Tag: southern

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Fireflies at Dusk

One of the simple pleasures of summer (I realize June 17th is technically not summer, but when it’s a sultry 100 degrees in the shade, it’s close enough) is watching the fireflies.

Fireflies, a.k.a. lightning bugs, are pretty amazing. Like tiny, flashing glowsticks, these cute little creatures can make the night sky seem a bit magical.

Growing up in the Tonti countryside, I remember chasing and watching them as a little girl. I’m pretty sure I pretended they were Tinkerbell a time or two. (I did finally see Tinkerbell “in person” on my Senior Band Trip to Florida…)

If you haven’t ever spent a peaceful evening in the country watching fireflies as the sunset fades into dark, you should. Birds and likely some other critters provide a tranquil soundtrack.

This video is just simply that–a few minutes of watching fireflies at Dusk in the country. Enjoy.

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Happy Earth Day!

It’s that time again… Earth Day is that day set aside each year to reflect upon God’s beautiful creation and how we can be better stewards of it.

Earth Day was introduced to the U.S. in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. It followed a large oil spill in 1969 and national concerns about air pollution. Per earthday.org, timing of the day was reportedly chosen specifically to be be a weekday between spring break and final exams. Why? The founder and associates wanted to encourage student activism. Denis Hayes, an activist, was actually recruited to facilitate campus “teach-ins.” The Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) was created within months of the first Earth Day. The yearly observation went global in 1990.

Although the national focus of Earth Day through the years has been influenced by by political agendas and environmental events, the core value has remained. It is important to respect nature and not abuse or unnecessarily damage God’s creation. Another word for this is stewardship.

Earth Day may mean different things to different people. It reminds me of my dad, one of the inspirations for this blog. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but he lived his life with a great love for nature. Dad was not only the principal at my grade school but a science teacher as well. (Yes, it could be awkward at times to have your parent as your teacher…) I remember riding down to Carbondale from Salem with my family in our little Pacer for science fairs at SIU. My dad loved to support his students and visit his alma mater.

Garden of the Gods

On family trips to the Carbondale area, it was not uncommon for us to walk through Thompson Woods on campus or to visit Giant City State Park. He would tell us that the park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. No trip to campus was complete without driving by the university farms where he worked in college.

This is also the time of year that my family would go mushroom hunting in local woods for morels. My parents taught my brother and I to enjoy and respect nature.

Words that many of us associate with Earth Day are to “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” Upcycling and repurposing have become the trendier ways of expressing this. My mom, another inspiration for this blog, was very creative. She made many things that decorated our home by repurposing. There was a large picture that hung in my brother’s room of a turtle. It was a seed mosaic that my mom made. Instead of just getting new furniture to redecorate, she would repaint and embellish things to change their look.

As an adult, I can see their influence in some of the things I do now. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with ways to use 2 liter bottles, cans, and more. I also have the same love of plants and gardening as my parents. There are many times I wish I could still get their advise. I’ve become fascinated by repurposed items that become planters or gardens…I hope that I’ve instilled some of these values in my children who are now adults.

Let’s be real honest for a moment too. Life is expensive. Reusing and repurposing items when possible not only reduces unnecessary waste–it can save you money. That seems like a win-win situation.

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It’s Back…the 30th Annual HerrinFesta Italiana Returns

HerrinFesta Italiana has been a Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Southern Illinois since it started 1991. The event celebrates Herrin’s Italian heritage. Festa, an alias of the festival, became one of millions of events cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Southern Illinois’ festival that signals the unofficial beginning of summer has finally returned to Herrin.

The dragon rollercoaster has been a favorite of many children through the years…This was in 2009.

A carnival, food, and shopping opportunities make up the Midway. As indicated on the festival’s website, ride armbands are $25 per day unless purchased prior to midnight on May 26 for $20 each with a $2.99 service charge per order through  https://www.herrinfesta.com/

Another family favorite: the carousel

Over the years, many local and famous acts have graced the HerrinFesta stage in the Piaza. Some of these include Survivor, Firehouse, 38 Special, Drew Baldridge, and Three Doors Down. 2015 became known as “The Year That Riding the Storm Out Was So Not An Option” due to a heavy downpour and lightning storm interrupting the REO Speedwagon concert. The 2018 line up included The Beach Boys, Slaughter, Queensryche, and Faith & Family Night at the Festa with Natalie Grant and Jordan Feliz.

38 Special in 2010

This year, with some COVID-19 restrictions still in place and the aftermath of over a year of sheltering in place and quarantining, no national bands have yet been announced. However, Festa goers will be treated to free local music in the Beverage Garden Tent beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday through Sunday night. Taylor Made will play on Friday evening. Saturday night features Most Wanted. Dave Clark will take the stage on Sunday night.

