a side of meal worms. Apparently I'm also feeding a family of Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks. We have Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, one of the white striped sparrows, and a few finches. All the Chickadees seem to have disappeared. I even had two eat from my hand during the winter. Of course, the feeder was empty, it was freezing out, the wind was blowing, and I was cement headed enough to stand there like a statue with seed in my hand pretending to be a bird feeder. The husband, standing inside, warm and content, found the scene charming if a bit goofy, since I wasn't wearing a coat.

Strange Summer in Findley Lake

2009-06-29T17:24:00.003-04:00

I am not one to make a final pronouncement on global warming. I do believe that it is happening, as it has happened in the past. How much of it is man-made is hard to quantify but it stands to reason that we, as humans, have participated in the current warming. Whether modifying our energy and other habits can have an effect is up for grabs but worth trying.

That said, this has been one of weirdest Spring and early Summer weather I've seen in a while. March had some nice weather. April was so-so. May was cool and we had frosts more frequently that was pleasant. I'd put the chrysanthemum cuttings that I'd nursed all winter outdoors, figuring the weather was OK. Next think I knew, we were rushing out at bedtime to bring them back indoors. My big pot of Lemon Grass (an Asian seasoning used to a tropical climate) thinks it's gone to HELL. All winter it limped by on the enclosed front porch, extremely cool. We started putting it outside and then had to yank it back in. Then out, then in again. One of these days, it's just going to quit on me.

Yes, our last frost date is somewhere around June 15th so frost in May was to be expected. Unfortunately, the frost continued into early June. A walk around our property last week showed not a single apple on our three trees. Since they are in different locations with different exposures, the micro climate for each is different. I expected at least some apples but there were none.

On the good side, our energy costs have been very modest. The natural gas bill has dropped significantly for May and June. While temperatures were cool outside, the house was able to hold it's comfortable temperature with little need for the furnace. Ditto for the electric bill. Over the last few years, we have needed to install window A/C's in May because of the heat. We have now reached June 29th with no A/C's installed. I would say we had possibly two evenings where the temperature was above 70 degrees. Up until maybe last week, night temperatures outside were in the mid to upper 50's. We are starting to hit the low 60's consistently now. Every morning, the question has to be answered - shorts or long pants.

Tomorrow, Tuesday June 30th, the weather is suppose to be rainy and between 57 - 60 degrees. As I said, weird weather.

My Lava Lamp

2009-06-23T22:53:00.003-04:00

Six years ago, I asked for a lava lamp for Christmas. Darling Husband, ever willing to accommodate my fancies, bought me my hearts desire, the blue one with purple blobs.

It was interesting for a short while but not practical. Then our lives became stressful due to health issues and we had to make our bedroom on the first floor in our family room. I brought down the lava lamp and we used it for a night light. What a wonderful stress reliever that turned out to be. Worries kept us up or woke us up at night and we could slowly push them away by watching the languid movement of purple blobs, up and down the lamp. They bumped and passed each other. Sometimes they coalesced into bigger blobs. Early in the evening, as the wax which made up the bobs warmed up, strands would stretch like tentacles from top to bottom. Always different and always the same.

Health issues resolved, bedroom was moved back upstairs, but the lava lamp now had a place in our lives much greater than either of us imagined. Even now, my husband turns it on most nights and will notice if we forget to turn it on. We are on our third bulb, ratcheted down to a 25 watt to save money. It still works the same. The blobs go up, the blobs go down, pretty purple in a sea of bright blue. Worries rise and worries fall, and we go back to sleep.

Turkey Sandwiches with Vidalia Onions

2009-06-22T18:31:00.004-04:00

How can you beat turkey sandwiches? Giant Eagle whole grain sour dough bread, real mayo, grilled turkey breast (see yesterday's post), big slabs of raw vidalia onion, salt and pepper. Trying not to overeat but it's hard when something tastes that good.

Living in the Country and Technology

2009-06-22T18:15:00.003-04:00

Since we live in a snow belt but formerly worked in Erie PA, where they get less snow than we do, I've always been proud to say that we ignore weather reports. Where we live, the weather is what you see out the window when you get up. When we were working and had to drive into Erie daily, a weather report was pretty meaningless. If you got up and there were two feet of snow, you started digging. The cars had extra cold weather clothes, towels or blankets, and flashlights. Weather reports here are frequently wrong, no matter how high tech the equipment so being prepared is a way of life.

Saying all that, yesterday our little digital outdoor thermometer went on the fritz. Since there is an outside sender and an inside receiver, both requiring batteries, we will have to replace both sets. Meanwhile, it burped out a temperature of 32 degrees last night so we hustled in the plants on the walk. Somehow, I just don't think it really was that cold. For one thing, when I stepped out at 11pm, I was comfortable. That would definitely not happen if it were freezing. We even check it to decide long pants or short, crew socks or cropped, jacket or short sleeves. I guess battery changing is in the plans for tonight.

Turkey Breast on the Grill

2009-06-21T21:57:00.003-04:00

Today was a lovely Father's Day. Since I don't find my way into the kitchen much lately, I thought I'd stretch a little and cook supper.

Dinner was a small turkey breast from the freezer, purple potatoes, and mixed summer squash, all cooked on the charcoal grill. If you've never cooked a turkey breast straight out of the freezer, it is really a time saver. This one was nice and small, almost 3 pounds and just right for two people.

Rules for cooking a frozen turkey breast are basically 1/2 hour for each pound plus an extra 1/2 hour because it is frozen. After starting the charcoal, move it to the outer edges of the grill. In this case, I put the breast on a small rack over a shallow small pan that used to belong to an old toaster oven that died. Put about 1 cup water in the pan. I also made about 1/4 cup of flavoring - mostly soy sauce, a bit of lemon juice, chopped garlic, rosemary, and ginger. After the breast had cooked for about 1/2 hour, I was able to separate the skin from the meat and pour in the flavoring sauce.

After the turkey had cooked for over one hour, I added more charcoal. At that point the foil wrapped potatoes were put in, along with a cake tin of chunked zuchini, yellow squash, onions, garlic and thyme.

In another hour, the meat was done, as were the veggies. Supper was very tasty and we have enough left over for turkey sandwiches and another supper just like tonight. After an ice cream cone, chat with friends, and ride around the lake, we called it a thoroughly pleasant Father's Day.

Choppy Gray Day on Findley Lake

2009-06-17T22:10:00.003-04:00

While the weather has been reasonably nice, it has also been unseasonably cool. This was brought home when the natural gas and electric bills arrived. Both were unusually low (what a welcomed surprise to our checkbook!). May saw temperatures at night in the 50's with an occasional night in the 40's. Days were in the 50's and 60's. As long as there is no wind, our house holds it temperature fairly well. With lights and computers running, we generate a fair of amount of heat so with moderate temperatures outside we stay comfortable. On cool days in May, we ran the pellet stove for a few hours. Neither the furnace, using natural gas, nor the pellet stove (which requires electricity to run) were used much and our utility bills reflected that.

Now it's the middle of June and we are still getting by with only screens in the windows. Sleeping temperatures have been refreshingly cool. Normally we install the A/C units in May but so far, we haven't even needed a window fan. It's so nice to not hear the ching ching ching of utility bills ratcheting up.

Today is a good example of this strange weather. Late in the evening and it is 60 degrees out and 73 degrees in our family room with just the TV, computers and light on. Today was gray, rainy, windy and Findley Lake had a chop on it. The big blue weed harvester could not operate because of the wind and chop. There was one teenager fishing on the end of a dock. Everyone else had the sense to just watch from indoors.

Benefits of Small Town Life

2009-06-12T13:11:00.004-04:00

When I first moved to Findley Lake, there was no such thing as cable TV. Antennas brought in Erie, maybe Buffalo, and channels 6 and 10 from Canada. That was the extent of TV home entertainment. Locals looked to their neighbors for passive entertainment, a kind of "local" TV.

One lady talked about going out on Findley Lake after Labor Day and using her binoculars to look into the windows of the cottages that lined the lake. I'd never thought of that activity but could see where it would be pretty interesting. Once I related this to a new part-time resident who had a lake house. You should have seen him turn white. Guess he wasn't drawing the drapes on the lake side, assuming that people couldn't see in.

Likewise, being greeted by name the first time I went to vote was disconcerting as I didn't know the people who greeted me. Small town people pay attention to property sales, cars in the driveway, and all other manner of clues as to what is going on at your house. After living here this long, I can say that the effect of that scrutiny ranges from benign to extremely neighborly. When acquaintances notice a change in the pattern, they will step in to see if you need help. You are definitely not ignored here.

At it's best, Local TV is gentle, educational, and promotes a sense of community and generosity for those in need.

You don't have to be on the lake to enjoy Local TV. A ride around the lake at dusk offers little snippets of life due to the propensity of residents to leaves their drapes and shades up. Whether you like home decor (pine paneling was very very in at some point in time), family activities (playing cards and watching TV seem to the the favorites), or just enjoy the warmth emanating from the lights softly pouring out of the windows across the front lawns, a ride around the lake is a gentle, educational, and community affirming activity. When done with an ice cream cone in hand, its' also dessert time !!

July 4th, 2009 in Findley Lake NY

2009-06-10T18:10:00.006-04:00

Time is just flying by and plans are falling into place for the annual Independence Day celebrations in Findley Lake. This year, July 4th falls on a Saturday and the whole day can be spent downtown, enjoying all this small town has to offer.

Starting around 11 AM, the Findley Lake Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting their ever popular BBQ Chicken. My motto for that is "if you wait, you'll be late" as they sell out surprisingly early. Meals can be eaten there or you can get take-out. Money raised benefits the Fire Department.

