Around Town ~ The Book Nook on Main

        As an avid reader I’m so excited that there is a book store once again in Sulphur Springs.  The Book Nook on Main located at 218-A Main Street, in downtown Sulphur Springs, is the small, sweet escape for your book buying needs.  Open Thursday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday - Monday from Noon to 4 pm, be sure to check social media for up to the date hours, before you stop by.  

The Book Nook on Main offers readers a variety of genres and options for readers to explore the pages beyond everyday life.  Get lost in a memoir or discover a new cook book.  This book store has a little bit of something for everyone, including a children's section, featuring the store owner’s, very own children’s books.  

Not only do we have a book store, but it is owned and operated by a local author, Sharon Feldt, who has written a few different children’s stories.  Her first book The Stable is a portrayal of Christ’s Birth from the point of view of the animals.  I feel like her more recognizable books are the Sarah O’Shea books, shown in our images above.  Who could miss all that crazy red hair?  

With a history of teaching kindergarten for over 40 years and even running a bed and breakfast in West Virginia for 7, Sharon has lots of stories to share.  Her “Sarah” books were written about a student of hers years ago who took it upon herself to be Sharon’s fashion consultant one year.  Even her book about a mouse and a keyboard, stem from experiences she has had in her life.  

Her latest adventure, the book store, developed when Billie Ruth suggested she open a store and share her knowledge of the literary world with others.    Not only is she actively running her book store, she continues to write and is currently developing a story about her dog Percy.  You can sometimes find Percy in the shop, looking for attention or just hanging out behind the counter. 

Take some time to drop into the Book Nook on Main to find your next read or explore the world through the eyes of another person.  Pull up a chair to enjoy some local treats from Beef Cakes Meats and Sweets, and a cup of coffee or tea.  

Sharon also carries a variety of book trinkets to help readers fully enjoy their reading experiences.  Book marks, tote bags and tumblers can all be purchased during your visit. You can even find local authors doing book signings and Storytime's in the shop. A special section of the store is dedicated to local authors, which continues to show the support our community gives to one another. 

Once a month Duckies Book Pond meets at the Book Nook on Main at 10 a.m. and Storytime with Kate happens on a regular basis as well.  The next time you can hear her story will be Saturday, April 4 during the Easter event in the Courtyard.  There is always something new and exciting happening at the book store.  Find your next favorite read while there.

In the Garden ~ Victory Garden

 

        The effort at home during World War I was to encourage families to plant a Victory Garden.  Widely encouraged during World War II as well, Victory Gardens were a sign of support and self-sufficiency of the Americans on the home front.  Call it what you will, a garden is one of the best ways for people to feed themselves from the land they already own and occupy.  A Victory Garden became ways for neighbors to help neighbors during times of strife and challenge. 

Today the landscape of the American people has changed and gardens could have a bigger impact on today's culture than ever before.  Food deserts are popping up everywhere in large cities and create food scarcity for millions of families.  Food scarcity is a larger problem today than it was sixty or even seventy years ago.  Afterall, “13.7 percent (18.3 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2024” (https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/key-statistics-graphics).  

Not everyone can grow a garden or have access to even attempt to grow in containers but there are other options available to help reduce food scarcity.  In our community alone there are several food resources that are open to applicants and provide a variety of food choices to help eliminate food scarcity.  There is even a community garden whose goal it is to feed those in need but provide a learning space for others to learn how to grow their own food and help them to become self-sufficient.  

Gardening is more than just feeding your family. It’s a skill that can be put to use to help others learn to grow food and provide nutrition in a meaningful and fulfilling way.  The sense of pride and accomplishment from growing your own food and sharing with those around you is worth more than one can measure.  “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”  The same concept can be given to the garden.  

A garden doesn’t need to be acres upon acres.  It can start at as two small pots of items you want to try.  Potatoes and tomatoes, or squash and cucumbers.  Find your favorite veggie and start out small, then grow as you learn more and can expand into more space.  Find a sunny window and allow your plants to flourish.  Learn from family, friends or the internet how to grow your favorite food.  Ask for help from your local garden center or attend a live class to learn how to grow your own food.  

Knowledge is power in all things, not just in your primary education but in all aspects of your life.  Work with your neighbors to grow different things and share the bounty with each other.  Come together and grow food to feed your body and your soul.  Whether you are growing food for your family or to share, the reward will be worth the effort in the end. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Thyme Whiskey Limoncello

     

    March is here at last and we are ready for all that this month happens to bring with it.  Vacations, Spring break and hopefully a little rain.  To start the month off in a celebratory mood, we will be serving up our cocktail of the month, a Thyme Whiskey Limoncello.  Of course, we used our favorite Irish whiskey for this drink, Telling Single Pot Whiskey.  But you can use your favorite Whiskey or whatever you happen to have on hand.  Of course we chose an Irish whiskey in remembrance of St. Patrick’s Day. 

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, who when he was just 16 years old, was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave.  He managed to escape but returned to convert the Irish to Christianity in 432 ce, and is recorded with opening churches, monasteries and schools during his thirty years on the island.  He is said to have used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and is also said to have driven snakes from Ireland.  The Irish community celebrates the day as a religious feast day and it became Americanized in 1732 led by parade, “wearing of the green,” and dying rivers green, just to name a few.  

In continued celebration with St. Patrick, we selected Irish Whiskey as our base for our cocktail of the month and are excited to share it with you this month.  Please note here are a few more tips to make your drink the way you want it when making it on your own.  If you like your drink on the sweeter side, add in an ounce of simple syrup.  Do not have any Limoncello, just add more fresh squeezed lemon juice.  Make your drink the way you want it and use your favorite whiskey. 

Thyme Whiskey Limoncello

Serves 1

2 ounces Teeling Whiskey

1 ounce Limoncello

½-¾ ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice

One sprig of thyme

Pull off the thyme leaves directly into your ice filled shaker cup.  Add in the whiskey, limoncello and lemon juice.  Shake until the outside is cold.  Pour into an ice filled glass.  Garnish with lemon rind and fresh thyme. 

This cocktail is great to sip and enjoy under the moon light, with friends.  Enjoy your drink with a hearty Irish stew or Seafood chowder.  Ask for it by request when you stay at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast or for any special event.  

Please enjoy responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!