We have entered the month of June. Is it possible that 2021 is almost halfway through?
I managed to get my gray dress suit sewed last week, and I still have a shirt I want to sew for my husband Joe. The wedding is Friday at the home of neighbors Joas and Susan, for their daughter Carol and Aden. Tomorrow (Thursday) I’ll go help with food preparation for the wedding. Friday I’ll be cook, but I can only help for the noon meal. At 2:30 p.m., our whole family and sister Verena have a bus taking us all to Kentucky for the weekend. Joe’s sister Salome and Morris are hosting a family reunion for Joe’s brothers and sisters and their families. The drive is over five hours. I want to get that shirt sewed for Joe for the reunion. He needs more shirts, and it seems the only way I get it done is to set a goal to have it finished.
I want to let readers know that I will be signing my cookbooks on June 8th at 7 p.m. in Middlebury at the library, 101 East Winslow Street, Middlebury, Indiana. I’m hoping some of my family can attend with me. It would be great to see and meet some of you there. Later this month I will be at Light of Grace Books & Gifts in Nappanee. We haven’t confirmed the day and time yet.
Last night we finished planting the rest of our second garden. Joe brought in our first meal of radishes on Monday, and lettuce is also ready to use. The green onions should be good to pull by next week. Our asparagus is slowing down but there is lots of rhubarb yet.
Yesterday was sentimental for us. All five of us sisters were together for the day at sister Verena’s house. The absence of dear sister Susan was very real. It still doesn’t seem right to not see her there. Coming out from Indiana with sister Leah and Liz were Liz’s daughters Suzanne, Elizabeth and her children LaRose, Samuel, and Elizabeth Ann, Rosa and her children Jeremiah and Kayden, and Liz’s daughter-in-law Arlene and children Ella and Gloria. Coming from this community were sister Emma and son Steven, Emma’s daughter Emma and her children Jessica and Menno Ray, my daughters Elizabeth and children Abigail, T.J. and Allison, Susan and children Jennifer and Ryan, Verena, Loretta, son Kevin, and me.
LaRose, 5, is the oldest of the children there, so there were 14 children age 5 and under. There wasn’t a dull moment with all the children.
On the menu for lunch were cheesy ranch potatoes, meatballs, Spanish rice, pasta salad, lettuce salad, deviled eggs, tomatoes, pickles, hot peppers, various desserts, bars, and cookies. By the time everyone brought a dish or two, it added up to more food than was needed.
The day was spent visiting and sharing memories. Life brings so many changes, and letting God be in control is a great help. We are so glad we don’t know what the future holds. Let’s take one day at a time.
Hopefully when we get back from Kentucky, we can get our hay mowed.
Our church is also planning a work night at daughter Susan’s next week. It is so good to have the support of the church, friends, and family. Daughter Susan would be so glad if she could still have her dear husband Mose to help her with the outside work that can get overwhelming. Again, we want to take life one day at a time and trust in a higher hand. God’s blessings to all!
Ranch Potatoes
6-8 potatoes, peeled and chunked
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons diced parsley
1 cup shredded cheese (plus extra for top)
Cook potatoes in salted water, just until tender. Drain and set aside. Combine other ingredients; toss gently with potatoes. Place in greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.
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. Readers can write to Eicher at PO Box 1689, South Holland, IL 60473 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email LovinasAmishKitchen@MennoMedia.org and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.
Having enjoyed Lovina’s mother’s many articles, reading Lovina’s posts and following along life’s journey with her and her family has been a privilege. Her mother’s and her cookbooks are part of my collection and are referred to often. Her weekly updates, however, come to my email 10 – 12 days after written and often after a dated book signing has occurred. Is it possible to be notified sooner of book signing dates? My home is in Ohio so time and distance factor into my ability to consider attending.
Thank you
Hello Katherine! To receive more timely updates on events, you can follow Lovina’s Amish Kitchen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LovinasAmishKitchen.
God Bless you and your family ?
Blessed be to God in his highest.
For without his guidence we would be lost.
From one widow to another …hang in there.
You are not alone though it may sometimes feel you are.
Turn your eyes to the heavens and pray.
You will be heard.❤️