Chainsaw Carving Event and Another Stargazer Treat

Chainsaw Carving Event

12 carvers turned logs into works of art at the 11th Annual Chainsaw Carving Event September 23-25, Hackensack, MN. Three days were jam packed with sculpting, quick carves, lumberjack shows, chainsaw carvings auction, plus food, games and raffle prizes.

I was able to make one event:the auction. And what an amazing array of art works that were made from logs-so creative. I left my checkbook behind to ward off temptation but it was really really hard as I could see many of the carved items sitting in my yard to welcome visitors like

or this bear holding a rain gauge which made the carving seem quite practical. 

Then there was a super cute gnome that would look perfect near my garden




and I could see myself sitting on the bench gazing at the lake, listening to the loons and watching a sunset.

The stamina and non-stop patter raising the bidding up and up by this auctioneer was much to be admired. We were amazed how the price soared quickly with most pieces going between $500.00 -$1,500.
Well, you'll be happy to know I was able to stick with the plan passing on purchases. But I really enjoyed all the creative carved works of art.

Supermoon Update We were ready waiting at the dock for the clouds to disappear. 

As dusk settled in some clouds thinned out some and we occasionally got a glimpse of the supermoon. 

But the viewing in the Twin Cities I understand was spectacular with much more clearer skies.  And this was their supermoon view. 

But we still had our stargazer treats; apple crisp and a plum (not peach as I had thought) crumble cake. 

Cook's notes: The crumble cake was tasty and recipe looks easy. It was adapted  from Kraft Foods.

Plum Crumble Cake

Ingredients:                        

• 1-1/2 cups flour 
• 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding 
• 1 tsp. baking powder 
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened, divided 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2 eggs 
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 3 cups sliced plums 
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. grease a 13 x 9 pan. 
• Combine flour, dry pudding mix, cinnamon and baking powder. 
• Beat 1/4 cup butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add eggs; mix well. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition. 
• Spread onto bottom of pan and top with rows of plum slices. 
• Mix remaining butter, brown sugar and nutmeg until blended; crumble over plums. 
• Bake 35 to 40 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.