A placard at the site states the grave's occupant is the father of the town's founder, but isn't this the founder himself?
Interesting to note John Harris, Sr. formerly-resided in Bainbridge, (north of my home in Rowenna).
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
JohnHarris, Sr. Gravesite
While attending a recent conference in Harrisburg, I went for a walk across Market Street to the Susquehanna River, (approximately Market and Chestnut Streets). Walking back to the road, I happened-upon the 264-year old grave of John Harris, Sr.
A placard at the site states the grave's occupant is the father of the town's founder, but isn't this the founder himself?
Interesting to note John Harris, Sr. formerly-resided in Bainbridge, (north of my home in Rowenna).
A placard at the site states the grave's occupant is the father of the town's founder, but isn't this the founder himself?
Interesting to note John Harris, Sr. formerly-resided in Bainbridge, (north of my home in Rowenna).
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Squash vs. Gourds
In a recent episode of, The Office, Dwight mentioned waking-up, "cradling a gourd"... (Sensing a bit of Dwight in myself, I thought, "I believe the ones I bought today are squash...")
So What's the Difference Between Squash, Pumpkins and Gourds?
Texas A&M University says the answer lies in the stems. Pumpkins, squash and gourds all belong to the same genetic family -- cucurbita, but different subgroups, which can be divided into cucurbita pepo, cucurbita maxima and cucurbita moschata subgroups.
The pepo species of pumpkins is considered the true pumpkin, with bright orange skin and hard, woody, stems. The pepo subgroup also includes gourds, pattypan summer squash, scallop summer squash, gray and black zucchini, and summer crookneck squash.
The maxima subgroup produces pumpkin-like fruit but the skin is usually more yellow than orange and the stems are soft and spongy or corky, without ridges. Other members of the maxima group are hubbard, banana, buttercup and turban squash, most winter squash.
The pumpkins in the moschata subgroup are usually long and oblong instead of round and have tan rather than orange skin. The stems are deeply ridged. Also in this category are cushaw, winter crookneck and butternut squash.
The pepo species of pumpkins is considered the true pumpkin, with bright orange skin and hard, woody, stems. The pepo subgroup also includes gourds, pattypan summer squash, scallop summer squash, gray and black zucchini, and summer crookneck squash.
The maxima subgroup produces pumpkin-like fruit but the skin is usually more yellow than orange and the stems are soft and spongy or corky, without ridges. Other members of the maxima group are hubbard, banana, buttercup and turban squash, most winter squash.
The pumpkins in the moschata subgroup are usually long and oblong instead of round and have tan rather than orange skin. The stems are deeply ridged. Also in this category are cushaw, winter crookneck and butternut squash.
Source: http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/vegetables/a/squash.htm
(So- if I understand correctly, all gourds are squash, but not all squash are gourds?)
I buy mine at Rolling Gardens on Rt. 23- I pass it daily on my way home from work. An Amish family grows produce on-site and sells it from a shed on the property, unstaffed with a money box.
It's always been my habit to carve a jack-o'-lantern in October, and I never wasted the seeds, but it's been good for me to discover how to eat more pumpkins and squash. I enjoy pumpkin soup, pumpkin risotto... I recently made a Mediterranean chocolate cake with zucchini...
(So- if I understand correctly, all gourds are squash, but not all squash are gourds?)
I buy mine at Rolling Gardens on Rt. 23- I pass it daily on my way home from work. An Amish family grows produce on-site and sells it from a shed on the property, unstaffed with a money box.
It's always been my habit to carve a jack-o'-lantern in October, and I never wasted the seeds, but it's been good for me to discover how to eat more pumpkins and squash. I enjoy pumpkin soup, pumpkin risotto... I recently made a Mediterranean chocolate cake with zucchini...
Friday, September 7, 2012
Nebraska Vacation
With the intent of blogging about Lancaster County, PA in general, (and East Donegal Twp in particular), this entry's about getting-away...
I go back to Nebraska about twice yearly, and enjoyed a visit to the southeast/south central parts of the state last week. It was hot, dry, and the corn looked bad, (it's been a long drought).
I stayed with my parents in Lincoln, in a basement bedroom from which I could hear the passing trains at night. We went to a football game at Memorial Stadium, (and talked about sitting on the spot where the old stadium used to be- where the Huskers defeated Knut Rockne/Notre Dame- and they didn't return for 40 years...). We visited Grandma in rural Nebraska, eating fried chicken at a restaurant decorated to the hilt, (The Satin Rose, Superior, Nebr.) We saw a a new fountain in Lincoln- "Colossus"- a giant, "head" with interior running water and metal pieces which generated a rhythmic, "clinking" noise. I attended a MeetUp, made new friends at a coffeehouse, bought things I like at the co-op, "Two Buck Chuck" wines from the local Trader Joe's, and celebrated my parents' anniversary with my brother and his family.
