What does being 'BuffaloGals' mean?

 
A heck-of-a-lot!
     So, what does it all mean?
     Being the Buffalo Gal in Buffalo Gals Bakery & Country Store is more than just being a business owner. It's more like being a community.
     My little bakery and country store is my way of helping support our family farm.  It means I can use my domestic and homesteading skills to stay on the land that I love.    We have cattle and grains. And it's a bit like being the Pied Piper for me. My 'girlz' are mostly tame and follow me around like very big dogs.
     Buffalo Gals means self-sufficiency, giving, hard work and more. It's thinking outside the box to find solutions. It's helping others. It's enjoying the land and little play time.

Bohemian Brew Bag

     When somebody buys a  Bohemian Brew Bag , it doesn't just mean that I got paid for something I created. It helps a whole lot of other people. Right off the bat I give a percentage to Dakota Prairie Partners~A philanthropy group. "Hope, Inspiration & Vision"  It also means that the incredible lady from MoJo Roast Inc is doing well, because I am able to get the Coffee Bags from her. In turn, her being able to empty the coffee bags of beans, means that her dollars (and yours by purchasing her coffees) are supporting the Cafe Feminino program which in turn empowers women in Guatemala to be self sufficient. 
    When somebody buys Old Glory sugar cookies they are helping me support our troops. The proceeds from these fabulous soft cookies goes to Wounded Warrior Project. This is important to me, as I have two boys who serve. (Marines and Nat'l Guard)
  I also give to the PBR's Rider Relief Fund....
    Through my business I have met incredibly wonderful people, and had some amazing opportunities come my way. Last year I was able to participate in OSU's "An evening of Art & Fashion" by donating a handmade quilt to the silent auction.  The monies raised were used to help  Deployed Service Women finish their educations long distance.   
   It seems like we are all connected to each other in some way. Through giving, mentoring, donating and more.
   I know many, many other small business owners that give tirelessly of their time and talents outside of their own businesses.
   We ARE part of a Community.  

So~ Thank you!  For supporting my community ...

Katy

    
   
  
    
    

Make it do, or do without!

Remember the old adage "Use it up,
                                          Wear it Out,
                                          Make it Do,
                                          Or do Without"?
      My grandparents said that. My own parents said it. I even uttered it to my kids. Once.
What were we called? Thrifty. Penny-wise. Tight. Creative....

           Some people have been making do forever...I am one of them. Mine is more a crafty thing. I almost can't pass up a neglected object without thinking "Gee, I can make a......."
     Nowadays there a boodle of fancy names for it. "Green. Up-cycle. Re-cycle. Re-purpose. Salvage.Re-utilize.
      I know it absolutely drives my husband nuts when I drag something home.  I happen to have a pile of projects. In the spare room, in the potting shed, in the barn, in the basement, and sometimes on the kitchen table.
    Currently I have been making Purses and Aprons. I am very lucky to have friends that give me stuff. I have a good amount of Burlap Coffee Bags that I got from my friend Jo Khalifa at MoJo Roast. She is a "Personal Coffee Roaster". Good for me that she gets some killer coffee bags that she passes on!
    This is a Win-Win situation. She buys some of her coffees from the Cafe Feminino project. A portion of those proceeds go to women's causes in coffee producing countries. In turn, I receive the bags and am able to make purses and other items. The money from these not only funds my business, but allows me to give back in return.
    Leftover wood becomes garden trellis's, (usually painted some shocking color) Old jeans become quilts, Any kind of found boxes become planters....and so on.
   For those who know me, they know that found usually involves me tip-toeing cheerfully through some abandoned homestead, willfully plundering...:)  
    As much as I love Flea Markets, I try to stay away....I have found out that's where the Under Stuffed go to get more stuff! Too easy for this girl to get way too much.
   When was the last time you made something? Isn't creating fun?

Katy
  
  

                    

Biscotti, Coffee and Custer & the 7th Calvery

     The other day I had the opportunity to get a first hand look at the Way-it-Was.

