Williamsburg Villager February 2021
Williamsburg Villager February 2021
February is for Sweethearts!
By David Crane
Again, sorry about another late newsletter. Time just keeps getting away!
Around the store, we are finishing up placing Fall/Winter 2021 orders and working on the new Spring clothing that is coming in. I know, it’s hard to think about Spring with cold weather upon us. We are starting to put out some short sleeve items, but we still have a good selection of insulated bibs and jackets. Supplies are still tough to get to fill in on products, but we hope it will get better later in the year. And no, we don’t have any ammo. We have it on order, but no manufacturer will give us any definite ship dates.
We are also looking to do some rearranging around the hardware aisle. It’s the last area I really haven’t messed with in the past 25 years and we are giving it a makeover. You’ll have to stop in and see!
Stay warm, be kind, and hope for an early Spring!
A Day in the Life
By: Lance Corporal Ivan G. Roesner, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division
The weather has been getting better in Okinawa as of late. Sunny and blue skies,
warm weather, a soothing breeze. Spring seems to come a little bit early this year. Wild
flowers bloom with colors of a deep red, scattered along the sides of roads. Cherry
Blossoms are radiating a bright pink flower. The landscape looks more green and full. It
is a lovely sight to see. It was suggested to write about my daily routine, so that is what
I will do.
My day starts off with waking up at 0530 for Physical Training (PT) with the
platoon. Nothing like running up and down hills for a few miles and purging your lungs of oxygen to wake you up in the morning. After about thirty minutes to an hour of exercise,
I get cleaned up, hydrate myself, and go get some breakfast. The showtime for work is
0730 unless told otherwise. Being a motor vehicle operator has a lot of responsibilities
apart from driving large trucks. Tasks can range from doing monthly checks on all of the
trucks and equipment, to building and changing out tires. Everyone works to 1100,
breaks off for lunch, and comes back at 1300 to resume work. The day goes on for a
little while longer and the platoon is released for liberty at 1600-1700, depending on the
day. While it is an easy schedule to go by, it isn’t always exact and standard for
everyone. Some of us have to go on the road early in the morning and still work a full
day. There have been days where I would be driving as early as 0300 and not get back
to the motor pool as late at 2000. There are a lot of long and hard days, even working
on the weekends, but it is what it is. I don’t mind it too much. As long as I am able to get
food, have time to exercise and rest enough, I’m happy. During my time off, I mostly
hang out with my friends in our barracks rooms, go to the gym, and have an occasional
party. It’s a simple life indeed, but I enjoy every bit of it. I stay grateful for my time here. I appreciate the little things of living on this little island, because not many have the
opportunity to share my experience.
I would love to hear some of the questions from the readers of the Williamsburg Villager. If you have a question about the weather, the people, food, culture, or overall experience of Okinawa, please get in touch with me via email. I will answer questions to the best of my knowledge and as soon as possible!
Email: ivansinsights@gmail.com
Thinking about Spring, this might help you with your garden plans.
Written by Nadia Navarrete-Tindall-Native Plants Specialist
My husband and I live in Columbia, Missouri. Our yard, front and back are planted with native plants. We have wildflowers, grasses as well as shrubs, vines and trees in the shade and in our few sunny spots. Native plants provide food and cover for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Through the years we have seen the numbers and diversity of pollinators and birds increased. It helps that instead of cleaning the yards in the fall, we clean them in early spring. By doing this we provide shelter and food for resident birds and hibernating pollinators including butterflies in the winter.
Among some of the trees in our yard we have deciduous holly (Ilex decidua) which is related to American holly (Ilex opaca); wafer ash (Ptelea trifoliata), not related to ash trees but rather to tropical oranges, and wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), a good replacement for the invasive burning bush. All do well in the sun or under moderate shade.
Hollies lose their leaves and produce fruit like-berries in the fall. Berries remain in the trees through winter, if birds don’t find them earlier; wahoo’s seeds are also eaten by birds and fall foliage is very attractive, and wafer ash is the host plant of giant swallowtail butterfly. These are just three plants to consider of the more than 2000 native plants in Missouri.
In addition to native plants we are sure to provide water all year. We use regular water heaters like those used for cattle tanks in winter. It is very rewarding to see birds like chickadee, titmouse, white throated sparrows, robins, flickers, squirrels, rabbits and even occasional bees taking a sip of water or having their daily baths. Water is important especially in winter and during dry periods.
If you have any questions send an email to Navarrete-tindalln@lincolnu.edu or visit my Facebook page: Native Plants and More.
Orange No Bake Cookies
In memory of Pearl Austin
• 12 ounce box of crushed vanilla wafers
• ½ cup concentrated orange juice thawed and undiluted
• ¾ cup powerdered sugar
• ½ cup chopped nuts
• ¾ cup shredded coconut
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Work together to make a smooth mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls. Roll balls into coconut. Store in a covered container in refrigerator.
The Williamsburg Villager is provided by Crane's Museum and Shoppes. Please submit any announcements to David Crane at Crane's Country Store located next door to the museum by the 15th of each month to ensure publication.
Annual subscriptions are available for a $12.00 donation to the museum.
Crane's Museum & Shoppes
10665 Old US Hwy 40
Williamsburg, MO 63388
877-254-3356
www.cranesmuseum.org
Crane's Museum is a Regional History Museum located in Williamsburg MO. We invite visitors of all ages to enjoy a step back in time. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in Marlene's Restaurant, shop for gifts at Town House Treasures, or get ready for any season at Crane's country Store's Clearance and Closeout Shop.