Oh, and I brought-along some Pennsylvania pawpaw seeds. We'll see what becomes of them!
I go back to Nebraska about twice yearly, and enjoyed a visit to the southeast/south central parts of the state last week. It was hot, dry, and the corn looked bad, (it's been a long drought).
I stayed with my parents in Lincoln, in a basement bedroom from which I could hear the passing trains at night. We went to a football game at Memorial Stadium, (and talked about sitting on the spot where the old stadium used to be- where the Huskers defeated Knut Rockne/Notre Dame- and they didn't return for 40 years...). We visited Grandma in rural Nebraska, eating fried chicken at a restaurant decorated to the hilt, (The Satin Rose, Superior, Nebr.) We saw a a new fountain in Lincoln- "Colossus"- a giant, "head" with interior running water and metal pieces which generated a rhythmic, "clinking" noise. I attended a MeetUp, made new friends at a coffeehouse, bought things I like at the co-op, "Two Buck Chuck" wines from the local Trader Joe's, and celebrated my parents' anniversary with my brother and his family.
Oh, and I brought-along some Pennsylvania pawpaw seeds. We'll see what becomes of them!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Schweinmal
I've been lucky enough to have been served schweinmal/hog-mal/ pig stomach on three occasions in Lancaster County. I like it- despite the fibrous thing I once imagined, I've found it much like a roast beef...
The stomach simply serves as a casing for sausage and potatoes. I understand it's becoming harder to come- by. Often served with pepper cabbage.
Around Thanksgiving of 2010, I was invited to have schweinmal at my friend Robin's home. We had a nice evening of good food and conversation. Many people have welcomed me into their homes and fed me in Lancaster County, and this was a memorable evening. Robin is an excellent cook- I'm sure I had seconds.
The stomach simply serves as a casing for sausage and potatoes. I understand it's becoming harder to come- by. Often served with pepper cabbage.
Around Thanksgiving of 2010, I was invited to have schweinmal at my friend Robin's home. We had a nice evening of good food and conversation. Many people have welcomed me into their homes and fed me in Lancaster County, and this was a memorable evening. Robin is an excellent cook- I'm sure I had seconds.
Susquehanna River Flood - September 2011
I was home sick one day last September, unable to speak... And the nearby Susquehanna River rose 27'.
It was quite a thing to look outside... I live in an elevated area, close to the river but uphill from it. Luckily, the water did not reach the level of my home, (though it came close).
A friend called- I was unable to speak, nearly underwater... "You seem to be having some problems," (she said).
It was quite a thing to look outside... I live in an elevated area, close to the river but uphill from it. Luckily, the water did not reach the level of my home, (though it came close).
A friend called- I was unable to speak, nearly underwater... "You seem to be having some problems," (she said).
Fishing Creek Imbrication
The Lancaster County Conservancy led hikes in (mostly southern) Lancaster County during my early years in Pennsylvania. I remember the day I wore my Nebraska sweatshirt for a hike along Fishing Creek, (Conservancy property), in Drumore Twp., (southern Lancaster County, PA). Absorbed in the hike, the leader called us to a stop to observe what was below our feet.
The upright pieces of schist in the river formed a structure that served to direct the river in a zig-zag. Placed tightly- could they be a sluice? (Large gold flakes had been found in the surrounding area). A fish hatchery? Gabions, or weathered folds?
A few weeks later, I attended a lecture given by an emeritus professor of Millersville University on the local geology. I approached him after the lecture- told him about this, "weird thing" in the woods. I convinced him to meet me there... (I remember talking to his wife on the phone- I must've called to confirm our meeting time. I asked, "Would you like to join us?" "Oh no," she said. "You two have fun.")
It's quite a thing to meet a stranger in the woods to have a look at, "something"... But we did it. It was winter- icy... Forgetting that the professor was older than I, I headed-into the woods, telling him all about what I'd found.
Later we found more of the same at a place called Kelly's Run...
The upright pieces of schist in the river formed a structure that served to direct the river in a zig-zag. Placed tightly- could they be a sluice? (Large gold flakes had been found in the surrounding area). A fish hatchery? Gabions, or weathered folds?
A few weeks later, I attended a lecture given by an emeritus professor of Millersville University on the local geology. I approached him after the lecture- told him about this, "weird thing" in the woods. I convinced him to meet me there... (I remember talking to his wife on the phone- I must've called to confirm our meeting time. I asked, "Would you like to join us?" "Oh no," she said. "You two have fun.")
It's quite a thing to meet a stranger in the woods to have a look at, "something"... But we did it. It was winter- icy... Forgetting that the professor was older than I, I headed-into the woods, telling him all about what I'd found.