The Scrambler, 2009

Some of the special events that people look forward to each year include the parade, bocce ball, pasta eating contests, and the Road Races. The second annual Jeep Poker Run takes place on May 31. May 28 will be the HerrinFesta Italiana Golf Tournament. The pageants, baby contests, and a prayer breakfasts are other popular events. This year’s events so includes the Hartley Fine Art Exhibit at 100 South Park Avenue.

2013 Road Races

On May 27, Herrin Festa Italiana Goes to the Movies… An Italian film, Va’Sentiero (Follow the Trail) subtitled in English, will be shown at the Herrin City Library from 6-7pm. The film’s Director, Andrea Buonopane, granted permission for its public viewing.

Herrin Jr. High Dance Team preparing to step out into the parade line up in 2012.

The 2021 Talent Contest, hosted by Herrin Woman’s Club and Karen Sala, President, kicked off the week of HerrinFesta Italiana events. The winners were named as follows:
James Windings, Herrin;
Travis Westbrook, Carterville
Karen Sala, director
Brax Melvin, West Frankfort
Rebekah Crouse, Herrin
Tara Kay Tanner, Johnston City. Knox Robbins, Mulkeytown
Kyler Followell, Benton

Unity Christian School waiting to begin the parade route in 2013.

This Year’s (and Last Year’s) HerrinFesta Parade Grand Marshalls are Tom DeChristina and Marilyn Matthews Ruppel. Both are known for their long-term involvement within the Herrin community and support if its people and events. The couple of 26 years will lead the Grand Festa Parade on Saturday, May 29, at 11 am.

Herrin Marching Band
Mark Kiesling, WSIL-TV, entertaining kiddos along the parade route in 2010.

HerrinFesta Lifetime Achievement 2020 – 2021 was awarded to Herrin native Richard “Itch” Jones. As a member of eight different sports Hall of Fames, he has recognized that his grade school through high school education provided him with a quality foundation. Mr. Jones is listed among the 20 winningest coaches in NCAA Baseball Division 1. He earned his master’s degree in physical education at SIU-Carbondale, where he played baseball and basketball, in 1965. Mr. Jones also played for the Baltimore Oreos minor-league system.

2019 HerrinFesta Grand Parade

More information is available at http://www.herrinfesta.com

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Watch “Christmas Eve Eve 2020: The One with the Last Minute Christmas Decor, Frugal and Dollar Tree DIY,…” on YouTube

So, my Christmas Eve Eve episode waited until Christmas Eve to actually post, but we still wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

This episode has a few frugal Christmas decor DIY’s mingling in with a tour of a few regional Christmas Light display faves and unique shopping experiences. There are a few mouthwatering peeks at food from Drizzle Mini Donuts and Razmo’s too…

Wherever you are in the world, we wish you joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

(For those looking for the PDF hot cocoa bar download, it’s in the Cozy Cocoa & More post.)

Makanda
Marion

Candy Cane Lane, West Frankfort
Yost Family Lights, Marion
Reis Lane, Herrin

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12 Gifts of Christmas from Little Egypt

If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you may have watched “The Twelve Dates of Christmas.” Although it was reportedly filmed in Canada this past summer, the movie highlighted real and some fictional locations and experiences in Chicago.

Guess what. Southern Illinois, a.k.a. Little Egypt, also has many wonderful experiences! Originally, I wanted to write about experiences similar to the ones in the movie that could be found here. However, in the midst of a pandemic when we seem to be moving toward tighter restrictions for the upcoming holidays, that might be difficult.

I do think we can still help each other support and highlight many wonderful Southern Illinois products, services, and experiences. Small Business Saturday is right around the corner. That would be a perfect time to grab some local items to gift or perhaps make a basket full of things to enjoy now and gift certificates for things to do when COVID-19 restrictions lift a bit. Purchasing gift certificates from small businesses is one way to also help them get through this difficult period.

Here are some suggestions to get you started…

A Partridge in Pear Tree:

Southern Illinois wine with aroma of pear

Two Turtle Doves:

Chocolate Turtles or baked items

Turtle candy flavored coffee or scented candles

Three French Hens:

Gift certificate to eat chicken at a local restaurant

Poultry from a local farm

Four Calling Birds:

Gift certificate to a pet store

Five Golden Rings:

Gold or goldtone stack rings from a local jeweler or boutique

Local seasonings and ingredients with a recipe for onion rings

Gift certificate to a restaurant with delicious onion rings

Six Geese a Laying:

Gift certificates for food and a gas card or lodging certificate for a trip to see the geese at areas near Rend Lake, Crab Orchard Lake, Carlyle Lake , etc.

