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 ››
Canning and Freezing, Cookies, Desserts

Busy hours fill the day: Diary for April 17, 2019

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4:00 a.m. I get up to pack lunch for son Joseph, 16, and make him breakfast before he leaves for work. They are working an hour away so they will start out earlier than usual. 4:30 a.m. Joseph leaves for work. I go back to bed until I need to get up to wake the children … Continue Reading ››
Breads and Muffins, Side Dishes, Vegetables

Garage sales and that first batch of dandelion greens

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It is 5:30 a.m. on a Thursday here in Michigan. It sounds windy outside. Temperature shows 38 degrees. It feels good to have heat coming up through the vent from our coal stove in the basement. After having 70-degree weather the house was too warm, so we let the fire in the stove go out. Yesterday … Continue Reading ››
Condiments and Sauces, Meats

Helping hands make light work; words of encouragement lighten spirits

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Yesterday daughters Elizabeth and Susan and their children came for the day. We cleaned Loretta and Lovina’s bedroom upstairs. We washed off the walls and ceiling, cleaned the furniture, washed the curtains and bedding, cleaned out the closet, and so on. On Saturday my sisters Verena and Susan came to help us, so we cleaned Verena’s … Continue Reading ››
Breads and Muffins, Breakfast

Supper, brunch, and maple syrup: Spring brings school celebrations and rising sap

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We are at the end of March already. Temperatures are staying above the freezing mark on most days. Tuesday evening our whole family attended the exit interviews for the eighth-grade class. Once again Mr. Ultz did an outstanding job having the 23 eighth graders make supper for all their families. On the menu were potatoes, ham, green … Continue Reading ››
Casseroles

After many years of hard labor, what do you get?

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Spring begins—or that is what the calendar says. Rhubarbs are starting to peep through. Robins are flying around with the smell of skunk nearby, so I think we are very close to a warmer world. It gives one more hope when the sun shines! Last Wednesday the RV factory where my husband Joe worked, and dedicated … Continue Reading ››
Desserts, Pies

With tongue in cheek, young Lovina says: Homework should be illegal

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Dear readers. Today I, Lovina (youngest daughter of Lovina), thought I’d give Mom a little break and write her weekly column. In case any of you are confused, I was named after my Mom so we share the same name. Although I’m not as busy as my Mom, it takes 90 percent of my energy to … Continue Reading ››
Breads and Muffins

Rosy red cheeks, giggles and smiles brighten Lovina’s day

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Rosy red cheeks, giggles and smiles brighten Lovina’s day We are into the first week of March already! Even though everything is covered with snow again along with some single digit temperatures on a few mornings, I keep telling myself that March is also when the calendar says spring arrives. Think spring! Yesterday daughters Elizabeth and Susan … Continue Reading ››
Casseroles, The Essential Amish Kitchen, Vegetables

Remembering a beloved neighbor, and her first plate of cookies

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Remembering a beloved neighbor, and her first plate of cookies Daughters Verena and Loretta are making supper. On the menu is tater tot casserole, rare beef, and cheese. The casserole is a new recipe they are trying out. Rare beef is thinly sliced steak from our beef we butchered. It’s heavily salted and peppered, then … Continue Reading ››
Cookies, Desserts

When the factory doesn’t have work, try not to worry

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It’s 4:30 a.m. and son Benjamin, 19, just left for work. My husband Joe left over an hour ago to travel to his job. Joe has been working at the RV factory for over 14 years now. He has a 45-minute drive to and from the factory. With the road conditions this winter we can’t … Continue Reading ››