The Tri-State Tornado

Thanking the volunteers that have given the time to Joplin

Because of the Joplin Tornado, I have been doing research on tornadoes and the worst natural disasters in the history of the United States.  I have never really been much of a "weather guy", I'm not one of those that takes much interest in what it is doing outside and when I see warnings or hear sirens I usually quickly lose interest.  I never thought of weather as something that "effected" me.  That was, until the Joplin tornado.  With over 49,000 people affected, the tornado hitting so close to home, and seeing the aftermath that was left behind, it made me well aware that I need to be much more vigilant when it comes to storms, and understand that taking shelter is not only cautious, but could save my life.

It also got me wondering about our past, and the lives that have been affected before May 22nd.

On March 18, 1925, at 1:01 PM, without warning, and after a weather forecast of 60 degrees and mostly sunny, the vortex of the Tornado first hit.  Cutting Northwest through Missouri, where it first touched down, it tore through Ellington, Annapolis and Leadanna until it reached the Mississippi and entered Illinois, not before it had taken 11 Missouri lives, injured 32 school children and caused well-over $500,000 in damage.  But the worst was yet to come.

Illinois, the hardest hit, uninformed about what had just happened in it's neighboring state, had no idea that they should be taking shelter immediately from what was about to tear through it's towns and beautiful tree-covered landscape.  Hitting the town of Gorham at 2:30 PM, it destroyed the entire town, killing 34, at a speed of over 62 miles per hour and reaching speeds of 73 miles per hour in some places.  The tornado continued on its northwest trajectory, cutting a mile-wide swath through the towns of Murphysboror, De Soto, Hurst-Bush, West Frankfort, Zeigler, Eighteen, and Maunie, finally crossing through Hamilton and White counties on its way to Indiana.  613 people died that day, through a time span of roughly 40 minutes, the most in a single state in U.S. history.

In the tornado's final route, through Indiana, it crossed the Wabash River into Indiana, ripping through the towns of Griffin, Owensville, Princeton, and finally finishing in Petersburg at 4:30 PM, taking 71 lives in the process.

The total that died with the 3 and 1/2 hours of the tornado's progress reached 695 and the number injured peaked at 2027.  Total damage was $16.5 million or if you adjusted for inflation $1.4 billion.  Nine schools were destroyed, the most by any natural disaster.  Because of the lack of emergency relief programs thousands were left without food or shelter, recovery was slow, and looting was unfortunately rampant.

Good did come from this disaster.  Our government quickly realized that a system had to be put in place to predict and warn those in the path of a storm to seek shelter and protect themselves.  This storm was one of the main reasons the National Weather Warning System was created, and, in addition, the Tri-State Tornado may have spurred the development of the technology for the Weather Forecast System to predict storm cells and tornadoes.

The hearts of all the employees and family of Harter House goes out to the city of Joplin during their time of need, and to those lives that have been affected by all natural disasters, present and past. 

St. Mary's- Joplin May 22nd

Many websites were researched in the creation of this article and if you want more information I recommend highly reading them:

The Great Tri-State Tornado Geography Essay:
http://www.tonyjiang.com/2005/03/the-great-tri-state-tornado-geography-essay/

NOAA:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah/?n=1925tor

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-State_Tornado

Cookout-Harter House Style!

Our youngest guest:  3 months old

Kieran eating the legendary Harter House Hot Dog.

Stunt work, leaping through hoops.

Even Sierra gets in on the act cooling off under the umbrella.

Cameron showing off his acrobatic skills.

Food is always allowed at the Harter House family pool.  We do not  live by the 30 minutes after you eat rule.

We hope you stayed cool this weekend and enjoyed time with your family as well.   Don't forget to stop by Harter House today to take advantage of our special on our 8 Oz filets which are 2 for $10 until tomorrow! 

Fiona's Hope

Real Wood Floors is a company located in West Plains, MO,  with over 30 years of experience in lumber production and over 15 years in solid wood flooring production.  However, it is probably not a name most households are aware of, since they sell mainly to contractors, but they are considered one of the premier unfinished engineered product manufacturers today.  You may even be standing on one of their floors and you're not even aware of it.

I became aware of Real Wood Floors back in November of last year, when I met Samuel Cobb, Real Wood Floor's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, for a project he wanted help bringing awareness to.  Seeing as that I have always had a soft spot for organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Kitchen, and Inner City Outreach, I immediately took interest in what Real Wood Floors has been doing over the last few years.

Not just installing floors, but changing lives.

Over the course of the last few years, Real Wood Floor's has stepped up and helped a cause that very few people are aware of, a group of children that are often swept under the table, China's orphans.  Abandoned children in China are horribly common, especially for children with debilitating physical handicaps, and although China reports the number of orphans at 50,000, for a population of 1.2 billion, it is believed the number of children both in orphanages and living on the street is probably well over several million.  The children range from newborns, adolescents, pre-teens, and teenagers, all searching for just someone to take care of them.  Needing love, care, and someone just to hold them and tell them everything's going to be 'okay'.  Couple this with birth defects, constant pain from infections, and sickness, and you can see how badly these children can suffer, and many do.