Seven Swans Swimming:

Gas card or passes/ tickets to go to areas with migrating Trumpeter Swans, such as West Alton and Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge

A membership or pass to a local indoor swimming pool

Eight Maids Milking:

Products from or a gift certificate to a local dairy, creamery, ice cream, etc.

Nine Ladies Dancing:

Dance class lessons

Tickets to a ballet, ethnic dance event, or other dance performance at a location like Shryock Auditorium or a even a local school production.

Ten Lords Leaping:

Gymnastic or martial arts lessons

Fitness center or gym membership

Bowling Alley gift certificates

Eleven Piping Pipers:

A gift certificate to a local music shop

Tickets to a local performance

A digital download or CD of a local music group or from a local music shop

Twelve Drummers Drumming:

A gift certificate to a local music store or local performance

A digital download or CD of a local music group or from a local music shop

Consider cookies or cupcakes from a local baker to depict each of the twelve days or the ones that stump you. You could also get local artisan made Christmas ornaments or even jewelry to match the twelve days or part of them. Have fun and be creative. Do what fits your budget.

Another possibility is to gift a night or weekend at a Southern Illinois cabin, inn, or lodge with a scavenger hunt list of items to take photos of things corresponding to the twelve days.

The ASOSI app is still free as well as the links on the A Slice of Southern Illinois website to help you find restaurants, artisans, places to see and more from I-70 to the southern state line. The links tend to be categorized by town. It is a continually updating list. Please message or email any that you think if that could be added.

You may also comment with gift suggestions on the Facebook page post of this article. We would love to know about Southern Illinois small businesses that have product available through national sites like Amazon and Etsy. Locally owned services offering gift certificates are another welcome suggestion.

To make it easier to see what is shared, please use the hashtag #12SIGiftsofChristmas and maybe which Days of Christmas/Gifts of Christmas correspond to the suggestion, such as #11PipersPiping

Be safe, have fun, and support local small businesses. Merry Christmas!

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Southern Illinois STRONG

Southern Illinois STRONG is the new name for the companion group to the Help Others Section of ASOSI/A Slice of Southern Illinois.  It will be a publicly listed group on Facebook. Currently, it is still showing as private, however that is expected to change soon. People are encouraged to share efforts in Southern Illinois to help others out as well as encourage and support people and small businesses who are doing positive things in our region (I-70 the the southern state line. )

Help Others:

http://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/eat-more-to-help/

Everyone has the ability to help someone.…

The group gives people an opportunity to help identify Southern Illinois local fundraisers (such as those for school groups, teams, medical needs, folks who have experienced loss, etc.) or regional combined efforts to help elsewhere. All are subject to admin approval, and may be added to the Help Others section of the app/blog.

People who are looking for ways to help out and connect with their community can check back regularly to see if there is something even simple they can do such as save soup labels or buy something they might have otherwise ordered online to help out someone locally.

The ASOSI app is available as a free download in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store. ASOSI is a tool packed with links to area info for locals and tourists that shows support for locally owned shops and eateries.

Showing support for locally owned businesses also strengthens our region. It is so important to our survival and ability to thrive as a region to support each other in the positive things when possible. Small business ownership is not easy. Those of us who grew up watching Harriett and the Olson family on “Little House on the Prairie” saw the rich business owners as being snotty (except poor Nels) to the other townsfolk and living in luxury. This not the case for most. If you read much literature on small businesses, many do not make a profit in the first few years, and owners work other full time jobs to make ends meet. A while back, I spoke with a local banker who advised that the majority of small businesses actually operate in the red. Owners sometime work extra jobs to make ends meet and provide for their families. Many of us have no idea what type of sacrifices our neighbors have made to keep their doors open and services available to us.

When we have a negative experience with a local business, before we rush to slam it on social media, the mature response woud be to perhaps discuss it with the business and allow a chance to make amends or correct misunderstandings. Easier said than done, I know… However when we just start reacting, crucifying, stirring, and jumping onto scapegoat bandwagons, we really don’t paint a pretty picture of ourselves. That hurts all of us. Would you really want to visit, shop, eat, and spend hard-earned money in a place that seemed hell-bent on finding someone to tar and feather? Perhaps if you are into the whole mystery dinner thing, you might try it once… (If you do, please don’t tell me. That gives me too much insight into your personality type…)

Having said all of that, let’s get in the habit of acknowledging when a person or a business in Southern Illinois steps up to help someone. There is enough angry, hate-filled news in the world. Let’s make our little corner a bright one. It is much better to build each other up than tear each other down. The group is also a place to give acknowledgment to people for helping out or doing a good job at something in Southern Illinois. If someone has been battling health issues, and his or her yard is a hot mess, let’s acknowledge the compassionate people who step up and step in to help-not those just out to make a buck. There are plenty of other formats for those to those who just want to complain about the temporary aesthetics to be able to see their words in print. (Seriosuly, you could play a game by tallying the predicted snide and often useless remarks of arm chair critics to news stories…) Let’s support and encourage those who are actually going to take positive action–not condemnation– toward solutions.

