For Love of a Peach…

…a day trip was planned.

Sunday morning, we made a run to Illinois, in search of peaches.  

With the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers over the road, in a few places, the ferries were not running. 

We drove north on Hwy 79, with thoughts of crossing the Mississippi at Louisiana.

An overcast sky enhances the color of the engine of a train, at a rural crossing, along Hwy 79. 

Click this link to explore Little Dixie Highway.

 

A little rain didn’t keep us from enjoying our journey.

Not far north of the railroad crossing, we found a detour sign (water over road at Clarksville). 

We happily followed the detour as it took us through a beautiful part of the country we are particularly fond of.

 

The Mississippi River at Louisiana Missouri

6/27/2010

An Illinois farm along the Great River Road.

 

After crossing the Mississippi River, we traveled Hwy 54 to Hwy 96, the Great River Road Illinois.

If the Brussels Ferry, at Grafton and the Golden Eagle Ferry, farther south, were running, we would have crossed via those boats (our favorite mode of crossing the rivers).  But then, we would have missed finding beautiful St. Agnes at Belleview. 

When we stopped to take a couple of pictures, a car stopped beside us.  The driver asked if we would like to hear the history of St. Agnes and invited us inside. 

After introducing ourselves, J and I accompanied the man and his wife through the doors of the little church building.

Construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1900.  The cost was $600.  The bricks were made in the village of Belleview.

When the archdiocese closed the church, the couple, owning the ground surrounding the building, purchased it and became it’s caretakers. 

Some restoration has been done and more is planned.

The stained glass windows are not original to the building.  They were installed during the 1940’s.

A balcony or choir loft is above the doorway.

This window is above the entry.  The cord, at right, is the bell pull.  We were treated to the joyful sound of an old time church bell.

We saw more of Belleview before continuing our Sunday drive.

At one time, this was the general store.  The bricks were made in Belleview.

This building is an old doctor’s office, being restored by a resident of the village.

 

I don’t have information about this building.  It looks like it was a store of some sort. 

I am always amazed at how flowers survive beyond the lives of old buildings.

It would be interesting to hear the stories these old buildings could tell.

In flood stage, the Illinois River crested, Saturday.

We traveled to Kampsville IL., in hopes of finding a way around the water.  As we were figuring it out, we passed by a produce stand offering Illinois peaches. 

We purchased two bags of peaches.  J also bought two jars of pickled beets.

Illinois peaches will be ripe for picking, at Eckert’s Orchard, beginning mid-July.

Corn, Soy Beans, and Canada Geese, in the flood waters of the Illinois River.

Our home is about 15 or so miles from the Mississippi River.  Before the nearest ferry permanently closed a year or two ago, we were only about an hour from Pere Marquette State Park.

Sunday morning, we left home at 9:00 AM.  With detours and stops, it was just after 1PM when we arrived at Pere Marquette Lodge, where we planned to have lunch. 

We didn’t even have to look at the menu.

We ordered fried chicken, served family style, with mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, slaw and hot rolls. 

We were famished after our journey.

I know, it’s not good for us…but once in awhile it’s okay…right?

The massive stone fireplace, at Pere Marquette Lodge. 

The inscription reads;

In August of the year 1673 Father Marquette used this site as a Landmark and Camping Point.

Whether staying as guests, at the lodge, or dropping by for supper, we’ve spent many lovely hours sitting in these chairs, visiting with family and friends, having a glass of wine or reading and relaxing.

  

This photo was taken from the terrace, at the lodge, looking across Hwy 100, where you can see the Illinois River out of her banks, up to the road. 

Many times, we drive over to Grafton IL, where we pick up catfish sandwiches, take them to the park and sit beside the river while we have lunch. The place where we usually sit is under water, in this picture.

Pere Marquette bids us adieu.

 

Would you believe the fellow in the snazzy car picked me up?

 

Pelicans on the Illinois River

We enjoyed our Sunday drive. 

I had a wonderful time writing about it.

Comfort in a Bowl

Gwyn’s Potato Soup

6 to 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed, cover to top with water and cook. Do not drain after cooking.

3/4 stick butter

1/2 cup milk

1 to 2 cans of either cream of chicken or mushroom soup (I used 1 can cream of mushroom soup)

1 chopped onion

chopped celery

1 tsp. garlic salt

1-8 ounce cream cheese

salt and pepper

Top with cheese, bacon bits, and/or green onions, for garnish.