If BBQ Chicken isn't what you are hungering for there are plenty of restaurant options in and just outside of town. Gourmet sandwiches, pizza, wings, steaks or ribs, beer, wine, bar options, all can be found so no one needs to go hungry.

While shopping, be sure to pick up your entry for the Duck Race. The race will start at 12:30 PM when yellow rubber ducks are "released" from a starting line near the flume in the lake at the north end of the lake. With a rush, the ducks enter the flume tube and first duck past the finish line in the mill pond wins.

At 2 PM, the annual Boat Parade will take place. If you've never seen this before, there's plenty of excitement and laughter as boats, decorated for this year's theme of "College Football" circle the lake in a parade. It all starts down by the flume and as part of the public, you too can vote for the Grand Prize winner. A panel of judges will pick the first and second prize winners in the two classes, Motor Boat and Float Boat. Formerly organized by the Breter family, the Grand Prize winner will take home the Breter Traveling Trophy and a plaque. Trophies will be awarded in the two boat classes. Decorating the boats is taken seriously by Findley Lakers and many of the entries will have crews dressed in College Football outfits, playing favorite fight songs, and even some song and dance routines. This is truly a family event and enjoyable for everyone.

Check on the sandwich board outside of the Waterwheel Overlook to see the schedule for Nature Center tours. If you've never seen the world class exhibit of animal mounts, this is a great thing to do with children.

At 9:30 PM homeowners along the lake shore will light flares along the water's edge. By this time, dusk is beginning to turn into night and the red ring of flares trimming the lake are one of the most amazing sights. Then promptly at 10 PM, the first firework goes off and the Findley Lake Fireworks display starts a non-stop 20 minute show that draws people for 20+ miles around. The best views of the fireworks are from downtown near the flume and gazebo, along North Road to School Street, and along the stretch of Mann Road from the blinker to the first farm. If you have a boat on the lake, viewing is especially nice out in the middle of the north pond. Don't forget that due to high usage, access to the lake will be restricted over the holiday and the ramp will be closed starting on Friday. To help defray the cost, donations can be made to the Findley Lake Fireworks Fund and mailed C/O Matters of the Hearth, 2842 Rt. 426, Findley Lake, NY 14736.

After the end of the fireworks, it's pleasant to stay and chat with friends (new and old). Many of the visitors who brought their children need to get them home to bed so we like to wait until the traffic clears out before heading home.

More Condiments For The Winter Table

2009-05-25T15:46:00.007-04:00

I like having tasty side dishes in the freezer, ready to spark up a meal. Here are a few recipes that I depend on to add a little zing to the plate.

Frozen Applesauce I'd prefer to make this from scratch but have been settling for unsweetened applesauce in a jar for several years now and it works fine.

Needed:
About 12 4 oz. containers (saved from individual fruit cups/applesauce previously used)
Or about 6 Ziploc sandwich bags plus one gallon freezer bag
1 - 50 oz jar unsweetened applesauce
Cinnamon powder (to taste, I go heavy as cinnamon is suppose to help diabetics with blood sugar)

Remove about 1 cup of applesauce from jar and set aside. Into the jar add as much cinnamon as you wish (1 1/2 teaspoons would be about 1/8 tsp. per serving, 3 tsp. would be 1/4 tsp each)
Using a long handled ice tea spoon, stir in powder so it gets wet. Then cap the jar and shake vigorously until the powder is well dispersed and the color is even.

If using the 1/2 cup containers, put a tablespoon of the plain applesauce that you set aside into the bottom of each container, then pour in additional sauce from the jar to fill. Do not overfill as contents will swell some when frozen. Place filled cups on cookie sheet and place flat in freezer. When frozen, either wrap individually with plastic or just take as is and store all in a gallon Ziploc. If using Ziploc sandwich bags, add a little of the plain applesauce first, then measure in a "short" cup. Carefully remove air from bags, seal, and flatten. Place in the gallon freezer bag and freeze flat.

How to serve for dessert: One of us really likes frozen applesauce so often it's served as dessert in our house. Let it sit out on a counter for 15 - 30 minutes to defrost some and then eat with a spoon. If you have popsicle containers, freeze as popsicles and use completely frozen.

How to serve for condiment: Again, defrost at least 30 minutes or more ahead of time. If serving in individual cups, stir each one, breaking up any large frozen chunks that remain. If using the bags, gently squeeze bag to break up frozen pieces and then split between two or three plates or small cups. Goes nicely with chicken, pork, and ham.

Cranberry Relish - it's not just for holiday meals. This brings a visual and taste sensation to your meal while also being very good for you. Make extra at Thanksgiving when cranberries go on sale and use for the rest of the year.

4 cups cranberries (1 lb)
1 orange
1 apple
1 1/2 - 2 cups sugar (absolutely fine to substitute Splenda for part or all of the sugar)

Wash and sort cranberries. Wash, quarter and core apple and orange (leave skin and peel on).
Put all three fruits through a medium blade of meat grinder (the kind that granny use to clamp to the table). Be sure your bowl slips well under the front of the grinder to catch the juice. Mix ground fruit together and add sweetener of you choice (I use about 1 cup sugar & 1 cup Splenda).
Stir well.

Freeze either in 1/2 cup containers or in 1 cup portions in Ziploc sandwich bags as noted in above recipe. This recipe freezes fine so you can freeze in larger amounts for family gatherings.

NPR's Cranberry Sauce - This can be made at the same time as the above Cranberry Relish and is quite interesting. I think that I actually used the above cranberries/apple/orange mix for the fruit base and then followed the rest of this recipe.

2 cups raw cranberries, washed and sorted
1 small onion
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
2 TBSP horseradish (not sauce, real grated horseradish from a jar)

Grind together cranberries and onion, stir in sour cream, sugar, and horseradish. This recipe MUST be frozen before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Freeze in the quantities that you like, then defrost and serve as a side for turkey, chicken, pork and ham. I like it, my husband isn't sure where he stands so usually I give him the standard cranberry relish while I use this.

Spring Flavors For The Winter

2009-05-25T15:25:00.003-04:00

Anyone who reads the recipes that I post here know that I put a premium on taste. The following recipe is spicy/fruity/sharp/sweet all in one. In the winter, it gives a real lift to chicken, pork, ham, beef, and probably salmon too. Since a batch is simmering down on the stove, here's the recipe for you to try:

Rhubarb-Ginger Chutney
1 cup apple-cider vinegar
2 cups brown sugar, packed
4 lb. rhubarb, trimmed and sliced crosswise into 1/2 inch (or less) pieces (close to 10 cups)
1/2 cup peeled fresh ginger, sliced and cut into fine julienne (I grated much of mine)
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (or 1 heaping Tablespoon of minced garlic from a jar)
12 black peppercorns or 12 good twists from a pepper grinder
1 cup currants or raisins
1 tsp. salt
Using a non-reactive large pot, bring vinegar and sugar to a boil, add all other ingredients. Lower heat to simmer and cook (without a lid), stirring occasionally. Cook down to desired consistency. This may take 45 minutes to one hour depending on how high your simmer setting is. Be sure to watch and stir more frequently as chutney thickens. This makes about one quart.

I freeze mine two different ways. For individual 1/2 cup servings, either freeze in covered 1/2 cup containers or put plastic wrap squares into 1/2 cup cupcake tins. Once tin contents are frozen, pop out the individual servings, wrap, and freeze in gallon Ziploc bags. The other way that I freeze this is to use a 1/2 cup measure and put two scoops into a Ziploc sandwich bag (ergo one cup per bag). Again, when the bags are full, they are stored in one gallon Ziploc bag in the freezer.

To use, remove from freezer just before starting supper preparations. Serve either on the plate or in separate condiment bowls. Our family likes it still partially frozen but if that doesn't suit your tastes, lightly microwave for a few seconds to completely thaw.

2009 Grants Awarded by Findley Lake Community Foundation

2009-05-23T12:48:00.004-04:00

The annual grant meeting of the Findley Lake Community Foundation was held today at the Community Center. Attendees included Tom Roche, president, Dave Bartrum, Rebecca Brumagin, Donna Beth Luce, Carol Eller, Al Stohr, Michele Vonk, and Jack Graham.

Three grant requests were submitted for consideration. Given the economic downturn over the last year, the review process placed strong emphasis on capital projects/purchases for needed items rather than operational expenses. After much debate, two out of the three grant requests were partially funded.

The Alexander Findley Community Library received a grant of $2,500. The funds may be used, at their discretion, to purchase the most needed items as detailed on the original application.

The Findley Lake Nature Center received a grant of $1,100. This grant is specifically for purchase of a storage shed, needed for outside storage at their facility.

The Findley Lake Nature Center grant request for the Small Island Project was tabled at this time.

Addie's Restaurant and Ice Cream

2009-05-21T18:53:00.002-04:00

Addie's will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting Memorial Day weekend. Plans call for a light luncheon menu that will carry through the supper hour with the addition of pizza. The 40 different flavors of ice cream are proving a big draw, even in the middle of the week. When you stop in, tell them the Breeze from Findley Lake sent you.

Findley Lake Community Foundation News

2009-05-20T12:15:00.002-04:00

The Findley Lake Community Foundation Board of Directors was well represented at the 2009 Regional Affiliate Retreat hosted by the The Erie Community Foundation. FLCF President Thomas Roche, secretary Donna Beth Luce , and board members Carol Eller and Al Stohr spent Tuesday, May 19th, networking with other local community foundations. Presentations included a review of board member responsibilities, asset and donor development, improving communications, and best practices in grant making.