A friend posed the question on social media as to what made our area special. It reminded me of that May 8 storm that left so many without power for many days. Southern Illinoisans really stepped up and helped each other through a tough time. That same spirit still thrives among many. We are Southern Illinois STRONG!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2402600916667909/

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For the Birds?

I didn’t slide driving around this morning, but a poor, large bird almost flew into my vehicle crossing over Crab Orchard Lake…

Please be safe driving around in Southern Illinois.  The temperature is right on that line of freezing, and some folks are reporting a few slick spots. Big, fluffy snowflakes have been falling in the Marion area. Some actually are sticking to the geound.

Can you imagine the challenges of being a migrating bird in Southern Illinois? Whiplash could be an issue. “Get in formation, we are heading south for winter.” Then a few miles over, “Hey, it’s almost 70 degrees. Time to go north.” Another few miles: ‘Ugh. Snow. Put it in reverse, we’re heading south again…”

I guess we easily forget the wide range of weather we have, and how quickly it changes. On Christmas, it was so warm outside that we seriously considered dining al fresco on the deck.

That’s not the first warm December we have had. I can remember a December in Carbondale in the late 90’s (1998?) when it was exceptionally warm. Friends and I went to see Aerosmith at the SIU Arena. Later, we all sat out in front of La Roma’s on The Strip eating pizza at midnight and didn’t freeze. I miss La Roma’s…and those concerts. But, I digress…

Above: Carbondale, file photo

I also remember a cold May in the 90’s when a friend and I nearly froze trying to walk around at Fort de Chartres at Prairie du Rocher.

I guess the flipping back and forth of temperatures gives our region more character. It also means perhaps would should cut those poor birds some slack when they poop on our windshields. They must be stressed from all the weather changes.

Above: Our beloved Heidi (Heidi’s Angel Brigade of Southern Illinois was created to honor her memory) on a walk during a prior winter

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How Do You Do Chicken & Rice?

Chicken and rice sounds like a specific meal request, right? In Southern Illinois, we are blessed with so many wonderful food choices that you may need to clarify your choice. Between brick and mortar sights and food trucks/carts, there are many ethnic variances on this classic dish.

It seems pretty much every culture has some version of the meal. They may vary by cooking methods, sauces, spices, and sides. Below, you will see just a sampling of some of the wonderful local options for chicken and rice. What are your favorites?

As this is by far not a comprehensive list, I know there are other mouth-watering options out there. Please comment and let the rest of us know about them! Give your favorite locally-owned Southern Illinois eatery a shout out…

Above: Chicken Tiki Masala from India Delight in Marion

Above: Jerk chicken from Caribbean Hut in Cambria

Above: Mini chicken chimichangas from El Paisano in Carbondale

Above: Chicken Shawarma from Pita Alley in Carbondale

Above: A delicious plate from La Cocina Mexican Restaurant in Salem

Above: Hibachi Chicken from Fujiyama in Carbondale (they also have sites in Mt. Vernon and Effingham with a new site on the way in Marion.

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Corn Spread as Salad Dressing

One of the go-to condiments in our house is a really quick corn dressing–mayo, Southern Illinois honey, and Sazón– to spread on corn of the cob. Sometimes I also sprinkle either parmesan or a cheese like feta or cotija onto it once it is on the cob.

When I couldn’t decide what to put on my chef salad for lunch one day, it hit me. I could easily use the corn dressing on my salad. I added the juice of a lime to thin it a bit, and that was it.

I love it when I can have homeade things all set to go that pull double duty. I’ve been using the homeade salsa fresca in my salad for other meals as well. My lettuce was already washed, chopped, and ready to go in a bowl in the fridge. The longest it took me to do anything was tear some thinly slice ham and turkey into pieces. That’s only because I’m still dealing with the chemo-induced neuropathy. Otherwise, it was a pretty quick and tasty chef salad.

Here is the basic recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup honey

1 packet of Sazón

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. Adjust the thickness by adding more mayonnaise or honey.

Optional:

Add the juice or zest of a lime for variation.

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Orange Bourbon Chocolate Brownies

These moist, indulgent brownies are the result of not being able to find my “good vanilla” and having to find suitable substitutions…

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups white sugar

1 cup butter

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 tablespoon bourbon

The juice of 1/2 of a small orange

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

DIRECTIONS: