3July-August 20202 Nebraska

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Save the DateQuilter & Musician Ricky Tims

To Highlight October Quilt EventSave the date for the International Quilt Museum’s Mary Ghormley Memorial Lecture

Series presentation. This year’s lecture will be held in Western Nebraska on Saturday, October 17, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at the Gering Civic Center in Gering.

The event will feature award-winning quiltmaker, musician and TV presenter Ricky Tims. A spellbinding speaker, he is also known in the quilt industry as a best-selling author, teacher and fabric designer.

Following Ricky Tims’ presentation, Friends of the International Quilt Museum will host a benefit at 5 p.m. to support future programs and exhibitions at the Museum. The evening will feature an exhibition of quilts by local makers and from the IQM collection as well as a short program presented by the museum’s Executive Director. Refreshments will be served.

Tickets for this fundraising event are $25 per person and space is limited. Tickets will be available for purchase starting September 15th at https://www.internationalquiltmuseum.org/friends.

Mary Ghormley (1919-2015) was an avid quilter and collector from Lincoln. In her honor, Mary’s family provides a generous gift to support annual quilt related lectures around the state. This year, the Ricky Tims’ program in Scottsbluff/Gering was chosen for this recognition.

The Country Register is a United States and Canadian network of independently owned and published specialty newspapers for the consumer who enjoys outstanding shopping, events, day & overnight excursions and specialty classes.

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CANADA* Alberta: Marcy Horswill, Suite 114-919 Centre St NW, Calgary, AZ T2E 2P6, 587-585-3545 British Columbia: Jenifer Smith, 8726 Palmer Pl, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z2, 604-506-46861* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, 306-736-2441* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, 115-1803 St. Joseph Blvd. Orleans, ON K1C 6E7, 613-424-6420

July-August 2020Special Events .................................................... 3, 11, 14, 16Services .........................................................3, 6, 10, 14-15Atkinson • Cozad • Gering ................................................3Grand Island ..................................................................3-4Chadron • Hemingford ......................................................4Kearney • Clay Center • Arapahoe ....................................5Newman Grove • Fullerton • Stromsburg • Columbus ........6Valley • Ralston ..................................................................7Omaha ......................................................................7-8, 11Papillion ............................................................................8Blair • West Point • Norfolk • Hartington • NE B&B ..............9 Lincoln ....................................................................... 10-11Ashland • Elmwood ......................................................... 11Beatrice • Aurora • Hastings • York ................................... 12Wahoo • Fremont ............................................................. 13South Dakota ................................................................... 14 Kansas ............................................................................. 15Wisconsin ....................................................................... 15

54 July-August 2020NebraskaChadron • Grand Island • Hemingford Kearney • Clay Center • Arapahoe

Importance of Labeling QuiltsMost quilters today understand that labels are very important parts of their quilts because

they tell future generations who made the quilts, when and why. However, providing this provenance with specific information has not always been the norm and trying to recreate it years later can be challenging. A California Quilt Guild recently discovered that taking on that effort for a “mystery” quilt can also have a wonderful outcome! Here is their story.

A Quilt Provenance Adventureby Marcia Dains

Planning our biennial quilt show, the Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild chose the theme “Where Quilts and Friendships Bloom” because, after 30 years of quilting together, bonds have formed and new ones are being created with each project, mini group or retreat.

Little did we know that a donated quilt without provenance found in guild member Kristeen Dolan’s Aunt Genie Rachtle Woytoyick’s home in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, would give new meaning to how friendships can bloom. In less than a month, new friendships began with ladies in Arizona and Arkansas.

The donated quilt had 205 lovingly embroidered signatures but not one identified any of the owner’s relatives. It had no label so when or where it was made was a mystery. Luckily it was retrieved by a quilt lover and not relegated to the trash or local thrift shop (as is often the case). Usually, the more that is known about a quilt, the more valuable it is—either historically or financially. So, the investigation was on.

George P. Queen was the most unusual name on the quilt so that is where a Google search began. Wow, there was his obituary that read “raised in Plainview, Arkansas, by his Aunt Jess and Uncle Brode Law.” All three names were on the same block in the 20-block quilt. Jackpot! George P. Queen was born in 1931 so, in an instant, a place, time and community were identified. Using the far-reaching capability of Facebook, posts were made on four different quilting FB pages, Yell County Historical Group, and individual pages as well.

From this outreach to literally 20,000 plus people, Delores Jenisch in Arizona responded that she was raised in Plainview, Arkansas. She, too, had a signature quilt that her grandmother had made for her mother’s wedding in 1935. So, what was her mother’s

maiden name? Bridges, she responded. Eva, we asked? Yes, that was her Grandmother and an Eva Bridges was one of the 205 signatures on the quilt!

Delores wrote, “I can see her still, all dressed up to go to the Methodist women’s monthly group. Hat, pearls, handkerchief and all. So nice to see this connection. My quilt, however, is most humble in looks. Batting is definitely cotton from local farms, picked and carded by anyone with some free time. The printed fabrics most likely are flour sacks, sugar sack, chicken feed sack, although the general store did offer fabric off the bolt. Women were always swapping scraps, too, especially those offered by someone coming back from a trip down to Little Rock or larger town.”

Through the Plainview History FB Group, a connection was made with Sharon Bell Hamilton, a local genealogist who still lives in or near Plainview. Her grandparents, W. A. and K. Strickland, were on the quilt. Sharon knew and connected with Clarenda Moats, whose 99-year-old mother, Perry Whitlow, lived in Plainview her entire life.

Sharon wrote, “Clarenda Moats and her Mother, Perry Lee Whitlow, and I had a discussion of the quilt this morning. With the list of names and knowing that Mrs. Whitlow knew ‘Friendship Quilts’ were made after the church building was complete in the neighborhood of 1940, more or less, the ladies of the Plainview Assembly of God Church made ‘Friendship Quilts’ that were given to pastors, sick people, etc. The quilts were never sold and there were many made. The ladies would make the blocks and then put them together. Also, on this quilt are my grandparents, W. A. and K. Strickland, a pharmacist, Dr. and Mrs. Millar, a doctor, and the Law Brothers where they bought their groceries. Strickland and Law Family were Methodists-only business people I have identified so far. Gladys Mathis is there, but not Roy. But Gladys Mathis lived catty cornered from the Assembly of God Church. Now, how it got to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is still a mystery.”

The quilt was probably made in 1939-40 by the ladies of the Assembly of God Church as a gift but no one knows for whom. In addition to the doctor, pharmacist and business owner, quilt signatures included a former mayor, Assembly of God minister, school board members and other citizens. How it got to Wisconsin is still a mystery. Did it go with a Methodist or Assembly of God minister or with a Plainview community member as they moved to a new state? Obviously, this quilt was a gift of friendship with warm sentiments.

Through the search connections and flourishing friendships, a quilt will be going home. I reached out to my cousin, Sharon Dains Runyan, who lives in Arkansas and she connected me with Sharon Bell Hamilton and the Plainview History Group and the Alumni Group. Delores Jenisch and I message back and forth about family, quilting, recipes and, of course, the quilts. With her son in Brea, CA, and Arizona just a state away, it is quite possible to meet some day—a hoped for event. Delores and Sharon Hamilton message back and forth about Plainview and the Alumni Group. And it all started with a quilt from Wisconsin!

The quilt will go back to Plainview, Arkansas, to hang in the Plainview-Rover Alumni Center after it takes center stage in the Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild’s Friendship Quilt Exhibit at their next show at Hart Park in Santa Clarita. Watch for new show dates on the guild’s website, https://scvquiltguild.org/.

Lessons learned? Always put a label on a quilt and even 80 years later quilts can bring people together proving “Where Quilts and Friendships Bloom” continues.

Marcia Dains is a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild.

Clutter Happens

My Pandemic Viewby Julie Pirtle

Hello to all of you amazing and beautiful survivors out there. Whew. A lot has happened to all of us since I last sat down to share my thoughts with you. In my last article, “Eliminating the ED in Your Life,” I discussed how change could come into our lives like a steamroller and create havoc. Little did I know at the time that havoc was on its way into ALL of our lives at the same time.