The Custer House

I was out at Ft Lincoln and was given 'The Tour' by the fabulous actors Nora and Al. Both were dressed in full costume. She as the Laundress, and Al as a Sargeant  (I think). I had look at the house, the enlisted men's barracks and commissary. I have to say that I was impressed! I have been to a number of Living History Museums around the country and this is among the finest. A must see.
        I really got a sense of Who these people were and What they 
                              were doing there.
                                                   A Little History:
 In 1872 a military post was built on former site of a Mandan Indian village. This became home the Colonel Custer & his wife Libbie (Elizebeth) and the 7th Calvary.
   It was a very busy place! There was barracks for 9 (yes, nine) full Companies, 7 officers quarters, stables for all, an entire section for the camp laundresses, hospital, post office, bakery, storehouse, and much more.

Libbie & G. Custer

       Every day the soldiers would drink Gallons of Coffee. Legend says it was so stout you could stand your spoon up in it! Today at the Ft Lincoln Commissary, You can drink a coffee roasted especially for them! "Like It Was! " This is made by MoJo Roast, Inc in Westhope, ND. If you'd like some for your home, it is only available from Ft. Lincoln! Did I mention that today's coffee is fabulous??
      History tells us that the Battle of Little Bighorn, better known as Custer's Last Stand, took place on June 25th and 26th 1876.  I am certain they fought valiantly against the Indians. However the Indians were masters of guerrilla warfare.
  There is also much speculation as to why Custer was NOT scalped. Some say it was because he was not recognised. Some say it was out of respect. One interesting theory I heard a number years ago~ Custer was not scalped because he killed himself. The Cheyenne (they were there too) would not scalp a coward or a madman. I got this from a Cheyenne gentleman who had it handed down through his family lore. It was stated that his direct relative was a participant in the Battle of Little Big Horn.
     Libbie Custer was the 'First Lady' of Ft Lincoln. Beautiful, smart and vivacious, Libbie set the tone for the social events. I myself admire the fact the she followed her man everywhere he was stationed!

My Guide Nora

  An interesting fact is that a Laundress with Army had more 'clout' that any other woman on a frontier post. They were even paid a WAGE by the US Army. The laundresses were considered the unsung heroes. Can you believe that initially there were only 4 laundresses per 100 men? Later that would change to a 1:20 ratio.  These women were also allotted housing and rations.

This is AL

   Along with their Coffee, The soldiers regularly ate HARDTACK. It often meant the difference between life and death on the trail. Hardtack is a biscuit that will hold forever. It is rock solid. To soften it up, it would be soaked in Coffee or water. It would not go bad. It traveled well. Didn't take up any space and had enough nutrients to keep you alive.  AL, the other interpreter at Ft Lincoln, regularly makes Authentic hardtack as part of his demonstration. You can also try a soft tack  version at the Commissary. A real taste of history!
You can also make your own at home with this simple recipe:
                                    2 Cup flour
                                    1 Cup water
                                   =/- 6 pinches of salt
                      That's it! mix together until a stiff dough forms. Roll out to about 1/4" thick. Using a fork, poke holes in the pieces (like a cracker) front and back. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 about 30 minutes. Viola! Your very own piece of history.

    And by now I know you must be wondering What does Biscotti have to do with Ft Lincoln??? I make a number of the goodies for sale in the Commissary. Including the Soft Tack... and Biscotti.
                  Want to know more? Check out www.fortlincoln.com or www.buffalogalsbakery.com or www.mojoroast.com
 Come on down to Ft Lincoln! It's a great Stay-Cation! ...Fishing, camping, history....Memories.

Katy
   
   

I could be a very happy girl!

