NIGHTIME SNOW VIEW

 

Was walking Pierre outside to do his duties when I saw the beautiful snow and trees.  I know my pictures don't do the trees and snow justice.  I really wanted to catch the moon behind one of the trees, but I think the snow came out better than the moon.  Hope you like the pictures.  Wish everyone a Very Happy New Year.

 

Marilyn

 

Just remember if you drink-don't drive and if you drive-don't drink.

BABY, IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT !!!!!

Last night the snow covered my boots when I walked Pierre.  The maintenance man has cleared us a path this morning.

These trees are near where I live. Down below is  picture of my car in the snow along with all the other cars of residents of our building. Next one down is the a shot down a local street.

Pierre does not understand how he can go potty out there in this mess.  He does not like snow.  I am only allowed four pictures on this post.  This is going to be a problem in some future posts.

Last night Jean called me and we have the January 7th post on Susan's school all done. We will have a recipe for January 9th and then I will have a post on January 11th.  It may take two posts on January 11th to get all the pictures on unless I can figure out how to get more pictures on one post.

So enjoy the pictures of our snow. 

SANTA CAME !!!! THE BARK by PIERRE

SANTA  CAME !!!!! HE CAME !!! HE REALLY, REALLY CAME !!!! My Mom said that Santa would come, but I wasn't sure.  When I got up this morning, I didn't see any Christmas packages.  I looked all over.  Mom took me out for my morning walk and I ate my breakfast.  When I came out in the living room there was a pile of presents-I thought they were for Mom, but Mom told me they were all for me. 

I opened some of the toys first.  Then I opened a new leash.  Also got a steak to put in the grown with a long leash on it, so we can hook it up next summer.  I got another dog bed (now I have two), but I still sleep in bed with Mom.  Then I got a Christmas Stocking with more toys. 

The new dog bed is really neet.  It comes with the bed, a blanket and a toy.  You can lie in the bed, cover with a blanket and play with a toy.  It also has a bow on it, but I think that looks kind of sissy so I'm going to get that off when Mom isn't looking.

I don't know how that Santa Claus got in our apartment.  I never heard him and I hear everything.  It doesn't matter, I got toys this Christmas.  Real toys.  My toys to play with and no one will take them away-well maybe my girlfriend Lily will try to sneak one out when she comes to visit.  She has lots of toys at her house, but she likes to take a toy where ever she goes.  That's okay because it's Lily and I always get them back in the end. 

I do believe in Santa Claus, now and if my Mom says he is coming-he will.  Mom said we have to wait all year and I have to be a good boy before Santa comes again. 

Well, I am going to go and play with some of my new toys.  Maybe I'll cuddle and take a nap in my new doggie bed.  I hope Santa Claus stopped at your house and your got  everything you wanted. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,
PIERRE AND MOM (Marilyn)

WEBSTER, NY-PLEASE KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS

Webster, New York is near Rochester, New York.  This morning a call for a fire was called in.  When the fire truck went out-two of the firemen were shot and killed.   Two of the firemen are in the hospital.  A passing police officer stopped and he was also injured.  Police believe that they have obtained the shoter who is now deceased.  Four houses are still burning.  Fire Department does not know if everyone is out of the houses.  This is a shock as Webster is a very small, violent free town where everyone knows each other.  The news just said that the two injured fireman are expected to make it, but complications could arise.  Police Officer injuries will be going home today, if he isn't already there.  I know more will be coming up, but I ask that you please remember these people in your prayers.  It is a tragic thing much less it is on Christmas Eve. 

Marilyn

MARTHA'S NTRODUCTION-JEAN'S RECIPE

MARTHA'S INTRODUCTION-TURKEY PIE FILLING - December 24Th

Hello, it is such an honor to be on here on Christmas Eve.  What a Christian Religious Day this is.  It is the day before Christmas, the day honoring the Birth of Jesus Christ.  We must remember that not only was Jesus born , but that later He gave His life for our sins.  Jesus is the reason for the Season.

