American Heirlooms - June 2021

American Heirlooms - June 2021

302-653-2411

JUNE 2021

WHY YOU MAY HEAR ‘BOB WHITE’ CHIRPS AROUND THE ZIMMERMAN HOUSEHOLD

We have 20 new additions to the Zimmerman homestead!

So, recently, I found and ordered 27 eggs on eBay. (The shipping was phenomenal — not a single egg broke!) In our Styrofoam HovaBator incubator, we carefully placed the eggs in their new home. The incubator slowly lifts and rotates the eggs and keeps each egg at about 99 degrees F. (According to the incubator manual, you have to lower the temperature as the chicks start to form and generate some of their own heat in the eggs.) Within a couple of days, we decided to take a peek at the chicks forming in the eggs. We cut a hole into cardboard, set each egg on the hole, and shined a light on it, looking for the outline of a chick forming. Sadly, we found three eggs clearly did not have veins forming. We were down to 24 eggs but not discouraged.

This spring, my family incubated, hatched, and is now raising 20 quail chicks. It’s become a unique adventure, with each family member’s favorite moments ranging from analyzing the egg packaging system to shipping materials to holding the chicks.

For me, it’s a call back to a hobby I loved long ago.

When I was younger, a friend introduced me to raising quail and pheasants. I’m sure he taught me about raising ducks and chickens, too, but I’ve always distinctly remembered the quail and pheasants. If you have ever seen or heard one, you may have an inkling as to why.

Later, we had some company over, and someone must have knocked the dial on the incubator, cranking up the heat to

For starters, they are pretty birds. With distinct black and white heads, their torsos feature a cascade of brown highlights and black scalloping along their undersides. It all comes to a fine point at the end of their tails. And while you may have never seen these gorgeous birds in nature, you have likely heard them. They sound like they are saying “Bob White,'' as their call hits a staccato note and then crescendos. A few years ago, I thought my children would get a kick out of the hatching process, so once again, I bought some eggs and an incubator. It was neat to watch their faces light up with curiosity as the chicks hatched and experienced some of their first days on our homestead. We later gave these quail to locals who raised them, but it’s always been a fond memory for my family. This past year, my daughter asked if we could try it again. As someone who has always enjoyed the process, I couldn’t say no! It’s an opportunity to teach children about the precarity of life and the work it takes to incubate and raise. It’s a fun experience, but it’s also delicate work.

112 degrees F. I lowered the temperature, but I was worried about our results. I stayed nervous until the first signs of hatching began. I never did

see a baby bird pop out of its egg, but my wife did. She was fascinated by it! As a mom, she loved watching the chicks experience their first moments out of the egg. Soon, we had 20 chicks chirping and jumping around. Amazingly, they knew just what to do. They found seed for food and huddled under the heat lamp for warmth. It’s fascinating to watch how God’s creatures find their way. We ultimately had four eggs that did not hatch, but today, we have 20 quail. We plan to keep some, and we may even raise some to produce eggs for us.

Once again, we learned a lot, and we have another fond quail memory to add to our history.

–Ethan Zimmerman

302-653-2411 • 1

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

Many people in the U.S. and across the world have a national park trip on their travel bucket list. While Zion, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountains are all awesome locales, outdoor enthusiasts often overlook a resource that is less busy, less expensive, and usually right in their backyard: national forests. All but 10 states have a national forest (or more than one!), so if your home state doesn’t have one, it’s very likely a neighboring state does! And there’s no better time to hike, bike, forage for mushrooms or berries, or camp at a nearby national forest than this month. The tree-filled landscape will provide shade and help you beat the summer heat, and to further incentivize visitors, the U.S. Forest Service (the organization that oversees the national forests) is offering a fee-free day on Saturday, June 12, in honor of National Get Outdoors Day! While parking and day-use fees to access national forests tend to be relatively modest, fee-free days open up the opportunity to all visitors. The U.S. Forest Service has a great interactive map tool that prospective park-goers can use to learn more about the forests in their area, amenities and

activities, and accessibility. Visit FS.fed.us/ivm to access the map and see what’s near your hometown!

If you’re dreaming up travel plans beyond your state’s border, consider visiting these notable U.S. national forests.

• El Yunque National Forest: Located in Puerto Rico, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States.

• Tongass National Forest: Spanning 16.7 million acres and several islands across Southeast Alaska, the Tongass is the country’s largest national forest. • Salmon-Challis National Forest: This Idaho forest is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 and contains the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. • Cibola National Forest and Grassland: Spread across north-central New Mexico, west Texas, and Oklahoma, this forest and grassland area is notable for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The Sky Islands portion of the park is also home to over 200 rare plant and animal species.

