Indiana Roadsides

by
Jean Hughes
December 4, 1995

The stars and moon are having another rendezvous. A slim moon hangs amid the luminous stars.

My son, Andy, and I walk in the field next to the house. It is so dark we have to use our feet as feelers, but we are on familiar ground.

It is a night for star gazing. The sky is in bloom. Small gatherings of stars, not visible in full moonlight, fill the top of the sky and shower down as a covering for all the earth. The Milky Way is a big, arched stream of light.

As we turn to walk back to the house, the perfect touch comes to end our sojourn -- a falling star streaks through the sky. It is traveling home, as all finite life finally must.

* * * Last week, as I walked in my yard, I heard a long, loud cracking and a big crash in the woods across from my house, The boys went to find the tree. Now it is keeping me warm.

My son has taught Chris to listen to the different songs that wood sings when it is hit by an axe or another piece of wood. With each tree, according to variety and dryness, the ringing song changes. When the fallen red elm was brought in, Chris came running to me, calling excitedly, "She's dry and she really sings, Jean!"

* * * This morning, I walk in a world of porcupine frost. Tiny needles of ice have crowded around every twig and blade of grass, and outline every leaf underfoot. They light up like sparkling barbs whenever the sun shows its face for a second.

Deep in the hollows, a light snow still clings to the tree limbs. Days now are beautiful -- some sunny, some cloudy. The roads are not icy and the birds are not yet cold, but time is running out. The season of deep snows is upon us. Sun, rain and wind can come in any season, but snow is a late fall, winter and early spring delight. When snow misses its time, it must wait a whole year for another chance.

It is snow that keeps the wintertime alive. While other life rests, snowflakes are born. They are the blossoms of winter, the springtime of wintertime, a delicate touch of new life for a sleeping world.

Birds, too, are the flowers of winter. They bloom through the air. This evening, I stop by the roadside bushes to listen to their conversations. Is there a greater mystery than how all life communicates?

* * * These are woodpecker days at my feeder. At this moment I can count four downies, two hairies and two red-bellies. I remember the year that I had three pileated woodpeckers in my tree at one time. I wonder how many people have seen that sight -- a triple dose of beauty.

This cake was popular in the early 1900s. How this confection was allowed to be almost forgotten I cannot understand. This is my version.

Indiana Popcorn Cake

Place in a large bowl: 8 cups popped corn.
Melt over hot water: 1 - 14 oz. pkg. caramels, 10 large marshmallows and
2 T. frozen orange juice concentrate.
Pour hot mixture over corn. Mix and press into a well-buttered angel cake pan.
Cover with plastic. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Run a knife around edges of pan. Turn onto a plate.

Caramel Frosting>
In a saucepan, melt: 1/4 cup butter.
Add: 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup milk.
Bring to boiling and stir over low heat for 2 minutes.
Cool and add: 2 1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar or enough to make 
a stiff frosting.
Frost popcorn cake.

Today, I found an empty turtle shell. On examination, I am amazed to find that the color is in the strong, fingernail-like shield over the bone. It fits around the edges like the material on a covered button.

How sweet to be even a small part of this magnificent conglomeration that is the greatest mystery -- life! There must have been a vacancy for someone who loves the snow and winter, and treasures things like turtle shells and life in the hills. I'm sure I pleaded, "Send me! Send me!"

Jean's book of ramblings and recipes "A Country Mile of Winter" and her book of poetry "The Earth's My Home" are available for $4.95 each plus $1.30 for postage and handling. Ten of Jean's favorite recipes will be included free with each book ordered. Order from...

Country Mile Publications
616 E. Monroe St.
Delphi, Indiana 46923

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