I am Martha, I was born an outsider or Englisher.  When Joseph and I met, I went with him because he was Old Order Mennonite and I have never gone with one and he went with me because I was the first Englisher he had ever gone out with.  Little did we know, we would fall in love.  One of us had to change religion.  As Joseph was dedicated Old Order Mennonite and I was not as dedicated to my church as he was-I joined Old Order Mennonite.  It was a long hard change that has changed me.  I have been Old Order Mennonite for almost 20 years and would not change.  If you have read Amish Stories, you know about me there. 

My husband, Joseph and I own a Dairy Farm in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.  We have 10 children.  Seven of our children came as Foster Children that we adopted.  All of our children are treated alike.  They are all treated equal in all the phases of life. We all work together and play together-we all go to meetings (church) together.  Most of all, they are all loved and  are taught about the Lord. 

Jean and David are not only our friends, but will soon be our neighbors.  When I joined Old Order Mennonite, Jean was one of the few people who, at first, thought I would make it and stay.  She encouraged me and showed me our ways. So, I am glad to have them move next door to us. 

I am also surprised and happy that my son Kevin and fiancee, Bridget gave Jean, David and family their house to live in until their new house is built.  I would be glad to have Jean, David and their family in our house, but I know they need more room.  We are going to turn our third floor into an apartment for Kevin and Bridget.  After they leave, we will leave it that way-either for more Foster Children or to rent out by the week or weekend. 

Also, I will be filling in posts while Jean and family are moving and getting settled in their temporary home.  As Jean said, I will tell of Kevin and Bridget's wedding, but I will tell of other things, too.  If you have any questions, please put them in the comments.  It gives us an idea of what you are interested in. So, I hope you don't mind my filling in.  I look forward to helping Jean and New York State of Mind.

Be With the Lord,
Martha

This recipe is a great place for the left overs from your Christmas Dinner.

JEAN'S TURKEY PIE FILLING

1 cup cooked, diced vegetable of your choice or a mixture of carrots, peas, onions, celery and potatoes
2 cups diced turkey

Melt in large, heavy pan or kettle:
3 tbsp butter
Add: 4 tbsp flour
         1/2 tsp salt
         1 tsp grated onion
         1/4 tsp paptrike
         1/8 tsp pepper
Stir well.  Add slowly
         1 1/2 cups turkey broth
         1/2 cup cream

Bring to a boil.  When boiling, add vegetables and diced turkey and boil again.
Cool.  Put into favorite unbaked pie crust. Put a crust on top of the pie.  Bake at 350 degreed until crust is golden brown.  Filling must be at boiling point at some time during baking or reheating.


A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Martha, Joseph and Family

PIERRE'S "THE BARK"

Merry Christmas everyone.  I am waiting for Santa at our house.  My Mom says he will come to our house, but I find it hard to believe because he never came in the other homes I had-but Mom promises.  A friend of my Mom's says Santa's not coming because I have been a bad boy.  I ran away when the maintnance man opened the sliding glass door and I had to be chased down my him, Mom and half the construction crew.  She also reminded me of how I would take food out of the garbage can under the sink until Mom put a baby lock on it so I can't get it opened.  Also, she told about the time I ate all the chocolate candy and Mom called the vet-who told her how to make it come up on me.  So I'm not sure if Santa is coming-but Mom says he is-so I hope.  I think he should after Mom dressed me up in this Santa outfit and took this picture. I deserve it.

I know that money is tight in the economy today and lots of people can't do this, but if you have a few extra dollars please consider the dogs, cats, birds, fish and more.  If you give a food basket to someone who has pet-if you could put a can or box or bag of food in there for their pet.  I know some pets in the world aren't as fortunate as I am.  Maybe you could also slip in a toy for the pet, too.

If you know someone who is out of work or a Senior Citizen, please consider their pets too.  Mom was told by the Humane Society that many pets come in, not because they aren't wanted or love, but because people can't afford to keep them.  Maybe you could give some food, or a toy or maybe if you have a lot extra - maybe give a gift certificate to the vet to have their pet checked or even, if you have real extra money to take the pet to get it's shots.

