Indiana Roadsides

by
Jean Hughes
January 8, 1996

This is the week for leftover dreams and for setting new goals. After the hustle of the holidays I take to the out-of-doors to get nature and myself back into the right perspective.

I am hardly out of my driveway when I feel my heart lighten. I stoop down and "tish"and whisper-whistle to the roadside birds. A chickadee flies to me.

Although the air is full of cold misty rain, I call to the children and we walk to the big creek. We all love to be outside and we are always dressed for the weather. That is one of the secrets of loving wintertime.

Along the woods' path, the branches are strung with raindrops. The children run down the shortcut, shouting with glee, while I run along the round-about trail. We have all become unruly from the holiday excitement and from being cooped up inside for too long. We have wild hearts, and we are not much good unless we do a lot of ridge running every day. As I sprint, I feel the earth perk me up.

The creek is frozen and topped with snow, and we run and boot-skate up and down its slick surface for several blocks. The dogs race with us and slide whenever they try to stop. Amid the frolicking, I manage to enjoy the magnificence of this winter day. We play for an hour before trudging up the hill to home.

While we have been out playing, I have been thawing the frozen ingredients for a good left-over dinner for tonight.

Turkey Shortcake

Prepare your favorite buttermilk biscuit dough, using 2 cups of flour.
Spread mixture into 2 buttered cake pans and bake at 450o for 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix in a skillet: 6 T. butter and 6 T. flour.
Add, stirring constantly: 2 1/2 cups seasoned turkey broth and 
1 1/2 cups milk to make a gravy.
Add and heat to boiling: 4 oz. drained mushroom pieces, 4 oz. drained pimentos, 
2 cups coarsely chopped turkey, salt and pepper to taste, and 
6 chopped hard-cooked eggs
Place one baked shortcake on a deep-sided platter. Pour on 1/2 of gravy. 
Top with remaining shortcake and gravy
Sprinkle on: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Serves 6.

It is always a delight to see virtue rewarded, and this is especially true for a nine-year-old boy who seems to be a magnet for dirt and trouble.

Last summer we did not make hay. When the mowing was finally finished, Chris spent several very hot days making trip after trip with his little red wagon to bring tall stalks of good grass to the barn. He stuck to the job until our big hay wagon was piled high.

Yesterday morning he decided to treat the mules to some of his hay. I held my breath, waiting to see if the mules would eat it. They loved it! What a thrill!

* * * At dusk, I take a walk. There is no joy that compares to the feeling that comes from walking the same roadway every day and finding all the beauties that it provides. This year, I have noticed that the birds allow me to get closer to them than they ever have before. I often twilight-whisper with them. I have no idea what I might be saying, but who cares. I'm part of one of the sweetest sounds on earth.

* * * This morning, the sunshine is bright as the children, dogs and I walk down the lane. The air is cold and crisp. At the side of the lane I put my head down to hear the music of the slight breeze as it whistles softly through the dried grasses. The children run over to see what I am looking at. They are surprised when I say I am listening. I have them pull off their caps and we listen for a minute to nature's wee tunes.

As we walk back home, I look at the dogs and children ahead of me. They run happily along. I think the perfect combination for man or dog is a civilized head and a wild heart. Only in the places of untamed beauty can be found that wild wisdom that lasts a lifetime and fortifies the heart so it will never be alone.

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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