Life came to an unexpected, screeching halt. The abnormal became normal in this upside down version of our lives. Because of this, I am stepping out of the box a bit to discuss organizing something you may have never even considered—your thoughts.

My personal journey with the pandemic may be something you can relate to. Due to health concerns for my clients as well as myself, I decided early on to cancel all appointments. After all, clutter elimination was not listed as an essential profession (but perhaps it should).

I found myself unemployed and in a state of shock. For the first two weeks, I was paralyzed. Depression quickly set in and I found myself unable to retain a thought. Worry took over and watching the “numbers” that were being reported every day became an obsession. It was as if I was waiting for an invisible nuclear cloud to drop. Honestly, it consumed me and I knew I had to start organizing my thought processes to take back some control and sanity.

When I am confronted with situations in my life that are out of my control, I tend to ‘future trip.’ My brain races to the worst-case scenario and runs with it. As this happens, other worries begin to filter into my thought process about the possible outcomes I am imagining and they feed on each other. I am trying to predict a future that, in most cases, NEVER HAPPENS. So, in the end, I end up having spent WAY too much time, energy and emotion unnecessarily. In even worse cases, I find myself in the middle of an emotional tornado. I can feel all the worries spinning around me and I literally feel like I am spiraling into the vortex. It is EXHAUSTING! But it happens.

To stop this process, I have learned a technique that helps me immensely. I call it “Switch.” When I find myself spinning, I literally think to myself, “switch.” Switching becomes a reminder to focus on something else entirely. It helps me to think of something specific that I will switch to in my brain. It can be a favorite memory, such as visualizing ocean waves running over my toes or perhaps a specific thing that I might be grateful for.

Having this thought predetermined is essential so I do not have to think about what I need to think about. I can immediately go to “that place” in my brain and “switch.” When I first started doing this, I literally had to say “switch” out loud. Sometimes it would take 3 to 4 times of saying it before my brain could actually climb out of the vortex and into my more desired thought. It is a great way to organize your brain and take back the control from worry.

Watching how the pandemic is affecting people and their emotions (mine included) has been an interesting people study. We have been instructed on how to conduct ourselves in public for the good of society. Social distancing and mask protocol have become the norm. We are asked not to hoard; not to visit other households. We do our best to comply and yet see others on TV and social media not doing as they have been asked.

This can be infuriating and a true stress factor. However, it is possible to organize these thoughts as well. Picture yourself standing on the sidewalk in front of your house. This is your sidewalk and you keep it clean. You only have control of your side of the street. What is happening across the street is out of your control. Focusing on what YOU can and are doing is what matters right now. You can stay on your side of the street without judgment and lead by example. None of us know what another is going through at this time. Giving grace to those whom you may be frustrated with is a gift both to them and to yourself.

With my Professional Organizer’s viewpoint, I am seeing many friends and clients being very hard on themselves in regard to high expectations. Having a lot of time on their hands now, they are setting huge goals as to what they want to accomplish within their homes. What starts out as a productive project can quickly turn into defeat. Just because you have the time may not mean that you have the emotional energy.

Seriously. If it was difficult for you to clean your garage before this upside down life, it may be even more so now that is compounded with the stresses that come with all of the change you are experiencing.

While I am all for setting goals, I encourage everyone to set small goals. If it includes cleaning that garage, make it a goal to do one shelf or cupboard at a time. Do not deconstruct an entire space to organize it as you will most likely lose steam and will then be left with a bigger mess that you do not want to live around. Small goals will ultimately still get the job done and will leave you feeling accomplished on a daily bases.

In reality, I would like to see all of you spending this time doing the things that bring you joy. Finish that scrapbook project. Read those books that have been waiting for you. Sit outside in the middle of the day and breathe it in. Write old-fashioned letters to those you love and miss. Spending this time wisely may not mean how many tasks we can accomplish. Instead, it could all be about finding and rediscovering ourselves. Maybe that is the blessing in all of this chaos.

Am I personally “switching” and “focusing on my side of the street?” Some days, yes. Some days, no. I am a work in progress. I am spending time doing things that I never allowed myself to do without feeling guilty about it. AND…I am giving myself grace. As should YOU. C’mon, we’ve got this. I know we do.

Hugs to you all…virtually of course!Julie Pirtle is a professional organizer and owner/operator of Clutter Happens in

Mesa, AZ.

Tomato Corn Fiesta SaladCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

A festive, South-of-the-Border-style marinated tomato and corn salad.2 tablespoons lemon juice1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon chopped, fresh oregano or 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano2 cloves garlic, chopped finely1/2 teaspoon chili powder1/4 teaspoon ground cumin1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 cup vegetable oil1 3/4 pounds fresh California tomatoes (about 4 medium), diced and drained3/4 pound zucchini (about 2 medium), diced1 cup thinly sliced green onion1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn, thawed1 medium avocado, dicedCooking Directions:Combine the first 7 ingredients; beat in oil. Gently toss with remaining ingredients.

Marinate at room temperature 1 hour or several hours in the refrigerator.

Makes 6 servings.

Prescription for Adventure

‘Tis the Season for Zucchini!by Naomi Gaede-Penner

Zucchini is one of the most prolific plants in the entire gardening world. A single plant produces an endless supply. A small row of zucchini has the potential to end world hunger. By the time August arrives, gardeners are reaping far more zucchini than they can possibly use in their soups, casseroles, omelets, muffins, breads, cakes, cookies, quiches, dips, appetizers, noodles, quesadillas, spaghetti sauces, fries, oven chips, lasagna, pizza, tostadas, jams and dog biscuits.

All too soon, they come to the end of their list for potential recipients, including family, friends, co-workers, workout buddies, reading groups, hiking pals, moms groups, Dutch Blitz card players, postal carrier, trash collectors, Sunday School teachers, personal trainers and dog groomers. Everyone avoids eye contact with these gardeners who walk around with big smiles and arms full of gigantic green curved vegetables. The gardeners latch on to moving bodies like a heat sensor and, even though their victims cross the street, they pursue them, calling out cheerful greetings. The victims feign deafness, a family emergency, a pot left boiling on the stove or the critical need to sort their sock drawer or recipe box.

This is when the gardeners start to kindly leave zucchini in the milk box and mailbox. They toss them to panhandlers on the exit and on-ramp corners. They pull them out of briefcases and share with otherwise unspoken-to commuters on mass transit. They give freely to Community Food Banks. They drop them off at the police station. They befriend strangers. They even try to bribe kids at neighborhood lemonade stands to give them away with their 75-cent drinks and popsicles.

Growers may become even more desperate. Beware when washing your car on the driveway. Lock the doors before running inside for a cold drink. Beware when leaving your stroller outside the community swimming pool. Check for “healthy snacks” left caringly by a neighbor. Beware when they sneak out, under the cover of darkness, with dog biscuits to silence your pooch, dressed in camouflage to get past your surveillance cameras and unload zucchini.

One can only hope they’ll show some consideration and include a recipe for some NEW way to use zucchini; perhaps without flour, or completely vegan, or disguised in popsicles, or grated finely and stuffed into a medicinal poultice for migraines, or cut in large circles and placed on your eyes at night to prevent puffiness in the morning.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Do what you need to, to protect yourself.

Continued on page 7...

76 July-August 2020NebraskaNewman Grove • Fullerton • Stromsburg • Columbus • Services Valley • Omaha • Ralston

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Tea Party in a Bag—A Sweet Surprise

by Lydia E. HarrisChallenging times require creativi-TEA. So why not turn a quarantine into a quaran-

TEA? While my sister Ruth was in lockdown because of the coronavirus, I wanted to celebrate

her 83rd birthday. Since she was not allowed to have visitors or leave her retirement community, I could not do the usual—take her to tea or invite her to my home for lunch. But I could deliver a tea party in a bag!

I baked Ruth’s childhood favorite maraschino cherry birthday cake—a white cake with chopped cherries and walnuts mixed in (see recipes online). I made a small two-layer cake with fluffy frosting and topped it with three cherries, placing a candle in each one for the three in 83.