The Findley Lake Community Foundation is committed to the future of the lake and the community. Previous grants have benefited the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, weed harvesting on Findley Lake, the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society, and town beautification projects. Donations to the Findley Lake Community Foundation are invested and managed through the Erie Community, a 501C3 non-profit corporation.

Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:

Findley Lake Community Foundation

Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507

Findley Lake Web Site Links

2009-05-19T21:54:00.005-04:00

If you are looking for more information about Findley Lake NY, try these web sites:

FLACC (Findley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce) http://www.findleylakeinfo.org
Great place to locate lodging and dining options, retail and professional service businesses.
Read the biweekly news from Findley Lake with the "Tapestry" button.
Check out the Calendar of Events or download the Charm Trail map and begin your collection.

Town of Mina (Findley Lake) http://www.townofmina.info
Read Town Board minutes, search the 2007 assessment roll, download zoning permit and other documents.

Findley Lake Watershed Foundation http://www.findleylakewf.org
Read the latest news about the management and health of the lake. Join the Foundation as a member (property owner) or supporter using the membership application.

If Findley Lake holds a special place in your heart, please make a donation to the Findley Lake Community Foundation. Committed to the future of Findley Lake and the surrounding Town of Mina, the Community Foundation through its grant program supports the health of the lake through weed harvesting grants; education through its grants to the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, and the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society; and the well being of the community through beautification grants. The Foundation uses the fund management services of the Erie Community Foundation (a 501c3).

Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:

Findley Lake Community Foundation

Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507

New Businesses, New Services

2009-05-09T18:25:00.006-04:00

Wonderments, on Main Street, finally received the nod from New York State to open a wine shop. Wines from around the world and local wines from our corner of New York State are featured. This is a great addition to the business community in Findley Lake and a true convenience to both residents and visitors. If you are trying to be a "locavore" and consume products grown close to home, this shop is triply welcome. You save gas and time driving to wineries or liquor stores, you can choose from a great selection of local wines, and you are supporting our local economy. Be sure to tell the owners that you read it here first.

Also finally receiving their license from the Liquor Control Board was the Findley Lake Market. Carrying a large selection of beers in the new cooler room, the Market continues to expand it's offerings and services. Probably one of the best products carried is the Hersey's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. In our home, we use this for medicinal purposes. At any sign of congestion, or a scratchy throat, a quick trip to the Market gets us healthy again.

Findley Lake Auto Repair on Rt. 426 is selling mulch by the cubic yard. Here's a great chance to save yourself time and effort by stopping in to order yours.

Vinnie's Pizza is the place to pick up your Asian cooking staples. Whether it's Thai, Chinese, Korean, or a fusion dish, you don't have to drive to Wegman's to find a solid selection of necessary products including hot chili paste, several kinds of soy sauce, noodles, tasty desserts, and even shrimp paste. Never judge a book by it's cover and this is a perfect example of a pizza shop that serves dinner or take out, includes Asian favorites on it's menu, sells clothes, eggs, milk, and has an extensive inventory of Oriental and American foods.

The Main Street Cafe is a new face on Main Street. Checkout the selection of sweet rolls and muffins while you order your coffee to go. The weather is perfect for sitting on the benches in the gazebo or by the waterfront and enjoying the view while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Findley Lake Fashions, inside Our Own Candle Company, provides quality women's clothes and accessories. Complements to Teri for carrying styles and fabrics that appeal to all age groups. This has been a wonderful addition to Main Street.

A Year of Housing Changes

2009-05-09T17:03:00.006-04:00

I found the task of keeping up with the building/remodeling changes in Findley Lake during 2008 were daunting. Here's a brief update of what has occurred over the last year.

Probably foremost in change and scope was the demolition of John and Barb Henry's house on the point. The new house, still under construction by the Schwartz's, is taking full advantage of the views up and down the lake that the property provides. I hope it will continue to give shelter and respite to generations of families to come.

Continuing on down Shadyside from the Woodland Shores point, one house was damaged by mold/mildew necessitating a controlled burn to remove the superstructure. That house has now been completely rebuilt and should also provide years of enjoyment.

Approaching the south end of the lake, major dock work has disrupted the fine lawn and gardens of the Lewis's. Everything comes with a price and I'm sure that the Lewis's are looking forward to the completion of this necessary repair. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain waterfront property.

One house down has seen a complete exterior remodel including expansion and siding. That's one of the great things about living in Findley Lake. Property owners are constantly improving their homes.

Several homes have opted to re-roof using metal roofing. It's an excellent choice of materials for this area. The past winter saw 306" of snow. That's over 25' of snow. Fortunately it didn't all fall at once but accumulations over several days of over two feet were normal. With metal roofs, you sometimes get unintended consequences when the snow slides off in one massive whoosh. Two interesting situations included snow ending up piled in front of the garage doors and a chimney knocked to a sixty degree angle (and subsequently removed).

Starting up Sunnyside from the bottom of the lake, Mulkearn's new house continues to evolve. Working full time and trying to build a new house must be terribly hard.

The new house which had been built at the site of the former skating rink is soon to have a second floor deck. So far the framing has been constructed. The new deck should provide lovely views both of the lake and of the woods behind the house.

Sunnyside Restaurant has been purchased and reopened. The new name is Addie's and they are continuing the ice cream shop tradition. Currently it is open on the weekends. The new owners are spiffing up and refurbishing the restaurant area and plan to open that at some point soon.

At the corner of Sunnyside and Main Streets, the former EUB church was sold at auction. It is currently being dismantled. The large Jesus painting on the end has been removed, as have the stained glass windows. Anyone interested in buying this memorabilia can contact Gordon Post at Post Scientific in North East PA. The building, when dismantled, will be come a home when the materials are reused.

The north end of Shadyside saw one severe fire this winter at the Ball home. Fortunately the family and pets were either not at home or were able to evacuate safely but the home and contents were a total loss. As of this date, rebuilding has not started although the site was recently leveled.

For those who have followed my blogs on home exterior colors in Findley Lake, the new/remodeled homes have continued the pattern of muted shades. The most popular have been shades of moss green/light olive, with light gray/slate a close second. Trim color continues to be white.

All in all, it's been a year of change in Findley Lake.

The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring Tra-La, Year 2

2009-04-21T14:00:00.003-04:00

Naturalized daffodils are up all over our old pasture area. These have double flowers, pretty in their own way and apparently very hardy. Spring Beauty is blooming in the forest and naturalized crocuses in the lawns. The willows are turning a distinct shade of yellow as the sap rises to the tips of the trailing branches. The local Corvette owners have started taking their pampered cars out for rides when the weather is good.

Last but not least, the Findley Lake "flower du jour" is springing up - "For Sale". Not surprising, after the cold and snowy winter we are just coming off. Thoughts turn to warmer climates, not digging snow every day, and toying with selling the old homestead. It's more a knee jerk reaction than a true desire to move. By June, the horror of seemingly endless snow will have vanished, the green of the land and the blue of the lake will be soothing jangled nerves, and thoughts of selling the house will recede.

It's a good time to look at property out here. You can see the lay of the land before the underbrush, shrubbery, and tree top shadows change it's appearance. Lakeside properties have much to offer but so do those out in the more rural areas. All in all, if you are looking to purchase your home or get-away haven, checking out these "flowers" will be worth your time.

Take a Leek

2009-04-20T14:08:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again in Findley Lake - Leek Season. There is a certain satisfaction from hunting, harvesting, and preparing your own food. When it comes to leeks, we have ample opportunity to harvest wild leeks in northwestern NY and PA.

First, if you've never had leeks and want a quick and tasty introduction to them, try to attend the Ham & Leek Dinner, Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Spring Creek Fire Hall, from 11:30am to 4:30 pm. From Findley Lake, the easiest way to reach Spring Creek is just follow Rt. 426 south, through Corry and directly to Spring Creek. The reddish fire hall will be on your left with parking directly across the road on your right. You can't miss it as this is a popular activity. The meal is served buffet style with ham, potatoes, cooked leeks, etc. Usually there are raw leeks on all the tables for the adventuresome and cheese/leek spread for the more civilized among us. Adults 13 and up are $8, children 6 - 12 $4, and those 5 and under are free. There is always a fine array of desserts included in the meal, plus beverages.

For those looking to pick your own, it's time to head out for a drive and look into the woods for green stuff. P.S. - not everything green is a leek. Other green plants are up including skunk cabbage and day lilies. Leeks don't grow everywhere. For instance, leeks are not readily found on a drive around Findley Lake until you reach the south end of Shadyside . Look in the woods. Driving to Erie on I-86 I could see some on the road side of the fence as we drove up the first hill. Like a Pooka (see the movie "Harvey"), they appear first in that place and then in another place. Be sure you ask permission of the land owner before harvesting wild leeks. Bring a trowel and something to put your harvested leeks into. Gloves are also advisable unless you wish to smell strongly for a while. Ditto sampling your harvest in the field. A bite of raw leek used to guarantee a student being sent home from school.

Having found a patch of leeks, gotten permission to harvest, and donned your gloves, take care to take only 1/10th of what is available. Gently grasp a bunch of plants and use the trowel to pry up the clump, including the bulbs. Shake off the loose dirt and put in your bag or basket.

Once you've harvested your leeks, rinse off the dirt. Trim off the very end with the roots and discard. Cut off the next two inches, which will be mostly the white end. Wash the remaining leaves. Dry on paper towels. Slice or sliver the leaves and freeze for use in soups. Slice the white parts and freeze separately. A very easy cheese spread can be made by combining equal parts butter and grated sharp cheese with several tablespoons of the leek bulbs (white part). This will improve in taste overnight in the refrigerator and can be frozen for later use.