Also please remember the pets at the S. P. C. A. or Humane Society-theywon't get any gifts from Santa.  If you have extra, they would like  toys, or dog or cat cookies or just pet food.  Even if it is after Christmas.  They also will take items that have been used.  Mom gave them a dog carrier and dog bed that she had for Rickie, who was a chihuahua, because it is too small me, a poodle.  You don't have to go to fancy pet stores-just from Dollar General or Family Dollar sell dog cookies for $1.00 a bag-it would give pets a treat.  Maybe you could just make a money donation in memory of a pet that passed.

While there, maybe you will find a pet just for you.  The greatest gift a pet could get is a full time home where he or she is loved and taken care of.  Puppies and kittens are cute, but don't forget the older ones, too.  I came to my Mom potty trained, fixed, trained (well most of them) and had lots of love to give.  Athough I was three when she got me, I still have lots of years left to give love and compaionship.  I consider dog special because dog is God spelled backwards.

I know some people can't afford to donate-I understand.  Mom, being a senior, has to watch her money, too.  But if you should have some extra money and could make a donation or just give someone some food for their pet-would be appreciated. 

Mom (Marilyn) and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. 

Love,
PIERRE

JEAN'S PECAN PIE

JEAN'S PECAN PIE-DECEMBER 23rd

3 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar *
1 tbsp flour
1/2 c. Karo syrup
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp. melted butter
Prepared pie crust, unbaked

Mix eggs, sugar, flour, syrup, pecans and butter.  Stir well after each addition.  Pour into prepared pie shell.  Bake at 275 degrees  oven for 1 hour. 

* My Mother sometimes uses Splenda instead of sugar as my Father is diabetic.  It doesn't come to the diabetic level-but it lowers it down, some.

I have made this for Christmas for many years.  I also bake pumpkin pie, but most of the people prefer pecan.  Of course there are some that like a slice of both.

Jean

JEAN'S BACK !!! HAS SOME GOOD NEWS !!!

WELCOME BACK JEAN !!!!   HAS SOME GOOD NEWS !!!

Thank you all for the welcome back.  It was so hard for me to say good by on Amish Stories.  I am so glad to be here on New York State of Mind. 

If you read Amish Stories you know that David and I purchased some property to build a new house on. So we thought we'd let peope know among the Mennonite and Amish that our farm was for sale.  Well, we sold  our farm. It is going to an Amish family that are moving up from Pennsylvania.  The people that bought our farm are the parents to the wife of the Amish couple behind us that had twins. We also had a lot that the people buying our farm bought for one of their sons.  It was a cash deal and we just couldn't turn it down.

We must be out of the house on or before January 15th.  The people buying our farm, sold theirs-so they have to be able to get into ours.  Our house was built by David's grandparents, then went to his parents and then to us.  We are cleaning out a house and barns filled with three generations of items.  Of course, some we want to take, those we don't we are offering to the family and those they don't want are going to be sold. 

Also we had to figure where to go. Our house will probably not be built until the Spring, but if the weather stays like it is, maybe a lot sooner.  Where were we going to put our animals?  Edward is still a foster child even though we feel he is a member of our family-he could be taken from us if we move too far away.  My parents, and David's parents offered us to move in with them-but there isn't enough room.  No one has a farm to rent. Martha and Joseph said we were moving in with them.  We could move in the third floor of their house.  In fact they are in the process of adding a bathroom for us.

This evening, Martha and Joseph's oldest son came over to our house with his fiancee Bridget (who was our maude) and gave us the keys to their new house.  They are getting married on January 1st (Martha will tell you about that).  The house and barn has been built for them.  We refused saying that was their new house.  No one has lived in it-it is theirs, but they insisted.  They said it would be easier for them to live with Martha and Joseph than all of us.  When we get our new house-they will move into their house.   We gave them all kind of reasons why they should move into their house after their marriage, but they wouldn't listen.  David told him we would have to build a chicken coup and Kevin (Martha and Joseph's son) said that was fine, he would have had to.  We asked if his parents made them do this and he said he hadn't told them.  He just kiddingly asked Michael not to set this house on fire. We were almost in tears as this is what we needed and they could give us their new house and barn to use.

