Page 5 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 6/10/2015

Opinion/NewsClear Lake Mirror-Reporter June 10, 2015 • Page 5

From WALLEYE gression matched the frequency of the
The from page 1 hits. Walleyes weren’t merely hitting
Market my baits; they were slamming them!
I lost no time in getting to the water. Although I went through the motions
By Marysue Salmon Off to the southwest, the sky was turn- of setting the hook, the tactic wasn’t A limit of Clear Lake walleyes.-Photo courtesy of Lowell Washbutn
During my growing up years the first ing an ominous shade of black and the necessary. The heart pounding, shal-
sign of spring at our house was rhubarb faint rumble of distant thunder could low water strikes were so intense -- so state the obvious. Although I can’t the thought suddenly struck me and
crisp. We had five rhubarb plants in our already be heard. The early morning lightning fast -- that the walleyes were think of a perfect description, ‘surreal’ I couldn’t help but smile. At long last,
backyard. air was becoming moist and heavy; hooking themselves. I only had two would probably come as close as any. my time had come. For the first time
For the next 25 years, even after I left you could literally feel the fishiness. strikes that didn‘t result in landing the In more than fifty years of fishing on in my life, I could finally walk up to
home but lived in the same town, I ben- Results were immediate and it fish. Clear Lake; I’ve never had an outing the crew assembled at the bait tank
efitted from those plants. My mother still only took a minute to determine that The meltdown continued -- un- that even comes close to comparing to and say with a grin --- “Man, you guys
pulled the rhubarb, cleaned it, and cut it schooling walleyes weren’t waiting abated -- for the better part of an this early morning walleye rampage. should have been here yesterday”.
into the needed 1-inch pieces. My part was for me, but had already begun their hour and I quickly lost count of the Although I never miss an oppor- Enjoy more nature tales online at Wash-
to make the rhubarb crisp which I shared weather induced rampage. After ty- fish. Size ratios were outstanding with tunity to dine on fresh walleye, I don’t burn’s Outdoor Journal at iawildlife.
with her. It was a delicious arrangement! ing on a 1/16th ounce jig head and nearly half of the walleyes measuring think fish ever tasted better than when org/blog
This is a very old recipe from my file. attaching a large fathead minnow, above the legal 14-inch mark. Legal I dug into those tender golden fillets
I believe it was originally from a long-ago I hooked my first fish on the third keepers averaged just over 16 inches; the following evening. As I reflected Farmers Market
published Lutheran Church cookbook. cast. From that moment on, it was the largest fish went a hefty 19 ½. on the incredible hour of extreme scavenger hunt
(Those Lutheran women were considered Katie Bar the Door. Completely sur- The skies grew darker; the thun- fishing I’d enjoyed the day before,
the best cooks!) I have never tasted a better rhubarb recipe. It is juicy and rounded by ravenous marble-eyed der moved closer. The wind increased Iowa students who recently com-
crisp at the same time. I think what makes it so special is the cooked sugar predators, I had entered Angling Para- and it soon began to rain. Within sec- UPMEYER pleted grades kindergarten through
syrup that sweetens the rhubarb. Maybe it is just the sweet memory of en- dise. Stacked in less than five feet of onds, I was soaking wet. Undaunted from page 4 eight are invited to participate in the
joying it every spring for most of my life. It seems that people who grow up water, fish were feeding as if their very by the front’s dramatic arrival, the “Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt.”
eating rhubarb love it, and those who didn’t aren’t as excited about it. lives depended on finding a quick frenzy continued with undiminished workforce training, and a competitive To participate, students need to
If you grow your own rhubarb, (or if you are lucky enough for your meal. The bite was unbelievable; like ferocity. And then suddenly it was tax climate. complete the “Farmers Market Scav-
neighbor to give you some), pull rather than cut the stalks. They will remain nothing I’ve ever witnessed. Com- over. Wet, chilled, and happy, I head- Thankfully, this year we have tak- enger Hunt” form available at any
fresh longer. Store rhubarb, for up to 7 days, loosely wrapped, in the refrig- plete reckless mayhem. Three or four ed for home -- taking three fat wall- en steps to begin changing course. The participating farmers market or can
erator. You can also freeze 4 cups of the 1-inch pieces in tightly sealed plastic short casts was usually the longest de- eyes and some bonus yellow perch for Medicaid asset verification system will be printed from the Iowa Department
bags. lay between hits. On more than one the skillet. help ensure benefits are going to those of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s
occasion, I’d unhook one fish only To say that my hometown fishing intended. The new managed care sys- website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov.
RHUBARB CRISP to catch another as quickly as the jig adventure had been ‘phenomenal’ or tem will help deliver services more ef- When they submit the form to
reentered the water. The level of ag- ‘terrific’ would be to grossly under- ficiently. However, more reforms are the market manager at the farmers
Crumb Topping: 2 tablespoons cornstarch needed. We can do a better job of market students will receive a free
1 cup dark brown sugar 1 cup water SUMMER LUNCH CONGREGATE reviewing eligibility of applicants to item, such as a fruit, vegetable or hon-
½ cup melted butter 1 teaspoon pure vanilla PROGRAM MEALS reduce fraud; we should review and ey, and will be entered into a drawing
¾ cup quick or old fashioned oats Bring to boiling point, revise our waivers to focus our efforts; for additional prizes.
1 teaspoon cinnamon turn heat down to medium low, THURSDAY: BBQ chicken sand- THURSDAY: Crunchy Pollock, and most importantly, we must push Area farmers markets participat-
Mix well and press half of the and cook until thick and clear, wich with a bun, seasoned oven pota- sweet potato wedges, succotash, pine- for meaningful reforms and flexibility ing in the program are: Clear Lake,
crumbs into a 9-inch square oven- about 5 minutes. Pour over toes, green beans, fruit, fresh veggies apple crunch, raspberry lemonade. from our federal government. Charles City Downtown, Iowa Falls
proof pan. Top with 4 cups cut rhu- rhubarb and top evenly with with dip. FRIDAY: Golden baked chicken, Throughout the interim we will and Riceville.confidential.
barb (1-inch pieces) other half of the crumbs.™ FRIDAY: Max Stix, marinara scalloped potatoes, Harvard Beets, continue to work on solutions that are
Mix in medium saucepan: Bake at 350 degrees for sauce, broccoli, diced peaches, fresh Sunshine Salad, whole wheat roll. good for Iowans.
1 cup sugar one hour, or until top is crisp veggies with dip. MONDAY: Cook’s Choice.
and brown. MONDAY: Turkey burger on a TUESDAY: Chicken and noodle
bun, potato wedges, peas, fruit, fresh casserole, brussel sprounts, carrots,
veggies with dip. onions, apricots, pumpkin custard, or-
TUESDAY: Nachos, corn, taco ange juice.
fixings, fruit, fresh veggies with dip. WEDNESDAY: Taco salad, corn
WEDNESDAY: Breaded chick- salad, plums, Royal Brownie, tomato
en patty on a bun, mashed potatoes, juice.
green beans, fresh veggies with dip. Congregate meals are served at
Summer Lunch Program is open the Senior Centers in Clear Lake, 105
to area children and is held at Clear S. 4th St., at 11:40 a.m. and in Ventura,
Lake United Methodist Church, 508 4 N. Weimer St. at 11:45 a.m. Call 357-
2nd Ave. N., from 12:15-12:45 p.m., 5443 in Clear Lake and 829-3517 in
Monday-Friday. Ventura for reservations.

Main Avenue, Clear Lake 357-5241 Now on Display

&

On Sale