My friend Gwyn’s daughter in law prepared this soup for a family gathering. I modified the recipe by adding the chopped celery.

Add all other ingredients, after the potatoes are cooked. I cubed the cream cheese. It takes awhile to melt. I heated the soup, after adding the cream cheese, over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The milk was added just before serving.

This is a delicious soup. I’ll make it again.

Clementine Cuties, just because they’re cute!

Posies, just because…

Stop by Michael's for the First Anniversary of Foodie Friday.

When All Else Fails…..

…Chicken Soup

The photo, a sort of chicken soup, is a reminder of summertime, just around the corner and down the road. The scene is one of the gravel roads that cut through Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

J and I have passed a winter ailment (you know the one), back and forth, between us, since Thanksgiving.  After trying various remedies, I decided to call in reinforcement.

My daughters may skim past this paragraph, if they wish.  Their dear old mommy used thighs and wings, for the broth.  What was that, you say?  No white meat?  No, my children, just wings and thighs.  Wings have white meat…besides, I wanted a bit more flavor.  In my opinion, for what it’s worth, dark meat chicken has a tad more flavor.  Maybe, maybe not.  But that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.

Another excuse for no white meat; wings and thighs were readily available.

Everyone has a recipe for basic chicken broth, so I won’t add it here.

I like Kluski noodles.  A little bit like homemade without the work.

 

I took the easy way out with the Banana Pudding.  I was going to use the recipe on the box of Vanilla Wafers.  At the end of the day, when push came to shove, instant was my choice.

Pretty tasty nanner puddin’.

Remember to stop by Michael’s, Friday.

~Table for Two in Yellow & Blue~

Stop by Susan’s Between Naps on the Porch for beautiful tablescaping around the land of blog, each Thursday.

Foodie Friday is a fun event, each week, at Designs by Gollum.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

1.5 pounds very lean ground sirloin

2 eggs (beaten)

1/4 cup chopped onion

Dried or fresh Oregano and Basil, to taste.

1 garlic clove (minced) or garlic salt/powder

3/4 cup dried bread crumbs (plain)

Spray cookie sheet, mix ingredients and form meatballs. Baking at 375, about 40 minutes.

While the meatballs are baking, place 2 15 ounce cans tomato sauce and one 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes in a dutch oven.  Add Oregano and Basil to taste and simmer.  When the meatballs have baked, add them to the sauce and continue to simmer.

Cook spaghetti (al dente) in boiling water. Drain and toss with about 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Serve with meatball sauce, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil.

While I prefer fresh herbs, I didn’t happen to have any on hand, here at the lake. I used dried herbs, crushed between my palms to release the flavor.

I served this dish with crusty bread.

There are a variety of recipes for meatballs.  I tend to make mine, in this way, most often. However, I am apt to mix it up a bit, if the mood strikes me right.

Enjoy!

It started with the blue and yellow bouquet, I found at Trader Joe’s.  I added the blue birds, cobalt glassware, white dishes and blue and yellow placemats and napkins; giving our table a sort of French Country look.

Gifts~

Before leaving for the lake, Monday morning, J had an appointment with his Urologist, in Saint Louis, for his 6 month check up.

As many of you know, J is a Prostate Cancer survivor. The appointment went well.

While we were waiting, a couple came into the waiting room and sat across from us. J asked the gentleman about the cap he was wearing.  The man was so pleased and proud to tell us about the cap.  In the end, the conversation was a  beautiful gift we accepted with much gratitude.

You see, the man we met, is retired military.  The cap he was wearing proclaimed him a three war veteran.

At 82, Mr T. was an exuberant storyteller and enjoyed telling us about his military experiences, beginning at the age of 17,When he enlisted and served in the Army (Pacific, where my father served), during World War 2.  Later, Mr T. joined the Marines and served in Korea.  He served 22 years, including service in the Air Force, in Vietnam.

Mr. T. was to have surgery this week.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

Because of this soldier and others like him, we are able to enjoy this beautiful lake place and much more.  Thank you for your service and to all those who still go in harms way, protecting our freedom!

Morning mist, October 7, 2009

 Remember, there is still time to sign up for my 400th post giveaway. 

The giveaway closes, Monday October 12 @ 7:00AM, CDT. Click the image to add your name.

CAMERA NEWS

I’m still awaiting the return of my Canon. A technical delay, is what I am told.

These photos were taken with a Kodak EasyShare (point and shoot).