The next morning, her birthday, I became inspired to prepare more than cake and began planning a tea party in a bag. I looked in my refrigerator and pantry and used what I found, creating an impromptu menu—rolls filled with chicken salad, veggie sticks with ranch dip, fruit ambrosia with coconut and rice, chips and a packet of raspberry herbal tea bags.

Then I looked through my gift bags and found a pretty one with a teapot and pansies and packaged everything in it except the cake.

For a gift, I wanted to give her 83 of something so I made spiced pecans and counted out 83 (about one and one-half cups). In a separate pretty box, I placed 33 slips of paper with affirming memories of her love and kindness to me over the years. They included memories such as:

*Christmases at your home were always fun. We didn’t have a lot of money so for our daughter Anita’s first Christmas (she was 6 months), you gave her a shoebox full of baby food. You are always practical.

* You excel at sewing and other creative skills. You are an example of the Proverbs 31 woman, whose hands are not idle.

*You have been a good role model for me during all the seasons of life. I am blessed to have you for an older sister.

I learned that Ruth was allowed to go into a meeting room with windows and see her visitors. I set up an appointment and we talked by cell phone as

I stood outside. The staff made sure she got the cake and tea party in a bag.Later Ruth emailed, “Thank you for all the food. The cake and sandwiches are delicious.

That was more than I needed so I’ll enjoy the rest tomorrow. The nuts are tasty but I especially like the notes on paper.”

Other family members brightened her day with cards, gifts, email messages and telephone calls to sing happy birthday.

Another time, I dropped off a bouquet of flowers picked from my garden along with homemade blackberry pie. She surprised me with a blue facemask she had sewed for me.

The virus limited my usual party plans and necessitated creativi-TEA with a quaran-TEA. Nonetheless, my tea party in a bag turned out to be a sweet surprise! Ruth even made a little booklet using the affirming slips of paper and wrote a poem about her covid birthday.

So even when times are challenging, we can make the best of things and celebrate.Lydia E. Harris holds a master’s degree in home economics and has been writing

this tea column for 20 years. No wonder her five grandkids call her “Grandma Tea.” She is the author of Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting and In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together. Her books are available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and Christianbook.com.

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Sugar ’n’ Spice PecansRecipe from Lydia’s cookbook In the Kitchen with Grandma, pages 92–93. Easy to

make; crunchy and sweet to eat or to share as a treat. Gluten-free.

Prep time: 10 minutesBake time: 70 minutesMakes: 5 cups

Ingredients: 5 cups pecan halves1 egg white1 teaspoon water1/2 teaspoon vanilla1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:1. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees. 2. Prepare baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly. Use two 9x12 pans or

one jellyroll pan.3. In medium-sized mixing bowl, beat egg white and water until the mixture is foamy.

Stir in vanilla.4. Add egg white mixture to pecans. Stir until pecans are well coated.5. Combine sugar, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle over pecans. Stir to coat thoroughly.6. Spread pecans in a single layer on prepared baking pan(s) with sides. 7. Bake the pecans for 70 minutes. Stir them every 20 minutes.8. Leave on baking sheet until completely cooled.9. Store in airtight container.

My Covid Birthday PartyHow can I celebrate my birthday

At the age of eighty threeWhen I can’t leave my apartment

And my friends I cannot see?

I could have a pity partyThat won’t bring me any joy.

I could do some exercisesSince I’m such a tomboy.

But to have a birthday partyYou really need some friends

To let you know they love youWith the greetings that they send.

My best friends are my familyWho are always there for me

And this year in isolationThey sent many cards to me.

My sister brought a tasty lunchAnd a special birthday cake.Others brought some foodAnd flowers to decorate.

I was given slips of paperTo encourage me each day.I made a special little bookThe Good Words to display.

Days later I received some flowersAnd some homemade berry pie,Which the staff delivered to me

My taste to satisfy.

So when you’re isolatedYou still can celebrate,

If you have a loving familyWho God’s love will radiate.

With Thanks and Love to my Family

Ruth Roetcisoender 2020

Meanwhile, enjoy these facts: • Pennsylvanian Tom Roy designated August 8 as “National Sneak Some Zucchini onto

Your Neighbor’s Porch Day.” • Zucchinis have more potassium than bananas.• Darker skin zucchini have richer nutrients than those that are pale.• “Facts” differ on records of size and weight: • Bernard Lavery of Plymouth Devon in England holds a record of 69.5 inches long

and 65 pounds.• Brampton, Ontario (2005) holds the record for 94.3 inches long and 64 pounds, 8 oz. • Zucchinis were first brought to the United States in the 1920s by the Italians. • April 25 is National Zucchini Bread Day. • Biggest is not the best. The most flavorful zucchinis are small to medium size. You can find and purchase Naomi Gaede-Penner’s Prescription for Adventure books at

www.prescriptionforadventure.com or by calling 303-506-6181.

Zucchini, continued from page 5...

Maraschino cherry birthday cake.

Ruth by her apartment door with flowers and wearing facemask she sewed.

Make a Quarantine Quilt!by Judy Sharer

During these unprecedented days of stay home and stay safe, what better time to make a Quarantine Quilt to show your support for a loved one, a health care worker, or to present to a doctor or hospital to display in their waiting room. Smaller quilts could be made and given to first responders or local police departments to give to those who may need comfort. Perhaps if you’re a member of a quilt guild, suggest your group makes a Quarantine Quilt as a fund raiser and give the proceeds to a charity.

Either made by yourself or done as a group, these expressions of love and appreciated are sure to be welcomed. A quilt is the perfect gift or fund raiser to show your support.

Quilters and sewers care as evidenced by the thousands of masks currently being made as contributions to non-profits and individuals who need them during this time of social distancing. If you sew, making masks and quilts is a great way to support our county and those in need.

As always, stay safe, sanitize, practice social distancing, and enjoy making a Quarantine Quilt to brighten someone’s life or raise money to support a charity!

Judy Sharer is the author of A Plains Life series published by The Wild Rose Press. Book One, Settler’s Life and Book Two, Second Chance Life are now available wherever online books are sold. Book three will be released Winter of 2020. If you’re a quilter, you’ll enjoy Judy’s sweet historical romances which have a thread of quilting that runs throughout the family saga series. Visit Judy’s website for more details. judysharer.com

98 July-August 2020Nebraska NE B&B • Blair • West Point • Norfolk • Hartington Omaha • Papillion

New Knitting Mystery

Arlene Sachitano’s Latest Book—Double Knit Death Murder MysteryKnitter Permelia O’Brien is starting over. Her husband has left her for a much younger

woman and they are having a baby. She and her cat Fenton move from the family wheat ranch and her beloved fiber co-op to an apartment over the city morgue, taking a job answering the phones at night in exchange for reduced rent.

Permelia meets her curious neighbor, Wilma, who lives behind a high stone wall and proclaims she never leaves the property. She noticed Permelia moving in her spinning wheels and fiber and asks her if she can teach her to knit. Permelia agrees and discovers Wilma has created a beautiful sanctuary behind the wall, but she wonders why Wilma would choose to live that way.

Someone begins a campaign of notes made from letters cut from magazines, warning her to move away. But Permelia laughs it off as a harmless prank. Others are not so sure.

On Permelia’s first night on phone duty, the body of a murder victim comes in and is identified as Edward Anderson. The next morning, a distraught woman, Betty Fitzandreu, comes looking for her husband who is missing. She is assured that only Edward is currently in residence.

Permelia brings a hat she found near the dumpsters to the office as Betty is leaving. Betty catches sight of the hat and passes out cold, falling on Permelia and knocking her down. Permelia invites Betty up for tea and points out that her fiber co-op spun, dyed and sold the yarn in the hat to a local yarn store. Betty says she made the hat. What is it doing in the morgue parking lot?

Assistant medical examiner, Dr. Harold Grace, worries about Permelia and while she is not ready to be with any man after her louse of a husband, she does find the doctor very charming.

