Country CousinIssue Date: November 11, 2020 Thank You Veterans!!!
Since 1776, when the first American Veterans won their fight to make America free, their successors have been fighting to keep America the wonderful free nation that it is today.
After independence from Britain was attained their fights began with the Islamic Barbary Coast pirates, and continue today with some of their successors in the mid-east, successors that would subject us to totalitarian rule.
Where else on Earth has there been a nation that won wars, then turned around and helped the nations that fought them return to peace and prosperity with freedoms many never even dreamed existed?
Thank you veterans, for fighting against Nazi and Communist oppressors in all corners of the world, for responding with humanitarian help whenever and wherever it was needed.
Thank you veterans, for sacrificing your precious years, sometimes your arms and legs, and sometimes your lives, to keep America great.
Despite the political troubles of today, most of the free world is currently enjoying peace and prosperity and quality of life that many could have never dreamed of, and we owe it all to you - the men and women who have served and protected this great nation and its values that are far more precious than gold - the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!!!
May we never willingly give up the freedoms you fought and died for!
VETERANS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Veterans Day is over for this year, but in a proclamation issued on Friday, Oct. 30, President Donald Trump proclaimed November 2020 as National Veterans and Military Families Month, and encouraged all communities, all sectors of society, and all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our great Nation.
In the proclamation, President Trump declared: "Our Nation's service members - past and present - and their families - represent the very best of America. Motivated by patriotism and love of country, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Space Warfighters serve at home and abroad with professionalism, ingenuity, integrity, and devotion. Their families always stand beside them in their missions and as they transition to civilian life.
"During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we celebrate the loved ones of our country's men and women in uniform and recognize the sacrifices they have made in support of our Nation's heroes.
President Trump's proclamation went on to emphasize efforts he has made to help veterans and their families. Let us hope those efforts continue, regardless who is in office when the dust settles and a victor is finally decided in the race for President for the four years that start in January of 2021.
President Trump stated: "The demands and challenges of military life are shared by the loved ones of our heroes. Spouses, parents, siblings, and children often shoulder increased burdens and responsibilities when their servicemen and women are called to duty.
"Military families, and especially spouses, have to endure the stress of frequent relocations and deal with job searches under state licensing regulations that can prevent them from working in their chosen occupations. To address this issue, my Administration eliminated unnecessary and cumbersome red tape that stifled career opportunities for military spouses, and the Department of Defense has implemented programs to enhance childcare opportunities for military families.
"Too many veterans carry painful memories and bear physical and emotional scars from their service. We will never forget our veterans who are suffering from mental health issues or the military families that are left behind by veteran suicide. As President, I have prioritized changing the culture surrounding mental health and promoting a society that recognizes the infinite value and purpose of every life.
"Last year, I mobilized every available Federal resource to develop and implement the President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide. I also fought for and secured a record $8.6 billion in funding for mental health services in the most recent Department of Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. In October, I signed the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which will bolster these efforts even further.
"Like never before, we are using a whole-of-government approach to better understand and prevent suicide. No American warrior should ever be forgotten, and no military family should ever be left behind," the statement went on.
"Caring for the brave Americans in our Armed Forces, and their families, and upholding our sacred obligation to those who have served with honor is the least we can do for those who have given so much for so many. This month, we pledge our gratitude to every man and woman currently serving this Nation in uniform, to all our veterans who helped preserve and defend our precious freedom, and to every family member who shares in the service and sacrifice of military life. My Administration will never stop fighting to enhance and improve the quality of life for these exceptional Americans."
You may or may not like President Trump, but if you are a decent American, you will appreciate the importance of continuing to fight for those goals. That's a fight we can carry on as civilians, so let's keep at it!
HUMOR IN UNIFORM
Recently came across a treasure trove of old, old Reader's Digests, dating back to 1966 and 1967. Many of the articles are totally appropriate for today, and so are some of the "Humor In Uniform" tales from way back then - more than half a century ago - when fighting was still going on in Vietnam.
Some things haven't changed much. One tale is of a young man who got his first letter from home after four days in boot camp: "Dear son, Congratulations! For the first time in ten years, we know exactly where you are. Love, Dad."
Lost in translation?
