Metamora and Strawberries

   Metamora has fallen on hard times.  This historical tourist attraction sports a gristmill, canal, working train,  and an aqueduct.  But where are the tourists?.  When family came visiting we wanted to show them our local events.  We don’t have Disney type sights between the cornfields so  Metamora was as close to an attraction as we’ve got.
 
  Unless you want to go boating or fishing at Brookville Lake our favorite restaurants are about it.
   But Metamora for some 30 or 40 years has been a good place to go.  You can walk the dog, push the babies in a stroller, or ride a bike. The shops are flush with goodies; ice cream, fudge .  In the fall when the festival is going on, there are barbecue  grills going; the smell of pork and onions wafts in the air.  
    At one time I had some favorite shops to watch for.  But they are gone,  the turn-over is great.  Some shops are boarded up.  I remember when Rose Hyde’s shop, Rosebud, was a gift shop  of renown.  It’s long gone.
    The tiny historical village; , once a hub of transportation is subject to change,  as are other urban centers, large and small.
   The canal once ran over the creek by way of a wooden bridge. Part of the canal has water, but .  the canal boat is dejected.
   Let’s give credit where credit is due.  We watched and listened to  a wonderful Memorial Day Service-  veterans, more flags than I could count, music and speeches.  At the end of the service children tossed flowers onto the water at the bridge.  A nice tribute to the fallen servicemen.
   Last 4th of July we spent a wonderful evening watching fireworks and people at Metamora.  On the north side of Rt. 52 new buildings and a large meadow were perfect for parking and lounging in chairs and on blankets.  There were lots of people, but it wasn’t crowded. .  Uniformed officers were evident, so it was peaceful.  Country music  performers entertained us while we waited for darkness.
  Perhaps even Metamora is adjusting.

   The first of June can not roll by without mention of strawberries.  I’m a novice grower, so appreciate even the small ones.  One thing I did right was to plant both ever bearing and June bearing.  Also thankful I spread straw over them in the fall.  It makes picking in the spring easier.

   Here is my take on that wonderful and easy Strawberry Pie.

                                   Dorothy’s Strawberry Pie
1 baked 9 inch pie shell
1  cup sugar
2 Tbsp. corn starch
3 Tbsp. strawberry jello
1 cup water
Halved strawberries
Combine sugar, corn starch and jello in heavy pan.  Add water, stirring well, \Cook on low ,boiling for 1 minute, stirring as it cooks.  Remove from heat and chill  well.   Arrange halved berries in cold pie shell, Top with glaze, top with Cool Whip.  

   Enjoy!