We are into the first week of May. The grass is growing fast with all the rain April brought us. We need to buy a new mower. Ours last year was getting repaired constantly. I couldn’t believe what new ones are selling for now. It seems like one thing or another is giving up or needing to be repaired. It’s a part of life!

Asparagus is popping through the ground. The rhubarb plants look really nice, and spearmint and peppermint tea plants are coming up along with the weeds (already). Those who have winter onions are enjoying those. I would like to get some started again. I haven’t planted any garden yet, but we have our soil to put in the raised garden beds that Joe and the boys already built. Joe did plant some potatoes last night. He’s trying a different way of planting, so time will tell if it works.

We are mostly busy preparing for hosting church services here next time.

Yesterday I had a lot of help, and a lot was accomplished. Those assisting us with work were sisters Verena and Emma; nieces Elizabeth, Emma, and her children Jessica and Menno; daughter Elizabeth and children T.J., Allison, and Andrea; daughter Susan and Jennifer and Ryan; daughters Verena and Loretta; then after work, sons-in-law Tim and Dustin. Son Joseph came back home from his construction job as it was raining all day, so they couldn’t work.

Son Benjamin is in Traverse City, Michigan, working on a house all week. He will be back Friday evening. Traverse City is around four hours from here. I always wanted to go there for a book signing and meet the many readers from that area.

Granddaughter Abigail came off the bus here from school. She is excited that they will be going on a field trip to the zoo. Her daddy (Tim) will go with her class to help and be with her. Elizabeth couldn’t go as she breastfeeds Andrea and couldn’t take her along. It was so cute how excited Abigail was when Tim told her that he got to take off from work to go with her but that she needed to be a big helper and pick up toys. She was picking up the toys here too.

We had communion services Sunday at our neighbor’s house. Abigail was sitting between me and sister Emma while we were having communion. All the members stay standing while the children that aren’t members sit back down. When Abigail watched Emma and I get some bread and wine but not her, she told us, “That’s okay if the children don’t get any. We aren’t hungry or thirsty anyways.” She didn’t understand why only the adults got some. Then when we were washing feet, she commented to me that she washed her feet before she came so hers aren’t dirty, and she doesn’t need them washed. Such innocent little angels! I can see her growing up, even more so since she goes to school.

I made a breakfast casserole for yesterday morning, and everyone came for breakfast. Niece Emma brought a tater tot casserole for lunch. Desserts and snacks were brought in, so meals were easy. There were enough leftovers for supper as well.

The basement was thoroughly cleaned. The can room, the bathroom down there as well as the windows.

Sister Verena has been staying here a few days. She made a potato casserole to bring along when she came Monday night. It helps when we don’t have to take time to prepare meals.

Dustin and Tim were helping with jobs that needed to be done around here. They were here Saturday helping too. Joseph was cleaning out the barn. Appreciated everyone’s help. Today, daughters Verena and Susan and children and Verena’s friend Laura are coming to help.

Until next week … God bless!

Spaghetti Pie
6 ounces spaghetti (3 cups cooked)
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs (beaten well)
1 cup cottage cheese
1 pound of ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 pint spaghetti sauce or more as desired
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain, stir the butter in hot spaghetti, and stir in parmesan cheese and eggs. Form mixture into crust in a buttered 10-inch pie plate. Spread cottage cheese over the bottom of the spaghetti crust. Cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper until meat is brown and vegetables are soft. Drain off fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Heat through. Turn meat mixture into crust. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbly.

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.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.