Permelia knits a duplicate hat and takes it to Edward Anderson’s family where it is recognized, confirming what Permelia suspected—Edward is also Eidread Fitzandreu.

She meets Edward’s youngest son and the boy is so lacking in attention from his family that he keeps finding excuses to come visit Permelia and her home baked chocolate chip cookies.

Betty’s son Red returns from school in Ireland when he’s told his father has been murdered and worse—he has another whole family. He wants his mother to return to Ireland where he believes she will be safe from whoever killed his father. She’s not having it. She wants to find out why a man would choose to have two families instead of having a simple divorce?

Permelia is worried for her friend but she does not know who among all the new people she is met is Ed/Eid’s killer, including Betty herself.

A knitter herself, Arlene Sachitano started life as a military brat. Her dad retired and moved the family to the Pacific Northwest where she still lives. She started knitting, writing and sewing at a young age and still does all three. Until recently, a thirty year diversion into the high tech industry, along with marriage and children, prevented her from taking action on her desire to write novels inspired by her love of Agatha Christie. Arlene spends her days writing her novels, babysitting her grandchildren, quilting, knitting and promoting her books. She is active in the Harriet Vane Chapter of Sisters in Crime in Portland, Oregon.

Win a Copy of Double Knit Death!Enter to win a copy of Arlene Sachitano’s new book by sending an email to nebraska@

barlo.com and put “Double Knit Death” in the subject line. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. You can also send a note or postcard to: The Country Register, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085.

The drawing will be held on August 1 and the winner will be sent a copy of the book and it will be announced in the September-October issue.

A Squeal Heard By Allby Deb Heatherly

I have six precious fur children—feline girls Lily, Little and Lacey and boys Max and Monroe along with our sweet dog Maggie. The fact that they all have names that begin with an “L” or an “M” was not planned and my husband likes to joke that we will soon run out of names and have to pick a different letter.

We adopted Maggie when she was two and she has never shown any interest in toys. The cats try and encourage her by sharing theirs but, so far, no luck. I’ve seen them proudly carry a toy and place it at her feet or in her bed while looking expectantly at their friend. Maggie just gives them a little “ruff” and turns her back on them. Toy mice and tiny balls do not interest her.

Last week, I distinctly heard Max tell her in his tiny kitty voice, “Fine, just be that way,” as he picked up his toy and went off to play by himself. Poor Max does not understand why she won’t play with him. Now, if he ever learns to bring her doggie biscuits, that will be a different story.

The cats bring toys to me as well. Lily loves to carry tiny pom-pom type balls and will place them beside my sewing machine while I’m working. I always try to stop and praise her for the gift and have learned that Lily wants me to toss the balls for her to play. She actually uses both front paws to catch them. At age eleven, a few good tosses and she is content but, when she was younger, the game would continue until I got tired of tossing. Recently, I must have been really concentrating on the task at hand because, when I finally looked up, she had three balls lined up on the table beside me and sat quietly staring at me, waiting for our game.

Little and Lacey like to bring me presents, too, but these two are not into balls. Instead, they like to place tiny toy mice at my feet while I am getting dressed each morning. Both expect to be petted and praised for their ‘hard work’ and some mornings my bedroom floor is littered with them. If I ever sleep in, they have been known to place them in the bed so that I can wake up to their presents. Lacey has been doing this for years and apparently taught Little when we adopted her last year. I really do feel honored that they want to share their treasures and it never fails to make me smile. At least until last week.

It started out like any normal morning. As I dried my hair and got ready for the day, the tiny mice began to appear. There seemed to be more than usual that morning and I remarked to my husband that our gray girls must have been working all night to find this many. I told them what great mousers they were as I picked up a few and tossed them across the room, much to Little’s delight. My husband and I both watched as she grabbed one by the tail and tossed in the air before running back down the stairs to bring more. I was laughing as the mice continued to multiple. If I only had her energy, I thought to myself and turned back to the mirror.

Soon I heard them both coming back up the stairs and Little making her “I have a present noise.” It was not long before I felt her drop her newest treasure by my foot. Smiling, I reached down to pick it up but soon stopped dead in my tracks. My husband said he really could not describe the noise I made but he was sure that the neighbors heard it a mile away. There, among the toys—and right beside my foot—was an actual dead mouse. For me, time stood still. I’m not sure how long I stared at it trying to make sense of what I was seeing. Eventually I grabbed a paper towel, scooped it up and handed it to my husband. I needed no words; he recognized the look that said, “do something!”

Little seemed quite taken aback with my reaction. She had worked harder than ever to bring this present! Where was the joy? Where the praise? Once I recovered, I told her what a good girl she was, all the while cautiously looking at the other gifts to make sure they were just toys.

As the initial shock wore off, my husband and I had a good laugh and he brought up a very good point. “At least she did not leave that one in the bed for you to wake up to,” he said.

“Thank goodness!” I said. “Instead of a squeal, I might have had a heart attack.” Deb Heatherly is a designer for Creative Grids tools®. When not in her studio, Deb is

normally on the road doing Creative Grids® lectures and workshops for guilds and shops across the country. She is the designer of the Creative Grids Cat’s Cradle tool, Strippy Stars tool, Turbo 4 Patch, Ultimate Flying Geese tool, and Cat’s Cradle XL. She is also the author of the books Cat’itude, Strippy Stars, 4-Patch Panache, The Ultimate flying Geese Book, Catitude XL, and Creatively Yours.

Visit her website at www.Debscatsnquilts.com. Creative Grids® fans are invited to join her Facebook group, Grids Girls, for tips and inspiration. Grids Girls members have the opportunity to participate in exclusive Grids Girls mystery quilts two times each year. https://www.facebook.com/groups/770429649800457/.

Want to schedule a trunk show, lecture or workshop in your area? Deb is currently booking 2021 and 2022 dates. Contact her at Debscatsnquilts@aol.com or call the studio, Deb’s Cats n Quilts Designs, 828-524-9578.

1110 July-August 2020Nebraska Ashland • Elmwood • Omaha • Lincoln • Special EventsLincoln • Services

Historic Bess Streeter Aldrich HouseQuilt Show & Exhibit in ElmwoodA Floral Quilt Show and Exhibit is on display at the Historic Bess Streeter Aldrich

House in Elmwood in eastern Nebraska on Saturdays and Sundays during July and August. The 1922 Prairie Mansion home has been beautifully decorated with more than sixty quilts and other pieces of needlework coordinated by the UNL Piecemakers Quilting Group of Lincoln.

All of the delightful quilts have a floral theme, either in their fabrics or patterns, and many have been hand quilted by members of the UNL Piecemakers Group. Interestingly, there is a unique historical connection in several quilts in that each was started by one generation and then finished by a subsequent generation.

Weekend hours for the Quilt Show are from 1 to 4 p.m. The tour is only $5 per person. Individuals and groups are also invited to contact Aldrich House Director Kurk Shrader at 402-867-4233 to arrange a personal showing and/or tour.

During this pandemic period, guests are encouraged to wear masks and to social distance, which can easily be accomplished in the 13 room, 3,400 square foot home that houses not only the quilts but many period artifacts and items personally owned by Mrs. Aldrich and her family.

Bess Streeter Aldrich was one of America’s most prolific writers in the 1920s and 1930s. While living in this home, she wrote nine novels and over 160 short stories for magazines like Saturday Evening Post, American Magazine and Cosmopolitan. One of her books, Miss Bishop, was made into a motion picture entitled Cheers for Miss Bishop. Mrs. Aldrich has been inducted into Nebraska’s Hall of Fame.

Funding for programming at the Aldrich House was provided by Humanities Nebraska (HN) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Aldrich House is located at 204 East F Street in Elmwood. You can learn more at http://www.bessstreeteraldrich.org/, at the Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum on Facebook or email aldrichfoundation@gmail.com.

Building Harmony

The Whole Dam Businessby Jeff Cappis

When I was a child, my father gave me some advice, “Be careful what you wish for, you might get it.”

My father was wise. One Christmas I got a toy I wanted more than anything that year and it turned out to be a dud. Bummer. I was stuck waiting and hoping for a better toy on my birthday. That was a long two months away—quite a long time for a four year old.