We all get calls today from telephone telemarketers who speak far less than perfect English. Language differences always have yielded some unintentional accurate results. A shop in Bien Hoa, Vietnam was selling American Armed Forces decorations manufactured there. It showed. One of their offerings was a very fine medal with the tag: "Purple Hurt."
On the bulletin board of a field dispensary at Chu Lai, Vietnam was a picture of two less than attractive young girls dressed in the latest "mod" attire - slacks, high boots, baggy sweaters, straight, stringy hair and black leather jackets. The caption read: "Are you sure you want to go home to this?"
BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN
Weather has been marvelous since November began! Golden days, balmy nights, and only a few storms. What a grand respite from the cold miserable October that came before it. This wonderful Indian Summer is supposed to end soon...in fact it started leaving on Monday night, but it certainly was great while it lasted.
Now, after treating us to some of the warmest November days ever, those nasty forecasters are even predicting possible snowfall by Friday and Saturday.
On the bright side, deer hunters have always appreciated a light snow cover to help track their prey, and the high holy days of Gun Deer Season in TIMESLand are fast approaching - starts at daybreak on Saturday, Nov. 21.
We here in northern Wisconsin complain a lot about the weather, and most of the time rightfully so, but we have escaped the fires that plagued California and Oregon all summer, and are spared the hurricanes that have been making life difficult for folks along southern coastlines in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.
ON THE SOAP BOX - FAITH IN THE BALLOTS
Debate - and lawsuits - continue in regard to the Nov. 3 Presidential and Congressional elections. Personally continue to have little faith in the system of mail-in ballots that was so much used this year.
Had even more doubt after talking in Crivitz with a friend whose son lives in Oconomowoc. She said he went to the polls there to cast his ballot and was told he had already voted. He said he had not, and demanded to see his ballot. He wanted to know who had signed as a witness. The poll worker refused. She told him to leave and he refused. Stood there for two hours, insisting he had a right to vote. Finally someone produced "his" mail-in ballot, showed him the envelope and then threw it into a discard box without letting him see who had signed as the required witness. He then was allowed to vote, but wonders how many other ballots were submitted on behalf of people who had not voted. If it can happen to one, it can happen to many.
GROWIN' THINGS
Let's hope that unlike me, you managed to get most of your outdoor chores done while the weather was fine. Lots of you did, as shown by the Christmas lights already glowing!
Once it quits raining or snowing again, this is actually a good time to prepare your perennials for winter so they survive and thrive next spring.
After several hard frosts, many herbaceous perennials should have old foliage and dying stems removed and be cut down to the ground, allowing the crown (base of plant) to remain dormant over wintertime. Diseases can over winter in dead and rotting foliage, as can slugs and other pests. Old stems can also get battered about by fall and winter winds which will damage the plants crown and roots.
Garden gurus advise us to not be in a rush to do this, and to wait until we're sure there have been a few hard frosts. Until then, even if the flowers or leaves are dead, the roots are reclaiming energy from the dying plant for healthy growth in the spring.
Not all perennials need to be cut back in fall. Some with seed heads that add winter interest and provide food for birds and wildlife can wait until spring to be cut back"when new growth appears.
The ones to be cut back after hard frosts include bee balm, phlox, hosta leaves, bearded iris, clematis, columbine, coreopsis, delphinium, day lilies, hardy geraniums, Peonies, salvia, shasta daisies and a few others.
To cut back your perennials, remove spent flower stems. Use bypass pruners and make clean cuts at an angle through the stems of the plant, leaving about 6-inch stubs to help find the plants next spring. Remove leaves when you cut back so pests and fungus do not harbor there Mulch where necessary with straw shredded leaves or evergreen boughs.
If your plants have already started to form leaves for next year at the base of the plant, be sure to leave these rosettes of green.
Some perennials, such as epimediums, hellebores, and euphorbias should be left alone, as should candytuft, primulas, dianthus, hens & chicks, heaths, and heathers, and marginally hardy perennials like Chrysanthemums.
COOKIN' TIME
HOME CANNED SAUERKRAUT
Save this fall's cabbage crop for delicious meals on blustery days ahead. Recipe makes 7 pints. Takes a while to cure, but the making requires minimal work.
