Country Cousin

Winter Storm Survival

It's hard not to envy snowbird friends when the winter winds blow here in TIMESland. We've had several days of bitter cold. For Wednesday, Jan. 23 and Thursday, Jan. 24 there's a bit of a reprieve (with snow, of course), but Thursday night temperatures will drop back down to about zero and pretty much stay there for the rest of the week, or even longer.

Daytime temperatures aren't expected to rise above the single digits, and predictions for low are as far down as 16 below on Wednesday Jan. 30, with a daytime high of zero in the southern part of the county. Things probably will be even worse farther north and farther from the moderating effects of Lake Michigan and the Bay!

Predictions for Saturday, Jan. 26 and Monday, Jan. 28 are for both snow and bitter cold. Whatever happened to the days when sometimes it was too cold to snow???

BE PREPARED

Marinette Public Health Nurse Mollie Bonjean has issued some advice for coping with extreme cold, among which is a recommendation to keep your gas tank at least half filled at all times, and to keep an emergency cold kit in your car. It should include blankets, snacks and water, a shovel, a flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, a tow strap, and sand or kitty litter in case you go off the road or are forced to walk somewhere in icy conditions.

Elsewhere have read that such a kit should also include some glass-jar type candles and a lighter or matches to go with them. The heat thrown by a lighted candle or two could be enough to fend off frostbite in a closed car until help arrives. Also be sure to have your cell phone charged and have a charger in the vehicle so you can summon that help.

Find other cold weather survival advice at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov.

STRANDED IN A BLIZZARD

If you're stranded in a blizzard, or find it impossible to keep your vehicle on the road due to an ice storm, Ready Wisconsin says you should pull off the highway, turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window, and then remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.

Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe to protect yourself from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

If too much time passes your vehicle may run out of fuel, making it impossible to run the heater. Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket. (That's when the emergency road kit can become a life saver. Use it.)

Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance use of lights, heat, and radio with the power supply. That said, turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs or whatever to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by air.

Leave the car and proceed on foot " if necessary " but not until the blizzard passes.

PROUD TO SERVE

Friend Gordy Jacobs, who is a member of the Stockbridge Munsee Tribe of Mohican Indians, very recently passed along this statement posted by a fellow Native American in December of 2017. It may be old news now, but it was new to me, and is worth sharing, especially in view of the recent false news assumptions made by the mainstream press about discord between groups of Native Americans and white teens. Too bad we can't all just be Americans no matter what our color or ancestry is, and let it go at that!

"My name is Jose Garcia Acosta. I am a United States Navy Chief. I am also Apache as my grandfather is from the Mescalero Apache tribe.

"Someone said it is disgraceful for me to wear a uniform for the USA if I am Native American.

"Let me tell you this. I am Apache and American. We do not come up with excuses not to serve or go to battle for our people.

"I served with many great people and many gave of their last breath for what they believed.

"So you sit back and come up with all the cowardly excuses you can to avoid serving, but don't you freaking dare tell me I should be ashamed of serving.

"I served for all people. I served alongside great African Americans that still experience racism, but serve to protect our people against the enemies that do not distinguish race when they murder Americans.

"I served and know many Native Americans that served and some died bravely in battle while you cowardly insult us.

"There maybe issues in this country that need addressing, but this country needs brave people to stand up instead of look for excuses.

"I am United States Navy Chief Jose Garcia Acosta. Proud to be American and prouder to be Mescalero Apache.

"If you have a problem with that, let me know or better let's meet in person. Perhaps you will come up with another excuse why you can't."

Congratulations, Mr. Acosta, for having the courage to stand up for your convictions, and for having the courage to fight in defense of our country!

ON THE SOAP BOX

ROE VS WADE DEMONSTRATION

On the bitter cold afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 20, approximately 150 people gathered on the grounds of the Menominee County Courthouse as they do annually to protest the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision in which the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in this country.

More and more, scientific evidence proves that abortion - killing of so-called "fetuses" - is in fact the murder of innocent inborn babies. Science has shown that babies can learn while still in the womb, and can survive outside the womb at extremely early stages of development. Are they people? Absolutely!