Leeks will disappear in the next two weeks so the season is already coming to a close. I have had some success transplanting wild leeks but need to leave these patches undisturbed until they begin to spread. Good luck with your own hunt !!

Findley Lake Poll

2009-02-08T11:55:00.006-05:00

Because you, the reader, are interested in Findley Lake, I've added a few multiple choice questions to this blog. It's not a marketing or advertising gimmick, just a little survey to see how you, the reader, came to know about Findley Lake, what you do here, etc. You'll be able to see the stats as other readers take the survey. You'll find the survey to your right, under "Questions about Findley Lake". Click on "Cast Your Vote Now" to participate.

While lots of changes have happened in town over the last year, the primary concern lately has been TOO MUCH SNOW !! Fortunately right now we are having a four day thaw with temperatures above freezing. Ice is falling off of the roofs everywhere in town, snowbanks have changed from stark white to tabby brown, and the deer, birds, and other animals are out foraging to fill their bellies. Meanwhile, the natives are breathing a sign of relief for a few days. The sign by the Fire Hall says we have received 258" of snow already. The betting has been on this winter being a 400" snowfall monster. With the rest of February, March and into April still in front of us, that's quite possible. In Findley Lake, when the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2nd, we give a sigh of relief - ONLY six more weeks of winter. Punxy Phil saw his shadow this year so we're hoping to see the end of winter around St. Patrick's day (not likely).

Soon to come, a photo album you can click through for photos from Findley Lake.

The First Snow Fall of the Winter

2008-11-10T22:18:00.004-05:00

Actually, our first snow fell on Monday, 10/27/08, but melted quickly. Two days later I took the photos you see posted here. It was quite beautiful and very soothing to the soul. Today, November 10th, we've had our REALLY FIRST SNOW, which means that the parking area had to be plowed and access to the mail box carved out for our postal delivery person.

I'm BACK !!

2008-11-09T19:45:00.005-05:00

A lot (and I mean A LOT) has gone on in Findley Lake since my last post in July. I'll try and tackle various topic updates in separate posts.

In my life, emotional and physical well-being are tied to my desire to cook. No cookie, no feel well.

After a very social and congenial two hour breakfast with friends at the Blue Heron Inn this morning, I was inspired to cook. Part of our morning discussion concerned comfort food. My straight forward husband goes right for the ice cream. One friend chose Asian food. My choice was whole hominy with butter, salt and pepper. When I was growing up, my Mother served us sausage patties and whole hominy. It was just in the past few years that I found out my youngest brother also opens a can of hominy on occasion as emotional and nutritional sustenance. It's funny how those totally simple foods can soothe the soul.

So starting at 3:30 pm, I started cooking up a storm. Microwaved a small pumpkin (1/2 at a time) and froze most of it for the dog's suppers. Put on a pot of 15 bean soup. Took a spiral sliced ham that we'd been working on and removed the meat. Put the bone into the simmering soup and froze most of the meat. We had frizzled ham and broccoli for supper. The extra broccoli and left over pumpkin are in a bowl ready for the dog's supper tomorrow night.

One recipe ended up a little modified due to my slip of not including sugar in the bowl. I was making two pumpkin pies using the Lakeshore Pumpkin recipe (best pumpkin pie, dense and tasty. The pies were within 15 minutes of being finished when I realized my error. OOOPS ! However, I'm into the glass half full/lemons into lemonade life so this might work out better. The Lakeshore recipe called for 1 1/2 cups sugar. I have taken to using half sugar and half Splenda, which has been OK. Tonight, realizing that I'd completely omitted both, I decided to try caramelizing brown sugar on top. Right now, I'm not sure that I performed the caramelizing process properly but, if we like the pie with a light sugar and whipped cream topping, it will end up actually less sweet than the original recipe. For any of you diabetics out there, I'll let you know if it's good this way. If it ends up that we like it, my glass will be overflowing.

I still have one more recipe to make tonight (beside completing the 15 bean soup). I make a quiche with bacon, onions, eggs, cream, nutmeg, and graham cracker crust. I find it delicious while my husband finds the sweet flavor of the crust too different from regular crust to really enjoy. It's a sweet/savory quiche. I'll post the recipe later.

Now that we've eaten supper and I've got my second wind, it's time to finish up the seasoning in the soup and put the quiche in to bake. Nice to be back.

Findley Lake gets Remodeled

2008-07-04T20:18:00.002-04:00

There is so much to report on the remodeling front in Findley Lake, we'll just start at Shadyside and Main Street.

The former Lighthouse Point Restaurant is now Zee's on the Lake. They opened this weekend serving meals. The liquor license is still not active but hopefully will be coming soon.

Heading south on Shadyside, the remodeling at the former Pink house is almost complete. Besides the new siding and garage door, the utilities have all been run under ground, a new circular concrete drive poured along with an embossed concrete walkway, new break wall built, and the landscaping is in the process of being updated.

Continuing south, on the right side of the road at least two homes have been reworking their walks and walls along the road. One is adding a new wrap-around deck. Across the street, the house with the gingerbread trim has been resided. Further along on the lake side, the tarps have come off the former Bolt house revealing first and second floor decks that look wonderful. The trim on the house has been nicely updated. All in all, some great additions and improvements to the neighborhood.

At the south end of the lake, a new dock/boathouse? plus boardwalk has been added. It would be nice to see some more dredging take place down there to give a little more access to the docks.

Just an aside - if you need golf equipment, Steve Card is selling excess equipment (some new and some used) on the weekends at his house. Stop buy and check it out.

Turning the corner onto Sunnyside headed north, Camp Findley has completed the demolition of the former Tabernacle building. They are working on remodeling the front building with an eye towards better energy efficiency.

Mulkearns new house is still a work in progress. Further north, the new house which has been built where the skating rink used to be is eagerly waiting it's siding. The next new house on the hillside saw recent clearing of the underbrush on the side of the hill, giving it a clean new look and better view of the lake.

Nearing the north end of the lake, the two houses on the lake side are basically completely remodeled. The first one, with the natural wood siding, has added a small portico style covered porch and new door, completing the classy look. Next door, the new siding turned out to be a mossy light green with copper trim on the roof and new doors. Both houses look great.

As I've said before, you can't beat living in a town where property values keep improving.

July 4th, 2008 in Findley Lake

2008-07-04T20:05:00.003-04:00

Managed to catch a quiet supper at the Blue Heron Inn. We hit the lull before the reservations start arriving for the evening. Their deck will be a prime fireworks watching spot. Sometimes we have a low-key 4th and just catch the tops of the fireworks from our front porch. Tonight we are invited to a friend's house down on the lake. Should be a great display since the weather is perfect. Took a drive around the lake after supper and were amazed at the number of cars lining the roads. Lots of parties and family get-togethers, plus beautiful weather equals a great July 4th in Findley Lake. Looking forward to the fireworks display.

Public Service Health Suggestion

2008-05-08T19:58:00.007-04:00

If you can afford it, it's worth the effort to get the Shingles Vaccine. Having watched a person with a "mild" Shingles attack, I definitely don't want to go there. Got my vaccination today and insurance wouldn't cover it so we paid full pop.

Next on the health advice list, and more likely to be covered by insurance, is to get the whooping cough/tetanus shot. I know..... many of you are overdue for the tetanus shot but wonder why the whooping cough should be included. (drum roll ......) Because research has been showing that one third of adult colds which result in months of coughing is due to the adult form of whooping cough (Pertussis). Having watched too many friends suffer through months of coughing and disrupted sleep, it seems like a great idea to get the vaccine and avoid the cough. This is next on my list to do. Apparently my doctor is switching all his adult tetanus vaccinations over to the combined shot so getting it won't be difficult. Whether the HMO will pay for it is another question.

Quinoa, the New Grain

2008-05-08T19:46:00.003-04:00

I'm late coming to the Quinoa party but Thursday night I made my first recipe using this ancient Inca grain. It all started when I roasted some veggies with the idea of making a soup for part of supper. It ended up with the roasted veggies served over quinoa, along side of a small salad with tuna and ranch dressing. It was a good first meal using quinoa. The taste and texture went well with the other ingredients on the plate. Couscous would also have been good. Now I'll freeze the rest of the Quinoa in 1/2 cup portions for later use. The cook book that I used had two different sets of instructions. Under "Grains" it said to cook 1 cup quinoa in 1 3/4 cups liquid, simmer for 12 minutes. Under a recipe, it said to cook 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups of liquid for 20 - 25 minutes. I ended up using the "Grains" instructions for the proportions but had to simmer it 25 minutes to get the liquid soaked up. I had bought red quinoa, which made a visually appealing addition to the salad. While I haven't really researched it, my Brother tells me it's high in protein, low in carbs, and a good nutritional addition to your diet. One caveat - you have to wash it well to remove the saponin that is on the outer hull. I used an old, fine weave metal coffee filter. That was the perfect size for rinsing one cup of grain. The saponin is suppose to make suds when it rinses off but I didn't see any of that. One source that I did read mentioned a brand of quinoa that is already rinsed. As you can see, meals here are "evolutionary" and subject to change without notice.

Foxes In The Family

2008-05-08T19:38:00.005-04:00

Since I hadn't seen Rennie and the rest of the fox family in several weeks, I assumed that they had headed out of the den for good. With three boisterous kits, that wasn't surprising. This morning, it was a real treat to see Rennie hunting in the back of our property. After several glimpses of something reddish which looked like a big ground hog, I had a good view of Rennie with breakfast in her mouth. About a half hour later, she was walking across our back pasture area and we had a very good look at her. She's still slim but looked good. I suspect the family has moved somewhere onto our property while they check out the buffet of small animals.