David and I spoke with Martha and Joseph who were surprised, but that was their son and Bridget and if they wanted to give us their house, to use it.   It is special to them as Kevin was one of the children they adopted when he was just a little child.  He came to them as a Foster Child.  As we worry about our children, they did about him among all their children.  He is baptised Old Order Mennonite and marrying an Old Order Mennonite girl.

So I may not be able to make all the posts right away because of this move.  My green houses were moved to Martha's house, now they have to be moved to Kevin and Bridget's house.  I asked Martha if she would fill in on New York State of Mind when I couldn't do the posts and she agreed.  Hope you understand.  We never thought this would happen this time of year, but not our will, God's will.

We have lots of help Kevin and Bridget, my family, David's family, friends and other relatives.  Still packing all these boxes and sorting all that we have will take time. So if I am not able to put in posts, please look forward for Martha's posts.  I am not leaving New York State of Mind, just may not be able to post regularly until we get moved and settled.

I, along with my whole family wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, New York.

Be With God,
Jean

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST SOUFFLE

8 eggs
6 slices bread, cubed (use crust)
1 lb, sausage or bacon crumbled
2 cups milk
1 cup sharp chedder cheese, grated
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard

Mix milk, salt, mustard and eggs.  Pour over other ingredients tossing lightly.  Pour into a greased 9" x 13" pan.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees.

I may have had this on Amish Stories last year. When I make this, I do it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator all night. That way, I can just pop it in the oven for breakfast on Christmas morning.  Jean

JEAN'S LEMON BUTTER SNOWBARS

JEAN'S LEMON BUTTER  SNOWBARS-DECEMBER 21st

LEMON BUTTER SNOWBARS

CRUST
1/2 cup soft butter
1 1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar

FILLING
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a 1 1/2 quart bowl combine crust ingredients.  Mix on low speed until blended, about 1 minute.  Pat into ungreased 8" square pan.  Bake near center of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until brown on edge.

Prepare filling.  Combine all ingredients; blend well.  Pour filling over partially baked crust.  Return to oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until set.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Cook and cut into 16 bars.

These don't last long in our house unless I made the recipe twice.  I learned to make one for us and another for guests.  Jean

JEAN'S ON NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

 

 

 

 Hello Everyone. I know most of you know me from Amish Stories, but for those who don't, let me tell you something about myself.  My husband and I are Old Order Mennonite.  We own a Dairy Farm in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York.  This farm was passed from my husband's grandfather  (who built it), to his father and down to us.  Our family is of our youngest David Jr. who is 2, our daughter Susan who is 7, our older son Michael who is 15 and our soon to be son Edward who is also 15.  Edward is a foster child who we hope to be adopting next October or November.  Michael was a foster son who we adopted this past October. 

On our farm we have dairy cows, horses and grow crops. We sell most of the crops that we grow.  Also, we have a garden in front of our house that we grow for our home use.  We raise flowers and herbs in our three green houses.  Some of these we keep for ourselves, but mostly we sell these also. 

David and I were both born Old Order Mennonite.  I was born in Romulous and he was born in the hospital in Canandaigua, both in New York.  Susan attends our Old Order Mennonte while Michael and Edward attend the local public school. 

Our mode of transportation is a horse drawn buggy.  The ladies wear long dresses and prayer kapps.  The men wear black slacks, white shirts, and black coat for meetings (church).  We do have electric and telephone in our home. 

This is just a little about us.  Please ask any questions in comments.  We would be glad to answer them.  I hope we are here on New York State of Mind for a long time.

Be With God,
Jean

As many of you know I was laid up a while ago.  While reading novels about the Amish and Mennonites, I noted that everyone at some point in the book seemed to be eating Sticky Buns, so here is the recipe.

