Casseroles, Potatoes

May showers and tater tot casserole

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 Today daughters Verena, 22, Loretta, 19, Lovina, 16, son Kevin, 14, and I went to assist niece Emma in preparing for hosting the next church services. Sister Emma and son Steven, niece Elizabeth, and sisters Verena and Susan were also there helping, along with my daughters Elizabeth and Susan and their children. Emma told us all … Continue Reading ››
Desserts, Pies

Birthdays and Rhubarb Custard Pie

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We are having a cool May, making it a challenge to put any plants out in the garden yet. Yesterday the temperature hit the mid-60 mark, but the air had a chill in it. Son Joseph doesn’t have to work today, so I will probably go to town with him this morning to get him new … Continue Reading ››
Canning and Freezing

Spring garden and back to work

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It is 4:30 a.m. and son Joseph just left for work. They have a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the job site today, so they had to leave earlier than usual. Joseph enjoys construction work. Son Benjamin started back to work this week at the horse trailer factory after being off since March 23. Unfortunately, the factory shut … Continue Reading ››
Amish Family Recipes, Condiments and Sauces

Sunny Spring walks and answers to reader questions

We are in week number six of the coronavirus lockdown here in Michigan. A time in our life that will never be forgotten. The fact that we are having a few days of rainy weather doesn’t do much to improve the mood. But oh how much more we appreciate those nice sunny days! We cannot … Continue Reading ››
Cakes and Frostings, Desserts, Pies

Mail from readers brightens Lovina’s day

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Another week has passed and not much has changed around here. We did have the temperature go down in the 20s one night. My husband Joe didn’t expect it to get that cold and had his plants in the greenhouse. Unfortunately, it is too late for some of his plants. It was so disappointing for … Continue Reading ››
Amish Family Recipes, Breakfast, Casseroles

Spring memories while staying home

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As I’m writing this on April 16, I remember that thirty-nine years ago today my oldest sibling, sister Leah, and Paul were joined in holy matrimony. I was in third grade at the time and remember seeing my mother cry as the bishop was uniting Paul and Leah in marriage. I could not understand why … Continue Reading ››
Breads and Muffins

Fishing outings and home projects

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We are all still home from the “stay home, stay safe” order due to the coronavirus. We were to host church services this past Sunday but church services in our community were postponed until further notice. Maybe too often we take going to church for granted. It didn’t seem right to not meet with our fellow … Continue Reading ››
Amish Family Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes

Spring salads and fun with grandchildren

I am writing this on the last day of March. Will April bring us nice days? We will accept what we get. My husband Joe planted peas and radishes in the garden so we will wait and see if it grows garden goodies. It sounds so good. We had our first meal of dandelion salad this … Continue Reading ››
Potatoes, Soups

Gardening and games at home

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Today was such a beautiful sunny day with the temperature around 60 degrees. Everyone is home due to the coronavirus precautions. It seems so different to not set an alarm. Of course, we sleep later since no one is leaving home. The boys took advantage of the nice day and hauled a lot of manure out … Continue Reading ››
Breads and Muffins

Morning Maple Muffins from the new Lovina Eicher cookbook

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 It’s a rainy Wednesday evening here in Michigan. Supper is over and the girls are washing dishes. I decided to sit here at the kitchen table and get started on this column. The girls are talking to each other, so my mind wanders over to them, making the task of writing a little difficult. The … Continue Reading ››