A Journey Back in Time guided by Bill Bryson

It was an extreme pleasure to host the Poynette Area Public Library book discussion and pot luck. The attendees were asked to bring a dish to pass that they remembered from their childhood days and also a treasured item to share. I dressed in vintage clothing. We all shared our memories of the 50's. The food was delicious and sparked many memories of similar recipes. I rushed to the library the following day to check out "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid". It is FULL of nostalgia and allot of fun.

I am really looking forward to this weekend. There is going to be a wedding at the Prairie Splendor Farm B & B. A special event like this is what I have always wanted to take place at our Inn. I love the fall and a fall wedding will be so beautiful. I hope to share some photos with you next week.

My daughter and son-in-law are coming home this weekend from Colorado. This will be an enjoyable and a busy time. We are going to celebrate "Hallowthanksmas" (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas). This is a holiday I made up to celebrate when the kids are home this time of year and we will not be seeing each other for the holidays. We have ham and turkey and my house is decorated for all three holidays. FUN!!!

With the prices today, I have been making my home made French Dressing. It really is good and easy:
1 can tomato soup
2/3 C sugar
1/2 C Mazola oil
1 t. dry mustard
1 T grated onion ( I use dried chives)
1 t. salt
1/2 C cider vinegar

Put all in a quart jar with top and shake. Store in refrigerator. Yum

LOCAL HISTORIANS GO BACK IN TIME TO THE 50'S

The very wet, windy and cold night did not dampen or keep our local Historical Society members from visiting the Prairie Splendor Farm B & B. Twenty attended their annual informational event. Coffee, hot mulled apple cider(purchased from Lapacek's Orchard) and cookies were provided. I was introduced to new people and renewed old relationships, once again, priceless. After a brief talk of the history of the renovation and the beginning of the B & B, the group divided and I gave tours of the bedrooms. The B & B is a working museum so the remaining members were encouraged to explore the first floor "treasures". I enjoy giving tours and find that it is a good way to spread the word that I am here.

On October 19 the Poynette Library's Book Club will be discussing Bill Bryson's book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. Members will be bringing a dish to pass for a pot luck and a sample of 50's memorabilia. I am looking forward to that evening.

I have many more great fall recipes to share. Now that I am retired, I have time to cook and will publish a few next week.

If you would like more 50's trivia, send me your comments on the bottom of this post.

She is the APPLE of his eye!!!

This lovely couple celebrated their anniversary at my B & B. They enjoyed themselves with an old movie and the vintage decor. Sweethearts of the 50's, of course, was the room they chose. The ladies get roses with this room.

Old movies and cinema stars of the fifties era was a subject for lots of discussion. "Priceless" Not everyone shares my interest in the vintage movies.

We all enjoyed an early morning breakfast and lots of visiting. They were the first to appreciate the farm atmosphere and lots of pictures were taken. I'm anxious to see them and share them with my bloggers.

As it is now apple season, I would like to share a really delicious Apple Dessert I made this week, one that you can't leave alone.
1 1/2 C brown sugar
1 3/4 C oatmeal
2 C flour
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 C butter, melted
6 C sliced apples (my husband did this)
1 1/2 C sugar
3 T corn starch
1 1/2 C water
1 1/2 t vanilla
Grease a 9x13 pan. Mix the brown sugar, oatmeal, flour, cinnamon and melted butter and pat half of the mixture in the pan. Layer apples. Cook the sugar, corn starch, water and vanilla until it's thick, and pour over the apples. Sprinkle the rest of the dough mixture on top and bake for one hour at 350 deg.

My CHARIOT was a 57 T-BIRD

The heat and dodging the rain didn't dampen the fun of participating in the Suzie The Duck days and the Arlington Festival. My red hat, purse and accessories went well with the beautiful vintage red 57 T-Bird. I was so fortunate to have a friend and his wife offer to drive me in both parades, priceless. These events mark the end of our summer and school starts soon. Time to start fall cleaning and winterizing the Bed & Breakfast. Note: I am open year round and the winter months reflect off season rates. A good time to get away and enjoy the 50's atmosphere.

The following is an easy and refreshing dessert for any time of the year.
1 pkg of jello (3oz)
1 cup boiling water
mix for two minutes
1 cup of sherbet
you can mix and match flavors
stir until melted and pour into wine or martini glasses
Chill for 2 hrs - garnish with whipped cream (can) and fruit at serving

In 1952 Joe DiMaggio retired from baseball.

I would like to see your comments and suggestions. It's easy, just click on comments.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE-PRICELESS

It's hard to put into words how much I enjoyed getting to know everyone. This whole group meet in the winter months in a warmer climate and have become a close family, all from different states and Canada. Now, that is really rare. Getting together this year during the summer months was a first. I have received lovely notes and a surprise gift of address labels that feature the B & B picture.