THIS BARN

THIS KITCHEN

                  PLUS







                                          Would make me a very happy girl!
      I need a commercial kitchen here at the farm. We have some ideas. Of course there is the tug of war of  Mine vs His. Hubby needs Vision. To be able to think outside the box. ~ Or barn, as the case may be.
    In my wildest dreams, my space would have a full Atomic Kitchen from the 50's. It would be bright, cheery, wildly colorful and comfy at the same time.
     Many years ago I visited an old man who was remodeling his kitchen in Flagler, Colorado. It was a complete Pale Pink Atomic Kitchen. Rounded counters, under the counter refrigeration, pull outs, over-under matching double ovens....Ohhhhhh myyyyyy. I was in heaven!
    I also about cried when he just 'junked' it to the pile. Poor Kit couldn't even begin to understand why I was so distraught!
      When we needed a new stove and fridge for the house, I headed to my favorite Antique store in Sacramento. (I was on vacation) There I found THE kitchen for me! I tried to reason with hubby. I could buy this 'whole' kitchen...working even...for the price of a new fridge. He wouldn't budge an inch. I'm still kicking myself in the shorts over that!
       I spent many hours next to Grammy's massive old stove in the kitchen in San Francisco. I recall it had a warming drawer and a place where you could hook up tubing for hot water. Grammy used to make my favorite round grilled cheese on it. She also heated her metal curling iron on it. (for the rare occasions I would sit still long enough...)
    Around 2003 hip magazines started touting the "Joys of Housework"  calling it 'theraputic', 'self-esteem building',  yes....even 'thrilling'.  Fiesta Ware and metal tumblers started making a comeback. And Martha rocketed to stardom!
       Funny, ain't it?

Where is this NOW?

Fun fact***** In the '50's Ladies Home Journal Art of Homemaking suggested that a ladies (house)dress should be "Wide enough for action, but not so wide that it will get in your way or make you trip on stairs or a ladder...."
                             Can you just see me now? Stop laughing already!
   But I digress...
In a nut shell, I want to bring some nostalgia to my little space. To be comfy and cozy. And have you want to come by, have a cup of coffee and a chat. I want to share my recipes with you and gardening tips.
    And speaking of...How about this recipe for Cheese Straws... A friends mom used to make these.
                (the paper it's on says it came from a Kraft Cheese box)
                             1/3 cup grated American Cheese
                             1 Tbs Butter
                             1 1/2 Tbs milk
                             4 Tbs Flour
                             1/2 c Bread Crumbs (seasoned to taste)
               Cream together cheese and butter. Add milk. In a small bowl combine flour and seasonings. Add to mixture. Knead lightly until smooth. Roll to pastry thickness. (about 1/4 inch) Cut into strips 6" x 3/4". Bake on greased cookie sheets in oven until browned.
           * these are good with soups and salads*
                      
 I have the Vision. I WILL make it happen! (soon)
Katy

  

Doing good feels good!

Marine Jean Quilt

                 An Evening of Art & Fashion for a great cause.

     High fashion, Generous donations and a fabulous group of ladies from the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University made a difference in the lives of Military families.
    With a motto of " Breaking thorough barriers for women and girls" The OSU chapter of AAUW  put together this fundraiser to provide computers for Deployed Military Women to continue their educations online. And also funds for Single mothers to finish theirs.
                                           An Evening of Arts and Fashion

Ali B's Original Designs

   Among the donations was a Marine Jean Quilt, made by me. I got the jeans from the quilt from my son Cpl. Dillon Tapparo. He originally was acquiring jeans from his buddies on post so I would make him a new blanket. Luckily he gave me enough for two. Jeretta Nord Horn (director of the OSU chapter AAUW) decided that my quilt would do much better in the live auction-(Which also featured items from world renown designer Stella Thomas). There was fierce bidding for it .
      The Marine Jean Quit eventually was sold for 800 dollars. It was able to purchase THREE computers!
   Among the other donors was the incredibly talented Alanna Beoppre of Ali B's Originals in Bottineau, ND. She makes outstanding custom jewelry.
  Jo Khalifa of MoJo Roast in Westhope,ND "Your Personal Coffee Roaster" also generously gave of both her time and talents. As a friend of Jeretta Nord Horn, Jo was asked to be of assistance. Jo put out the word to North Dakota companies to provide donation items for a silent auction.

Original Stella Thomas Designs

                          The evening was a great success!
And what's more, these women that are benefiting from this event are leading the way with their Can Do Attitude. They are proving that anything is possible.
                                                   May God keep them safe.