Simpler Days
Cozy Scribe - October - Vol. 7, 2025
Hello Readers!
October … leaves turning to the colors of gold and orange, apples harvested, and pumpkins adorning front porches and steps. I remember a simpler time—a friendlier time not that many years ago when life seemed to move slower, calmer. I always loved the beginning of autumn. We would bundle up in sweaters or sweatshirts and head out for the weekend festivals. Our kids picked pumpkins in the local farmer's pumpkin patch and rode tractor pulled hay rides. We drove to the historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton, OH for the apple butter festival and browsed the wares of the street vendors or watched in awe as the enormous copper pot of apple butter was churned over an open fire. Everyone was happy, smiling and cordial to each other as you passed them by. Yes, life was simpler. I yearn for those days before we all became glued to our electronic devices, or before politics became so divisive and cruel. It seems a lifetime ago.
As the temperatures lower and a nip bites the air, when the leaves drop and football games are cheered on weekends, I think of those autumn days I loved so much and took for granted not that many years ago.
Coloring Books
My latest project is the creation of an adult coloring book. I've tried to capture images that reflect my imaginary towns and homes found within my two cozy mystery series. I hope my readers will enjoy using their imagination to color the plantation home Magnolia Blossom where Maddie Brooke lives or perhaps color the meadow flowers and buildings within the town of Meadowood. Luke, Maddie's German shepherd, or the cats Prissy and Mittens are included among the pages. Take a moment out of your busy schedules to dawdle with crayon or colored pencil in hand, relax and color the images, while your mind wanders and takes you back to simpler days when you were free to pretend you were a child again.
The adult coloring books are available on Amazon in an 8x10 paperback format.
AMISH CINNAMON QUICK BREAD
Breathe in the sweet aroma of an Amish cinnamon quick bread baking in your oven. Perfect for those cool autumn mornings. The recipe is easy and delicious. Enjoy!
(No kneading, you just mix it up and bake it)
Batter:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk or (homemade buttermilk--- 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons vinegar or
lemon juice)
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
Cinnamon/sugar mixture:
2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Cream together butter, 2 cups of sugar, and eggs. Add milk, flour, and baking soda. Put 1/2 of batter (or a little less) into 2 greased loaf pans (1/4 in each pan). Mix in separate bowl the 2/3 c sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle 3/4 of cinnamon mixture on top of the 1/2 batter in each pan.
Add remaining batter to pans. Sprinkle with last of cinnamon topping. Swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 min. or until toothpick tester come clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes before removing from pan. Makes 2 loaves