STICKY BUNS

3/4 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
2 pkg dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 egg
3 1/4 cup flour

Combine milk, sugar, salt and butter.  Stir until butter is melted.  Dissolve yeast in the warm water.  Add yeast, and egg to milk mixture.  Add w cups flour: beat until smooth.  Gradually blend in flour to form a stiff batter.  Cover; let rise in warm place until light and fluffy.  Spoon topping into pans and after rolling and slicing dough (as rolls) place each slice in topping.  Let rise.

TOPPING

3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp white sugar
1 tsp cinnamom
1 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp water
3/4 cup nuts or raisins

Heat until well combines

Bake buns and topping at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

JEAN'S INTRODUCTION TOMORROW

Don't forget that Jean's introduction is coming  tomorrow.  She also has a recipe with her introduction.  Then on Saturday is coming a post from Jean telling what the good news is and why she has asked Martha to do a few of her posts for her.  Of course she has a recipe with that post,also. 
So visit here and see what she has to say.

Martha's introduction is on Christmas Eve with the last recipe we will have in 2012.  We will have out first post for 2013 on January 7th.  As yet I don't know if Jean or Martha are going to do the first post of 2013.  I have a feeling, it will be Jean. 

Oh, while I think of it. I am going to start with Jean's post on Monday's and her recipe on Wednesday.  I am curious what you rather have.  Would you like me to leave it that way?  Or would you rather have Jean's (or Martha's) post and recipe on the same day????

Merry Christmas,
Marilyn

MOLASSES TAFFY-DECEMBER 19th

I still haven't found the taffy recipe that I was asked for, but I did find this one.  The young people like to get into the making of taffy.  Jean

1 cup of molasses
1 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 lump butter - the size of a walnut
Pinch of soda

Boil together molasses, sugar, vinegar and butter.  When the mixture hardens when a bit is dropped in cold water-add soda and remove from heat.  Pour mixture in a buttered pan or on paper,

CRANBERRY SALAD MOLD-December 18th

CRANBERRY SALAD MOLD

1 lg package raspberry Jello
2 1/2 cups water, boiling
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1/2 pt. sour cream
1 can mandarin oranges
1 c. Chopped nuts (optional)

Dissolve Jello, add cranberry.  Refrigerate until partially set.  Add sour cream, mandarin oranges and nuts.

Michael does not like cranberries, but he likes this salad.  I  use to make this just on Christmas, but seeing Michael likes it-I serve it more often.

Be With God,

Jean

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS-Dec 17th

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 lb. box confectioners sugar
1 Cup peanut butter (smooth and crunchy)
2 sticks margarine
1 teasp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together and form into balls.  Freeze until firm.  Melt 1/2 stick parafin wax over water; add 12 oz chocolate chips; mix until smooth.  Dip balls into chocolate and place on waxed paper to cool.  Refrigerate.  Makes approx, 30-40 small balls.

This one is enjoyed in our home, for visitors and gifts. 

Be With God,

Jean

APPLE BREAD RECIPE - DECEMBER 16th

APPLE BREAD

1 1/2 cups oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups apples, peeled and cut up
1 cup nuts

Combine all ingredients.  Put in 2 floured and greased bread pans.  Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes. 

Welcome to my recipes.  This is the first of several to come.  I hope some of these are ones you can use during the Christmas Season or throughout the year. 

Even though it says to put nuts in some of my recipes, it is not necessary if they cause you problems.

Be With God,

Jean

JEAN'S CHRISTMAS CARROTS-Dec 15th

CHRISTMAS CARROTS

12 med. sized carrots, peeled and cut into 1" lengths
4 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 Cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Cook carrots in saucepan, covered with cold water.  Cook until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.  Melt butter in a 1 quart saucepan.  Add brown sugar, giner and parsley.  Mix and set aside.

When carrots are cooked, drain and return to pan.  Pour butter mixture over them and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.  6 portions.