Rev. Nick Jackson, who spoke at the Menominee rally, said worldwide there were 40 or 50 million abortions reported last year - which equates to 125,000 a day. But the real number isn't known, since some states and some nations apparently don't even feel abortions are important enough to report.

Women in this country's so-called "women's rights" movement object bitterly whenever someone attempts to limit their "right" to commit abortion, and they like to pretend they speak for all women, and anyone who disagrees with them is an anti-feminist.

Let me say this:

I am a woman, and those females who defend abortion and immoral LBGT beliefs and practices do not represent me or my beliefs! I believe what they stand for is women's wrongs!

I and the many women who agree with me have a right to have our opinions heard and respected.

That more than a few women agree with me can be seen by attendance at the Menominee anti-abortion rally, where the crowd of 150 persons who braved the cold to express their anti-abortion opinions included at least half women!

I personally have known people who suffered from what Rev. Jackson referred to as "PTSD" brought on by having an abortion and then realizing they had killed their child. He noted not only women, but men as well, can suffer this reaction after realizing their baby has been killed.

This nation also gives very little credence to the right of a father to say his child should not be murdered, while requiring him to support him and the mother for 18 years or more should she chose to have the child.

Justice? Obviously not! Again, this sympathy for abuse of men is being voiced by a woman who believes that right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter what your gender!

MORE YEARS, MORE FRIENDS?

This story was passed along by a Sunday School teacher friend:

Little Abram, about four years old, was cuddled next to Mom on the couch while she was busy with Facebook messages on her cell phone.

"Whatcha doing, Mom," the youngster asked.

"Talking to my friends," she told him.

He wondered how many friends, and referring to the number of her Facebook friends, told him ten.

The youngster mumbled some names to himself, counting on his fingers, and then declared, impressed: "Wow, Mom! You've got more friends than I have."

Not sure how Mom reacted, but she could have told him: "Well, Honey, I've had a lot more years to collect them."

FUN THINGS TO DO

Despite the cold, we who live in TIMESland year round don't suffer for want of things to do.

Numerous fun events coming up this weekend include:

The annual fundraising event for the Silver Cliff Rescue Squad which will be held at the Silver Cliff Town Hall on Jan. 26 beginning at 6 p.m.

High Falls Radar Run events on Saturday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 9 at Boat Landing 3 Road and along the snowmobile trail south of County W 12 miles northwest of Crivitz. Register 8:30 a.m. Races from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a fund raiser for the Twin Bridge Ski Team. Food and refreshments will be sold by the Iron Snow Shoe Snowmobile Club. Trophies, sponsored by Rene's Dining Room, will be awarded for top speeds in all classes including: non-studded, studded, stock, modified, youth and antique snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATV, UTV and SXS.

Wausaukee Recreation Association's annual Winter Fun Fest happens from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at McCall Lake, with an ice fishing contest, ice skating, door prizes, a chili dump, hot dogs, beer and soda, and maybe a cold water rescue demonstration by the Wausaukee Fire Department. Proceeds go to help support youth programs of Wausaukee Recreation Association.

DA YOOPER WINTER FEST

Da Yooper Winter Fest, always filled with fun and foolishness, (including Da Yooper Plunge) is also coming up on Saturday, Jan. 26 in Menominee. Lots of craziness, lots of fun.

SNOWSHOE HIKE

Plan ahead for a no-cost guided snowshoe hike through the City of Peshtigo's Peshtigo River Recreation Park (the one below the dam on the east side of the river), on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. led by Anne Bartels, Information and Education Specialist with the Marinette County Land Information Department.  If you want to be included, call Peshtigo City Hall 715-582-3041 to reserve a spot in advance, since space is limited. Snowshoes can be provided if if needed.

Watch the ads and community bulletin boards for other events coming up, including outhouse races, cross country ski events, Valentine's Day dances, and much more.

COOKIN' TIME

When winter winds blow, it's great to come in from a blustery, frigid outdoors to the scent of mouth watering treats cooking in the oven, on the stove, or in the slow cooker, as the case may be.

CHORIZO PAELLA

Easy, quick and wonderful, with a South of the Border flavor. This immigrant is more than welcome! Serve with perhaps a tossed salad or cucumber salad and a vegetable combo that includes corn and/or red or black beans. Refried beans topped with melted cheese would also be an excellent and authentic go-with.