As we finish spring and look ahead to summer, our hope is that you keep this "Hymn of Promise" in mind. Finding peace in moments of uncertainty is never easy, but this hymn serves as a powerful reminder of God’s grace and wisdom.

Hymn of Promise

In the bulb, there is a flower In the seed, an apple tree In cocoons, a hidden promise Butterflies will soon be free In the cold and snow of winter There's a spring that waits to be Unrevealed until its season Something God alone can see There's a song in every silence Seeking word and melody There's a dawn in every darkness Bringing hope to you and me

From the past will come the future What it holds, a mystery Unrevealed until its season Something God alone can see In our end is our beginning In our time, infinity In our doubt, there is believing In our life, eternity In our death, a resurrection At the last, a victory

Unrevealed until its season Something God alone can see.

2 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

Over the years, we have collected a number of wisecrack sayings, profound proverbs, and one-liners from our craftsmen, the Bible, and historical figures. These quotes have become lore within the Kenton Chair Shop, and it's our pleasure to share a few of those with you this month.

(Be on the lookout for more "sage" advice in future editions!)

Regarding Custom Furniture or Cabinets “We are not our customers.” –KCS proverb

Quality “You want it fast, or you want it good?” –John Henry Beachy

Regarding Training Craftsmen to Fill New Positions “This should work. If not, it should be

interesting.” –Alex Martin

Training New Craftsmen “It sticks best if it hurts at first.” –Albert Miller

“Inventory is a liability.” –Joshua Burke

Regarding the Peanut Gallery or People Doubting A New Thing “If you don't do it, you can't say it doesn't work.” –Winfred Zimmerman A Painting Technique to Avoid Getting Dirt on Finish From An Experienced Hunter “If the furniture gets downwind, you’ve messed up.” –Jake Girod

Forcing Through What Is Almost Good Enough — Wood, Equipment, Or Finishing “It’s not worth the drama.” –KCS Proverb Speaking of People in Many Different Situations “Not all can, and some won't.” –Eeyore proverb

Regarding Analysis Paralysis, or, Getting Out of the Weeds “Let's do something, even if it’s wrong.” –Jake Girod

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook potatoes in boiling, salted water until almost done, about 20 minutes. 2. Add peas and sugar and cook until peas are just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.

• 2 lbs potatoes

• 1 pint of shelled green peas

• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 1 cup cream

3. Add cream and butter and heat, but do not boil.

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

4. Season with salt and

pepper and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.

• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Photo credit: Megan

302-653-2411 • 3

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

Brought to you by KCS Builders of American Heirlooms and Penns Creek Furniture 291 Blackiston Rd. • Clayton, DE 19938 Phone: (302) 653-2411 • Email: [email protected] The Swiss Craftsman

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Inside this Issue

The Lessons Found in Hatchlings Page 1

Have You Explored a National Forest?

A Hymn of Promise Page 2

‘Sage’ Advice From Our Craftsmen and Others

New Potatoes and Peas Page 3

Ride Out Thunderstorms With These Basic Tips Page 4

June marks the beginning of summer fun, but something far more dangerous lurks — thunderstorm season. Residents in the Midwest and in the South can experience up to 110 thunderstorms each year. (Fun fact: Florida is often the stormiest and can see anywhere from 80 to more than 100 days of thundering weather.) Yet, no matter how experienced you are at riding out thunderstorms, each one has the potential to be dangerous. Before the clouds roll in this summer, consult this helpful guide. Prepare properly ahead of time. Take a few moments at the beginning of each summer to review the basics. Create or update an emergency kit — include water bottles, blankets, flashlights, and portable chargers. Nonperishable foods, like jerky or granola bars, can also be beneficial. You should also include a weather radio, which will work when the power goes out and can provide updates from the National Weather Service. Then, identify places where you can take shelter, like in your home, vehicle, or nearby buildings. Store outdoor tools and toys properly and trim trees as needed to prevent wind debris. Stay calm in the storm. Seek shelter immediately in one of your identified areas. Avoid using landline phones and unplug all appliances, like

toasters, or computers. (Play games, read books, or tell creepy stories to keep the family entertained.) But don’t stand or sit near windows because high winds can knock trees or other debris through the window. Staying away from your sinks and showers is also vital! If lightning strikes your home, it can travel through the water stream and strike you. Follow safety guidelines during a power outage. Don’t panic! Utilize your emergency kit and rely on your flashlights, rather than light candles, which could start a fire. Avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer as to limit how much cold air escapes and never eat meat or dairy products that are 40 degrees F or warmer. You’re also at risk for increased exposure to carbon monoxide if you use a gas stove, generator, or space heater to warm up. Avoid doing this as much as possible. Listen for updates on your weather radio and evacuate when necessary.

For more ways to prepare for storm season, visit RedCross.org.

4 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com