I may have had this recipe on Amish Stories, last year.  It is a recipe that we have at our home every year.  This year I will be taking it to my in-laws for Second Christmas. 

Be With God,

Jean

NEWTOWN, CONN. tragedy reminds us of the West Nickel Mines and so many more that have happened in this country over the years.  This is happening in our schools where we think our children are safe. 

Please remember the children, teachers, parents, police officers, medical personel, religious that are there in your prayers.  This is a hard time not only in Newtown, but in our nation-even the world. Also please pray that peace comes to our world.

PSALM 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with
   me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil;
  my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of
  the Lord for ever.

MOLASSES POPCORN BALLS-Dec. 14th

MOLASSES POPCORN BALLS

6 quarts popcorn
2/3 cup molasses
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/3 tsp vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tsp vailla

Pick over popcorn, discarding all hard kernels. Boil molasses, sugar, water and vinegar without stirring. Drop some in cold water to test, until it becoms brittle. Remove from stove and add butter nd vanilla.  Have popcorn in a large pan and pour syrup over it - gradually using a spoon to mix.  Form into balls.  The recipe makes about 20 balls. 

I make these when I know the Christmas Carolers are stopping here.  Nothing warms them up like a mug of cocoa and these popcorn balls.

Be With God,
Jean

DUE TO JEAN-CHANGES COMING UP !!!!

Due to unforseen changes in Jean and her families life, we have to change some things on New York State of Mind.  The recipes will continue every day up to including December 24th.  On December 20th, Jean will have her introduction with a recipe.  December 22nd-she will have a post with a recipe explaining her changes.  On December 24th, Martha is going to introduce herself to you with a recipe.

It is nothing bad that has caused these changes-in fact-it is something good. This just came up at a not too good time.   It will be explained in the post.  Jean IS NOT leaving us, although she has asked Martha to do a few posts for her, as needed, during the month of January-maybe a week or two during February.  Martha has agreed. 

Jean has asked me not to tell you what it is until she does the post.  So, as I did with Richard, I will not tell, but it is good news. 

I hope you understand and can go along with these changes. They are just for the next month or so-then things will return to normal again-she hopes.  As Jean would say:

Be With God,
Marilyn

"BELSNICKEL" CHRISTMAS CAKES-December 13 th

" BELSNICKEL" CHRISTMAS CAKES

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt

In a bowl pour butter over sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.  Then add the eggs, beating one at a time, into the mixture.  Sift baking soda thru the flour add the salt and add to the cake mixture. Let the dough stand in a cold place for one hour.  On a floured board, roll out the dough quite thin. Cut into small rounds or shapes.  Sprinkle with sugar and bake in oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

This an old recipe passed down many generations.  These would be great for your family or guests.  Also would be great gift.

Be With God,

Jean 

JEAN'S CRANBERRY BREAD-DEC 12th

CRANBERRY BREAD

2 cups bread or all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup orange juice
1 Tablespoon grated orange rind
1 egg, slightly beaten, room temperature
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup coarsely chopped cranberries

Sift together flour and dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
In a small bowl combine orange juice, grated rind and beaten egg.  Pour into dry ingredients and mix until  just dampen.  DON'T BEAT.  Fold in nuts and cranberries. 
Pour into pans.   Let pans sit for 20 minutes.
Heat over to 350 degrees.  Bake for 1 hour.  Test with toothpick.

Recipe is for one large bread or two small.

This is the first recipe on my Jean's Recipes.  We make these bread loafs for our family and for gifts.  Every year we make up plates or baskets for our friends, sick, and elderly-both Mennonite and Englishers.  In the baskets we put breads, candy, jams and jellies-all made in our home.  I haven't counted how many of these we have made a year.  David, my husband, says I should keep track some year.  Hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as mine does.

Be With God,

JEan

JEAN'S RECIPES START TOMORROW

Just want to remind everyone that Jean's recipes start tomorrow.  I have them set to come at 7:00 AM, Eastern Standard Time.  There will be a different recipe every day from tomorrow, December 12th up to and including Christmas Eve. 