Friday Night Happy Hour

2008-05-08T19:19:00.004-04:00

Spent a nice evening last Friday at the Blue Heron Inn enjoying Happy Hour. While we live off of the lake, it was interesting to see so many people from Shadyside that night. They are great people and it's fun to chat with them over a drink. We stayed for supper and, as usual, it was a real toss-up as to what to eat. So many good dishes, so little time.

On the food front in Findley Lake, there is news to report. Vinnie's Pizza is serving breakfast starting at 5am. We tried it out on Monday and it was pretty good. Plus it's local and we support local eating establishments. After breakfast, I browsed the grocery section, which has a nice selection of oriental condiments and food. There were several bottles of shrimp paste, lots of different kinds of chili pastes, rice noodles, and hot sauce. If you do any kind of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, etc. cooking, take some time to browse the shelves. It's really nice to have such a varied selection here in Findley Lake.

Also on the food front, the former Lighthouse Point is to reopen under new ownership. Rumor has the opening set for May 15th and definitely by Memorial Day. This will add to the restaurant scene in Findley Lake.

Remember, you don't have to cook and clean up when you can eat right here in town. Three restaurants within 1 mile provide a lot of choices but only it we patronize them regularly.
Enjoy the variety and eat out this Friday !

Foxes, Leeks, Weed Harvester, and Food

2008-04-29T20:18:00.005-04:00

Here are a few updates on topics that interest me:

Yes, there are three fox kits (Kit, Kat, & Kabboodle). I watched them playing tag, in and out of the den holes. No wonder Rennie was looking kind of puny and run down. These three are a handful but look very healthy.

Wild leeks are nearing the end of their short season. I was able to pick some on Sunday and clean and freeze them today. Still need to make leek cheese spread. For supper we had a wild leek and mushroom/Swiss Cheese tart. That was yummy. For anyone interested in leeks and supporting some good organizations, the Spring Creek Fire Department is hosting their annual Ham and Leek Supper on Saturday, May 3d. Time is 11am - 4pm but they do run out. It's a fixed price for ham, potatoes, leeks, dessert, beverage. Usually the proceeds benefit several churches in the area. It's a fun weekend event, tasty, and casual.

The Weed Harvester has been moved to it's summer dock space. From just an interested by-stander point of view, it would make sense for lake front owners to remove the branches that have fallen into the lake. When the Harvester hits these invisible objects, teeth get broken or the cutting bar jams. Anything that damages the equipment or causes unnecessary time wasted on repairs takes away from the time spent harvesting weeds.

On the topic of the health of Findley Lake, I was appalled to watch a local landscaper blowing leaves INTO the lake. If you use a landscaper to maintain your yard, be sure they know to actually "remove" the leaves from the property. By blowing leaves into the lake, nutrients are being added to the water, which feed the weeds and add debris to the bottom. It's a waste of everyone's money to pay for weed harvesting or weevils, or anything to control the weeds only to have poor lake management practices occurring on individual properties.

Sunday we had an international meal: A French recipe for ground sirloin patties made with ground venison, an Indian spicy sauteed cabbage, and a Japanese grated radish salad. So many recipes, so little time. Now I have my brother trying to get me some purple sweet potatoes to grow this summer.

This and That

2008-04-17T19:29:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I got a good view of my fox family and found out that there are two kits. They were playing tag in and out of the burrows. Glad to see that they are healthy and active. Decided to name them Kit and Kat (and there may even be a Kaboodle hiding in the den). Rennie (the mother) looks scruffy and thin. It's a lot of work taking care of and feeding two active kits. The father (Nyardo) looks great, red, bushy, and clean.

I have successfully rooted a stalk of lemon grass. Erie County Farms has stalks for $1.99/pound. I had read that you could root them so I tried putting one with a good end in water. Sure enough, it rooted nicely. It's now planted in a big pot and I hope to keep it outside all summer, bringing it in during the winter. Now I need to find a lot of recipes using lemon grass.

Today the temperatures were in the 70's and sunny. We spent some quality time outside, doing some yard work and totally pruning our Criterion Apple tree. Tried to water witch our well but don't think we were successful.

I had planned tonight's supper yesterday. It's my own recipe using some homemade Thai green curry I had frozen.

Seafood Green Curry (feeds 2)

3 - 4 TBSP Green Curry (either from canned or homemade (see below))
1 - 14 oz can fat free/low sodium chicken broth
3 TBSP minced lemon grass
7 oz coconut milk (half a can - freeze the rest for later)
8 oz fresh or frozen snow pea pods or sugar snap peas (can substitute frozen green beans)
4 - 6 oz fillet Mahi Mahi or other firm white fish
1 lb. cooked shrimp
8 oz fresh bean sprouts (canned also OK)
3 green onions
1 cup cooked rice
cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Because I had made Green Curry Base and had portions in the freezer, I used one portion. In a 2 quart pot, heat green curry and chicken broth. Stir to mix, then add coconut milk and bring to simmer. Add snow or sugar snap peas, cook for 3 minutes. Add Mahi Mahi and cook 2 minutes. Add cooked shrimp and bring back to boil. Add bean sprouts. Add chopped green onion tops, bring back to boil, cook 3 minutes stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

Heat rice in microwave if necessary. Divide between two soup bowls. Spoon on curry, add enough of the liquid so you can see it in the bowl. Top with sliced white parts of green onions, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. Serve with large soup spoons.

Green Curry Base
6-8 small green chiles, Thai, jalapenos, etc your choice
1 onion chopped fine
1 TBSP chopped garlic (out of a jar is fine)
1 TBSP grated ginger (out of a jar is fine)
1 - 2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
2 - 3 tsp ground black pepper
1 TBSP Thai fish sauce

Seed and chop the chiles. Put all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
Take 4 pieces of plastic wrap (6" X 6") and in each one put 3 TBSP of Curry. Depending on size of chiles used, you may need more squares. Place each filled plastic into a cupcake tin and freeze. When frozen, complete wrapping each portion and freeze them together in a ziplock. Each portion seasons one meal for 2 - 4 people.

Diverse Observations 4/11/08

2008-04-11T22:07:00.011-04:00

A ride around the lake today finds lots of items of note:

Rudolph the Red Socked Nose Reindeer has lost his head. It fell off of its neck last weekend.

New carriage lights on the formerly pink house on Shadyside look great. Nice lake decor.

Shadyside skating rink has been drained and packed up for the winter.

Dredging was done at south end of the lake and new dock is being built by the curve. My
opinion is that the entire end of the lake should be dredged to make a channel for the weed
harvester to make a complete circuit. If the dredged up material was put in the middle of the area, it would form an island and provide nice habitat for the birds, turtles and other
reptiles, while allowing weed harvesting in the shallow end.

Beaver are back at the south end of the lake. Hope their human neighbors can find a way to
accommodate them.

A pair of geese are staking out nesting area along the creek on the south side of Shadyside at the very end of the lake. Last year when this happened, it appeared that a predator killed one of the nesting pair. Hopefully this young couple will be more successful.

Rounding the lake and heading up Sunnyside, building continues at the three new houses and one big remodel. One new house, up on the hillside, now sports siding. Color is a light sand or putty. Again, the color choice is in keeping with the new lake decor, away from strong colors and towards softer, more neutral or organic colors.

New Findley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce brochures/maps/directories are available at
the Waterwheel Overlook and at member businesses.

The Lake level is officially being raised. The plan is to start weed harvesting in May.

Saw Rennie out playing with one kit. She looks haggard from nursing it, but seems well.

Redwing Blackbirds are now arriving at the feeder. Now the seed is really disappearing.

The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring Tra-La

2008-04-08T21:41:00.006-04:00

Thank Gilbert and Sullivan for today's theme song. " The flowers that bloom in the spring Tra- La, bring promise of merry sunshine".

Findley Lake spring flowers come in many forms.

While there are buds forming on the daffodils, they still have a ways to go before blooming.

Probably the first flowers to erupt here in early Spring are the Corvette flowers. Several weeks ago we caught a glimpse of a burgundy Corvette, brought out of it's winter shelter for a quick wash and a little hardening off. Just as quickly it was put back under cover, too delicate to stand the still freezing weather. This week, it was out again, taken for a spin on a nice day. Then today a yellow convertible Corvette was spotted. Like most of these flowers, it spends the winters indoors, pampered, fed and resting. Warm weather finds them visiting the Post Office, waiting for the first Whitney's catalog to arrive.

The second Spring flower, and most confusing for visitors, are the "For Sale" sign flowers. Having observed this phenomena for almost 30 years, I can attest to the seasonal nature of the sudden proliferation of signs in early Spring. Usually there are three or four different varieties. Visitors often conclude that the appearance of these signs signals untenable taxes. In reality, the desire to maximize income is a much more human and understandable reason. Also local realtors are adept at keeping first and second string "stables" of homes that could be sold for the right price. While I've considered trying this very popular lawn "flower", I'm more into vegetables this year.

That brings me back to the real flowers. Probably first visible will be the wild/naturalized crocuses in the lawns on School Street. Next will be the regular crocuses and wild daffodils. The Forget-Me-Not's will follow them later this Spring. The first tree to bloom will be the Service Berry, with it's smooth gray bark. Last tree to bloom will be the Locust.

Findley Lake won't see real flowers for at least two to three weeks after they start blooming in Erie. That's the wonder of the thermal flywheel. As we wait for warmer weather to arrive, we'll take any flower we can get. I'm planning on watching for more Corvettes and counting the "For Sale" signs. It's my usual Spring activity and a welcome change from the Winter doldrums.