5 pounds fully matured cabbage
3 1/2 tablespoons salt
Cold water, preferably purified purchased water
Wash, quarter and core the cabbage and shred it finely. sprinkle on the 3 1/2 tablespoons salt and mix well. Let stand 30 to 60 minutes. The cabbage will wilt slightly, which is what you want. Pack firmly into jars leaving a 2-inch head space. Fill jars with cold water to cover the cabbage, leaving a half inch of head space. Be sure the jar rims are clean and dry. Place lids on jars and screw the bands on tightly. Put the jars on a jelly roll pan or a tray with a rim to catch brine that overflows during fermentation and curing. Keep the cabbage covered with brine. If the brine in any jar drops too low open the jar and add more brine, which is made by dissolving 1 1/2 tablespoons salt in a quart of water. The sauerkraut will be cured and ready to eat or can in 6 to 8 weeks. It will probably keep if you just tighten the rims and let it sit. However, if you're stocking up for the winter, it's best to process the kraut slightly. Whenever you have a bit of time, clean the jars, including cleaning the rims and replacing the lids if necessary. Screw the rings tight. Set jars in a water-bath canner. Fill canner with cold water to a depth of 2 inches above tops of jars. Bring slowly to boiling and process for 30 minutes whether you process quarts or pints.
I have also had success with another method: Set the cleaned the jars into a cold pressure canner with 2 inches of water. Put on lid but do not close the pressure valve. Put over high heat until the water boils and steam starts coming out the pressure release valve. Steam the jars of kraut for about 5 minutes after the water gets boiling and then shut off and let cool in the canner. The jars should all seal, but if one does not, either cook and eat it soon, or get a new lid and try again, making sure the rim of the jar is very clean.
LUSCIOUS APPLE BREAD
2 large baking apples, peeled (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional
2/3 cup (3 ounces) nuts, chopped, optional
Center a rack in the oven and heat to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8 1/2-inch-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan or line the loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly spray or grease with oil. Peel and core the apples and use a box grater or food processor to shred them. Put the shredded apples into a large bowl. Add the sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and mix well. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes. As they sit, the apples will release quite a bit of liquid. While the apples sit with the sugar and spices, prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk or sift the flour, baking powder and baking soda together. When the apples are ready, stir in the oil, beaten eggs, vanilla, and almond extract until well blended. Use a large rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then add the dry ingredients in three parts, stirring gently until they disappear and the batter is smooth. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top Bake 55 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness after baking about 30 minutes, and if the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. When the bread is done, transfer to a cooking rack for five minutes, then remove from the pan and put upright on the rack. Cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container for up to four days, or in the freezer for a month or two, provided you wrap it well.
NEW FASHIONED FRUITCAKE
A nice switch from the traditional fruitcake. Even kids like this one. Like the traditional fruitcake, this is a good keeper, but it probably won't keep quite as long. Wrap well and freeze if you like.
3 cups plain flour
1/4 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves or allspice
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable shortening
4 large eggs
1-1/2 cups applesauce (or pureed pear or pumpkin)
1-1/2 cups preserves (fig, pear or peach)
2 cups blanched, steamed raisins (1 cup each light/dark)
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, cut in fourths
1-1/2 cups shredded coconut (optional)
2 cups chopped pecans
Cherry, pecan and/or almond halves for decoration
GLAZE (optional)
Orange or amaretto liqueur for glaze
Sugar
Sift together first 7 ingredients and set aside. Cream sugar and Crisco. Add remaining ingredients, mixing after each addition. Add flour mixture. Cream well. Put in greased and floured tube pan. Decorate top with cherries and pecan halves. Bake at 350º for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Dissolve sugar in liqueur and brush on top of hot cake. Some will soak in, some should stay on top to form a shiny glaze.
Thought for the Week: "Lord, help us to remember that there is no promise - not from You, and not in the Declaration of Independence - that each of us will be happy, or well taken care of. You gave us free will. The Declaration of Independence gave us a government based on our free will. The promises of freedom are not for health, wealth or security. They are only that we will not be denied the opportunity to pursue happiness, or to benefit from the fruits of our own labors, the sweat of our own brows, and for having the courage and determination to pursue our own goals in accord with Your laws and the laws of this nation. Help us to understand and appreciate the importance of the freedom that You gave us, and to defend it with everything we have. Amen.
(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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