Tara Lynn Darr's Blog

Summer in West Virginia means three things: blazing heat, gardening season, and wild raspberry season! Well, if I’m honest, summer in West Virginia means a lot more than three things, but just roll with that for now.

As soon as the temperatures start rising in late June/early July, I know it’s time to gear up for some traipsing around the ridge where I live, wandering around my property, and a little hiking in the mountains for some serious berry hunting. There’s nothing quite like trekking through the woods and stumbling upon a bright red patch of wild raspberries, just waiting to be picked. Or, if I’m being completely honest, I walk about 500 hundred or so feet into the woods on the edge of my backyard or take a walk down my driveway or hop on my four-wheeler and take a little ride around to see what I can find in area.

These little bursts of flavor are the jewel of the mountains. Plump, juicy, and so tender they practically melt in your mouth, wild raspberries are nature’s candy. The best part is they grow everywhere, you just have to keep a keen eye while hiking or riding around to spot them. But watch out for snakes – they love hunting the same berry patches we do! I always make sure to do a little bush rattling with a stick before diving into a patch. Safety first when there are raspberries to be picked!

The real fun begins once you have your bounty of berries washed and ready to freeze for later use (AKA as – freeze for winter when you get that craving….), or dig out a delicious recipe and whip up something magnificent. What to make first? A salad with a honey-sweetened raspberry vinaigrette is always a winner. Wild raspberry yogurt parfaits for breakfast if you want to get all fancy, but me…I’m simple, raspberries, Greek yogurt, and a little homemade granola suits me just fine. My favorite way to eat raspberries – just as they are, a naturally sweet snack, no special ingredients needed at all! The possibilities are endless with these little red gems!

Here is one of my favorite vinaigrette dressings to make:

Wild Raspberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

•1 cup wild raspberries, fresh or frozen
•1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
•2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
•1 tablespoon honey
•1 teaspoon finely minced yellow onion (or onion powder will work)(you can omit this)
•Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Puree the wild raspberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds. Discard the seeds.

Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, honey, and onion in a bowl. Add the raspberry puree and whisk to combine.

Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper. Taste and add more honey if needed. The dressing should have a nice balance of sweet and tangy.

Allow flavors to blend for at least 30 minutes before serving. Whisk again before tossing it with your favorite summer salad.

Refrigerate any leftover vinaigrette within 4 days. The fresh raspberry puree means this will not last as long as a standard vinaigrette.

*less or no honey in this recipe works fine as well
* I am a garlic fan, so I sometimes add 1/8 tsp of either garlic powder or if I have fresh wild garlic (which I have a ton of growing here – I finely mince up a bulb – If you are not familiar with wild garlic, the bulbs are very small)

This vinaigrette pairs great with baby spinach and also stands up well to nuts and cheese like goat cheese or feta. The sweetness of the ripe wild raspberries shines through while still allowing the tang of the vinaigrette to come through. Enjoy your wild summer salad!

Wild raspberry season only comes once a year, so take advantage of nature’s bounty while you can. Head to the hills, keep an eye out for snakes, and get picking. Your taste buds will thank you for it, and you’ll get a little taste of wild and wonderful West Virginia summer. Happy hunting!

The post The Sweet Taste of Summer: Wild Raspberry Season in West Virginia appeared first on Tara Baisden.

Garden Planning. Choosing the perfect vegetable or flower to grow in my gardens. For many, the new year means new plans, new goals, and a few new digits to remember as the time clock rolls into a brand new year. For me, of course, all the goals and planning for the future year happen, but the new year means garden catalogs start arriving. Which leads to planning for the coming growing season. Dreaming of what the garden will be like this coming year. Planning out just what I want to grow, where I want to grow it in my garden, and then….what will I do with it all! I am one of those rare breeds that look forward to preserving as much of my garden bounty as possible. I love to preserve food and will continue to do so for as long as I can. Canning, dehydrating, and freezing garden produce is part of my gardening life.

These gloriously colored catalogs are full of beautiful pictures of possibilities for my gardens. Receiving these in the mail is the equivalent of viewing the Sears wish book catalog prior to Christmas when I was a small child.

Some of my favorite garden catalogs are Baker Creek Heirloom Seed, R. H. Shumway, Park Seed, and Territorial Seed Company to name a few.

