It is 4:45 a.m. and my husband Joe just left for work. Sons Benjamin and Joseph left before that.

On Thursday I had to help with the wedding food prep at the home of neighbors Joas and Susan, for their daughter Carol. Sisters Verena, Emma, and I went together. My job was to help cut up the broccoli and cauliflower for the salad. We also cup up the potatoes for the dressing. Quite a few other women were there doing various jobs.

We regret that we couldn’t attend the wedding of Jacob and Margaret (cousin Esther’s daughter). We appreciated the invitation, and wish them a long and happy married life.

On Friday we attended Carol and Aden’s wedding. My job as cook was to help peel potatoes for mashed potatoes. The noon meal was very delicious and consisted of mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, grilled chicken, buttered noodles, green beans, broccoli/cauliflower salad, homemade bread, strawberry jam and butter, mixed fresh fruit, peanut butter and strawberry pies, angel food cake topped with strawberry glaze, and candy bars.

After the noon meal, we headed home to prepare for our trip to Kentucky. We started out later than we wanted, with waiting on everyone to get home from work. It was nice for our whole family and sister Verena to travel on a bus.

On Saturday we spent the day at Joe’s sister Salome and Morris’ house. It was a nice day! Not all of Joe’s siblings attended, but we had a good time visiting with those who came. The day went much too fast. The children enjoyed a water balloon fight, which cooled them off on that hot day.

We headed home for Michigan on Sunday around noon. It was good to get home safe and sound. Everyone was ready for bed early. We had a nice trip. Always thankful for God’s protecting hand.

Last night we had good attendance at my book signing at the Middlebury, Indiana library. Thanks so much to all the readers who came, gave encouragement, and bought books. Thanks also to the librarians for their hospitality. My friend Ruth again took time from her family to drive for us. Daughters Verena and Susan and grandchildren Jennifer and Ryan also attended. It was good for Susan to get out of the house and get her mind off everything. The readers there were very caring about her situation.

This afternoon I will go to daughter Susan’s house to help her get ready for all the help that is coming tonight. Our church is making a work night at her house to help her get caught up with whatever needs to be done. Supper is being brought in as well.

Foremost on our minds is brother-in-law Jacob. He was admitted to the hospital yesterday. He hasn’t been feeling well lately, so doctors are running tests to see what is going on. I talked to sister Emma last night after she came home from the hospital. Please keep Jacob in your prayers.

With everything that has happened in our family, it just makes me worry. But why worry if we can pray? That is sometimes easier said than done. God is a great help. Today six months ago was the accident of Dan and Mose. Jodi and Susan (their widows) are on my mind this morning. They need our continued prayers. God bless you all!

Green Beans

2 pounds fresh green beans, cut up
3 tablespoons butter
8 ounces bacon, cooked to the desired crispness and cut into small pieces
salt
black pepper
seasoning salt

Place the green beans in a large pot, cover with water, salt as desired, and cook until the green beans are tender. Drain. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook until browned. Add the green beans and stir to coat. Continue to heat until the green beans are steaming hot. Add the cooked bacon, along with salt, pepper, and seasoning salt, and serve.

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.