Jams and Jellies

Apple-butter-sweet memories in times of loss

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It’s a beautiful Tuesday morning with a lot of sunshine. How we treasure mornings and days like this. We didn’t wash laundry yesterday due to the dreary, rainy weather. Now today we were blessed with a nice day to dry the laundry. This afternoon I will take son Kevin for his therapy appointment and get … Continue Reading ››
Canning and Freezing, Jams and Jellies

God’s blessings as we travel into the unknown future

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Where should I begin? This week is going much too fast for me. Friday and Saturday were spent helping out at daughter Elizabeth and Tim’s house. The tent was set up and benches set up under the tent. Friday was Elizabeth’s birthday, although she didn’t take much time to think about it. Continue Reading ››
Casseroles, Meats, Potatoes, Side Dishes

When Mom’s menu ideas run low, the kids can help

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It is almost time to start supper. I’m debating what we will make tonight. I’ll ask the children for suggestions. Sometimes that makes it easier! Last night we came home late after helping at daughter Elizabeth and Tim’s house. Loretta grilled hamburgers and potatoes on the gas grill, so that was an easy supper. It’s nice … Continue Reading ››
Casseroles, Vegetables

So much sewing keeps Lovina busy

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Saturday our family assisted daughter Elizabeth and Tim with their work. Church services will be held at their house next so lots of cleaning is getting done. A big tent will be set up for the services to be held under that day. My husband Joe has most of the gardens filled now. Everything is getting … Continue Reading ››
Desserts, Pies

Many blessings as newlyweds begin life as one

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Tonight was daughter Lovina’s eighth-grade graduation. Her class has 23 students. Our school is a small public school and is very close-knit. Friday is the school picnic, then school doors will close for another term. Lovina’s school days will be over. She said she will miss seeing her friends but is excited to be done. Son … Continue Reading ››
Desserts, Pies, Uncategorized

How to cook for a wedding crowd

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A guest post from Lovina’s English (non-Amish) friend Ruth Boss. This week Lovina is busy with preparations for niece Elizabeth and Manuel’s Friday wedding, so she has asked me to share about the work being done in the days before the wedding. The wedding wagons arrived last week, so Saturday the tables were all set up … Continue Reading ››
Desserts, Pies

All that goes with preparing for a wedding—and birthdays and Mother’s Day too

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We had a nice sunny day in the 70s. That was a welcome change after some cool rainy weather the past week. Yesterday was also nice and sunny, making laundry dry fast. It was rainy on Monday so I spent my day sewing and we postponed washing laundry until Tuesday. I had a good day with … Continue Reading ››
Soups

Hosting the church community, gathering with family for a funeral

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Daughters Verena, Loretta, and I have plans to go help sister Emma today. The wedding for her daughter Elizabeth and Manuel is fast approaching—15 days to be exact. Plans are to make noodles for the wedding. Some cleaning will be done as well. Sisters Verena and Susan and my daughters Elizabeth and Susan also plan to … Continue Reading ››
Breakfast, Casseroles, Vegetables

Final cleaning tasks—including 42 windows—before holding Sunday services

The first day of May has arrived with it being a rather cloudy day. At 7 a.m. the sun is now out and shining so bright. Daughter Verena and sons Benjamin and Joseph left tonight to attend a local wedding. They invited (as most couples in this community do) the youth for a 7 p.m. supper. Joseph came … Continue Reading ››
Breakfast, Casseroles, Meats

Giving everything a thorough cleaning—but not without enjoying the company

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Thursday morning and it’s almost 5 a.m. This column needs to be written, although my eyes still want to close for some more sleep. At least it’s not 3 a.m. That is the one thing I don’t miss from my husband not working at the RV factory. Son Joseph, 16, is waiting on his ride to go … Continue Reading ››