Saturday, November 23, 2013

Shopping Saturday - Thanksgiving Menu Shopping

Okay, so this isn't going to be anything but short and sweet, and I mean S-W-E-E-T!!!

I got this years menu, shopping list, and even the recipes, for our Thanksgiving dinner all from FlyLady. And you can too! I find this an absolute fantastic find for someone who works full time and can easily lose track of when to lay out the turkey to thaw, and get started on dinner!

You can get your free download here.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Family Recipe Friday - No Bake Pumpkin Pie

This is by far the easiest pumpkin pie recipe ever. I've seen various recipes that based upon this same one, but none have quite the deliciousness that this one has! I've used this recipe for years when in a pinch during the holidays, and it's a never-fail option to the traditional baked version!
 
1 pkg.  (8 oz.)  Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup  canned pumpkin
[you can substitute the pumpkin pie filling just leave out the pumpkin pie spice below if you use that]
 
1/2 cup  sugar
 
1/2 tsp.  pumpkin pie spice
 
1 tub  (8 oz.) Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
 
 1 graham cracker pie crust
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BEAT cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in 2-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate remaining whipped topping for later use.     
 
SPOON cream cheese mixture into crust. 
          
REFRIGERATE 3 hours or overnight. Serve topped with remaining whipped topping. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.
 
 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Treasure Chest Thursday - Annette's Cross

 
 
This handmade brass cross necklace has been passed down for four generations through the maternal line.
 
Adeline Eve received it from her mother, Annette Dubois Eve [1840-1870]. Annette died when Adeline was but 3 years of age. It was considered her most favorite possession.
 
Adeline Eve Banet [1867-1958] passed it down to her eldest daughter, Irene Caroline Banet when she turned 17 years of age and married.
 
Irene Caroline Banet Dreher [1906-1989] gave it to her youngest daughter, Lois Velleda Dreher, on her 16th birthday.
 
Lois Velleda Dreher Beane gave it to her eldest daughter, Cynthia Ann Beane, on her 21st birthday.
 
It is my intention of leaving this heirloom to my youngest daughter.
 
The cross is hand formed brass and has a tiny multi-faceted diamond at its center. It has been through numerous chains just since I have owned it. But the cross itself remains unchanged since Joseph made it prior to 1858. It is one of my most treasured family heirlooms.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Tombstone Tuesday - Frank and Adeline

 
BANET
FRANK I.          ADELINE J.
1863-1945          1867-1958
 
 
Francis Isidore Banet was born 15 Aug 1862 in Indiana to Isidore and Rosalie (Sprigler) Banet. Adeline Josephine Eve was born 11 February 1867 in Indiana to Joseph and Annette Eve. The couple were married 31 October 1893 in Floyd County, Indiana.
 
Frank and Adeline went on to have eight children:
Robert Benjamin Banet [1894-1970]
Arthur Matthias Banet [1896-1974]
Charles Franklin Banet [1898-1976]
Augustin Philip Banet [1900-1978]
Francis Eugene Banet [1902-1983]
Clarence J. Banet [1904-1986]
Irene Caroline Banet Dreher [1906-1989]
Lorene J. Banet Lee [1909-2005]
 
Frank died in April 1945 in Indiana. Adeline lived until November 5, 1958.
 
The couple is buried at the Edwardsville Cemetery, Georgetown, Floyd, Indiana.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Matrilineal Monday

 
My Mother, Lois Velleda Dreher Beane.
 
 
 
 My Grandmother,
Irene Caroline Banet Dreher
1906-1989
 
 
My Great-Grandmother,
Adeline Josephine Eve Banet
1867-1958
 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Saturdays Siblings - My Mother's Siblings

 
The Dreher Kids [Minus Mom, who took the photograph]
1968
Billy, Ethel [1924-2012], Art [1926-2013] and Marion [1931-2006]

Friday, November 15, 2013

Family Recipe Friday - Aunt Ethel's Apple Pie

Aunt Ethel's Old-Fashioned Apple Pie
 
Going through my old recipe box, I came across another recipe that was sent to me when I was a very young newlywed. This one from my Aunt Ethel. So many of my Aunty's sent me recipes, advice and household hints! I wish I could locate them all now!!! But I have managed to save a few. So today I share this one with you, in time for the Thanksgiving dinner!
 