Each year I not only plant vegetable and flower seeds that I have saved from prior years, but I also pick one or two “new” to me varieties to plant and I order those seeds from trusted gardening companies. I typically pick an heirloom variety so that I can harvest seeds from them and use them for future gardens or share them with friends and family. That is…..if I can get them to grow. Typically, I have luck in growing many things here in my mountaintop gardens, but every now and then I have a huge fail. Typically, though, my biggest problem in growing anything here is to keep my lovely deer, rabbit, squirrel, and other wildlife visitors out of my gardens.

This year’s vegetable pic is the “Cherokee Purple Tomato” heirloom seed. A purple tomato sounds intriguing to me! I’ve been told these have a wonderful flavor as well.

This year’s flower of choice: is “Antique Sunflower Mix“. another heirloom seed variety. I’m excited about these particular seeds because they will offer a mix of sunflower varieties growing in my garden this year. I can envision the pops of glorious color spread throughout my garden that these seeds can provide. This mix of sunflower seeds also means I will have the opportunity to harvest seeds from multiple sunflower varieties. Bonus!

If you haven’t had the chance to check out our new website, I invite you to do so. I’ve added many new fun and exciting things, one of which is a page dedicated to some of my gardening adventures. This page is full of gorgeous photos I’ve taken of past gardens and floral pictures, showing some things I have grown. You can find that page here: Tara’s Gardening

And to close, I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite images I was able to capture throughout my gardening adventures.

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This is an article I found yesterday on Facebook about West Virginia and loved it. Unfortunately, I cannot track down the original author.

Because of our mountains, we have rivers. The oldest river in the Western Hemisphere, the New River (quite appropriately named, don’t you think) ends in West Virginia. We have the Gauley River, which unites with the New River in a magnificent cascade to form the Kanawha River, which in turn flows through the center of the state, and directly through the capital city of Charleston, the largest city in West Virginia. These rivers, in addition to the Cheat, Blackwater, Tygart, Monongahela, Ohio, and countless others offer tremendous recreational opportunities.

The tallest building in Charleston is barely 25 floors tall, which, if you think about it, is a plus; how could you possibly build a skyscraper more beautiful than a mountain? The capital city stretches throughout the long river valley encompassing both hill and dale.

The Charleston airport, the largest in the state, sits on top of a mountain.

The crime rate in Charleston, including the entire population of the Kanawha Valley (around 200,000), reflects that of the entire state, the lowest in America. No more than a handful of murders are committed each year.

Charleston has no subway systems, but, truth be known, you can get from one end of town to the other, even in rush hour traffic, in less than ten minutes.

There are three major interstate systems going through Charleston, the smallest city in America to make such a claim.

The entire state has six different interstate systems, meaning, from Charleston, you can reach Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Louisville, or Charlotte in four hours or less….

Ah, but once you leave the interstates, the drive becomes a thing of wonder. Two-lane roads, winding up and down the mountains, offer amazing views and historic places, small towns, poor in wealth but rich in history.

West Virginia is the birthplace of Mother’s Day, in Grafton; and Father’s Day, in Fairmont.

We have the oldest covered bridge still in use. We have walnut festivals and strawberry festivals and apple festivals and pumpkin festivals and buckwheat festivals, the Italian festival and arts and crafts fairs and stern wheel regattas, and ramp dinners.

We have Bridge Day, on the New River Gorge bridge over 800 feet above the New River; the only standing structure in the United States that, one day a year, allows parachuting and bungee jumping.

We have college basketball, and minor-league baseball and hockey, and, just like all of America, Friday night high school football.

We have white water rafting, and skiing, and hiking, and caves, and waterfalls, and camping in every direction. We have Sundays where a leisurely drive in the car can take eight hours, and only cover 100 miles.

We have bed and breakfasts, resorts, golf courses, and museums, and the Greenbrier Hotel. West Virginia has more natural beauty and wonders than any person could ever imagine.

We have all of this, and yet … our greatest asset is our people. West Virginians are good people. We care about each other. We talk to our neighbors over the backyard fence. We grow tomatoes for the entire neighborhood. We turn around in each other’s driveways and yell “howdy” when we do.

We sit on the porch on warm summer evenings, listening to crickets, and watching kids catch fireflies.

We loan a hammer or a cup of sugar. We don’t take two-hour lunches, but we do spend a few minutes each day with a cup of coffee, and our feet up on our desks, shooting the breeze.

We rarely get in a hurry. We have relatives just down the street. We don’t just loan someone a socket wrench, we help them fix their car. We share recipes, and gardening tips, and our last cup of coffee. We babysit each other’s kids, we house-sit each other’s dogs while we’re on vacation, and we loan each other our cars if we have to get to the drugstore.

We ask each other if we need anything as we’re going to the market.