The parades were the following weekend. A good friend surprised me by offering his 57, red, T-Bird convertible for me to ride in. I dressed up in my 50's clothes complete with "horned rimed glasses". The rain or heat did not detract from the fun. It was a great way to let everyone know where I am. I will share the picture with you next week.

My daughter designed a book mark to distribute at the State Fair, so that is my destination this week. Printed on the book mark is "Book this 1950s themed home!". Neat!

For the next three weeks, I will share my new recipes that I made for the NAB group.

Kitchen Sink Potato Salad

4 Lbs of potatoes pealed and cooked in 5 cups of chicken broth

Dressing: 3 T Dijon mustard; 1 T lemon juice; 1/2 t sugar; 1/2 C olive oil; 1/4 C mayonnaise; 1 t mustard power; 1/2 t celery seed; salt & pepper to taste

Mix well (really good)

Add to potatoes: 1 T minced dill pickle; 1/2 C minced red onion; 4 green onions sliced; 3/4 C chopped celery; 1 C chopped red & green bell peppers; 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1/3 C green stuffed olives chopped; 1/3 C black olives chopped; 1/2 C pickle relish; 4 slices bacon crumbled. Mix w/dressing

Paul Anka wrote "Puppy Love" for Annette Funicello

In 1952, The Yankee Clipper retired from baseball. Who is he?

1. Joe DiMaggio 2. Stan Musial 3. Casey Stengel

In the 50's: a roll of toilet tissue-5 cents; magazines-15 cents; pact of cigarettes-20 cents

COLORADO TRIP SOFTENS THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF YOUR HOST

I would like to believe that the desert was in full bloom for my 65th birthday but I just arrived at the right time. I enjoyed my week with my daughter and son-in-law, beautiful home, good food and fun.

My B & B is home this weekend to two lovely couples from Canada and Illinois. Reserved as a vacation home, the entire 50's furnishings are available to play with. Once again my life has been enriched by my guests. The weather has been beautiful.

The weekend is full next week. Lodi has Suzie the Duck Days on Saturday and the Arlington Festival is Thursday thru Sunday. Their parade is on Sunday and I have been looking for my 50's car to ride in, dressed in 50's clothing. I haven't had any success and nothing else seems right. Both events are lots of fun.

Question: What was Lucy's maiden name? Lucy Macgillicuddy.

Question: Paul anka's "Puppy Love" is written to what Star?

The average U.S salary in 1950 was $2992.00. Most or all our possesions were made in the USA. Most of the furnishings in my B & B were made in the USA.

I haven't found any new receipes. Check out my blog partner at Lapaceks Orchards, they have lots of great apple receipes.

Colorado Rocky Mountain High

I'll soon be on my way to Colorado to see my daughter and son-in-law. I can't wait. I will have some beautiful pictures to share.
July has kept me very busy and August looks the same. My guests have been so enjoyable. Meeting new people has been a delight I didn't anticipate.
The Poynette Craft and Historic Homes tours is a not to miss event. I made my guests comfortable and enjoyed a quick look. Suzie the Duck days and the Arlington Festival are the second week-end in August. Both have a very nice parade and I hope to participate.
Our NAB (Networking Area Businesses) met again and the recipe this week comes from the host of that meeting. We have new members and I will be hosting the August meeting for an evening meal.
If you are in the area the Columbia County Visitors Bureau is hosting concerts all summer in Portage.

If you wish to return to my web-site, click on my link found on the right.

EGG CASSEROLE
1 C diced ham/bacon 1/4 C chopped onions, 12 beaten eggs, 1 3 oz can mushrooms, CHEESE SAUCE 2 T butter & flour, 2 C milk, 1/4 t salt, 1/8 t pepper. Cook and stir until bubbly; stir in 1 C process cheese; stir until melted; BREAD CRUMBLES 4t butter melted, 3 1/4 C soft bread cubes (3 slices)

Cook ham/bacon, onions 3 t butter - add 1 doz eggs scrambled. Fold in mushrooms - cheese sauce. Combine bread, butter, paprika. COVER AND LET SET OVERNIGHT. COOK 350 deg for 30 minutes.
Answer: to "Who appeared on the first cover of TV Guide? Lucille Ball and new baby
Question: On "I Love Lucy", what was Lucy's maiden name? Lucy MacNamara, Lucy McCloud, Lucy MacGillicuddy
In the 50's bacon was 35 cents a pound, ten pounds of potatoes was 35 cents, Kellogg's shredded wheat 18 cents, 1 dozen eggs - 72 cents ??