Later we found more of the same at a place called Kelly's Run...
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Way Down Yonder in the PawPaw Patch
My friend Lisa showed me last year where to find an abundance of pawpaw, (vicinity of Muddy Run, Southern Lancaster County). We took her truck to a spot the locals forage. Not much at first... Some bravery was required, (I stepped on a giant snake skin...)
I found one- with bugs, but most of it intact. (The leaves contain a natural insecticide, but this one- like most that are edible- was found on the forest floor.) The pawpaw's a sweet fruit- like a banana custard, with grapey undertones around the seeds. Not enjoyed by everyone, (I've been told early settlers preferred apples)... I've been interested to learn recently that pawpaw trees grow not only along eastern rivers, but can propagate in the west, (as far as eastern Nebraska). Maybe I'll take some of the (lima-bean sized) seeds I've collected on my upcoming visit... It's one of the largest edible fruits indigenous to the United States- a favorite of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, mentioned by Lewis and Clark.
Perishable- I picked some firm ones to send to an interested friend in Montana... (It didn't work-out well. Cautioned regarding their perishable nature, I'd selected very firm ones to send- too firm, I think... Possibly better than receiving a package of brown goo, though!)
I'd been given a piece of a pawpaw to eat a couple years ago while hiking Turkey Hill. Almost that time again...
According to Wikipedia, (entry on Asmina triloba),
This plant's scientific name is Asimina triloba. The genus name Asimina is adapted from the Native American name assimin through the French colonial asiminier. The epithet triloba in the species' scientific name refers to the flowers' three-lobed calices and doubly three-lobed corollas, the shape not unlike a tricorner hat.
The leaves of the species are simple, alternate and spirally arranged, entire, deciduous, obovate-lanceolate, 10-12 inches (25–30 cm) long, 4-5 inches (10–13 cm) broad, and wedge-shaped at the base, with an acute apex and an entire margin, with the midrib and primary veins prominent. The petioles are short and stout, with a prominent adaxial groove. Stipules are lacking. The expanding leaves are conduplicate, green, covered with rusty tomentum beneath, and hairy above; when fully grown they are smooth, dark green above, and paler beneath. When bruised, the leaves have a disagreeable odor similar to a green bell pepper. In autumn the leaves are a rusty yellow, which make spotting pawpaw groves possible from a long distance. Pawpaw flowers are perfect, about 1-2 inches (3–5 cm) across, rich red-purple or maroon when mature, with three sepals and six petals. They are borne singly on stout, hairy, axillary peduncles. The flowers are produced in early spring at the same time as or slightly before the new leaves appear, and have a faint fetid or yeasty smell. FruitThe fruit of the pawpaw is a large, yellowish-green to brown berry, 2–6 in (5–16 cm) long and 1–3 in (3–7 cm) broad, weighing from 0.7–18 oz (20–500 g), containing several brown seeds 1/2 to 1 in (15–25 mm) in diameter embedded in the soft, edible fruit pulp. The conspicuous fruits begin developing after the plants flower; they are initially green, maturing by September or October to yellow or brown. When mature, the heavy fruits bend the weak branches down.
Where, oh where is dear little Nellie?
Where, oh where is dear little Nellie?
Where, oh where is dear little Nellie?
Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch
Pickin' up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket
Pickin' up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket
Pickin' up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket
Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch
(Traditional)
---------------------------
I found one- with bugs, but most of it intact. (The leaves contain a natural insecticide, but this one- like most that are edible- was found on the forest floor.) The pawpaw's a sweet fruit- like a banana custard, with grapey undertones around the seeds. Not enjoyed by everyone, (I've been told early settlers preferred apples)... I've been interested to learn recently that pawpaw trees grow not only along eastern rivers, but can propagate in the west, (as far as eastern Nebraska). Maybe I'll take some of the (lima-bean sized) seeds I've collected on my upcoming visit... It's one of the largest edible fruits indigenous to the United States- a favorite of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, mentioned by Lewis and Clark.
Perishable- I picked some firm ones to send to an interested friend in Montana... (It didn't work-out well. Cautioned regarding their perishable nature, I'd selected very firm ones to send- too firm, I think... Possibly better than receiving a package of brown goo, though!)
I'd been given a piece of a pawpaw to eat a couple years ago while hiking Turkey Hill. Almost that time again...
According to Wikipedia, (entry on Asmina triloba),
This plant's scientific name is Asimina triloba. The genus name Asimina is adapted from the Native American name assimin through the French colonial asiminier. The epithet triloba in the species' scientific name refers to the flowers' three-lobed calices and doubly three-lobed corollas, the shape not unlike a tricorner hat.
