Across The Fence 
(Fall 2002)
Across The Fence
(Fall 2002)
Autumn was uniquely beautiful. For as long as we've been around these hills their hasn't been a fall like this one. We were prepared for rather drab fall colors, then were surprised by brilliant hues that stayed well past normal. Later the rains came with no wind and the leaves fell directly below the branches and lay like red and golden pools -- large splotches of color spilled from the trees. Even today, as I write this, oak leaves are hanging on tenaciously, many maple leaves remain, and crimson dogwoods are resisting the inevitable. Our old dog, Irene, is sprawled at her post by the wood stove where she will remain all winter. Outside our windows on this gray day there are remnants of fall's splendor across the Ozark hills.
Soups and stews seem to fit days like this one. Often, when the weather outside is cool we favor taking our sustenance in the form of soups, stews, or chowders. They are easier, more informal, and can be left to simmer on the range or woodstove until the aroma finally overwhelms our appetites. Here is a recipe that has graced the table at Rock Eddy Bluff for some time and has received approval from those who have eaten it. Click here for the recipe. Try it for the holidays. Its not difficult to make and has a savory, unique taste.
Our month in Scotland and northern England. Ok, this is about our vacation, so skip it if you feel a fit of boredom coming on. We divided our time during September between the Scottish Highlands
, the inner Hebrides islands, and the dales and fells of northern England. Our cottage in the glen, nestled in the Trossachs of Scotland with Gordon and Maureen Strong was wonderful and relaxing. (They stayed at our Turkey Ridge Cottage in October 2001.) We went "crackers" over the small island of Iona off the western coast where we stayed in a wonderful hostel on a lonely stretch of beach. See it at www.ionahostel.co.uk For us, no visit to the UK would be complete without "popping over" to the Yorkshire Dales, a place we truly love.
Thinking gift giving already? This year try something unique! Give peace...seclusion... a sense of nature's rhythms and beauty. Peaceful
sleep. We'll send you a gift certificate for starry nights, coyotes singing, firelight...far away from the workaday existence. Gift certificates to Rock Eddy Bluff Farm are a thoughtful present for someone you care about. There are two easy ways to purchase them: 1)The old way by phone: 1-800-335-5921, or 2) over the internet (Click Here or on the gift image). We'll send you an attractive certificate to give during the holidays.
Swapping vacation tales with guests is one of our favorite pastimes. Often they stimulate our sense of adventure so that we try to visit places they describe to us. One such trip, currently high on the consideration list, is 12 days on a ship steaming up the coast of Norway into the artic circle, reaching the Russian border before returning. Besides carrying passengers, her duties include re-supplying dozens of coastal villages on the voyage. Check it out at: http://www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.com/norway.htm And, if
you have had a really great adventure somewhere, let us know about it. We will swap you one of ours. Deal?
Our 1800's log cabin is progressing slowly. There is more work and expense than we expected. But, we promise! Here is a photo of the cabin in its present state. Loads of work left, but you can see where it is going. The view is spectacular! And, the contest is still on. Send us your name suggestions,
For fishermen or fish lovers. This is a unique gift for someone who loves to fish: a fish sculpture. They are very attractive and quite realistic. We know about them only because our friend, George Wright, who with his wife, Norma, watches our place while we are on holiday, is the artist/maker. See examples of George's work at: http://www.sculpturesinwood.net/ Each wooden sculpture is individually hand carved, painted and completed as much as possible from wood including the habitat. A truly unique gift from the Ozarks.
Think Tuesdays! Stay any three days that include a Tuesday at Rock Eddy Bluff Farm and the Tuesday is free. This applies from Thanksgiving through the end of January. It's our holiday relaxation special. We think winter is the most conducive season for complete and total relaxation. A cozy fire, a good book, perhaps an easy walk in the woods, and let the day slide past. Check Dates on line.
All our best from the bluff,
"It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars." - Garrison Keillor
"It is a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one's life and find at the end that one has no more to offer by way of advice than "try to be a little kinder." -Aldous Huxley
"After days of peaceful reflection, we have come to the conclusion that this is where God spent the seventh day." Ed and Maryrose at Line Camp Cabin last May
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