Sometimes the thing you thought you wanted becomes the thing you’re stuck with. Take the case of a place called Miracle Pond across the road from our property. Its very existence is somewhat of a miracle.

There was a debate a few years back about a small dam project in our area. It was meant to help flood mitigation in the wet years, water reservoir for irrigation in the dry years, and even a possible small hydroelectric generator for clean power. The proposal looked good on paper but not everyone agreed with it.

Our neighbor Renee loved beavers. Next to his property was Miracle Pond, a small wild patch of county swampland that held just enough water to sustain a couple of beavers. Renee would often be seen delivering small trailer loads of branches for them to munch on. From his house, with a pair of binoculars, he would often watch them swim and go about their beaver business. He even named them Bonny and Clyde.

Renee’s argument was that the dam would restrict the water that Bonny and Clyde would need to survive downstream. The debate went on between Renee and the government for months. But finally the decision was made to go ahead with the project for the good of the county. The dam would be built and in full operation within the year. The beavers could always be relocated if necessary.

Renee went to court to stop it. No. He tried to get the county to protect the beavers and water supply. Maybe. He got a bull horn and marched up and down in front of the pond yelling, “PROTECT THE BEAVER!” This noise drove the beavers crazy and they hid in their den for days. It also scared off the birds and annoyed his neighbors. But he absolutely meant well.

As the day approached, he applied for an injunction to stop the dam from beginning operations. No.

Renee was looking out over the frozen pond with his binoculars, wondering if this would be the last winter he would have his beloved beavers and the pond they live in. One way or another he was going to lose them. He remained hopeful for a miracle and may even have said a prayer or two.

It appeared that Renee was not getting his miracle and the dam began holding back water at 6 p.m. Well, Renee was crushed to be sure.

As he stood looking out his window at the snow-covered pond, his heart sank. He felt shaky for a moment—surely his nerves were reacting to his distress. But then it happened again. This time he not only felt shaky but he heard it, too. In fact, it happened a third time and the house began shaking a bit. He could hear dishes rattling.

Suddenly, and before his very eyes, a hole blew through the snow about 40 feet from his house and a geyser of water shot 20 feet into the air!

Apparently, when they closed the gates on the dam and began flooding the reservoir, the water table rose. The resulting pressure created a fountain of water on Renee’s property and the water began running down to the small pond.

“Holy crap!” he yelled and started dancing around the room, only stopping to admire the fountain out his window.

By spring, it was a small lake. Much of his front yard was under water but he didn’t mind. It was good for the beavers. He didn’t really mind when the county declared its land and part of Renee’s yard an environmental reserve, either. It was good for the beavers. He did mind, however, when the county declared his land ‘lake front property’ and doubled his taxes.

Now, in the winter months, all that frozen water surrounds his house and a 20-foot column of ice blocks his view of the pond and the beavers.

Within two years, Bonny and Clyde flourished in their new habitat and the pond became somewhat populated with beaver. They began chewing down the trees around Renee’s house. They also pooped on his only remaining five feet of lawn. Scared of the beavers outside, Renee’s dogs wouldn’t leave the house and his floors began to resemble his lawns.

One day, his second story balcony collapsed. Living in a log home next to beavers can be dangerous.

Thanks to Renee’s efforts, though, the beavers and their pond are protected by the county. This is good because they really do need the protection. From Renee.

Like my father said, be careful what you wish for—you might get it.© 2020 Jeff Cappis. You can email Jeff at jcappis@telus.net.

Porch-veranda, a covered shelter projecting from the front of a building. Serves a purpose as an extension of the parlor or living room. Provides shade and a place to relax during summer. Became popular in the early 1900’s.

I love my front porch! The peacefulness I feel on my porch is second only to knowing my husband, children and grandchildren are safe and healthy. My porch gives me a place to go for unadulterated tranquility. It gives me quiet, relaxing solitude after a hectic day at work. It gives me a place to welcome family and friends. It gives comfort for sore muscles and old bones. It gives me a sense of joy as I listen to the birds in the nearby pear tree and the buzz of a neighbor’s lawn mower. It’s a place where my husband and I meet after a long day at work to discuss the events of the day and to catch up on news in our community. With feet propped up on my cozy chair, a fresh glass of lemonade in my hand and a favorite magazine in my lap, I’m all set to wish or dream some time away.

Nearing the warmer days of March, I put away the winter decorations and bring out my spring/summer décor to give my porch a much-needed fresh look. I arrange my settee and matching chairs on one end of the porch along with my storage table and on the other end is my new whicker swing along with my year- round 4 ft. pine tree I like to decorate. I’m ready to put away the Easter garland, eggs and pastel lights on the tree and decorate with reds, whites and blues for the summer months. I make sure a warm, cozy blanket is always handy on the swing for those days when the sun is shining brightly but a cold chill is still in the air. I add a few primitives to the table such as an old Frigidaire refrigerator crisper tray that is perfect for storing magazines. I make sure a new sweet-smelling candle is present to

add ambiance and fragrance to the night. It adds a warm glow to my porch most evenings and says, “stop in, the porch is always open”.

My porch has greeted many friends and family members. It has harbored wet dogs on a cold winter’s night. It has welcomed us as we were tired and weary and it has comforted the sick coming home from the hospital. It has created a place to play games with my grandchildren and is the coziest place to take a nap as the sun beats down on my face warming me to my very core. The heat feels so gratifying as it sinks into these old bones.

My porch is now getting a facelift with a new paint job, new large red and tan rug, colorful pillows for the swing including one with Polled Herefords on it and curtains on one end to protect me on a chilly evening or to let the late afternoon sunshine in. And so, as the saying goes, “if you’re ever in my neck of the woods, come sit a spell”.

Front Porch Punch:2 Quarts of dry lemonade mix1 c sugar1-8 oz. can of pineapple chunks or you can use crushed if you’d like pulp in your punch1-6 oz pineapple juice1 lemon for garnishment (optional)Pour in large pitcherAdd enough water to almost fill the pitcher upStir until dissolved.Add 1/2 sliced lemon for added flavorPut slotted lid on pitcher and pour into pretty, clear glasses with ice and a wedge of

lemon. Tammy Page can be reached at ripage@ccrtc.com

Front Porch Sittin’by Tammy Page

Continued on next page...

Front Porch Sittin’, continued from previous page...

1312 July-August 2020Nebraska Wahoo • FremontBeatrice • Aurora • Hastings • York

Giveaway Winner from May - June Issue

We have two giveaway winners from our last issue.Deborah Ebke from Daykin will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at her

favorite Country Register advertiser, Quilt Stitches in Beatrice. Deborah told us this is her favorite shop because they have a knowledgeable staff, great selection of fabrics and tools, examples and classes.

Carmen Constant from Hot Springs, SD, will be sent the 2020 Needle Travel Guide. Carmen picks up her copies of The Country Register at Nuts and Bolts Fabrics in Edgemont, SD.

We love to hear from our readers about how they enjoy The Country Register and use it to hunt for great finds. In this issue, there is another $25 Gift Certificate and book giveaway. So, be sure to enter and tell us where you pick up the newspaper. Also, be sure to take a copy with you when you travel around Nebraska!

Ann’s Lovin’ EweOne Priceless Ann-tique

by Ann StewartDo you ever feel like an antique? I don’t mean like shopping for one. But that you’re

just a little “Old; ancient; of genuine antiquity.” I straddle Baby Boomer and Generation X, knowing that the language of 2020 is better understood by Millennials and Generation Z. I am antique.

I struggle with Drop Box and Google Docs and downloading and uploading. I appreciate ZOOM, Skype and Facetime but prefer time face-to-face. Though I’m ecstatic over writing with Word, I barely use most of the features of this word-processing program, relying instead on typing a fast 90 wpm.

Yet, on my phone, I’m all thumbs. I Google text acronyms so that I can LOL and don’t mistakenly sign off with “Lots of Love.” I tense whenever I need to locate a photo on my computer, not remembering which file is where. I once Snapchatted a photo of my head wrapped in a towel to a guy friend of my teenage daughter. Oops.

And yet, during the Pandemic, something has become clear—Antiques are valued. We are going back to prior generations when more people baked, farmed, knitted and sewed. We know we need a garden and the skills of hearth and home and recognize we need another generation to share it with us.

During the quarantine, I saw grandmas help with homeschooling by teaching skills in the kitchen. In our neighborhood, a new friend shared her sourdough starter and recipes and now I’ve been making bread and sourdough pancakes for my family.

So many friends are getting a little brood of chickens. They want life in their yard, the entertainment of watching something grow up and the convenience of fresh eggs in the morning.

Gardens are sprouting everywhere. Friends want to get their hands dirty, pull weeds, make a small patch of earth more beneficial and enjoy their own fresh greens and tomatoes. We donated sheep manure to help gardens get a rich start!

We even shared our bottlefeeder lambs with a family nearby who appreciated the quarantine distraction of “lambsitting” three of our baby lambs. Now they’re prepared to be shepherds when they start their own farm next year.

My mother is labeling and scanning old letters and photos. How valuable. An unlabeled picture would one day be an antique without a memory, significance or connection. Adding the name and date makes photos priceless.

Because I’m writing a memoir, I’m researching my grandparents’ 1929 escape from Russia, using a program ironically entitled “GRandMA.” What I have uncovered about my ancestors is significant and provides perspective for our current national and world situation. Learning from the past is crucial for the present and the future. It’s time sensitive; capture the wisdom now.

We think of antique as an ancient relic to own or purchase that might be of little use but great monetary value. I challenge the thought.

A better definition reads, “considered to have value because it is beautiful, rare, old, or of high quality.”

That was good, but I could do better:Of great use, though not of great monetary worth. One who can teach, counsel, offer

a wise perspective matured by trials, testing and experience. You cannot shop for this antique; it is gained through connection. And when shared with other generations, its incomparable value is priceless.

Noah Webster 1828CambridgeAnn Marie Stewart C 2020 Ann Marie Stewart. First rights reserved

Pound Cakes, an Old Trunk and a $10 Bill

by Kerri HabbenBaking with Nanna

The child watches Nanna’s hand,farmhouse fingers curled around a wooden spoon

swirling through golden batter in the bowl.Those younger hands once sifted German soil,and upon her left hand lingers a band of gold

given to her at the turn of a centuryby a grandfather the child would never know.

It is Friday, a day for baking butter yeast cakesand also a day for making pound cake.

No breeze shimmers the curtains.Heat holds the room still and heavy.Moisture glistens upon Nanna’s neckand fabric holds to the child’s back

like a second skin.

The child waits with her little bowlwhile studying the little Bundt pan

that sits beside the larger one.Nanna smiles and carefully pours in some batter

for the child to stir, stir and stir some more.Together they pour their batters,

the child with the little bowl and pan, and Nanna with her larger bowl and pan.

The child licks off the spoonsand Nanna scrapes the bowls clean.

The cakes slide into the oven.

Nanna wipes her hands on her apronand holds one hand out to the child

who tucks her own within itas the calendar reads

July 1945.

Nanna is my great-grandmother and the child is my mother. When she herself was 75 years old, Mom shared this memory from when she was 7 years old. I wrote this poem for the Old Mountain Press anthology, Mother’s Little Helper.

Nanna was born Sophie Grabemeyer on July 16, 1875. On April 30, 1899, she married Karl Weisgerber. Grandpa Karl died on Nanna’s 44th birthday in 1919. They had six children, five of whom were still living when Grandpa Karl passed away. There was a shortage of doctors after the Great War and he could not find care for a hernia that settled in his intestine.

In his pocket was an envelope that read “Sophie” on the front. It contained a $10 bill, her birthday present. Although that detail reawakens a story from long before my time, I still feel her pain.

I never knew Nanna. She died in 1958, fifteen years before I was born. Yet, it is her rolling pin I reach for and her bread bowl that dough rises in. Garden bouquets sit in her demitasse cup, which reads “Zum Andenken” meaning “To think of you.” I believe she carried it in the trunk she packed when she left Germany in 1897.

Recently, with the cleaning out of my childhood home, it became clear that it was time to let go of the large steamer trunk because there just wasn’t any room for it in my new home. Now it will make new memories with someone else.

I had imagined it would sadden me to part with this vestige of Nanna’s life because I had seen it all of my own. Instead, I thought about a 22-year-old Sophie packing the trunk, deciding what would fit for a journey across an ocean. As she arranged everything, she knew she might never again be with the family she was leaving behind.

Through a different life experience, I felt newly connected to Nanna in a stronger way than any piece of luggage could hold. Granted, I had only moved 45 minutes away via a major highway to a specific life I had chosen with joy and gratitude. So much more was unknown to her as she boarded a ship to another continent to become a house servant.

Like her, though, I had gradually compacted everything tangible that I could keep. All of the family who raised and loved me live beyond me now in a place that is not mine to know. I do not know if I will ever see them again. I just trust that grace always leads us home.

Sometimes, though, I ponder if somewhere little girls and grandmas yet bake pound cakes together. Just for a moment.

Kerri Habben is a writer in Chapel Hill, NC.

The Collector’s Corner

The Importance of Provenanceby Jim Olson

One picture of Billy the Kid is worth over 2 million dollars. Another is hardly worth anything. The difference? Provenance!

According to the dictionary, the word Provenance is a noun meaning: 1. ORIGIN or SOURCE; 2. The history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature.

Why is provenance important to collectors? First and foremost, it is the act of being reasonably assured we know the origins of something in a recognized and generally accepted manner. Basically, being comfortable with the authenticity of an item. The more we are assured it is authentic, the more value the marketplace will allow for the item. So authenticity, which of course leads to value, is a great reason provenance is important to collectors.

The Billy the Kid photo example is a fine example of just how important provenance is. There was an authenticated photo (the one and only) that sold at auction in 2011 for 2.3 million dollars! It had solid provenance. There was a chain of ownership established back to the time it was taken. A copy of the photograph appeared publicly on January 8, 1881, in the Boston Illustrated Police News. Sheriff Pat Garrett used the image twice in his book, The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid. The provenance was accepted as iron clad by the collecting world.

On the other hand, there have been a number of other photographs that some claim are also of Billy the Kid. Some even had pretty convincing circumstantial evidence that they were Billy. But just because an old photo looks like him does not convince the marketplace that it is him. Circumstantial evidence and looking similar to the authenticated photo is a good story but it is a long way from convincing the marketplace to shell out big money for it. In this example, solid provenance is about a 2 million dollar difference of the value placed upon the items by the marketplace.

Hallmarked vs. unsigned vintage and antique Native American jewelry is another great example. Most collectors of Native American silver know that much of it was not signed in the early days. As a matter of fact, from the 1970s to current time, most Native jewelry is hallmarked but, before that, the opposite was true. Collectors still pay good money for the old, unsigned pieces though. The value is just based on the quality of a piece.

However, there were a few people hallmarking early on. And those pieces now bring a premium because there is a form of provenance. For example, you can take two bracelets that look almost identical and both are quality work. However, one is signed by the Hopi silversmith Morris Robinson (one of the few guys who signed his work) and the other has no hallmarks. The signed one will bring at least twice as much in today’s market. The reason? We know who made it. We can tie it to a certain person in history. The other item may be just as good quality as far as workmanship goes, but it is speculatory as to who made it. We can say it was most likely Native-made based on the construction and style but there is nowhere near the degree of certainty you get with the hallmarked piece.

Old bits and spurs are another prime example. There were a lot of old, handmade bits and spurs from the late 1800s and early 1900s that were not hallmarked. However, some were. Even though there are those who can identify (with a fair amount of accuracy) who a particular spur maker was by because of the style and engraving, items made by guys who were hallmarking back then will realize a premium in today’s marketplace.

