Micro mushroom found; Courier travels overseas

By JUDY KRIEGER, Courier Editor

April 28, 2009 12:13 pm

— Is there ever a cuter photo than little 7-year-old Emily Clark holding an itsy-bitsy mushroom in her hand?
Her mom found the micro mushroom in their Ottumwa yard.
Now, let’s see the big ones!

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Jean Ann Ross, with Journeys by Jean Ann Travel Agency, and Rose Schultz, Tour Director for SE Iowa AARP, participated in an Educational Familiarization Tour of Northern Ireland in late March.
A highlight was spending a whole day in Dublin “and having our picture taken with the statue of Molly Malone — who the Dubliners affectionately refer to as ‘The Tart with the Cart’,” Schultz said. They also viewed the Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library. The tour included the 6th century “tall crosses” at Monasterboice; Belfast where “the troubles” were centered for decades. The Ottumwans experienced “Giant’s Causeway” which was a result of the ice age and volcanic eruption ... into The Irish Sea. This is near Bushmills — 14 miles from Scotland. They also visited Sligo, the Connemara Marble Factory and Galway Bay; flying home from Shannon.
Schultz said they “totally enjoyed staying in Ashford and Dromoland Castles. Ireland is truly ‘40 shades of Green’ even in March. But, Ireland’s most endearing strong point for a visit is their people — warm, welcoming and pro-American.”
Having been there, I totally agree.

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The Baskett family of Ottumwa went to Branson, Mo., this month and took the Courier with them. Kristi Baskett said, “My daughters, Madison Baskett (age 7) and McKenna Baskett (age 3) are holding it by their favorite swimming pool at Big Cedar Wilderness Club. It has a wonderful view of Table Rock Lake.” The girls were accompanied on the trip by their parents, Steve and Kristi Baskett.
Having been there, also, I agree — it’s a lovely area.

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Jerry and Trisha Wagner and their children of Ottumwa took a cruise over spring break to Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Kyleigh, Colby and Courtney Wagner enjoy the Courier at Grand Cayman.

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Sherry Cox and Susan Watson took the Courier to the famous Las Vegas, Nev. strip. Susan said they were “down on the strip in front of the Las Vegas sign at 6:30 p.m.” this month.
Also, one of my favorite places.

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We received a letter this week wanting some information on a former Ottumwan. Rebecca Brazinski is looking for Jackie Wagner whose parents were Mr. and Mrs. William Wagner who lived on South Adella Street. When Jackie was a seventh grade student at Irving School, he suffered terrible burns, Brazinski writes. “My mother, Marjorie Engstrom, took care of him at the University Hospital. She remembers him fondly.”
The family would like to get in touch with Wagner. If you have any information, you can write her at 408 Main St., Franklin, Ill. 62638.

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Another delightful book recently landed on our desk, “The Lighthouse Breakfast Cookbook: Recipes from Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast.”
The Heceta Head Lighthouse supposedly is the most photographed lighthouse on the west coast and is well-known as a fabulous weekend getaway. The views are memorable and so is the seven-course breakfast at the bed and breakfast.
Michelle Bursey runs the B&B, taking over from her parents, Mike and Carol Korgan. She chooses menus that focus on the freshest local and seasonably-available ingredients. In the 100 recipes included in the cookbook, Michelle and Carol share some of the family secrets, including favorites such as: Oregon Marionberry Cheese Strudel; Spinach, Kale, and Juniper Grove Feta Frittata; Thai Coconut Green Curry Chicken Sausage; Cape Blanco Cranberry Passion Fruit Frappe; and Oregon Bay Shrimp Mousse.
There’s also Elvis Presley’s Pound Cake and James Beard’s Liver Pâté. The Lavender Pot De Créme sounds yummy.
The Lighthouse Breakfast Cookbook includes colorful stories from Heceta Head’s rich and intriguing past as well as historical and contemporary photographs of the lighthouse and surrounding natural wonders. The large, 190-page book is available through WestWinds Press. It has beautiful color photos including the B&B on the back cover and the lighthouse and three dishes on the cover.

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And speaking of beautiful areas, drive around Ottumwa Park. The redbuds and blossoming crab trees are just beautiful, especially up against all the trees with white blooms.
Just driving by the high school last week, it was gorgeous with all the white blooming trees lining the street.
We’ve seen the city gardener getting the downtown flower beds ready for planting, and I’m sure the Community Garden is probably ready for some plants soon.
I got some free lettuce seeds in the garden before the weekend rains.
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Judy Krieger can be reached at (641) 683-5365 or by e-mail — j.krieger@ottumwacourier.com

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