THE OREGON TRAIL

THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER

Some ordered their prairie schooners brand new from the factory, while others simply had the local blacksmith make the necessary adjustments on the farm wagon.

The Conestoga wagon, which originated in PA in the mid-1700's was the familiar prairie schooner with ends higher than the sides to keep the contents from spilling out going up or down steep hillsides.

The Conestoga had one disadvantage, though; it was big and heavy and for that reason many emigrant guide books recommended the Yankee wagon. The Yankee was much lighter and stronger. It was made of well-seasoned, close-grained oak that grew in the hills of New Hampshire and could be purchased for around $200.00.

Families heading west spent many days reading their wagons, filling them with everything they could possibly need for a five-month journey. When packing was completed. a canvas covered was stretched over the top. If they followed the advice of experienced guides, the coverings were always doubled to provide greater protection against the weather. Many emigrants added their own personalk touch by painting slogans or their destinations on the canvas.

A wagon was worthless unless it had good wheels and Joel Palmer, who led many wagon trains westward, could not emphasize their importance strongly enough. "Wagon wheels", he suggested "should be at least one and three-quarters inches wide; three inches would be best of all for crossing the oftentimes loose, sandy roads. The rims should be, at the minimum, three-quarters of an inch thick and fastened to the felloes with bolts rather than nails. Hub boxes should be at least four inches thick."

If prairie schooners were well-seasoned and well-made and the oxen faithful and strong, the pioneer had a fighting chance to arrive in Oregon with a wagon that could be used for chores and transportation on his new farm.


My great great grandmother David was a cook on the Oregon trail. She traveled in a Prairie Scooner like this one. Can you imagine the months it took to get anywhere back then? Can you imagine being in the hot sun or the cold snow for months? Can you imagine cooking and trying to keep your dishes clean? Can you imagine not being able to take a bath for months? Can you imagine being attacked by Indians?

Makes a person more appreciative of what we have these days doesn't it?

Antique Shops

Happy Birthday My Darling

Today is my husband birthday.

He started with a gift from me. Then we went to breakfast where he had crepes with logan berries on top. Logan berries are imported from Sweden. They look like tiny cranberries and taste very much like them also.

Then our waitress brought him a homemade biscuit with strawberries and whipped cream on top.
We had a quiet dinner of salmon at home with home made black berry cobbler and I also made his favorite cranberry oatmeal cookies.....Too much sugar to day but he loves all of these things so once a year won't hurt.

He is such a special husband. He is so good to me and helps me in so many ways. He does a lot of the shopping and he always fixes breakfast and cleans up afterwards. He always empties the dishwasher and helps around the house.

All of these things were so considerate and helpful while I was working and now that I am retired he is still helping. He is so considerate that when I told him I was going to make his favorite cookies for his birthday he said "Why don't we just buy the dough already made so you won't have to work?"

He is really supportive to my new blogging, collage, clay art experience. He is proud of all I do and that makes me feel so good.

He has glaucoma and is having problems seeing as good as he used to but his health otherwise is pretty good. I am so thankful for him and our love just grows and grows.

Happy Birthday My Darling. I Love You!

Rosemarie

This is a my dollie Rosemarie given to me by my daddy when I was probably about 4 years old. I have stored her in a doll chest for many years and recently I got her out to show my granddaughter and her head had detached from her rubber body. I need to get her repaired. If anyone knows an experienced doll repair company I would appreciate the referral. Otherwise, I will go online and see what I can find there.

She is one of the first dolls with rooted hair.

MY DOG

His nose is short and scrubby;
His ears hang rather low;
And he always brings the stick back,
No matter how far you throw.

He gets spanked rather often,
For things he shouldn't do,
Like lying-on-beds and barking
And eating up shoes when they're new.

He always wants to be going
Where he isn't supposed to go.
He tracks up the house when it's snowing-----
Oh, puppy, I love you so.

by Marchette Chute

YOUR A DOLL AWARD

I was given this award by my daughter-in-law Mica Garbarino of Garb-oodles, who I think is a DOLL!
Thanks Mica

I would like to pass it on to some of the people I think are dolls!



Vickie
http://whispersofinspiration.blogspot.com/

Sally
http://sallyt.typepad.com/imagine_this/

Nita
http://redtinheart.blogspot.com/

Jeannene
http://loveconquersall.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Our Future Chef

Last Feburary our granddaughter, Melissa with honors, graduated early before her fellow classmates from high school and was accepted into Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas.













We are all so proud of her. She turned 18 years old in October and is a very responsible, reliable, respectful, kind and considerate young women.















If you watch The Food Network then you must be familiar with Ace of Cakes and the star of that show, Duf. Well, he recently visited Las Vegas and presented a Slot Machine Cake which Melissa got to see and she got to meet Duf shown here in this picture. What a neat thing for her.

Here's to OUR FUTURE CHEF!

Love You Sweetheart!