G.S. Garcia is a prime example. Most of the items produced in his shop were marked with the hallmark of his shop and they bring top dollar today because we know where they came from. We know he hired the best bit and spur makers available and they put the G.S. Garcia brand on the items. However, there were makers who produced just as nice of items but, unless those items were marked, the ones made and marked by the G.S. Garcia shop will bring more. Much more! The reason? There is provenance (a hallmark) tying the Garcia items to a certain point and place in history. It is not just speculation or an, “it sure looks like so-and-so’s work,” type of situation. The market responds accordingly.

Besides the importance of provenance regarding who made a particular item, historical event provenance is also very important. An item that can be tied to a certain event in history will always bring more than a like-kind item with no story behind it. But, again, provenance is extremely important. Just because it has a good story or the seller says it was used in a certain historical event does not necessarily make it more valuable. The more evidence you have tying it to a particular event, the better the marketplace will respond with regards to value. A good example of this is a Colt Single Action Army revolver that had provenance tying it to the battle of the Little Big Horn. One with such provenance sold at auction a few years back for $460,000! Meanwhile, a like-kind Colt SAA with U.S. markings and unknown historical ties will generally bring not more than $10,000 (depending on condition that number can vary greatly).

It is easy to understand the importance of provenance as to the authenticity and value of a piece but there is another question. Is the provenance real? Any time money is involved—especially when the amounts can be significant—there are people who try to manipulate the system. Fake hallmarks, fake document, conjured up stories, hearsay, and much more are often passed off as potential provenance. So buyers/collectors should beware and do their due diligence and educate themselves on the items they intend to collect and, when possible, deal with reputable dealers, auctions and sellers.

We always advise buyers/collectors to keep as much information with the piece as possible. At the very least, get a written receipt with a basic description and the amount paid. If possible, write down the history that came with it or print out any research you find on the item. It may help tremendously at some point in the future.

Remember, don’t just buy the story, buy the item based on its provenance. With any type of collectible or historical item, the more iron clad the provenance, the more substantial value the marketplace will allow for it.

Jim Olson is a published author, historian and co-owner of historic Western Trading Post in Casa Grande, AZ, that traces its roots back to 1877! Visit www.WesternTradingPost.com to see what it offers. Jim Olson © 2020

Rich Blueberry BarsCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

Super easy blueberry-filled cookie bars thanks to the convenience of refrigerated sugar cookie dough.

12 ounces blueberries - divided use1/2 cup blueberry or seedless raspberry jam or preserves 3 tablespoons granulated sugar - divided use1 (18-ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse and drain berries. In a medium saucepan over

medium-high heat, cook preserves, half the blueberries and 2 tablespoons sugar until boiling. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until blueberries are well broken up and some of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining blueberries.

Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil. Cut off 1/4 of the cookie dough and set aside. Break remaining dough into small pieces into pan and pat evenly over bottom and about 1/2-inch up sides. Spoon blueberry filling over dough leaving a 1/2-inch border. In a small bowl, work remaining sugar and cinnamon into remaining dough. Tear off small pieces and scatter over filling. (Filling will not be completely covered.) Bake on center shelf of oven until dough at edges is lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Cool on rack. Serve warm or cold, plain or with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

1514 July-August 2020Nebraska Kansas • ServicesSouth Dakota • Wyoming • Special Events • Services

Wyoming July - August Event 9th Annual Wyoming Quilt Shop Hop

Super Stars Across WyomingMay 26th – August 31

21 unique and delightful shops across the state to exploreFun prizes and gifts to win!

For more information check out the Facebook page – Wyoming Quilt Shop Hop or Visit – www.wyomingquiltshophop.com

Historic Road Yard Sale, Aug 19-23The dates for the 17th Annual Historic National Road Yard Sale have been changed to

August 19-23, 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus. This iconic event which is traditionally held the first Wednesday through Sunday after Memorial Day extends 824 miles from St. Louis. Missouri to Baltimore, Maryland all along the National Road also known as US 40.

This event part flea market, part antique quest, fresh produce and food started in 2004 by Pat McDaniel, owner of The Old Storefront in Dublin, Indiana originally called the World’s Largest Yard Sale. Over the years the event has grown and includes participants from shops, individuals, groups and organizations that set up along the route from one day to the full 5 days, from dusk to dawn.

Not a yard sale fan? Then you might enjoy simply meandering along America’s first interstate, sampling local food truck morsels, visiting a local restaurant, mingling with local history buffs, perusing small town antique shops, purchasing a Christmas gift in a specialty store, or spending a night or two in a bed and breakfast of classic architecture. Be sure to stop and visit Pat and her assistant Mr. Boos, aka the CEO/Canine Executive Officer of the Historic National Road Yard.

This event is open to individuals and groups wishing to participate. The work of each individual or organization on US 40 contributes to making the Historic National Road Yard Sale a resounding success. Each community handles the available space through local Chambers or Visitor Bureaus or you can contact Patricia McDaniel at 765-478-4809 or email oldstorefrontantiques@gmail.com. You can find information at the website www.oldstorefrontantiques.com or like their Facebook page: Historic National Road Yard Sale – US 40 sales.

The 2021 event will resume its regular schedule Wednesday through Sunday from Dawn till Dusk June 2-6, 2021, so mark your calendar for both dates!

KISSed Quilts

Ready To Travel?by Marlene Oddie

While many have been at home, others have been serving on the front lines to keep us healthy and fed. Thank you to all who have been willing to work in these uncertain times.

I have taken to making some videos and have posted them on my Facebook and Instagram accounts. I hope you’ll check them out. I also invited newsletter subscribers to a special live interactive event, so if you’re not on that yet, go to my website, contact us and sign up!

Can you tell I am ready to travel? We’ve had to cancel several trips out of town due to the ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ initiative. I’m looking forward to getting out and traveling when it seems appropriate.

Here’s an opportunity coming soon: Quilter’s Trek—a color guided shopping adventure—the reinvented Row by Row Experience™ of recent years. This year’s theme is ‘True Blue’ so designs might be of anything, but the kits will feature the color blue. There is also a collectable token in each kit. There are seven unique tokens from each state and just for fun, a few special ‘golden’ tokens. There are twice as many chances to win this year. Be one of the first 2 (TWO!) people to bring a completed quilt using at least 32 nine-inch blocks from at least eight participating Quilter’s Trek stores and receive a stack of 15 fat quarters. Receive a bonus

prize if your quilt includes the shop’s design. All the Quilter’s Trek stores and additional information can be found at www.rowbyrowexperience.com

Although the dates were going to be earlier this year, due to COVID-19 the organizers have pushed the start date back to June 21. We are all hopeful that the shops can be open and traveling to as many as possible will be doable!

Design guidelines changed a bit this year, too—everything is based on a 9” block. There could be one 9” block design used four times or four unique 9” blocks. I was channeling the idea of a trek and the tokens. So, here is the reveal of my design. You can incorporate the tokens

in the small squares and the blocks could be used vertically, horizontally or, like shown, in a square. Do you see a treasure map in this design? Since the block is asymmetrical you can rotate it and come up with lots of different settings to fit your own style. The kits will have enough pre-cut squares (eight of each color) so you can be very creative in how you place your colors and/or tokens as well. This one is quilted with ‘Footsteps 8”’ design from Linda’s Electric Quilters.

Stay safe out there and I look forward to seeing you this summer!Marlene Oddie (marlene@kissedquilts.com) is an engineer by

education, project manager by profession and now a quilter by passion in Grand Coulee, WA, at her quilt shop, KISSed Quilts. She quilts for hire on a Gammill Optimum Plus but especially enjoys designing quilts and assisting in the creation of a meaningful treasure for the recipient. Patterns, kits and fabric are available at http://www.kissedquilts.com. Follow Marlene’s adventures via http://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts and https://www.instagram.com/marlene.kissedquilts/.

When It’s Time to Let Go;Parting with a Collection

by Ed KindlePeople collect all manner of items. From the small to large, from the inane to the

sublime, people’s passions for things run deep.I have run into people who collect playing cards, zippo lighters, Pez dispensers, fire

fighting gear, thimbles, Beanie Babies, snowmen, comic books, advertising, magazines, salt & pepper shakers, tractors, porcelain signs, cars & motorcycles, gas pumps and more! I knew a retired engineer who had a model railroad that filled several rooms of his basement, and another person who had over 300,000 records!