We celebrate each of her accomplishments, and we cry over each other’s disappointments.

We are a friendly folk. We are West Virginians. Mountaineers are always free!  Free to take the time to enjoy life, and hold each moment in our hearts, forever!  

The post This is My West Virginia appeared first on Tara Baisden.

Grandpa – is 102 years young in heaven today. We lost him a few years back, and he left us with so many wonderful memories. I can remember him vividly. His familiar hand gestures, his limp as he walked, down to his familiar verbiage of “by gum” and “ahhh boy.”

What a man.

He loved his wife and family with everything in him. He was a father to 11 children, 7 of which he helped raise to adulthood, and sadly buried 4 of his babies in their infancy or young ages. He worked hard his whole life, always had a glorious garden, and could tell some of the best stories.

His impact in this community is still felt and talked about today. I’ve been told by several people, little things here and there that he did to help another person in need, always lending a helping hand or a listening ear. He was humble and kind….and a tad bit humorous! A twinkle in his eyes —Yes, he had that.

A decorated soldier in WWII. He had been in the 401st Glider Infantry Regiment. He battled through D-Day. He was a Purple Heart Recipient.

His was proof of a life well-lived. What I wouldn’t do to have him back again.

His name is Clyde (known as “Doc” to some, Daddy to a few, and PaPaw to several), and what a family legacy he left for us all. He was a man to look up to and strive to be more like.

He was one of the good ones.

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As always, Linda Castillo does not disappoint. I have read all the novels in the Kate Burkholder series – twice now – and each is better than the last. Castillo’s way with words, her twists and turns in every story, and her distinct characters keep me coming back for more. Linda Castillo is an author on my “pre-order” radar – as soon as I know a new novel is coming – I’m sold without hesitation.In this latest novel, Fallen, I fall even more in love with the main character Kate. She is an amazing, fully fleshed-out character full of life, attitude, and grit. I have enjoyed her growth as a woman. She is independent, fierce and wickedly smart and humorous to an extent.You will find bits of sweet and gentle romance, leaving your mind to wander where it will.All of Castillo’s novels in the Kate Burkholder series can be read in any order, in my opinion, and they can fully ensconce the reader in the life of a female police chief protecting her beloved town in an Amish community.Kudos Linda Castillo, I look forward to reading many more of your novels in the future!

The post Fallen by Linda Castillo Book Review appeared first on Tara Baisden.

Stunning. This book is incredible. How this book was beautifully crafted in telling a story is amazing, delicious, and stunning. This novel is about a few topics I have never experienced and I thank God for that. It has not only opened my eyes to genuine issues in our world but also has given me a bigger perspective of a writer’s life. Erin Bartels is a master of storytelling. Applause to you, Mrs. Bartels, and I cannot wait to read more of your work!

The post The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water Book Review appeared first on Tara Baisden.

It’s a beautiful morning in my world. The first snowfall of 2022 started midday yesterday and continued throughout most of the night. It’s absolutely magical right now.

I almost didn’t want to step outside, so as not to disturb all that beautiful powdery snow on the ground!  The pups soon made paths around the yard and enjoyed the winter wonderland.

And now it is snowing again. I’m happy to be safely snuggled up inside my home near the woodstove, putting pen to paper today. I’m all snowed in and will not be able to get off my mountain for a few days and I’m 100% fine with that.



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Greetings, from Wild Wonderful West Virginia!

I haven’t written on this blog for some time. Those of you who followed me on FaceBook and Instagram – are pretty much the same. I had taken a break from all social media. I had been checking in and reading things here and there, but I didn’t post.  The QuiltersRidge page on FaceBook has already been shut down and my personal page will remain.

My life has changed in so many ways in the last five years. Some good, some sad, some horrific changes, and some so absolutely fantastic moments in the past five years —- but all have led me to where I am today. I still love living in the mountains. I’m still doing a little sewing here and there, for myself personally.  I will no longer be designing for the public. 

My website offering all of my published designs will be closed by mid-November. Any designs of mine will only be offered on Etsy as PDF downloads.

This blog is in the process of transferring over to my new website. I’ll post the new link here when it is ready and I invite all my friends and post followers here on the blog to come and visit my new landing spot.

While quilting will always be a part of my life, I need a change. I have had a burning desire for something different. I will be using my new website and blog to share my journey to becoming an author. Sure, I’m already an author as some of you know, I have several published quilting and/or rug hooking books already, 

and I’ve been blessed to be a part of a few collaborated books that have been published…..

