Pre-order your ebook copy of Beatrice today! Release date is set for April 9. Beatrice is the 4th book in The Apron Strings Book Series Readers Group (this link will take you to our group). Once there you will find wonderful posts regarding the time period between 1920-2020, 11 sweet stories, by 11 different authors, covering 11 decades. The third book Priscilla will be available on March 15. Happy reading ☺️.
The Redwing
Pilot of my pond’s prosperity returned
to sternly protect crazy cattail marsh;
red-winged guides, no leaf unturned.
Resident of wetlands where insects perch,
a wealth of chatter in mushy, mucky marsh;
a serene sheltered stead, a type of church.
Model of formal wearing, jet black coat
attracting ladies in drab brown brittle marsh
your scarlet feather flash, gigolo afloat.
Consumer of winged delights of butterflies,
delicate damselflies scattered in marsh
and conscientious chaser of dragonflies.
Singer of wetland, your call classic sound
calling, ever calling in my cattail marsh
songs of ‘conk-la-ree’ is secretly found.
My redwings have once again returned! What’s in your backyard?
NOTE:
This was something new I learned regarding the male redwing blackbird…
- they defend territories in which as many as 15 females (mainly brown) establish nesting areas.
- Most male territories contain about 5 females.
- Females mate mostly with the male in whose territory they live, but will also mate with other males.
In 1950, Beatrice would have been preparing for the season of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting before the celebration of Easter. That year Easter Sunday was on April 9, which is the day (this year) that my book “Beatrice” will be released. As we start our own Easter season, I would like to share some Polish traditions and recipes reflecting Beatrice’s traditions as we approach my release date.
For this week, we will take a look at Ash Wednesday. It is named after the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of faithful (usually by a priest) as a reminder of human mortality and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, many Lutherans and Methodists.
In 1950, Ash Wednesday occurred on February 22. Beatrice would have contemplated what type of fast she would attempt during the season of Lent. Having gotten comfortable in her mama’s kitchen, I doubt she would sacrificed her sweets. Sweets are commonly put aside until Easter Sunday for many who decide to fast.
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is a Polish celebration called Paczki Tuesday or Strove Tuesday. This Polish tradition is one in which many indulge in eating fried doughnuts (paczki) filled with jams, custards or other sweet surprises. Strove Tuesday can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Paczki is pronounced, PUNCH-kee or POONCH-key or POOCH-key, and is a round Polish doughnut filled with fruit and then coated in sugar or icing. The dough is richer than the typical American filled doughnut. The most traditional Polish filling is one of dates. Beatrice uses dates in many of her recipes. Dates were used in savory and sweet dishes.
Mr. Rewolinski, the local Polish baker, is known in Beatrice’s world of 1950 as the the best paczki maker in their community. If you were able to visit his shop what favorite paczki would you purchase? Could you eat only one?
HOW TO MAKE DATE FILLING
The Date Filling
- 8 ounces pitted dates, chopped
- 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoons flour
- 1 cups water
To Prepare the Filling
- Chop the dates with a sharp knife or kitchen shears and place in the bowl of a food processor. Add one tablespoon of flour to help keep the dates from sticking to the blades of the chopper.
- Place the chopped dates and flour (from the food processor) in a 2-quart saucepan. Add the sugar and water, stir to combine.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook until thick, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Refrigerator your filling. Can be used as a jam.
Happy Strove Tuesday 1950 style!
I hope you can join me in this Community Event coming on March 8th. I will have a book table available for those purchasing locally at this event. My recently released book “Abigail’s 40 Days will be available. One dollar from each book sale will go to Operation Christmas Child shoe box shipping. Meet the author, and Alexis Ann inspiration to the “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” series, as we support OCC shoe boxes going around the world!
The Second Book in the Apron Strings Series released in February (available on Amazon)
Here are three of my five grandsons ice fishing in northern Wisconsin just a few weeks ago. After having weather in the 50’s, and 68 yesterday, the lake are beginning to open up. There are Sandhill Cranes, Canadian Geese and a few Redwing Blackbirds in my marsh. We are thrilled with a preview to a Wisconsin spring, but know there’s more winter in store for us. This morning it’s dropping down to 15! I think I’ll make some hot chocolate.
Winter Sunset
Trees stood still
as the sky whispered.;
shadowy silhouettes
salute fading day.
Even roots buried
under layers of snow,
deep in frozen earth,
aware of the Creator.
Trees stood still
under a blazing sky.
As if on fire, the heaven
declares day’s farewell.
Shall our thanks
be tucked in layers
of worldly wares,
or praises to God?
Trees stood still
knowing day is done,
straight and steady,
seen from sky above.
P. Wolf
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.”
Psalms 19:1
That time has finally come. Seven decades have passed in the wink of an eye. What join I’ve had in serving the Lord Jesus for 42 years! It takes my breath away. Each of you are special in the sight of God.
From pup and I, have a great day💕
Patti Wolf 