We had a dusting of snow yesterday and the hemlocks were sprinkled with magic dust. The woods were so peaceful and quiet as we walked slowly through. The winter birds were about but the only vocals came from the Bluejays who seemed to be upset at our presence. As we walked to the stream a wind started to pick up and the air felt colder then it was when we started. Seasonal transitions, fall has not relinquished and winter is pressing. It was still a beautiful day in Brook Trout Forest.
There is one cold brookie.
Local jams....a variety of delicious jams. I love these in the morning on toast, and Jeanette loves them on waffles and pancakes. They will also make for a nice change of pace lunch.
Breakfast...toasted Vienna bread...the left has apple pie jam and pumpkin pie jam...the right has raspberry jam and wild blueberry jam.
very tasty breakfast ... you give yourself all the tastes Alan ... a hug greetings to Jeannette and to take care of the cold season ...
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando it's so delicious, a good way to start the day. We will do our best to keeep warm and safe.
I love the way you got to taste all the jams! Haha. I would have done the same. A little bit here, a little bit there. =)
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily an almost different taste in every bite. Variety oh how nice it is.
What a great combo Alan! Toast, jam, and coffee! Where's the good butter?
ReplyDeleteDougsden
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Doug actually that is a cup of tea, the old standby Lipton. I have been drinking more of it lately. The good butter is reserved for the local eggs and toast.
What no beach plum? Beach plum jam / blueberry pancakes at Bab's Bakery Rt 6-A N.Truro. Probaby long gone. All the best Alan
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John I have never had Beach Plum Jam. But I'll bet Bab's was the place for fine eating. Many of those places just seem to pass, but they hold a spot in our hearts.
I cannot help but think of your beautiful and bountiful Connecticut countryside when I walk thru the woods here in Southeast Ohio and see the many Hemlock groves especially along the runs and streams! I want there to be a brookie or two under each overhanging Hemlock tree but, no dice! Dang!
ReplyDeleteThat is one chuncky monkey brook trout that you have held then released! It is gorgeous in its own way appearing almost steely chrome like a steelhead!
The picture above with the snow on the Hemlocks looks very familiar. Is this the same bottom where you and Jeanette and grandchildren have left bird feeds of different types in the woods? Pine cones smeared with peanut butter, strung popcorn, etc.? The stream (if I remember this correctly) is at your back in this picture and has been particularly productive for you over the years!
Tell me I'm not nuts Alan!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug I'm sure you'll agree that a walk through a snowy hemlock wood is a pleasure even without a brook trout. Each year the day after Thanksgiving we would do as you have stated, this is the first year it did not happen, life issues. I'll add this you do have a good memory.
I think Bluejays get upset about most everything. We had a group of them that used to terrorize the poor squirrels in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark that's funny. They get in a tree and screech away. They are a nicely colored bird and that's why I don't mind.
Alan
ReplyDeleteJams and jellies are a treat on any kind of bread. Cathey and I like the Amish can goods, especially the jellies and jams. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill there is a wonderful sweet feeling one gets when that first bite is taken. The Amish have certainly perfected the art of jam making.
It’s great to frequently see and hear the blue jays again. Their numbers seem to be on the rise. Bouncing back from West Nile Virus? I finally tracked down a hen pheasant skin and look forward to tying and fishing some soft hackle flies in the coming weeks. Hopefully the weather and fish will cooperate.
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn I'm glad you were able to find a hen pheasant skin. The feathers are incredible. A variety that are easy to work with. Have fun.
G'Day Alan,
ReplyDelete"Home made" jam on toasted sourdough bread is a hard to beat breakfast. I've always liked apricot as well as fig jam. When we stayed for a couple of days in Strasburg, PA in 1992, we bought sourdough bread and jam from a roadside Amish stall. Delicious!
We had lunch at a quaint little restaurant next to the railway called, I think, The little Caboose. Do you know if it is still operating? The food was great and the restaurant was a rail car that lightly rattled as if it was moving on tracks. A fond memory.
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve
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Sounds as if the memory of Amish Penn. had a lasting effect on you and yours. I don't know if the restaurant you speak of is still in business? Perhaps someone can help us find out.
What a great outing in Brook Trout Forest, Alan. Indeed, winter is pressing on, but we get a break once in a while with 50 degrees forecasted for tomorrow. I might just have to quit work a bit early and fish the last bit of daylight. It is hard to beat good jams on good bread. I still enjoy a PB & J once in a while with a cold glass of milk!
ReplyDeleteBest to you and Jeanette, Sam
Sam
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Sam that slight rise in temps makes one feel good. Everyday that we can hold off those 10 degree days is a plus. I hope your able to get out tomorrow. PB&J with milk makes for a great late nite snack.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteWe had our first snowfall of the season at the weekend. I was out for meal with family early on Saturday evening and when we vacated the pub later on there was a good couple of inches of the white stuff on the ground. It was gone by Monday, but we gave got more snowfall this morning.
I have Monday off work so hopefully it won't affect the river levels too much and I can get out for a few hours, if not it might be a trip to the local airbase to see the visiting Swiss Air Force.
We love local and home made jams and preserves - strawberry, raspberry and wild bilberry. Great on toast, scones or (my favourite) buttered hot crumpets!
Take care and stay safe
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair that first snowfall is sort of magical. It's later that we have that sense of tired of it. Looks like Monday will be a plus in either choice. What is a crumpet?
A crumpet is a small griddle bread made from an unsweetened batter of water or milk, flour, and yeast. The are great drenched in butter and given a thick layer of your favourite jam or a dark Seville marmalade
DeleteWe have unexpected snow today.
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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That snow goes well with those pike you have been catching.