The leaves of the species are simple, alternate and spirally arranged, entire, deciduous, obovate-lanceolate, 10-12 inches (25–30 cm) long, 4-5 inches (10–13 cm) broad, and wedge-shaped at the base, with an acute apex and an entire margin, with the midrib and primary veins prominent. The petioles are short and stout, with a prominent adaxial groove. Stipules are lacking. The expanding leaves are conduplicate, green, covered with rusty tomentum beneath, and hairy above; when fully grown they are smooth, dark green above, and paler beneath. When bruised, the leaves have a disagreeable odor similar to a green bell pepper. In autumn the leaves are a rusty yellow, which make spotting pawpaw groves possible from a long distance. Pawpaw flowers are perfect, about 1-2 inches (3–5 cm) across, rich red-purple or maroon when mature, with three sepals and six petals. They are borne singly on stout, hairy, axillary peduncles. The flowers are produced in early spring at the same time as or slightly before the new leaves appear, and have a faint fetid or yeasty smell. FruitThe fruit of the pawpaw is a large, yellowish-green to brown berry, 2–6 in (5–16 cm) long and 1–3 in (3–7 cm) broad, weighing from 0.7–18 oz (20–500 g), containing several brown seeds 1/2 to 1 in (15–25 mm) in diameter embedded in the soft, edible fruit pulp. The conspicuous fruits begin developing after the plants flower; they are initially green, maturing by September or October to yellow or brown. When mature, the heavy fruits bend the weak branches down.
Where, oh where is dear little Nellie?
Where, oh where is dear little Nellie?
Where, oh where is dear little Nellie?
Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch
Pickin' up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket
Pickin' up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket
Pickin' up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket
Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch
(Traditional)
---------------------------
The Sign of the Ship
171 East King Street, Lancaster, PA
Built in 1761, a colonial tavern which served- I'm told- as a meeting place for important political discussion during the American Revolution... Currently an unremarkable-looking on-the-market commercial property restored following a fire...
I located this building while taking the Historic East King Street self-guided walking tour,
Built in 1761, a colonial tavern which served- I'm told- as a meeting place for important political discussion during the American Revolution... Currently an unremarkable-looking on-the-market commercial property restored following a fire...
I located this building while taking the Historic East King Street self-guided walking tour,
http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lancastercity/lib/lancastercity/east_king_walking_tour.pdf
There's something appealing about it... (Maybe just the catchy name?)
There's something appealing about it... (Maybe just the catchy name?)
Wineberries
My friend Lisa showed me a wild Wineberry bush on the edge of her (southwestern Lancaster County) property the day of my Freethought society's summer party. The berries were raspberry-like, but more orange in color- a bit sour... Lisa pondered moving the bush from it's location near the property of a, "slash and burn"/Kentucky Bluegrass neighbor,, (in order to allow it to better-propagate).
My friends Janet and Larry invited me to their home near Mount Joy where I picked gallons of Wineberries from wild plants on their property.
My friends Janet and Larry invited me to their home near Mount Joy where I picked gallons of Wineberries from wild plants on their property.
Friday, June 15, 2012
NeverSeconds: Double pasta!
NeverSeconds: Double pasta!: Since my blog became well read we have had a special visitor at school who wears a white coat and hair net. She looks at my food when I am w...
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Ex-barn - Manor Twp., PA
The remains of a barn being torn-down on the property near my workplace, supposedly for rebuilding elsewhere, (although it's been in a semi-deconstructed state for some time). I took some pre and mid-demolition photos, (including one showing a plastered wall where, "Isaac" and another man had written their names and a mid-1700s date).
Hans Graf Cemetery - Marietta, PA
Located just-around the corner from my home lies an old graveyard. Etched in the side, "In the God's Acre Lie the Descendants of Hans Graf". It's unique in that it's elevated- the graves may be above ground level.
Local superstition regards this area as a hazard... While I don't usually side with the non-critical thinker, I'll concede that circling the stone perimeter backward five times is likely to result in head injury. And as for the spirit of a barking dog, the live ones in the neighborhood are louder.
It's on private property, and growth of vegetation is leading to degradation of the stones, (I can see a change in the 1.5 years I've lived in the area). So I thought it wouldn't hurt to lean-over the perimeter and get a few photos...
Further down the lane, a dilapidated barn bears the name of it's builders- are they in the cemetery?
Local superstition regards this area as a hazard... While I don't usually side with the non-critical thinker, I'll concede that circling the stone perimeter backward five times is likely to result in head injury. And as for the spirit of a barking dog, the live ones in the neighborhood are louder.
It's on private property, and growth of vegetation is leading to degradation of the stones, (I can see a change in the 1.5 years I've lived in the area). So I thought it wouldn't hurt to lean-over the perimeter and get a few photos...
Further down the lane, a dilapidated barn bears the name of it's builders- are they in the cemetery?
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