It’s Monday night, and I want to get this column written tonight. Early tomorrow morning (5:15 a.m.) I will be leaving with son Benjamin to go to the hospital. He will have surgery done on his leg and screws put in for his fractured fibula and torn ligaments. He’s been having a lot of pain, so hopefully the surgery will help with that. His brand-new buggy will need repairs as well, but that can be fixed. He can be so fortunate that it wasn’t worse and his horse was okay. He appreciates all the well wishes, cards, etc. It’s unbelievable what the estimated cost of the surgery will be, but I guess everything is going up. It could have ended so much worse, so we want to thank God for having his hand over Benjamin.
On Sunday evening, most of our family were home for supper. Joe grilled twenty pounds of chicken and some wings. Along with that, we had mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, cheese, and dill pickles. Dessert was Swiss roll bars, M & M bars, cookies, grape salad, and ice cream. Sister Verena also joined for supper.
Tonight, our supper was leftovers from last night. That was an easy supper.
We did laundry today and canned 22 pints of Thick and Chunky Salsa. I would like to can tomato chunks yet this week.
Wednesday I am invited to a birthday surprise for a neighbor lady. I am hoping I can go. Frieda will have a birthday next week. Her married daughter is planning the surprise. When we moved out here 19 1/2 years ago, Frieda and Abe showed up to help us unpack. We used to be in the same church, but after it got too big, we had to divide it. Sister Verena is also invited, so we will probably go together. That is, if Benjamin’s surgery goes okay. Frieda is five years younger than I am—she is sister Susan’s age.
Tomorrow, daughter Susan and Ervin plan to bring supper in. It was their date to bring supper in—our bishop’s wife Janie passed out slips of paper with a date on it to bring supper in for daughter Loretta and Dustin and our family. That really helps out and is greatly appreciated.
September 26 is daughter Lovina’s special friend Daniel’s 22nd birthday. We wish him a happy birthday and many more to come. Sunday night after communion services, our whole family will come here in honor of Daniel’s birthday.
Sister Verena stayed here for the night, then left this morning to go help niece Emma. They will host church services in 2 1/2 weeks, Lord willing.
Leaves are starting to fall and the calendar tells us autumn has officially begun.
I need to sign off and get ready for bed. Daughter Verena came tonight and will be here tomorrow while I am at the hospital.
Good night to all and God’s blessings to all of you.
Cheddar Chowder Soup
4 cups potatoes, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup onions, chopped
4 cups water
4 cups cheddar cheese
2 cups ham
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
White Sauce:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
4 cups milk
In a large pot, cook all vegetables in water until tender. Add cheese and ham along with salt and pepper. To make white sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in flour to let it start cooking. Gradually add the milk and cook until thick. Stir into vegetables. Makes 16 one-cup servings.
Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold. Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.
Prayers for your son Benjamin. I pray that his surgery goes well and a speedy recovery. Prayers for safe travels
Hope Ben will be fine after his surgery. I started reading the column when your mother wrote it, I always loved reading it as I do now.
Do Amish have health insurance . Does Lovina family accept donations of money
Hello Sandra!
Benjamin does not have health insurance. He would accept donations if anyone would like to send them. They can be sent to the PO Box listed on this page: https://lovinasamishkitchen.com/contact/
Praying everything goes well for Benjamin’s surgery and recovery. Hopefully his pain will get less. God will provide for all your needs. Thank you for writing this column. It’s a blessing. When will your new cookbook be out?
Would you please post your recipe for thick and chunky salsa. I may have missed it in another column, but I try to read your column each week. I have been reading your column and your mother’s for many years. When I lived in Arkansas my newspaper carried the column and since moving to Texas, I don’t get it in my local paper. I was happy to find it on the internet and enjoy your stories. Your girls also post great articles. Thank you and hope Benjamin’s surgery is successful.
Good luck to Benjamin! I’m a 68 year old woman who had similar surgery one year ago… a lot of metal in my leg! Make sure he follows up with physical therapy and works hard at it! It’s AMAZING what docs can do! I am good as new; no pain. I love reading your column.
God Bless Benjamin! I pray the surgery was successful and that he follows all the doctors and physical therapy instructions. I had a similar break in my left leg. The nerves in my leg did not heal properly, so every step feels like the leg is still broken and I would not wish that for anyone. Life is a blessing, but very tough at times. Hope you receive many blessings.