It's Spring!!!

Springtime at the lake is such a special time! I love watching the re-birth of Nature after a nice winter’s nap. Leaves uncurl and reach upward and tender flowers break through the soil in search of nourishment that the sun provides. The lily pads appear almost overnight and the birds return home. Some never leave and ride out the winter at Indian Lake.

It’s always fun to identity our “regulars” – those Mallards that know we keep corn on hand for them. They’ve been coming back for generations and actually waddle into the garage in search of the sack of corn. Even the squirrels know where we keep the stash!

Sitting outside this beautiful spring afternoon, the lake is calm and birds are singing. The distant hum of a boat motor can be heard. I’m surprised there aren't more out taking advantage of this great day. Glancing up just now I see one of the resident Eagles soaring overhead. We found it’s nest, which is gigantic compared to the Blue Heron nests. This is the second time I’ve see the eagle. Last week one was perched in a tree waiting patiently for dinner. Note to self: NEVER leave home without the camera and zoom lens!

While in search of the eagle’s nest, I watched the swans by Long Island. One male was gracefully performing his “swan song.” They are truly beautiful creatures.

The Purple Martins should be returning any day now. We have a multi-floored lake house just for them! We mark on the calendar each year the first day they’re spotted so we can get the lodge ready for them.

On a sad note, our stately willow tree, a landmark on Cranberry Bay for many, many years, lost a huge limb during a wind storm a few months back. Unfortunately, the trauma has robbed it of most of its life and will need to be cut down. Gone are the days of the grandkids scurrying up to jump off one of the limbs into the lake.

As I finished writing this blog, two Purple Martins flew over. The scouts are out! Time to get the, “Open for the Season,” sign out!

Cinnamon Cream Roll-Ups

1 (8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 egg yolk
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 (1 pound) loaf sandwich bread, crusts removed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 350º F. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, egg yolk and 1/4 cup sugar; mix well. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin. Spread cream cheese mixture over each slice to within 1/2 inch of edges. Roll up diagonally from point to point. In a shallow bowl, combine the cinnamon and remaining cup of sugar. Dip roll-ups in melted butter,then in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place in an ungreased 15x10 inch baking pan.

Bake at 350º for 16-19 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and place on wire racks to cool.

Helpful Hints

Drain not doing its job?
Try one of these home remedies:

• Pour in a cup of plain yogurt and leave it for several hours.
• Pour 1/2 cup of salt down the drain, then a good amount of boiling water, flush periodically with hot tap water.
• If the drain is plugged with hair, pour in a bottle of Nair; after half an hour, add very hot water.
• Shake in half a box of baking soda, followed by a cup of vinegar; after things stop foaming, flush with very hot water.
• Use a toilet plunger, apply strong force down over the plugged drain, then release.
• Use a drain-cleaning snake.
• When all else fails, call a plumber!