B and B and Barnstorming

We’re expecting a full house here of shooting clinic participants; I know that whenever we have shooting clinic participants coming; it conjures up pictures of what they must be like as some descend in their Cabelas hunting clothes ready voice an octave lower, for effect tatoos for a day at the range . Also reminds me of sometimes when guests show up at the door; you see them through your filters and they end out by never being the “same folks” upon departure… It almost always happens that these folks are the kindest, most funnest and a classic case of “kiss your pictures goodbye”

Ever notice how phrases either take on new meaning and or come back to haunt you? How many times have you heard the saying “born in a barn” We’d hear that sometimes when we came in the door! Some simple country gleanings:

• Words that soak into your ears are whispered, never yelled.
• Forgive your enemies. It’ll mess up their heads.
• Never corner a critter meaner than you.
• It sure don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
• You just never can unsay a cruel thing.
• Everyones path has got some puddles.
• The best sermons ain’t preached, they’re lived.
• Most of the stuff people worries about never happens.
• Remember, silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Country fences should be horse high, pig tight, and bull strong.
• Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounces back

But these boys are waiting for some fixings . To sustain ‘em we whipped up f Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes — Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. courtesy of Epicurious

# 1/2 cup buckwheat flour (available at natural foods stores)
# 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
# 2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
# 2 teaspoons sugar
# 1 teaspoon salt
# 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
# 2 large eggs
# 1 cup milk
# 1 1/2 cups blueberries, preferably wild, picked over and, if large, halved
# Non-fat spray vegetable oil (such as Pam) for the griddle
# pure maple or blueberry syrup as an accompaniment

In a food processor blend together the flours, the baking powder, the sugar, and the salt, add the butter, and blend the mixture until it resembles fine meal. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs and the milk, add the flour mixture, and whisk the batter until it is combined well. Let the batter stand for 5 minutes and stir in the blueberries.

Preheat the oven to 200°F. Heat a griddle over moderate heat until it is hot enough to make drops of water scatter over its surface and brush it with the oil. Spoon the batter onto the griddle to form 3-inch rounds and cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden. Transfer the pancakes as they are cooked to a heatproof platter and keep them warm in the oven. Serve the pancakes with the syrup.

Makes about twenty-four 3-inch pancakes.

And if all else fails, I can always retreat once again with dignity to the barn It’s there that I’m yet again reminded why G-d invented horses.

On days when things don’t go so right
When plans are crushed
or my heart aches,
I take a walk to the barn.

I hear a welcome murmuring
and then, Gazi’s fine chestnut head
peers out from his stall door.
He listens to my troubles
and never tries to blame.
I lean against his strength and softness,
rest my head on his rumpled mane (i need to detangle that thang)
and take a long deep breath.
He bends his neck to cradle me,
making sure that I’m okay
and then goes back to munching hay.

The rhythm of hisr chewing,
The smell of my GaZi,
Reassure me that life goes on.
So when I need a better reason
to keep moving on down my path,
to clear the air,
to forgive, if not forget,
I take a walk to the barn.