We left some things at the lake after camp was closed up, but not closed tightly enough for us not to return to pick them up. I think we do these things on purpose because the pull of the lake is strong. I am sure there will be more reasons to return.

The leaves are gone, but the good news is that the house is flooded with light and the sun warms us up (along with the wood stove, of course). There is something about camp that invites relaxation and calm. We read more, walk more, and just look out the windows more while drinking our coffee or wine. We inevitably see something wondrous, like the immature Bald Eagle in one of our trees feeding on some unknown prey.

The resident weasel runs back and forth across the road to the dock and may again take up residence under our deck while its coat turns white with only a trace of black fur along the tail. The Ermine Weasel will return to the protected environs of our camp for the winter.

At home, there is always so much to do that we forget to just sit and observe, but I somehow remember to bake warm gingerbread as the days get cooler.

Molasses Gingerbread
Katherine Emory
 
1 egg
1 cup molasses
½ cup oil
½ tsp. ginger
½ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. cinnamon
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1 cup boiling water

Mix first 7 ingredients. Add soda in boiling water and pour into greased 8" pan.
Preheat oven to 350°.  Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
 
Serve with lemon sauce.
 
Note: I am a recipe follower but for those of you who love to taste and add, or taste and subtract, do so!!

I shall also return to pick up a carful of wreaths of all sizes made by our Dexter neighbors.They are beautiful - full and fresh and in great demand by my southern Maine friends. One year I made three trips, but with the price of gas what it is now, we'll have to wait and see this year.

And just a note. If you are up in this area, Rowe Orchards in Newport has the most delicious "homemade" frozen pies - Blueberry, Raspberry, Pumpkin, and Cornucopia (all different fruits and berries in one crust!) etc. So while you are gathering up apples, homemade fudge, and Maine made products for your out of state friends, pick up some pies for yourself. The Orchard closes in December, so those of us who do not make homemade pie crusts can serve them all winter long and take the compliments – happily.

Katherine Emory is a columnist for MF&L