News from Up North
December 15th, 2013 · 2 Comments · Posted in farming, News from Up North, rural life
What the weather man is calling “a hard-hitting nor’easter” passed through the Albany area last night, dumping a foot or more of snow in some places. Here in Washington County, however, we are situated in what is known as a “snow shadow.” I don’t think we got more than three inches.
Still, besides the regular chores, I spent part of yesterday making preparations: filling up my stacks of firewood, buying extra grain, and making sure the livestock have plenty of hay in sheltered areas where it wouldn’t get covered with snow overnight.
The real test will be when we try to get up and down our unpaved and still un-plowed driveway with our vehicles. We track up a pretty significant incline. On Thursday, I’m scheduled to take the pickup into the shop to switch over to studded snow tires for the season.
Getting around the farm on foot could also pose a challenge. Our animals are grazers. They don’t live in a barn. But now I understand why the classic farm scheme has the livestock close to the house. How do you get to the animals if there’s a big dump of snow?
It may be time to invest in snow shoes….
Meanwhile, the Victor Masonic Lodge of Schaghticoke is hosting a breakfast with Santa this morning at its lodge on Route 67. There will be plenty of pancakes and scrambled eggs at the bugget. In Granville, Santa and his elves are putting on a breakfast at the Middle Granville Fire House. Several toys will be raffled off “under Santa’s personal supervision,” so bring the kids.
The Poultney Snowmobile Club announces that its trails will be open by Monday, so the weekend snow storm arrived not a moment too soon. The club’s potluck supper meeting is now scheduled for January 8 at the York Coach Works.
Also for you snowmobile enthusiasts, the Border Riders of Granville and the Whitehall Rail Riders clubs will hold a safety course this coming Saturday in Whitehall. You must be 10 years old or older to attend.
Just in time for this frigid weather, Girl Scout Troop 3627 in Cambridge is collecting socks for seniors. Donate new socks of any kind–regular, festive, with grips. They can be left in designated boxes at several locations in the village.
Hoosick Falls’ own “big band,” the Stardusters, will present their second-annual Christmas concert December 15 at the Community Alliance Church. The Stardusters go back to 1976 and have been performing at weddings and various public events. Each year they give a graduation award to a jazz-inclined high school senior in memory of “Cort” Cottrell.
The All-Hoosick Community Barn & Building Quilt Project is finally back on schedule and has the entire town abuzz. The project was put on hold when the sponsors received a “last-minute, gotta-do-it-now” grant for the Owl Mural project last summer. The plan is to create a “large number” of “quilts” painted on wooden billboards and place them throughout the community. A map would then be made available so that tourists can find the “quilts.”
Finally, Rensselaer County Dairy Princess Lindsey McMahon urges readers to remember the importance of water to dairy cows. “What many people don’t realize is that milk is actually comprised of 87 percent water,” the dairy princess says. As a result, cows must drink several gallons of water every day. They need a source of clean water even in the depths of winter.
This week the dairy princess suggests making “good old home made country fried chicken using creamy buttermilk.” You’ll need about 3 pounds of chicken cut into 8 serving pieces. Place these in a large bowl and pour 1 quart of buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Then combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat each piece in the flour mix.
Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a heavy pot and heat to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the chicken pieces in batches in the hot oil and fry about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden. When all of the chicken has been fried, bake in a 350-degree oven 30 to 40 minutes, or until completely cooked through. Serve hot.
This edition of News from Up North was culled from actual news reports in the Washington County Area and is presented here for the enjoyment and edification of our readers. As always, stay alert and please drive carefully.
Ed – I highly recommend “Yak tracks” that can be strapped on any shoes to transform them into shoes worthy on going on ice and slush.. with confidence… I love my Boggs with Yak Tracks!
Enjoy winter on the farm!
Great tip, Silvie. Thanks1!