Concert canceled

We were very disappointed not to hear the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda, East Africa, at the Prides Corner Congregational Church, Westbrook, on Oct 10, as announced. We even had an invitation, with a note advising us to be there early to get a good seat. We drove there early, but found the church all dark, and only four or five cars in the church side yard. We spoke with others as they arrived and waited and they knew no reason for the darkened church. Eventually, one of us walked to the front entrance, where a sign declared that the concert was canceled due to illness.

We were sorry to hear that. I had heard the group of young children from East Africa sing last year at Portland’s Central Square Baptist Church. It was a delightful evening, which I wrote about in Ramblings, in the Feb. 1, 2007, issue. I surely looked forward to seeing them again.

I had a note from the Jim Cote of Westbrook on the weekend, telling me about the illnesses: Six of the young singers came down with chicken pox, and the Prides Corner Church concert was canceled, as was their tour for a week while they recovered. Jim said that he and his mother were so disappointed that they did not get to the concert in Westbrook, but they did get to attend their concert at Kennebunk Town Hall, and it was great.

We were very disappointed, too, but are glad we heard the group last year.

Visit welcomed

We wrote last year about a visit from Gladys Pratt and her daughter Ruthann, of Tampa, Fla. They were in Maine again for a few days, after their visit to relatives in Riverview, Albert County, New Brunswick, Canada.

They again brought me a bottle of the delicious maple syrup made at the New Brunswick maple sugar farm. the bottle is labeled “Mountain Maple.” We’ve already had two pancake breakfasts, thanks to Gladys.

Gladys, Ruthann and I had coffee and snacks, and I enjoyed hearing about their trip. I happened to ask Gladys if she liked music, and if she played the piano. I should say she did! She has written hymns, both words and music, and she played them on our piano, as she and Ruthann both sang. It was delightful.

They said the hymns are to be copyrighted soon. I surely must have a copy of them, if they are printed.

That visit was much appreciated by me.

Message approved

Louise Hall, a former neighbor of ours, whom I worked with for many years at Portland Public Library, is now living in Readfield with her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Larry Perkins.

Her letters are delightful. She is in her 90s, and her handwriting is still clear and easy to read. She sent Harry a birthday card Oct. 3, and we were all amused by her clever last lines on the accompanying note. She wrote, “My name is Louise Hall, and I approve this message.”

She must listen to all the politicians we see on TV, too. If they are right there, in person, why do they have to tell us that they really meant it?

Foliage seen

I was quite envious to hear of the recent trip Dick and Rose Coffin had, staying overnight at a New Hampshire inn, and taking the Conway Scenic Railway, and viewing the beautiful scenery in the White Mountain area.

That is one of my favorite locations, where we went often with the Deering High School Ski Club for a day of hiking.

Summer and fall are the ideal times to see that area.

Fall favorite

This week’s recipe is from “Parade Cookbook,” 1953, which includes 150 favorite recipes.

DEVILED CORN CASSEROLE

Two – 1 pound cans of whole kernel corn

1 medium green pepper, diced

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup grated American cheese

3 slices white bread

Two 2-1/4 ounce cans deviled ham

2 medium tomatoes, sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

Drain corn and save liquid; add green pepper to corn liquid and boil rapidly until reduced to 3/4 cup. Add corn, salt; heat to serving temperature. Remove from heat; add cheese; stir until melted. Toast bread, spread with deviled ham; cut into cubes. Put half the cubes in casserole; spoon over half the corn mixture; repeat. Alternate tomato and onion slices in center of casserole; sprinkle with salt and pepper; dot with butter. Broil 6 to 8 minutes. Makes 6 servings.