Warm Up To WoolThe Splendid Sampler 2Scrappy Quilts

and I’ve been so fortunate that my designs were chosen to be published through the years by two of the best magazines in the Quilting Industry….. here are a few from American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine and also Primitive Quilts and Projects! (to see all my designs that were in these two excellent magazines you can follow this link to my website, while it’s still available online — Quiltersridge.com

Heartspun Friendship, June 2019, American Patchwork and Quilting MagazineMama’s Leftovers Summer 2019 – Primitive Quilts and Projects MagazineBlue Moon of Kentucky, August 2007 – American Patchwork and Quilting MagazineTwo Piece Puzzle, April 2010 – American Quilting and Patchwork MagazineCinnamon and Nutmeg February 2009 – American Patchwork and Quilting MagazineSew Many Strips – April 2019 American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine

but I have a story to tell — several actually. To be honest, I’ve always had a story to tell. I’ve always had a quizzical and adventurous mind. Always asking why and what if. Always imagining characters and stories to go along with my quilt designs.

I have always loved reading – almost every genre. I’ve enjoyed adventures through the words of some fabulous authors. I’ve learned new things. I’ve met a few authors. 

My What If — is now leading me to write my own novels and adventures.  Actually, I have been writing the first novel in the series for a few months now and I’m enjoying my time creating wonderful characters in a world partly imagined and but mostly real. The setting of my first (in a series)  novel is here in West Virginia, a small wonderful town named Lewisburg in Greenbrier County. My main character Grace, has found herself moving back to her childhood home in Lewisburg and her journey is…….well, I’ll tell you more about that later!

I have no publisher, no agent, no nothing at this time except a document with thousands and thousands of words. I’m so very excited and curious about where this next adventure will lead me.

Won’t you join me on my journey to becoming a published author? The year 2021 will be the year I search for an agent who can represent me and find a publishing house that will be a perfect fit for my novels.

I will post links to my new website soon. The blog will be on the webpage and I’ll post on it every now and then. I will be doing an overhaul on my Instagram and Facebook accounts also. 

I hope you will continue to follow me. I have so much to share. You’ll be invited into my world, I’ll share photos of my cabin in the mountains and the little town I now call home….

Ariel View of Kermit, WV – my town – I live way over to the left in the photo in the mountains!!

the gorgeous views I have from my mountaintop home,

Big Laurel, Kermit, WV

share my writing space, and probably still share quilting adventures and projects I’ll work on for myself. There’s my gardening to share. I love to cook — so don’t be surprised by recipes I may share with you that are some of my favorites!

My fur children, Dalilah and Daisy (the dogs) share their home with Hank and Hazel (the cats).

Winter of 2019Fall of 2020

I’ll for sure be sharing tons and tons of photos around Lewisburg and surrounding towns in Greenbrier County —  and probably some historical facts.

I’ll introduce you to Grace and probably Jake, and of course, you have to meet Aunt Lou and Uncle Joe. Then there’s Walt – oh my he’s a character you won’t want to miss and you’ll never forget him. And then there’s sweet Mary with a heart of gold and Miss Wanda who tells it like it is and has the most hysterical spinster life……….But I’ll just stop there for now. Oh, but I cannot wait for you to meet them all!

*********************************

Be nice to me or you’ll be in my next book!
(I just love this quote!!!)

The post Time For A Change…. appeared first on Tara Baisden.

I found this cute little poem this morning on FaceBook and thought I would share it.

In this photo is my Grandma Baisden, marking a quilt!

Enjoy!

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In that far back-bedroom
without no heat in,
Granny pulled those quilts
way up to our chin.
Two little brothers,
each by my side,
were tucked in snug
like they were tied.
We could hardly breathe—
there was more than one,
each so heavy,
seemed like a ton.
There was no tossin’
or movin’ ‘round—
those quilts held us tight
like we were bound.
From the time she tucked us
‘til mornin’ light,
we were warm as puppies
on a three-dog night.
I could see the moon
thru’ window shinin’
as I crept off to sleep
with no tears or whinin’.
For ya see I favored
Granny’s warm ol’ quilts,
an’ I’d dream of playin’
on skates or stilts,
‘Cause life was peaceful
an’ without a care—
safe an’ secure
as we lay there.
Back in that bedroom,
way down the hall,
where under those quilts
we moved—not at all.
‘Til Granny released us
when she opened the door,
an’ our feet felt the cold
when they hit the floor.
I’ll remember Gran’s quilts
‘til my dyin’ day,
an’ wish I was still sleepin’
in that cozy way.
Author~ Don Garris
Raleigh County

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