Bald Eagle Sighting

2008-04-04T20:49:00.004-04:00

Saw a bald eagle sitting in a tree off of I-86 in PA, just past the state line. It was sitting just above the nest that has been in the dead trees which stand in the middle of the water impoundment. Dick Miga, our local Chautauqua County birding guru, has asked that people send him information or photos of plants and animals, especially bald eagles. You can reach him by snail mail at 38 Elm St. Fredonia NY 14063 or by e-mail at nbleck@netsync.net

End of the Easter Ham - Great Soup Recipe

2008-04-03T19:37:00.006-04:00

First, it was a nice day with temperatures reaching 52 degrees. The lake had a light skim of ice on the edges in the morning, which would melt off later. Still no sign of the eagle but seagulls were flying around.

I signed up at www.presidentschallenge.com to try and do some exercise for 1/2 hour , five days a week. Today I did my first half hour on the recumbent bike. Took a walk around the property and dug a little in the garden. Pretty good for me.

Now, on to the Easter Ham. It was a particularly meaty, spiral sliced ham from Giant Eagle. We'd reached the end of about a week of ham meals so I decided to finish up cooking and/or freezing it.

HAM, LEEK, AND MUSHROOM SOUP

2 cups diced ham
3 leeks (about 6 inches long) thin sliced, including green
2 Yukon potatoes, cubed small
2 - 14 oz. cans low sodium/low fat chicken broth
1 - 2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup half and half (or milk)
3 TBSP flour

Dice about 2 cups of ham and start it sauteing in a 2 quart sauce pan. Clean and slice three leeks and tossed them in on top of the ham. Keep heat low and add a little water to prevent from scorching. As leeks begin to soften, add the potatoes. Saute a few minutes and then add both cans of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, stir, and continue to simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir flour into the half and half (or milk). Slowly stir into simmering soup. Soup should thicken some but still be liquid. Serve hot with fresh ground pepper.

Between the low sodium chicken broth and the ham, no additional salt is needed.

I have an experiment to run. I think if I take 4 eggs, whip them up, add two cups of the soup and maybe a cup of milk or cream, I can bake it and it will be somewhere between a custard and a quiche. Still sounds good to me. I wonder if Mikey will like it?

Renee and Nyardo were out enjoying the sun. Nice to see a family spending quality time together.

Spring Break Up

2008-04-02T23:05:00.005-04:00

It looks like the ice is definitely breaking up. A quick tour around the lake this morning showed open water along the edges, large cracks widening, and open water in the shallow area off of the Mercyhurst dock. If this was Cicily, Alaska (i.e. the fictitious town in "Northern Exposure"), we'd be working off our pent up energies with the running of the "bulls". Doubt that we will see that here this year. I would have settled for an eagle sighting but that didn't happen either.

I did see my fox today. I've named her Rennie (short for Rene). She's Parisian. Her spouse is named Nyardo. He's a Basque but moved across the mountains to France. (Get the play on the French word for fox - Reynard?). My new bird feeder and woodpecker feeder are getting some use. We already have a nice pair of cardinals coming in, and several types of small woodpeckers. I still have to make up my garden plans, get some seeds planted, and order some Top growing onions. Hopefully, I can do more foraging this summer. There is plenty to eat outside if one has the time to pick and prepare Nature's bounty.

Alas, Poor Pink Garage Door

2008-03-27T22:32:00.003-04:00

Alas, we knew you well. Today's ride around the lake found a pristine white garage door had taken the place of our beloved, quirky pink garage door. The new "look" is clean and lets the beauty of the lot and lake flow around the weathered slate sided cottage, very gentle on the eye and inviting. I guess we'll have to give directions now using the Red Sock-Nosed Deer Mount one house down. If you haven't seen that distinctive decoration, take a drive down Shadyside. Gotta love it!

It was gray and kind of rainy/snowy this morning. We had been seeing deer and turkey regularly on the sides of the ridge along Sunnyside, but the animals and birds kept a low profile today, conserving energy.

Siding Anticipation

2008-03-26T22:12:00.003-04:00

For all those following the Findley Lake siding decor story, I am hoping to have something to report soon. Ed Mulkearn's new house has a lovely wrap-around deck now. A little bird told me that the exterior decor was probably going to be "Buckskin", but that could change. Obviously weather has not been conducive to painting. That also affects the pink garage door on Shadyside. It's a nice landmark when the door is closed. The weathered slate siding just looks great on the house. The other houses look cold, waiting for better weather to get the exteriors finished.

Fox Family for Neighbors

2008-03-26T22:05:00.003-04:00

Last Wednesday, 3/19/08, caught a glimpse of some animal with big ears. No, it wasn't a wolf and it wasn't Grandma, it was a red fox. Since then, I've been able to see a den and also Daddy Fox. Yesterday watched Mama fox move the kits to a new den and then make Daddy go grocery shopping with her. It was pretty funny to watch. He'd gotten bored waiting for her to finish up in the new den and had wandered off following his nose. Haven't gotten a count on the kits yet. Hope they don't run afoul of the local dogs or hawks, or man. Right now they seem like decent neighbors.

Great Bird Watching in Findley Lake

2008-03-26T21:55:00.003-04:00

It's been a great ornithological month in Findley Lake. March 2nd had a very close view of a Pileated Woodpecker working the Beech trees on Shadyside (where it parallels Shadyside Extension). That was on a Sunday. The next day, we actually had one in the Crabapple tree out back (see photo with Robin). Then on March 8th, the Tundra Swans were on the frozen lake. They sat hunkered down in the middle of the lake. I think they usually head north during February and we don't see them much. As usual, when they show up, a bad storm isn't far behind. Sure enough, Sunday saw nasty weather arrive. However, it didn't dampen my feeling that Spring was just around the corner. After all, the Swans had arrived !!

February 9th Storm

2008-02-16T13:28:00.003-05:00

Had an interesting time storm watching on Saturday, Feb. 9th. We knew that the weather was going to change radically so made a Jamestown trip to Sam's Club and Home Depot. Heading back on I-86, you could see the clouds on the leading edge of the front coming at us. We had expected to see the temperature start dropping but strangely enough, it didn't. The clouds looked like the animated sand storm in the movie "The Mummy". They formed a roiling line across the horizon with misty gray haze in front, pushing our way. Arrived home safely and decided to drop off some venison and paperwork down at Ed Mulkearn's. There had been some small sprinkling of rain on our drive home, sporadic and light, then a little hail while we were in the house. By the time we reached Ed's back drive, the rain was really coming down. In the time it took to hustle to the back door, deliver the goods, and return to the car, it had turned to true snow showers. As we headed home on Sunnyside, the temperature dropped 6 degrees in less than one mile of driving. You could barely see across the lake. It was a very good lesson in just how caprecious Mother Nature can be. Around here, forewarned is forearmed (and safe).

That Sunday, my nephew arrived on his way from Arkansas to New Jersey. Having been a helicopter pilot in Iraq and now flying helicopters out to the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, he knows a thing or two about weather. He came through the front door saying that our snow storms were the equivalent of the sands storms in Iraq. Dangerous and difficult to maneuver through. Fortunately, we were able to hunker down and ride out the cold weather and icy conditions safely at home.

Turkeys And Eagles - Truly American Birds

2008-02-02T16:32:00.000-05:00

Had a banner day seeing both birds. We headed south on Rt 426 towards camp and when we crossed over French Creek (in the town of French Creek), there was a Bald Eagle. It was sitting in a tree on the right side of the road. With Findley Lake frozen over this past week, I had guessed that the resident bald eagle was hunting along the unfrozen creek. Let's hope there is more than one in our area. They are so exciting to see.

Got to camp, checked the propane supply, and saw about 20 Wild Turkeys walking up hill and along the ridge behind camp. Even heard them talking. This was at about 2pm. We tried to use a turkey call but I suspect we are inept with it.

On the drive back home, saw a huge flock of about 30, on one of the farms that we pass on Rt. 27 outside of Garland PA. The cows looked so cute there, hanging over the fence pensively eyeballing the turkeys. They probably break up the monotony of a day at pasture.

It's always exciting to see wild turkeys and the bald eagle was a real treat today!

Bitter Cold Means Time for Furnace Work

2008-01-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

I really don't know why it is, but with 12 months in the year, we always have furnace work done when there is snow on the ground. Today will see the start of an experiment. We are adding 8 feet of convector in the family room to try and get some more heat there. It's a miserable day outside for humans or animals. The wind is suppose to be gusting between 25 - 35mph and the temperature is a balmy 19 degrees. With the thermostat set at 70 degrees, the family room is only able to reach 67 degrees. I'm running the pellet stove while the work progresses since they will have to shut down the furnace, cut into the line and install the new convector. It's already brought the temperature up to a reasonable 72 degrees.

Stopped at Sander's Market in North East this morning. It is the former Jubilee Market. They make very good donuts at VERY wallet-friendly prices. With a quick flick of the wrist, an apple fritter and an old fashioned plain fry cake were headed to doom and destruction in Findley Lake. So much enjoyment for about $1 total.

Anyone who hasn't tried Sander's homemade sausages is missing a treat. I think they are the best store bought sausages you can buy locally and, when on sale at $1.99/pound, some of the cheapest. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

Here's a nice Venison recipe that I made up several years ago.

SPICY VENISON SAUSAGE PATTIES
1# ground venison
1# Sander's Jalapeno sausage

Squeeze Jalapeno sausage out of casing into large bowl. Add ground venison and mix thoroughly together. Form patties and fry in pan. Freeze unused cooked patties.

These can be used for supper or breakfast.