If you can name it, I guarantee someone collects it. One thing is certain, though, I have never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse!

People spend years amassing their collections. They do the research and they become experts in their chosen subject. They search in local antique stores and search while travelling. They scour internet auction sites, want ads, flea markets, auctions, garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores. In fact, there are almost as many ways to put together a collection as there are items to collect!

Putting together an amazing collection takes true dedication and effort and, depending on the subject of the collection, a great deal of money. Thus, some can be worth much while others have little value in comparison.

There comes a time in every collector’s life where they need to think about the disposition of their collection. Some want to enjoy the items they have spent a lifetime acquiring for as long as possible. There are others who just don’t want to think about it, assuming their heirs will automatically share the love they feel towards their collection and want to keep it forever. Let me give you a hint: they rarely do, they just don’t want to hurt your feelings.

One of the problems in selling a collection is markets and values that constantly change. Items go in and out of favor and things don’t retain the value they once had. Furniture, which was once worth thousands, is now worth hundreds. Collectible stock certificates, which were once purchased for hundreds of dollars for their historical signatures, are now worth one third or even less. Many glass items, which once sold for hundreds of dollars each, are now often purchased for under $50. The possibility of the windfall that people were once counting on to see them through their twilight years when they sold off their collection is dwindling fast.

If you have a large collection, talk to your family and think about what you want to have happen to your items. They may want you to sell them now and enjoy the income. It is possible your family members or friends may want some of them. Some people are letting their children and grandchildren take items now so they can watch them enjoy their treasures.

The selling of, or disposition of, a collection can be a time-consuming prospect. Some people may not be able to invest the time to maximize the return by selling items individually and some may be unable, due to distance, or unwilling due to resentment.

A valuable collection may be donated to a museum but make sure you work out the details first. Many museums have so many items that they may not be able to incorporate your entire collection into their collection and may end up selling many items. If this is not what you want, look elsewhere.

If you decide to sell your collection yourself, there are many ways to go about it.Online you have auction sites like eBay. You register for an account and take photos,

write a description and list the item as an auction or as a fixed price. You also need to have a Paypal account to receive payment and be familiar with things like buying shipping online. Once it sells, you are responsible for shipping it to the new owner. Remember, eBay and Paypal take a commission on your sale. There are also businesses that will sell on eBay for you.

Craigslist is an online classified ad section. You can post a description and photos and then you meet the person to trade your item for cash. You can even barter for other items if you like. It gives you the ability to list in many locations and it’s free. Also many social media sites have marketplaces to buy and sell. Just remember that there can be downsides to this and to always meet people in a public place if you can.

If you are smartphone savvy, you can use services such as “Let Go” or “Offer Up.” They are similar to the previous concept except they are apps on your smartphone. Again, always be safety conscious when meeting or letting people whom you don’t know into your home.

You can hire an estate sale planner to organize your sale. They will do all the work necessary and most likely have the sale in your home. It is a service you pay for so check their rates and policies. Also, in this vein, are auction houses and auctioneers. Again, they are fee or commission based so get the details up front.

One often overlooked option is to contact a collector club of like interested people who collect what you collect and who may want to buy some or all of your collection. You can usually find these online and there may even be more than one, here in the states as well as in other countries.

Antique and collectible stores can also be an option for you. Some may handle the sale of your items on consignment for a percentage or fee and others may buy some or all of your items outright. Remember, when you sell to an antique store or reseller, they need to purchase your items wholesale so they can earn a profit when they sell them. This may bring less but may be a faster option.

It can be difficult to part with a collection that you are attached to but it can be done. Formulate a plan and let everyone help or at least share the plan with them and enjoy your collection until the time is right to let someone else experience the same joy you felt when you found each item. You might even make some new friends.

Ed Kindle is the owner of Five Katz Antiques in Titusville, FL. He is also a freelance and art photographer. Learn more at www.fivekatzantiques.com and at Edmund M. Kindle — Photography at edkindle.com. *** © All rights reserved - no reuse without permission.

All-American Raisin Apple TartletsCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

Raisins add an extra pop of sweetness to miniature apple tartlets - a party-perfect version of classic American apple pie.

Recipe Ingredients:2 tablespoons butter or margarine4 medium green apples, peeled and sliced1/4 cup brown sugar, packed1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 cup California raisins18 sheets phyllo doughButter flavor cooking spray9 tablespoons shredded sharp cheddarCooking Directions:Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray 12 cupcake tins with nonstick cooking

spray. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in apples and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon and cook for a minute more; add raisins and set aside.

Meanwhile, lay one sheet of phyllo on a cutting board; keep remaining covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Spray sheet with cooking spray. Repeat with five more sheets, sprinkling 3 tablespoons cheese in under the last layer; press firmly to keep cheese in dough. Assemble 2 more stacks. Cut each stack in half crosswise to make 6 pieces; then, cut each piece lengthwise into 6 strips for a total of 36 strips.

Center and press 3 strips into each tin, letting the dough extend over the top by about 1/2-inch. Divide and spoon fruit mixture in centers.

Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned; then, tent loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes more, until done.

Makes 12 tartlets.

16 NebraskaWisconsin • Special Events

PBS Great Wisconsin Quilt ShowIs Online Virtual Experience, 9/10-9/12

With hundreds of quilts on display, The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show has always been the ultimate adventure for quilt enthusiasts of all skill levels. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The 16th Annual Great Wisconsin Quilt Show will be an online-exclusive, virtual experience from September 10th to 12th.

While the event’s presenters will miss seeing you in person, they look forward to bringing you the Quilt Contest exhibit, educational opportunities and more—virtually—at QuiltShow.com.

PBS Wisconsin and Nancy Zieman Productions, presenters of the three-day event, invite all quilt lovers to learn, laugh and draw inspiration from each other. Online educational sessions, led by expert quilters, will feature the latest in creations and techniques.

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show’s main attraction is the ten-category quilt contest exhibit showcasing the incredible talents of quilters from across the country. Featured quilts will range from traditional sizes and shapes to work by young quilters and innovative pictorial quilts. Virtual attendees will be treated to an interactive 3-D quilt gallery with inspiration around every corner.

The virtual Quilt Show will also include shopping opportunities from trusted vendors featuring the latest fabrics and notions. There will also be an online community service project—Quilt to Give—with attendees donating their materials and skills to create bed-size quilts for those in need.

Admission to the 2020 online Great Wisconsin Quilt Show is free and donations are welcome! Proceeds help support PBS Wisconsin programming and community outreach. Thank you to premier sponsors: Quilting Daily, Pfaff, and Husqvarna Viking.

Visit QuiltShow.com for full details. The website will be updated as show details are finalized. The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. You can email QuiltShow@PBSWisconsin.org or call 866-297-6545.

Enter to Win a $25 Gift Certificate

The Country Register is giving away one $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at a local advertising Shop to one of our lucky readers! Use it to go shopping at your favorite

Country Register advertiser.The drawing will be held on August 1st and the winner will be announced in our

September-October issue. The gift certificate will be mailed to the winner.

Entry Deadline is August 1, 2020(Names are not sold, given away or used for any other purpose.)

Drawing Entry FormName ________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________Address __________________________________________________________City, State & Zip ___________________________________________________E-mail address: ____________________________________________________Name of my favorite Country Register advertiser is: _________________________________________________________________

Tell us what makes this advertiser your favorite: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

To enter, complete this form and mail to:The Country Register, 515 E. Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085

(Photocopy of form is fine. Be sure to answer all questions.)

Or email the information to: Nebraska@barlomedia.com and put “Gift Certificate” in the subject line.

Please tell us about a local Nebraska quilt shop, antique store, gift shop, etc that you would like to see advertising in that you would like to see advertising in the special Fall issue of in The Country Register:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We welcome your comments and/or suggestions about The Country Register. Include a note with your drawing entry, send us an email or give us a call at 1-888-942-8950. We enjoy hearing from our readers!