8 ounces cured chorizo sausage, sliced

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic or onion

and peppers

1 package (16 ounces) yellow rice mix

4 cups water

1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers in oil

1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

Drain the roasted red peppers but save the juice. Chop the peppers. In a large deep skillet cook the chorizo over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, perhaps four minutes. Add tomatoes, juice and all, and cook, stirring often, for about five minutes. Stir in rice, the seasoning that comes with it, water and red pepper juice. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium low, and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until juice is absorbed and rice is tender. Add the chopped peppers about 10 minutes before cooking is done. Garnish with parsley before serving. Makes four servings.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BAKE

This casserole made from butternut squash is so delicious it can pass as dessert even though it is actually a vegetable. Guess pumpkin pie fits into that category too when you think about it, and when you think about it, the filling ingredients in both are quite similar too. Lou Ann Seils brought a dish to the annual Town of Peshtigo Christmas party pot luck last month, and kindly agreed to share the recipe. Sure am glad she did. Recipe calls for two cups of mashed cooked butternut squash, which you can easily prepare by washing a whole squash and then popping it into the oven on a disposable pie plate while something else is baking.

1/3 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 can evaporated milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups mashed cooked butternut squash

Topping:

1/2 cup crisp rice cereal

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons butter, melted

In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, milk and vanilla and then stir in the squash. (Go ahead and beat that in too if you prefer.) The mixture will be thin. Pour into a greased 11-inch by 7-inch by 2-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until almost set. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Return to oven for five to ten minutes or until bubbly. Makes six to eight servings.

DILLY TUNA MAC SALAD

Tired of winter? Ready for a taste of summer? Treat yourself and your family to an indoor picnic. Grill a hamburger patty or hot dog per person to go with this refreshing salad, open a can of baked beans, and pretend it's summer. Do the hot dogs or burgers over coals in the fire place, if you're lucky enough to have one. Have S'mores for dessert and hot chocolate to drink. Eat off paper plates in front of the fireplace (or the TV) to make everything taste even better!

8 ounces small shell pasta , or your favorite bite-size pasta

1 cup frozen peas (or freshly shelled ones)

7 ounces canned albacore white tuna, packed in water, drained

2 celery ribs, sliced thinly

1/4 cup diced onion

1 small or medium cucumber, scrubbed or peeled, and

cut into bite size chunks

1 cup cherry tomatoes

2 or 3 hard boiled eggs, chunked

1 cup real mayonnaise (not salad dressing)

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon dried dill weed, or to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding peas for the last two minutes. Drain. While the pasta cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, dill and a bit of salt and pepper. (Some people like to also add about a teaspoon of prepared mustard, yellow or Dijon.) Stir about half a cup of the mayonnaise mixture into the pasta while it's still pretty warm, then set aside to cool. In the fridge is good. While it cools, wash, slice, dice and otherwise prepare the vegetables and put them in a large serving bowl. Add the drained tuna and the cut up boiled eggs. Stir in about half a cup of the mayonnaise mixture. When the macaroni is cool enough not to cook the vegetables stir it in gently. You don't want to break things up too much. Add more of the mayonnaise mixture if necessary, and save the rest of it. Chill the salad. Just before serving time, stir the salad and add more of the mayonnaise mixture if necessary. It will probably need more because the macaroni soaks up the dressing as it stands. If you keep it overnight, it will almost certainly need more dressing in the morning. In my opinion, the overnight rest makes it taste even better. Keeps for two or three days in the fridge, but don't let it sit out for more than an hour or so. If you're serving this on a buffet in a very warm room, keep the salad refrigerated until just before it's to be served, and then put the serving dish into a larger dish filled with ice while it waits for everyone to finish coming back for seconds.

Thought for the week: A dear cousin died last week. At the end of her obituary was an observation well worth repeating: "The value of life is best measured by the moments spent giving of one's self, inspiring hope, wiping tears, and touching hearts with love." Amen to that!

(This column is written by Shirley Prudhomme of Crivitz. Views expressed are her own and are in no way intended to be an official statement of the opinions of Peshtigo Times editors and publishers. She may be contacted by phone at 715-291-9002 or by e-mail to shirleyprudhommechickadee@yahoo.com.)

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