 
Ingredients
  • 6  cups  thinly sliced peeled tart apples
  • 1  tablespoon  lemon juice
  • 1/2  cup  granulated sugar
  • 1/4  cup  all-purpose flour
  • 1/4  cup  packed brown sugar
  • 1/2  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
  • 1/4  teaspoon  ground nutmeg
  •  dash  ground cloves
  • 1  tablespoon  butter or margarine
 
Directions
 
1. In a large mixing bowl toss apples with lemon juice. Combine granulated sugar, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add to apples and toss until apples are coated. Set apple mixture aside.
 
 
2. Prepare Pastry for Double-Crust Pie. Divide dough in half. Form each half into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 ball of dough into a 12-inch circle. Ease pastry into a 9-inch pie plate.
 
 
3. Transfer apple mixture to pastry-lined pie plate. Dot with butter or margarine. Trim pastry even with pie plate. For top crust, roll out remaining dough. Cut slits in top crust. Place top crust on the filling. Seal and flute the edge. Brush with milk, if desired.
 
 
4. To prevent overbrowning, cover the edge of the pie with foil. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil; bake for 20 to 25 minutes more or until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.  Makes 6 to 8 servings.
 
 
 
Pastry for Double-Crust Pie
Ingredients
  • 2 1/4  cups  all-purpose flour
  • 3/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 2/3  cup  shortening
  • 6 - 8  tablespoons  cold water
Directions
1. Stir together all-purpose flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until pieces are pea size. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cold water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to the side of the bowl. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon cold water at a time, until all the dough is moistened.
2. Divide dough in half. Roll out each half on a floured bread board until desired size is reached. Fold into quarters and place one half in pie pan. Add pie ingredients. Roll out second half, slightly larger than bottom. Fold into quarters and unfold over top of pie pan. Crimp edges closed. Be sure to cut steam holes in top of crust to allow the steam to escape. Bake as directed for the pie/

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Treasure Chest Thursday - Ethel's Garden

 
In 1991 I was coming back home from Illinois, when I stopped by to see my Aunt Ethel and Uncle Paul. It was mid-summer, and her garden was in full swing. She took the time to walk me through her various plants and vegetables and flowers. It was a memorable day and I treasure the memory of it with her.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Tombstone Tuesday - Wiseman Cemetery

I don't have a tombstone to show you today.  I'm not even sure if one has been placed on the grave or not. You see I haven't been able to get there to visit the site yet. I do hope so before much longer. It's a full days drive to get there, but I so want to make the trip!

The grave I would like to visit is that of my dear aunt, Ethel Marie Dreher McCutchen.

Ethel Marie Dreher McCutchen
1924-2012


Born on 25 Oct 1924, she was the eldest child of Henry C. Dreher (1902-1977) and Irene Banet Dreher (1906-1989).

She married Paul McCutchen (1922-1998) on 22 Feb 1947. The couple had two sons, Kent and Daryl.

She was a nurse for many years, and ended her career as an activities director with a nursing facility for the elderly.

She had a gifted green thumb and grew the most fabulous gardens in her later years.

I will always remember her fondly, as she never treated me as a child when I was growing up. She always treated me as a grownup, even when I was quite young! And when in her presence, she made me feel as though I really mattered to her.

She passed away on 08 April 2012. And is buried in Wiseman's Cemetery, Leavenworth, Crawford County, Indiana.


