A little of this, A little of that.

THERE WILL BE A TEST, so read this column carefully!  This is a fill-in-the-blank quiz.  We took the kids to the Fillmore County Fair.  It was 98 degrees with 100% humidity!  The kids were excited about the rides and the fair food.  When we adults could stand it no longer we all went to the ______________________(name of restaurant). 

We took the kids on  a tour of Niagara Cave and to visit an Amish farm.  The kids were sooo curious and enthusiastic that the tour guide threatened to evict us from the group, and the Amish adults cast pitying glances at us.  We decided after these events to all go to the  _________________________. 

We planned our annual St. Pat’s party, but no one wanted to host the event so we went to the _________________________.

We go to the _________________________________ because the food is always good (think haystack onion rings, walleye pike fingers, fish sandwiches and a soup and salad bar, and we know the bartenders and some of the waitresses.  Lynn makes a mean Bloody Mary  and knows to leave off the salt on the rim for me.

We go to the ________________________________ because of the cozy bar area and the elegant dining room with its panoramic view.  From the  windows I can recall my past. 

I graduated from that high school which was home to the Preston Bluejays.  It is now an elementary school, and the home of the Fillmore Falcons.  I was confirmed and married in that church.  That marriage has lasted almost 50 years!  My family has celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, class reunions, Valentine’s Day dates, and many, many happy hours with the free chicken wings and potato skins at the _______________________.  I have mourned the loss of the Preston Bluejays and will now mourn the loss of that restaurant on the hill. 

All of you careful readers know the answer  to this riddle……. THE BRANDING IRON, or IRON as it is affectionately called.   Bye-bye Branding Iron, I will miss you and all the great times you hosted.  Please don’t turn into a car dealership!

 

Speedy Spud Soup

1 pkg. (24 oz.) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup butter, cubed

4 cups milk

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1 cup (4 oz.) cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Cooked, crumbled bacon

In a large saucepan, cook and stir the potatoes and onion in butter over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.  Stir in the milk, soup, cheese and garlic salt.  Cook uncovered, for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.  Garnish with bacon.  Serves 8 (2 quarts).