Doing what they do best.

Real Wood Floors partners with Shepherd's Field Children's Village in providing comfort to children like Benjamin, born with Apert's Syndrome, causing deformity of the hands, feet, and head.  A child that was just dropped off as a baby to the doorsteps of the village, most likely because his family had no means to care for him.  How does Real Wood Floors help?  They do what they do best, install new floors for the children to play on.  It all started in 2007, when Real Wood Floors came and installed brand new flooring throughout one of the orphanages.  And not some cheap knock off, or remnants they had lying around, but real high quality hardwood floors.

A contractor taking some time to make an impact on a little girl.

The orphans received more than floors though, once the volunteers, made up of contractors and employees, arrived they formed a strong bond between these children and the love of the little boys and girls quickly took hold.  These were not men who were just here to do a job.  These were an example of the good in world that is in us all.

Fiona

It has been over four years now, and since 2007, Real Wood Floors has installed over 25,500 square feet in flooring and has made over $50000 in donations to Shepherd's Field.  It has now become their mission, and Real Wood Floors isn't even close to stopping.  Looking to expand their reach to other countries with needs, including the U.S., they have officially created the foundation Fiona's Hope, named after one of the children who has since passed on but left an indelible mark on their hearts, as well as working on a program called, One Box / One Day, to assist in the donation process.

I honestly have only touched the surface of what Real Wood Floors has done and what they are planning to do.  Harter House is proud to bring awareness to Real Wood Floors, Fiona's Hope, One Box / One Day, and Shepherd's Hope Children's Village, and we ask that you take a moment to read more at the following site:

Real Wood Floor's Mission Page:  www.realwoodfloors.com/mission

Real Wood Floor's Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/realwoodfloors

Shepherd's Hope Children's Village:  http://www.chinaorphans.org/index.html

Missouri Wine and the Norton

The Norton grape.

The Norton

Did you know that the Norton (Vitis Aestivalis, for the sciency types), or Cynthiana (a genetically identical grape) is the oldest American grape still grown?  And that our state is the largest producer of the Norton grape.  In fact, our state grape is the Norton.  Because of our ever-changing climate, the grape flourishes.  Built to withstand Missouri's sweltering heat with its hearty vine, and able to thrive in our rocky soil.

Norton's blue-black coloring produces a rich, full-bodied red wine with robust berry flavors, making it an excellent pairing with beef (Tri-tip anyone?) and complex cheeses.  Missouri Vineyards all over the region have been producing excellent quality Norton, or Cynthiana wines from Adam Puchta Winery in Hermann, MO to Little Hills Winery in St. Charles.

So, the next time you go to purchase a bottle of wine at Harter House, pass on the Merlot, Cabernet, or  Shiraz, and try a bottle of a local favorite for a change, the proud Norton.  Just stop by Harter House World Flavors and ask about the Norton's we have in stock and we will gladly point you to the little grape that was brought here by German immigrants over a 100 years ago, to a little town called Hermann, Missouri, and then sit back and take in the rich, delicious history of Missouri Wine.

Missouri Wine

You might not know that Missouri is the second largest Wine producer in the U.S. and that before Prohibition, we were the number one supplier of wine from New York to California.  We have a fantastic history and one that can be enjoyed over any weekend you feel like getting away.  Listed below is a short list of the wineries here in the Show-Me State.  Most provide free samplings, some have food and entertainment in the form of tours, music and just relaxing with good friends and great wine.

Adam Puchta Winery - My dad, Floyd's, absolute favorite is their Port, and for good reason.  Where most Ports come off as a syrupy mess, Adam Puchta knows how to bring out subtlety and calms the sweetness with floral accents.  Actually, I take that back, that's just me being fancy-shmancy, it's just really good.
7C's Winery - Specialize in fruit wines.  Located extremely close in Walnut Grove. 

My Dad (left) debating politics over wine at Wenwood.

Wenwood Farm Winery - My families favorite place to go.  Lots of music, good wine, and the owners are a hoot.  Wenwood always has something going on.  Just get there early so you can get a table in the shade.  For a real treat try my dad, Floyd, and my favorite, the Bauernhofan.  This dry red has a complex palate, goes down smoothly and finishes with you wanting more.
St. James Winery - A great place to stop on your way to St. Louis, right off I-44.
Stone Hill - There is nothing wrong with the Branson location, but for a taste of what it is really like to be at a vineyard, go to the original located in Hermann, MO, especially in October for Oktoberfest. 

The deck overlooking the Missouri Hills at Montelle.  One word:  breathtaking.

Montelle Winery - This Winery in Augusta has won tons of awards and once you taste, you will know why.  Prepare for the gorgeous deck to sit at that will take your breath away.  I cannot praise the setting enough, and when music plays on the weekend, I can just open a bottle, sit back and let my day just move along at it's own pace from the outside world.
Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery - Great winery just outside of Washington, Missouri. 