Saturday, November 9, 2013

Surname Saturday - Perkins/Parkins

There's been a bit of controversy over the spelling of this ancestor's surname. Is it Perkins? Or is it Parkins? As far back as records exist, we find the name spelled both ways. Sometimes even by a single individual! For the sake of my great-great-grandfather, who was a learned man, and because his tombstone spells it so, we will use the spelling as PARKINS. And here's how I fall [backward] into this lineage:

GENERATION 1
1. Cynthia Ann BEANE was born in New Albany, Floyd Co., IN. She was the daughter
of 2. Walter Maxwell BEANE and 3. Lois Velleda DREHER. She married Johnnie Lee HENRY  in Covington, Alleghany Co., VA, son of Joseph Wright HENRY and Betty Louise Rotge. He
was born in San Antonio, Bexar Co, TX.


GENERATION 2
2. Walter Maxwell BEANE was born in Waiteville, Monroe County, WV. He was the
son of 4. John Monroe BEAN and 5. Mary Elizabeth FAUDREE. He married Lois Velleda DREHER
in Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
 
3. Lois Velleda DREHER was born in Georgetown, Floyd Co., IN. She was the daughter
of 6. Henry Condar DREHER Jr. and 7. Irene Caroline BANET.


GENERATION 3
4. John Monroe BEAN was born on 15 Dec 1866 in Cincinatti, Ohio. He died on 10 Apr 1954 in
Waiteville, Monroe Co., WV. He was the son of 8. William McHarvey BEAN and 9. Margaret Smith
PARKINS. He married Mary Elizabeth FAUDREE on 01 Dec 1935 in Allegheny County,  Virginia.
 
5. Mary Elizabeth FAUDREE was born 03 Jun 1897 in Monroe County, West Virginia. She died 01 Jan 1975 in Allegheny County, Virginia.
 She was the daughter of Stephen Ledford FAUDREE and
Elizabeth CARNEFIX.


GENERATION 4
8. William McHarvey BEAN was born on 26 Aug 1832 in Dropping Lick, Near Zenith, Monroe Co, VA.
He died on 14 May 1890 in Gap Mills, Monroe Co, WV. He was the son of 16. William M. BEAN and
17. Rachel WISEMAN. He married Margaret Smith PERKINS on 26 Aug 1852 in Monroe County,
Virginia.
 
9. Margaret Smith PERKINS was born 03 Mar 1826 in Greenbrier County, Virginia. She died 11 Jun
1891 in Monroe County, West Virginia. She was the daughter of 18. Samuel PARKINS and 19.
Elizabeth TUCKWILLER.



GENERATION 5
18. Samuel PARKINS was born on 21 Apr 1778 in Virginia. He died on 19 Jan 1854 in Fort Springs,
Greenbrier, Virginia. He was the son of 36. James PARKINS and 37. Elizabeth BONDERANT. He
married Elizabeth TUCKWILLER on 15 Sep 1812 in Greenbrier County, Virginia.
 
19. Elizabeth TUCKWILLER was born 08 Nov 1779 in Greenbrier County, Virginia. She died 28 Jul 1867
in Greenbrier County, Virginia. She was the daughter of 38. John TUCKWILLER and 39. Catherine
RIFFE.



GENERATION 6
36. James PERKINS was born on 21 Nov 1741. He died on 25 Mar 1825 in Greenbrier County, Virginia.
He was the son of 72. John PERKINS and 73. Mary UNKNOWN. He married Elizabeth BONDERANT
in 1768 in Washington.
 
37. Elizabeth BONDERANT. She died 1832.
 
 
Beyond this point, the information is sketchy at best, and various and sundry researchers have claimed different forbears. Perhaps one day we will find the proof we are seeking!
 
 

Friday, November 8, 2013

Family Recipe Friday - Aunt Audrey's Coconut Cream Pie

Years ago, when I was a newly wed [let's not even begin to count how long ago that was!], my Aunt Audrey sent me a recipe for coconut cream pie. It is the ONLY recipe I have ever used for this pie. It's simply that good. I do sometimes substitute graham cracker crust for regular pie crust, to just add another notch of flavor to the dish. I do recommend that you use the coconut milk, rather than whole milk or half and half. Don't skimp! The coconut milk makes all the difference in the world to this recipe. Without it, the recipe is good. But with it? It's out of this world!!!
 
