Country Woman June - July 2016

I was a whippersnapper the first time I camped in the wilderness under a dark sky salted with zillions and zillions of stars. We were flat on our backs, inside sleeping bags on the shoreline of Higgins Lake, squealing and pointing whenever we saw a shooting star. It was summertime in northern Michigan. I still wish on shooting stars. I hope you do, too. In fact, Marker Marshall, a ranger at Grand Canyon National Park, can help you discover even more reasons to love the night sky. Get to know her—and pick up some stargazing tips—in “Star Search” on page 9. Be sure to explore the parks this year and celebrate the 100anniversary of the National Park Service. And while you’re gearing up for adventure, take a look at two vintage camping…

Q: What’s in your hands on a lazy summer afternoon? “I have the nicest garden swing on my patio and made some colorful, plump pillows for it. Most summer days you can find me out there, sipping a cool glass of Southern sweet tea, holding a good book or magazine in my lap. I listen to the birds, watch the hummingbirds at their feeders, enjoy the flowers and simply bask in the comfort and joy of a summer day, daring anyone to disturb me.” JAN MCCANLESS CHINA GROVE, NC “Whatever my current Norwegian hardanger embroidery piece is. It helps me relax and get my mind off everything else.” LINDA WHITTLESEY HUMBOLDT, IA “I’d spent the morning filling in some holes in my driveway, trimming the hedges in front of the house and washing my car.…

Sprout a Smile Thanks for the idea of the seed wreath (“Garden Greetings,” April/May 2016). Here is one I made. Looking forward to the next issue. BETTY NICKELS TAMPA, FL Accordionists Wanted I loved your editor’s little story about her accordion (“Oompahpah Nostalgia,” February/March 2016). Ten years ago, a man from a neighboring town posted a notice in a freebie newspaper to get in touch with other former accordion players from the 1950s and ’60s. A group of us who replied to his ad have been playing together and learning from each other ever since, occasionally sharing our talents with nursing homes in the area. Our oldest player is past 85, the youngest just 65. Unfortunately, health problems of various kinds have slowed us down and we no longer perform, but strong friendships developed,…

Made in the USA Put your patriotism—and craft skills—on display. Whether it’s a centerpiece for your Fourth of July picnic table or a red, white and blue wreath for your door, we want to see your most spirited project. Email photos with the subject line “Patriotic Crafts.” Sunny Memories Remember splashing in the local swimming hole or picking wild blackberries by the bucketful? Or maybe you have a family camping tale to tell? Send your favorite seasonal memories with “Summer Stories” in the subject line—and don’t forget to share pictures. Country Stars Introduce us to a country woman who inspires you. Do you know a hardworking family farmer, an adventurous rodeo rider or a baker with the biggest heart? Tell us what makes her special and send photos with the subject line “Country Stars.” Instagram With…

EYES ON THE SKY On summer nights, the easiest way to enjoy nature is to head outside and look up. Marker Marshall, a ranger at Grand Canyon National Park, shares her quick tips for connecting constellations, identifying planets and partying with the stars. Pick up her expert advice on the next page. MASTER THE BASICS “Learn your constellations, and they’ll be like old friends helping you to feel at home anywhere under dark, clear skies,” Marker says. Download an app or find a star chart online at a site such as skyandtelescope.com. Once you know your zodiac constellations, it’ll be easy to spot planets, too. “Any time you see a ‘star’ in one that doesn’t belong there and isn’t twinkling as much as it should be, you’ll know you’re seeing a planet,” Marker…

One summer, high school math and science teacher Marker Marshall took her lessons outdoors as a volunteer at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. “I found that I liked teaching in that setting a lot better than in the classroom,” she says. For the past 24 years, Marker has been working outdoors in her biggest class space yet: the Grand Canyon. “The most rewarding thing for me is when I can help visitors to directly connect with nature—like giving a condor talk with California condors actually flying by, or a star talk on a really clear night,” Marker says. Even on vacation, she can’t pass up a teachable moment. On a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park during a partial solar eclipse, she brought a spotting scope for projecting the image…