Some Questions Answered This Week

2008-01-29T20:43:00.000-05:00

Referring back to some previous posts:

The pink house on Shadyside is being sided in a weathered slate vinyl siding. It looks great ! Trim is white. The garage door is still pink but it's interesting this way. Love the siding color and I find it so attractive that I may use it on our hunting camp.

Private skating rink on Shadyside is officially known as the "Woodland Shores" skating rink. For a great article about two Olympic skaters bringing world-class skating to Findley Lake, check out http://www.findleylakeinfo.org under the news button. Read the "Tapestry" cover to cover (both sides) on the internet there and keep up with local news.

Regarding our Findley Lake resident Bald Eagles, Dick Miga would like to receive written observations of your sightings. Please send the date and location to Dick Miga, 38 Elm St., Fredonia, NY 14063. I expect he would like to hear anecdotal information as to whether the lake is frozen over, adult or juvenile (judged by head and tail coloration), etc would probably be welcomed also.

So far, this winter has been relatively easy to take. Much of the snow has melted off and even now, the temperature is above freezing. We keep having big booms as the ice falls off our upper roof onto the lower one, then slides down it with a rumble before falling off. I almost hesitate to put the dog out tonight. Would hate to have him crushed by an errant roof-burg.

It's a shame that grass showing in Cleveland and Erie cuts down on the skiers at Peek 'n Peak. Some of the best skiing is when the temperatures are mild. Come on skiers, take advantage of the easy drive and come skiing in Findley Lake.

Bitter Cold and My Cold

2008-01-21T13:28:00.000-05:00

Temperatures last night ran between +5 to +9 degrees. Glad I wasn't out in it. Found the fuzzy icicles and the rose tinted sky quite appealing when I put the dog out this morning. Check out the photos.

Fighting a cold for a week has been an up and down affair. Yesterday's lunch was a tried and true cold buster. Easy to make and surprisingly good. Think I'll go and make another batch today.

Medicinal Chicken Broth

14 oz can chicken broth (Swanson or College Inn are best)
1 tsp. chopped garlic
1 TBSP Asian fish sauce (start with 1 tsp if you aren't used to it)
1/4 tsp. ground ginger or 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
sprinkle of red pepper
1 TBSP lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh or frozen chives or leeks

Optional - spaghetti noodles broken into 1 inch pieces.

Usually I double this so there is enough for two of us. Heat the broth, garlic, fish sauce, ginger, red pepper, lemon juice, and chives in a sauce pan until it boils. At this point, the broth is ready to serve. If adding the noodles, turn to simmer and add noodles. Simmer until noodles are tender, then serve.

I found that this soup is not only good for congestion, it also settles the stomach. The trick is to serve it in very small portions (a Chinese tea cup does nicely). Served hot in a small cup, it can be spooned or sipped slowly. After 20 minutes, serve another small cup. For congestion, serve in a normal soup bowl but provide plenty of tissues as it really helps clear the head and chest.

The recipe was adapted from a Thai or Vietnamese soup recipe that was printed in Sunset Magazine many years ago. The list of ingredients included lemongrass (not a staple in my house), and several other items not readily at hand. I paired it down to the basic flavors and congestion fighters, then found that it also worked with stomach upsets.

Bitter Cold Day

2008-01-20T12:09:00.001-05:00

For those ex-pats who miss Findley Lake, today it's 11 degrees, blowing wind (15-25mph forecasted), and over 15 inches accumulated over the last two days. My husband plowed our parking area yesterday and is headed out to plow again today. Even when the snow isn't falling fast, the wind is blowing it off of the fields across the street and into our yard.

Check out the new photo, taken today, at the south end of the lake. It was 6 degrees there when the photo was snapped. Weather not fit for man or beast.

As usual, had a congenial breakfast at the Blue Heron Inn. Wide ranging discussions with other diners covered Sicilian Meat Balls with mint in them, the state of the economy, Raynaud's Disease, farm animals including a seven year old pig (pet), three kittens, fallow deer, and a dog named Shep.

For the first time this winter, we have run the pellet stove all night. No point in paying for natural gas when we've already paid for bags of pellets. I must say that it is a pleasure to be warm in our family room while the wind blows and the temperature drops to 10 degrees outside.

Jamestown Post-Journal Bloopers #1

2008-01-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

The Post-Journal has a long history of headline misspellings that have kept us in hysterics or despair for years. Probably the best example would be a headline that convulsed us while out at breakfast over a year ago. In reporting that the Feds had located and filled in a tunnel under the Canadian border, the headline read "Feds Sh_t Down Tunnel". That's the cleaned up version. Have to admit we got a lot of laughs showing that around the restaurant. I even wrote the P-J an e-mail, which was never answered, giving examples of the problems and suggesting that they hire a retired English teacher to vet the headlines.

The latest entries into the Post-Journal headline wall of shame are:

Thursday, 1/10/08 "Clinton, Obama Dig In, Richardson Drops Out of GOP Race"
I could have sworn that Richardson was a Democrat.

Friday 1/11/08 "Distaster Planning Key For The Future"
Since the article was about government disaster preparation, I guess that there is no job for a chief distaster planner. However, as is often the case with these bloopers, no one can argue that the initial responses by local, state, and federal governments did leave a certain distaste in one's mouth, and a wish that things had moved faster and more effectively towards assisting those left stranded and homeless.

"Cool" Lake Photos

2008-01-14T20:46:00.000-05:00

The lake was stunning on Sunday morning. Temperature was 34 degrees with a biting breeze. Drove downtown and was just blown away by the view of the lake. The East side of the lake had a sheen of ice while the West side was open water. The sun shone through high overcast. Living here year round you would think that we would get jaded by such things. Instead this required a quick trip back home for the camera.

Today (Monday) we are back to snow on the ground (not much by Findley Lake standards) and it's 26 degrees this evening. Ran the pellet stove all day. Venison chili and coleslaw for supper. TV is pretty much a waste land tonight so watching "Dance Wars" for the first time. I'd rather just watch Carrie Ann and Bruno dance together.

Seed Catalogs are Arriving

2008-01-12T12:39:00.000-05:00

Today started off with a little sun light and the smell of Spring in the air. Already I've received a glossy "Jung Quality Seeds" and a large "R. H. Shumway's Illustrated Garden Guide". It's hard to hold yourself in check when you can almost see the grass starting to grow. Here in Findley Lake, the proverbial January Thaw is just a teaser before the End of January Blizzard that seems to last until March finally leaves like a lamb. Perhaps a little Global Warming would be a good thing. I grew up where the rule of thumb was to have your peas planted by St. Patrick's Day. Here, we'd be digging through 2' of snow to do that most years. At the top of my list for purchases this year are Egyptian Walking Onions, also called Multiplier Onions. Friends in Hop Bottom PA had a huge section of the garden dedicated to these. In the spring, pull up the young ones for scallions. The Missus in Hop Bottom considered anything under 2" across as a scallion. During the summer the tops of the plants would form clusters of bulblets that look a little like tiny shallots. You can pickle or use these bulblets to make creamed onions. Sprinkle them on the ground and start new onion sets. My foray into growing them here has been unsuccessful, mostly because of poor site location. Whatever I do, I'm going to buy enough of these to get a decent bed started. Once established, you have a perpetual supply of scallions and onions. I see that Jung's has my favorite Zucchini, Aristocrat Hybrid. Stan's Garden Center also carries it. Try Johnny's Selected Seeds for varieties proven to grow well in our short seasons. Also this year, I'm tempted to try growing mushrooms outdoors. As usual, the biggest decision to make is "What Kind?" to grow. So many varieties with so many different characteristics. Gardening is a good way to learn life lessons. Good choices, hard work, a little luck, and your pantry and freezer are filled with home grown food to nourish body and soul during the gray days of winter.

Alas, Poor Bike, We Knew You Well

2008-01-10T22:16:00.000-05:00

Sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday, our beloved orphaned bike slipped between the waves and vanished. Speculation has it that the bike will arise again when the Weed harvester seeks it out in the Spring. We look forward eagerly to that day.

Bike Update

2008-01-07T12:49:00.000-05:00

For those of you thinking of entering the betting pool on when the bike will sink beneath the waves, there is still time. After three days of increasingly warming temperatures, the bike remains above water. Current air temperature in Findley Lake is 55 degrees. Check out the new photos of the bike, especially the great reflection in the layer of water covering the ice. Yes, it's a gray day but that means a great day to drink coffee, make soup, and maybe venture out to take down the tree ladder stand at the back of our property. Lots to accomplish indoors too. Good news yesterday is that we made progress getting the pellet stove back into use. Did a major clean out of the exhaust which seems to have helped some. Construction/reconstruction continues around the lake at the various houses. Hope to see the new siding colors soon. They will be an odd but welcomed form of Spring flowers.

Curried Broccoli Cheddar Soup

2008-01-05T19:22:00.000-05:00

My own invention, this is easy and filling. Quantity serves two adults for a filling supper or about four - 1 cup servings.

CURRIED BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP
2 TBSP butter or olive oil
2 cups broccoli florets, cleaned and cut into small pieces
1 - 14 oz can chicken broth
2 TBSP "Patak's" Madras Curry Paste - Hot (or 1 to 3 tsp. Curry Powder)
4 TBSP flour
2 cups milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or more)
Additional milk or chicken broth as necessary

Melt butter over medium heat until melted (don't brown). Add broccoli florets and stir. Cook over medium heat until broccoli is bright green. Cook for another 2 minutes. Push broccoli to one side of pan and add 1/2 can of chicken broth. Add the Curry Paste or Powder to the chicken broth. Stir to dissolve, then stir back in the broccoli. Add the rest of the can of broth. While this heats, put the flour into the empty can and add one cup of milk to the can. Stir well to mix in flour. Add second cup of milk to pan and then slowly add the flour/milk mixture, stirring well. As mixture thickens, add additional milk as necessary to keep soup at desired thickness. Turn down heat. Slowly add grated cheddar cheese (I used Crowley's medium white Vermont cheese). As soon as cheese is mixed in, remove from heat.