The Hill at Hermannhof.  A challenge after a couple glasses.

Hermannhof Winery - If you have never been to Hermannhof, you do not have the right to call yourself a Missourian.  Every October, it is tradition to sit on the hill overlooking Hermannhof, eat cheese, drink wine, and smile as you feel the warmth (and polka music) overtake you.
Robller Vineyard Winery - The beauty of Missouri vineyards is that they are a family affair, and with Robller Vineyard it shows, run by Robert and Lois Mueller, and their 3 children, for over 30 years.
OOVVDA Winery - If you like fruit wine and staying close, this is the place for you.  Located just outside of Springfield, OOVVDA specializes in Raspberry, Cherry, Strawberry and several other varieties of fruit wine.

This is an extremely short list, and does not even touch the tip of the iceberg of Missouri Wines.  We have over 300-plus wineries in Missouri, and it would take probably a lifetime to visit them all (although I will try!).  I have had many good times with my family and friends at several of these wineries, and it is a tradition that I will pass on to my children and my children's children.  It is a part of Missouri's heritage and one we should be both proud of and protect.  Stop by Harter House today and try our wines for yourself, and one of these weekends, pack up, grab your family and friend's, a blanket, and prepare yourself for a great time.

My Dad's Favorite.

Special thanks to MO Wine Girl for her expertise when it comes to Missouri wine and knowledge of the Norton grape.  If you don't follow her Facebook or her wonderful websites, you need to, right now.

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/MoWineGirl
Her Mo Wine website:  www.missouriwine.org
Her Norton Website: www.nortonsays.com

Springfield Sale Items July 6 - July 12

8 Oz. Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon - 2 for $10!

Super-Trimmed Center Cut Pork Chops - $2.69/lb.
7 Oz. Chicken Kiev or Cordon Blue - 2 for $6!
8 Piece Smart Chicken Cut-Up Fryers - $1.99/lb.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast - $2.99/lb.
Country-Style Pork Loin Ribs - $2.49/lb.

Made Fresh at Harter House:
Extra Lean Ground Chuck - Family Pack - 4 lbs. or more - $2.89/lb.
Breaded Pork Patties - $2.49/lb.

Buy One / Get One FREE! - Limit Please:
Farmland Fully Cooked Barbeque Ribs - 32 Oz. (Save $6.99!)
Hormel 40 Oz. Boneless Barbeque Pork Shoulder Roast (Save $8.99!)
Hiland Quality Check'd Ice Cream Squares - 56 Oz. (Save $3.99!)

Also at Harter House this week:

FRESH Salmon Filets - $10.99/lb.

Cod Fish Filets - $6.99/lb.

and MUCH, MUCH MORE....
CHECK OUT ALL OF THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL'S AT HARTER HOUSE!

Another Reason to Drink Wine

The Wine Cork Navy

Ever wondered what to do with all those cork toppers from the bottles of wine that were purchased from Harter House?  I have seen a multitude of projects from friends to find another use for wine corks from cork boards to keep messages and photos, to coasters for a coffee table.  Here is a fun project you can do with the kids that will keep them busy on a hot summer day.

Building the Navy.

Materials you will need:
Wine Corks (collect them in a baggy in your kitchen)
Hot Glue Gun
Toothpicks
Scissors
Craft Foam
Small Eye Screws
String

Step 1:  Line up 3 corks together and hot glue them in the form of a small square.  It doesn't have to be perfect.

Step 2:  Press and twist the eye screw into the front of your cork raft.

Step 3:  Using the craft foam, cut it into the shape of a sale and impale it onto a toothpick.

Step 4:  Press the end of the toothpick into the top of the boat.  Press a small dab of hot glue to hold the toothpick in place

Step 5:  Tie an end of the string to the eye screw.

Step 6:  Find some water (river, creek, stream, pool, bucket) and have fun!

The raft.

Fête du Canada!

Happy Birthday to our neighbors up north!  Originally called Dominion Day, July 1st, 1867, the British Empire united three British Colonies to form the new country of Canada.  It wasn't until 1946 that Canada started celebrating the day as their form of independence, as Canada Day.  Similar to our Fourth of July, Canadian's celebrate Canada Day with parades, carnivals, fireworks, barbeques, parties and concerts.

In honor of Canada Day, Harter House gives you the following recipe for a Canadian staple, Pate Chinois, or better known as Shepherd's Pie.

1 Pound Harter House Ground Beef
1 Can Cream Corn
3 Cups Mashed Potatoes
1 Onion
1/2 Cup Kraft Shredded Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees
Saute onion in a bit of oil, then add beef and cook until brown.  Add salt and pepper.

Spray a dish with non-stick spray and line bottom with beef/onion mixture.  Cover with cream corn.  Top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle heartily with cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes until cheese and mashed potatoes have lightly brown.

Enjoy!