Hanging out

The clothesline is making a comeback as an energy saver, according to an article in the Aug. 24 Christian Science Monitor. A clothesline – or “Right to Dry” – movement is growing. Some states have introduced legislation to override clothesline bans, which are often instituted by community associations.

Vermont is the latest state to introduce a bill that would override clothesline bans, which are often instituted by community associations loathe to air laundry. Now, clothesline restrictions may be headed the way of bans on parking pickup trucks in front of homes or growing grass too long.

At last count, in 2005, there were 88 million clothesdryers in the U.S., according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Annually, these dryers consume 1,079 kilowatt hours of energy per household, creating 2,224 pounds of carbon-dioxide emissions.

Besides the global-warming and cost-saving aspects of clotheslines, proponents say hanging out clothes requires exercise and time outside – elements that are now missing from many Americans’ lives. Bryan Wentzell, chairman of the board of the Right to Dry movement, says, “So much of our lives have become automated. Plus, using a clothesline makes your clothes last longer and smell better.”

I’m one of the few in our neighborhood who hangs our clothes out, in good weather. It is enjoyable to be outdoors, and it is true that sheets and towels, when dried outdoors, have that fresh-air smell.

On the Edge

When a group of young hikers I was with years ago, camping at Chimney Pond on Mount Katahdin, we hiked from the campground up Pamola and across the Knife Edge, and 1.1 miles over to Baxter Peak.

We had no fear of the Knife Edge, hiking in the summer with good weather, and we were all young.

But I have read recently of the dangers of hiking over the Knife Edge. The July 15 Maine Sunday Telegram had a full page article about it, with excellent pictures of the area.

It said that if you fear heights, you have no business being on the Knife Edge. “It is one of those hikes that calls to adventure seekers. The trail is a 1.1 mile scramble uniting Pamola Peak to Baxter Peak on Maine’s highest mountain, Mount Katahdin. Katahdin towers 5,267 feet above the forested Baxter State Park, itself a gift to the people of Maine from then Governor Percival P. Baxter and established in 1931.”

The article says that the Knife Edge Trail is often closed because of high wind, rain or sleet. For those lucky enough to experience the Knife Edge, the breathtaking view is reward enough. It’s no wonder that many consider this hike to be one of the best in the Northeast.

Nuttin’, honey

In the “Bake Shop Prize-Winning Recipes” 1963 booklet, I noticed this recipe from a Maine resident, Clinton L. Meyer, of Orono.

DELICIOUS PECAN PIE

3 eggs

2/3 cup sugar

Dash of salt

1 can dark corn syrup

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 cup pecan halves

9-inch unbaked pastry shell.

Beat eggs with sugar, salt and corn syrup. Blend in melted butter. Pour into pastry shell. Cover the top with pecan halves. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.

He also included a recipe for the pastry, too.

Pastry:

Combine 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in mixing bowl. Cut in 1/3 cup vegetable shortening until mixture is the consistency of coarse meal. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water evenly over mixture, tossing lightly with a fork to form a dough.

I’ve just baked the Chocolate Fluff Cookies which were printed in the Aug. 30 Ramblings. They had a good reception at our house.

Ramblings