Breakfast, Casseroles

Heaps of dessert but no salad at your last potluck? Take a lesson from Lovina and friends

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Six weeks ago today I had my surgery. I am feeling pretty good but am still being careful about my blood clot. It gets better every day. On Sunday I went to church for the first time since my surgery. I appreciated all the “welcome backs” and concerns for my health. On our way home Joe … Continue Reading ››
Candy, Desserts

Eichers exchange names for Christmas

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Today wraps up the month of November! While the children were waiting for the bus this morning, they said that Christmas is only 25 days away. I am having a harder time getting into the season this year. Even though we enjoy getting together with family and sharing gifts, let us always remember the true … Continue Reading ››
Meats, Snacks

Tragic buggy accidents: Grief for others weighs on Eicher hearts

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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. The children have their Thanksgiving feast at school today. Their cooking class teacher has to have a lot of patience to show all the students how to prepare this meal. Daughters Verena, Loretta, son Benjamin, and I plan to attend the feast. It is rainy here so Benjamin doesn’t have construction … Continue Reading ››
Casseroles, Meats

Lovina shares turkey casserole recipe from her forthcoming cookbook

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plasticcanvashobbydaughterlovina
Daughter Lovina is enjoying making projects out of plastic mesh and yarn.
Week after week goes by so fast! Christmas is only five weeks away from Sunday. Yesterday our children didn’t have school due to fog. At first they had a two-hour delay, but cancelled … Continue Reading ››
Casseroles, Meats

Surprise puppies pop up for Elizabeth’s family

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Thanksgiving Day is only two weeks away*. Unbelievable! Time goes so fast. And today baby Abigail is two months old. I went to the doctor to have the rest of my staples removed. I still have the blood clot in my leg so I need to be careful with that. I’m trying to take one day … Continue Reading ››
Desserts

Lovina appreciates family and community help after surgery

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We have entered the month of November this week. Son-in-law Mose and sons Benjamin and Joseph have been working nights to get all the leaves raked and burnt. We have lots of trees so this can seem like a never-ending job. It seems like a while since I penned this column although it’s only been two … Continue Reading ››
Breads and Muffins

Lovina’s oldest daughter takes up the pen this week

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Greetings from the Bontragers! I’m Lovina’s oldest daughter, Elizabeth, and I’m taking over for Mom this week. I’m not an excellent writer like Mom is, but I’ll give it a try anyway. Mom underwent some surgery this week. Depending on how the surgery turns out, she may need to stay a night or two. We hope … Continue Reading ››
Meats, Soups, The Essential Amish Kitchen

Cozy days and a hog roast top a week with autumn colors peeking out  

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  Signs of autumn are everywhere! The trees here in southern Michigan are absolutely beautiful as the leaves start changing color. Its 5:45 a.m. and son Benjamin is leaving for work. My husband Joe left around 3:40 a.m. for his job at the RV factory. Son Joseph is fallcolorsohiogetting … Continue Reading ››
Canning and Freezing, Side Dishes, Vegetables

Lovina’s family enjoys fall’s bounty with fresh venison, grape juice, hot pepper butter  

Another chilly morning! The temperature is 48 degrees at 7 a.m. The propane lights throw off heat which makes the house feel cozy and warm. We are in the process of getting things around to put up a chimney for where Mose and Susan have made their living quarters in our pole barn. We will burn … Continue Reading ››
Meats

Definition of a ‘handful’? Loading baby and two dogs into a buggy

It is Thursday already, and this column should have been written yesterday! The sun is shining brightly, with the thermometer showing 62 degrees this morning. Son Benjamin is home, as he doesn’t have work today. I hope he can clean up the remainder of the garden. We still have hot peppers, green peppers and cabbage in … Continue Reading ››