 
 
Ingredients
  • 1 pie crust
  • For the Toasted Coconut Topping
  • ½ cup flaked, sweetened coconut
  • For the Coconut Custard
  • 1½ cups coconut milk
  • 1½ cups half-and-half
  • 5 egg yolks
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups flaked, sweetened coconut
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla
  • For the Whipped Topping
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
  1. Prepare pie crust or use a ready made one.
  2. For the Toasted Coconut Topping
  3. Spread coconut evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place into 350ยบ F oven for 8-10 minutes until coconut has just begun to turn brown.
  4. Set aside to cool.
  5. For the Coconut Custard
  6. Pour coconut milk and half-and-half into a liquid measuring cup. Add egg yolks and whisk together with milks. Set aside.
  7. Add sugar and cornstarch to a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk egg and milk mixture together once more and then slowly begin to add to the sugar and cornstarch, whisking together constantly.
  8. Bring custard mixture to a boil. Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon and continue to stir constantly. Boil one minute.
  9. Remove from heat and add butter, coconut, vanilla and salt.
  10. Spread custard into pie crust. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until set, about 30-45 minutes.
  11. For the Whipped Topping
  12. Add sugar and heavy whipping cream to large bowl. Whisk with an electric mixer just until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and whisk just until combined.
  13. Spread whipped cream on top of coconut custard. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  14. When ready to serve, top with toasted coconut.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Treasure Chest Thursday - A 50th Anniversary

 
In 1984, my Uncle Dick and Aunt Audrey [Bean] Harriff celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Tombstone Tuesday - Richard and Audrey Harriff

 
HARRIFF
RICHARD C.          AUDREY B.
1913-1988          1912-2002
 
Richard Calvin Harriff and Blanche Audrey Bean were married in 1934 in Sharon, Mercer, Pennsylvania.
The couple had three children:
Richard B.
Judith
William R. "Bill" Harriff [1944-2013]
 
The couple are buried at the Ashland Cemetery in Ashland, Oregon.


Monday, November 4, 2013

Memorial Monday - William "Bill" Harriff

OBITUARY

Ashland Daily Times

22 October 2013
William Robert "Bill" Harriff

 

William Robert (Bill) Harriff, was born May 22, 1944 to Richard Calvin and Blanche Audrey Harriff. He passed away October 14, 2013 in Adelaide, South Australia. He grew up on the Ohio/Pennsylvania border, and his entire childhood was spent in the Midwest. Bill graduated from Muncie Central High School in Muncie, Ind., and after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Following his service, Bill returned to Muncie and enrolled in Ball State University, where he earned a degree in Political Science.



After college, Bill migrated west, and worked at the Oregon School for the Blind in Salem, where he developed a passion for both the outdoors and working with the visually impaired. He returned to graduate school at the University of Northern Colorado, where he leveraged his love of the outdoors by making and selling custom camping, backpacking, clothing, and equipment to help pay for school. After earning a Masters in Special Education, he worked with blind students in Seattle, Wash. and Bangor, Maine before settling in Ashland, Ore.



Bill worked with visually impaired students throughout southern Oregon for several years before turning other hobbies into other full time businesses first woodworking and later information technology.

Bill and his partner of 33 years, Kristine Davis, first spent time in Adelaide in 1990, as part of a teacher exchange. They returned to Adelaide in 2011 to again work with the visually impaired, where Bill took up bicycle touring as a hobby. Bill was completing a 500 mile solo bike tour to raise funds for children's cancer research when he was struck by a vehicle.

 

He is survived by Kris; his son, Seth Harriff of Portland, Ore.; brother, Richard Harriff of Solana Beach, Calif.; sister, Judith Uherbelau of Ashland, Ore.; grandchildren, and nieces and nephews across the United States.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Children's Medical Research Institute via the web at

 

http://greatcyclechallenge.com.au/Riders/BillHarriff.



****Note: Bill was my paternal cousin.