If you aren't used to using curry powder, start with 1 teaspoon and then taste and add more as necessary. I use curry powder frequently to "brighten" cream soups, but not to overpower the flavors. Notice that I did not add any salt or pepper. The broth and cheese both contain salt so no additional salt was necessary. Pepper was ground on top of each bowl of soup. I put a garnish of fried onions on top but this isn't necessary. This soup stands on it's own.

Mystery of the Week

2008-01-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

Check out the "Mystery Photo". Early this week, a bike appeared on Findley Lake at the boat ramp. When it first appeared, there was a cleared area of ice about 30' out from the ramp and the bike was another 15' or so further out. Since there was no obvious hole in the ice and since there were people out and about, it appeared to be a childish prank. Now, almost a week later, the bike remains. Who's bike is it? Will someone retrieve it? Is it frozen into the ice? It takes one back to the days (before my time) when they use to race cars on the lake. I think "Prairie Home Companion" had a recurring theme of bets being taken each winter as to the date that a sacrificial car, parked out on the ice, would descend into the depths, thereby declaring the official arrival of Spring. Anyone want to put bets on when the "bike-sicle" will disappear into the water? Winner will get the bike when it is hauled out of the water in the Spring.

Into The New Year Boldly

2008-01-04T22:30:00.000-05:00

Had about a foot of snow on Wednesday and seemed to have accumulated more since then. So far this week we've celebrated New Years Eve with friends, visited with my Father in the nursing home in Erie, paid bills for my folks, picked up a furnace repair part and actually fixed the furnace ourselves. The zone valve motor for the first floor had worn out and wouldn't engage regularly. Nothing like waking up to a cold house to get one motivated. Next we need to fix the pellet stove. It's not a good time of year to have both heating units on the fritz. Finished up the venison hamburg soup tonight. Ummmm good ! Rode around the lake about noon. Found contractors working on two of the new houses that are being built. It's reassuring, given the state of the housing market and all the "Henny Penny" predictions that in one small community, we have at least three new houses being built. The weather has been cold (below 20 degrees much of the time) but we are to have a warming trend, possibly up to 40 degrees. Some adventurous weatherman has even suggested we'd see 50 degrees. I think that is overly optimistic but I can deal with it. Read an interesting post on the Internet. Leaving commentary aside, the writer suggested that each town the in the US host a refugee family. That would mean providing shelter, jobs, education as necessary, and other support systems until the family could be self supporting. Just looking at Mina, French Creek, Clymer and Sherman, that could be four families taken in. Every time I think about it, I hear in my mind the chorus version of the poem on the Statue of Liberty "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free". What a wonderful way to share our freedom.

Venison Soup

2008-01-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

Sunday I made hamburg/vegetable soup using the ground venison (doe). My soups always end up thick, like stew (not thickened, just full of stuff and not a lot of liquid). My Mother used to make this with regular hamburger. I added the herbs and found that it made the soup more "continental", plus it smelled good. You could use basil (would probably be good with ground chicken too). I haven't tried it yet but I think it would be good made into a pot pie. You'd have to thicken the liquid a little. You could add Bisquick drop dumplings and then serve over the cooked dumplings. Maybe that's what I'll do with the leftovers from tonights supper.

If we are on low carb, I double the amount of ground meat and use the amount of veggies as listed. I like to serve it with some grated sharp cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a splash of hot sauce over the sour cream. You don't have to drain off any grease because the venison is 90% lean and there isn't much oil used. I occasionally serve homemade garlic bread with this.
For more of a southwest flavor, subsitute two cans of Rotel tomatoes with chiles for the one can of tomatoes, and substitute 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano for the herbs. Substitute pinto beans for the kidney beans.

HAMBURG VEGETABLE SOUP

1# ground venison or any ground meat
1 TBSP olive oil
1 small onion chopped
1 - 1# bag frozen mixed vegetables (I prefer the ones with carrots, peas, lima, corn & greenbeans but didn't have it on hand).
1 - 12 oz or so frozen italian green beans or cut regular green beans
1 - 14 oz tomatoes (chopped, or whole squeezed into bits plus the liquid in the can)
1 - 14 oz water (use can)
1 - 14 oz can kidney beans (or your choice, navy, canaloni, and include the liquid, don't rinse)
2 - (optional) potatoes cut into small cubes
1 - tsp dried marjoram
1/2 - tsp dried thyme (powder or leaf)
salt and pepper to taste

Using pot big enough for soup, brown ground venison in tablespoon of olive oil. Crumble as you stir it. When half of venison has lost color, add the chopped onion. Continue to cook until the onion is transluscent (venison should completely lose raw color but do not over cook. Doesn't have to actually be brown and crispy, just cooked).

Dump in frozen mixed veggies, frozen green beans, tomatoes and additional can of water. Stir and maybe add a little more water (enough so that it almost, but not quite, covers the veggies). Cover and cook on medium, stirring every 5 minutes until the veggies have defrosted (about 10 minutes).

Dump in can of kidney beans plus bean liquid, optional potato cubes (we omit this mostly), marjoram and thyme.

Stir, cover, and cook until potatoes are done, about 15 minutes. Turn heat down as necessary and stir occasionally.

Salt and pepper to taste, cook for another 5 minutes and serve. Freezes well.

Sunday Ice Skating

2007-12-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

A super Sunday in our little community. More congenial conversation with the "after church" crowd from St. Matthias while we ate breakfast. While the sky was high and gray, the lake ice proved to be smooth and clear. Driving down Shadyside, we saw people ice skating in a cove on Sunnyside. One person skated south with great speed, very reminiscent of "Hans Brinker". (I used to read that book yearly as a child.) Near the south end, there was finally activity at the Shadyside ice rink, three skaters with other adults and children milling around. What a jolly way to spend a Sunday! Rounding the lake we came up to the skaters in the cove. It turned out to be a man, a boy, and a dog working on their ice hockey. In my minds eye, I can see skating races. Skaters speeding south through the narrows, around the big island, then back north to the finish line. Bonfires, hot chocolate, and the CD from the skating rink playing. Wouldn't that be great entertainment? My husband wants to start a curling club in Findley Lake. Anyone interested in curling here in Findley Lake can drop me a note.

Friday Night in Town

2007-12-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

Friday night saw us out to supper in greater downtown Findley Lake. It's so nice to have restaurants open during the winter. Lights shining from the windows, cars in the parking lot, warmth and convivial conversation inside, like an oasis in the dark, cold night. Having hustled through shopping and familial duties in Erie during the day, I was happy to relax in bustle of friends greeting friends, waitresses taking orders and getting drinks, and the company of my husband. Admiring a new baby, chatting with neighbors, and just talking with my special someone was a great way to wind down from a busy day. I was tempted to take a ride around the lake after supper but my lounge chair was calling, so we called it a day. As I write this, my mind is humming the theme song from "Cheers". It's nice when people know your name. Of course, I've found that strangers can become friends as soon as you introduce yourself. Hope to see more friends and soon-to-be friends downtown soon.

New Color Schemes in Findley Lake

2007-12-27T20:08:00.000-05:00

With the sky a solid light gray and the lake a solid off white, the morning ride around the lake today became a six mile ride through the changing landscape of exterior house colors. Up until recently, giving directions for destinations on Shadyside could always be handled by referring to "the pink house". With new owners now readying their lake house, the exterior is being prepared for new siding. What color will it be? A quick survey of the other on-going remodels showed a distinct shift in lake decor. Stronger colors like white and brown (and pink) are being replaced by shades of beige, taupe, and light slate. Sunnyside may follow Shadyside but the jury is still out. The three new houses have yet to be sided. The formerly blue house is currently plywood brown and Tyvek white, probably waiting better working weather.

Today the temperature hovered around 35 degrees, a slow melt. The Shadyside skating rink has a slushy appearance. We still haven't seen it being used but hear that they have a very small Zamboni to smooth the ice. Deer browsed on the uplands along Sunnyside. No sign of the Bald Eagle but it's probably hunting along French Creek where there is open water.

Hope the siding job on Shadyside progresses rapidly. New community members bring new energy and new "color" to our town. Change isn't always comfortable but we'd still be living in caves if we weren't created flexible. It's a good exercise in flexibility to embrace the change, even if it means learning to give new directions.

Sixteen married years in Findley Lake

2007-12-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

Absolutely gorgeous day in Findley Lake NY today! While the ice is still covering the lake, the sky was a beautiful blue with cotton ball clouds and the SUN was shining. A banner day to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. Nothing beats starting the day here with breakfast down by the lake. Fortunately the Blue Heron Inn was open for business. After a congenial breakfast, (and a surprise anniversary gift of a large red onion), we took our normal "ride around the lake". I don't think I'll ever tire of riding around the lake. Early in our marriage, my husband couldn't believe that I would ask for a ride around the lake after dark. Today, we admired the various remodelling/construction projects as we rode. Keeping tabs on what the other residents are doing is a time honored activity in a small town and we've learned how to do this. We checked out the new skating rink on Shadyside. Wonder if they will rent skates? Three new houses being built on Sunnyside, plus a number of major remodels. Nice to see the neighbors improving their property. All in all, had a lovely anniversary. As for the red onion, I think it's a commentary on our marriage, colorful, spicy and sharp, many layered, and an acquired taste. And yes, I do love onions!