On December 20th, Jean will have an introduction post along with a recipe.  If you are a reader of Amish and/or Mennonite novels-Jean thinks you will really like this recipe.  It's for something you see people eating in almost all the novels.  That's all I'm telling.

Also, Jean would like ideas for posts in the comments section.  She has had a few requests, which she will have posts on, but could use some more.  Sometimes Jean just doesn't know what you are interested in or want to know.  Her first weekly post starts on January 7th. 2013.

Marilyn

AMISH AND MENNONITE DRESSES ON E-BAY

I have said that I had some Amish and Mennonite ladies dresses to put on ebay-well I finally have some of them on.  I have more to put on.  Some of you have asked about them so they are on.  They are almost all the same size.

These dresses were handmade  by the Amish and Mennonite for a friend of mine that use to drive for them.  My friend felt that Amish and Mennonite might feel more comfortable if she dressed more like them when she drove.  Amish use pins when they wear their dresses, but my friend being an Englisher, they made the dresses with zippers or snaps in the back.  All of these are handmade by either the Amish or the Mennonites.

She does not live in the Amish and Mennonite area anymore - her husband got job transfered - so she doesn't use them anymore.   They are all in excellent condition. 

To get to the dresses, just push Family Life Magazine on the right.  Postage is FREE in the United States.  I give you 14 days to return if you are not happy with these dresses or any of my items, for that matter. 

So take a look.  These would be a nice, modest dress to wear.  When I get all the dresses  on, I have Amish and Mennonite prayer kapps that I will be putting on, too. 

Marilyn

MARTHA IS COMING, TOO !!!!

Martha called me this morning and told me how much she liked Richard's post today and said she would come to New York State of Mind, if I wanted her, too.  I more than welcomed her.  Martha is also Old Order Mennonite as is Jean, but Martha was not always.  She was an Englisher, like we are, and coverted to Old Order Mennonite.  She, her husband and children also own a Dairy Farm in Finger Lakes area of New York State.  Jean, Martha and their families are very close friends.  So if you have any questions for Martha, please leave them in comments.  Martha will not be on weekly as Jean is, but her posts will come as she has questions to answer, or as she said, she has something to say. 

Also coming is Sara, the Old Order Mennonite who is a Foster Parent as are Martha and Jean.  If anyone has questions for her, she would be glad to do another post or two.  She will not be on weely as Jean, but as she gets questions, will be glad to answer them.  Sara gets the most difficult or special foster children.  As with Martha and Jean, many of her Foster Children are adopted and become members of their family-for ever - as the children say.

So if you have any questions for Jean, Martha or Sara, please leave them in your comments.  It gives them subjects on which to post.  Sometimes, Jean especially, wonders what to do a post about.  She doesn't know what you would be interested in. 

Starting in January, we have a lot coming. 

Recipes start December 12th, so keep posted.  A new recipe every day including Christmas Eve.

Marilyn

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY, PIERRE

Today is Pierre's fourth Birthday. This is the first of his birthdays he has celebrated with me.  I believe that he is a gift from God to me. 

I had put down my previous dog Rickie, who had cancer.  He had out lived two and a half years older than the vet told me he would.  I was heart broken, but I needed another dog to fill my heart.  As Rickie had been a chihuahua, I didn't feel that I could get another chihuahua right now.  The two dogs I had before Rickie had been poodles, so I set my heart on another poodle.

My looking at SPCA and Humane Societys did not produce a poodle. There were many dogs, but not a poodle.  So I made a list of everything I wanted in my next dog.  As I got my previous dogs as puppies, I wanted an older dog this time.  The list was long of what I wanted in my next dog.  I thought I would never get a dog like that.  I wanted a full breed poodle.  On my limited income, I thought it would never happen.  Also I wanted the dog to come to me on Valentine's Day.  I told the Lord this was what I wanted and prayed.

As I belong to a dog club, I put my request on the computer to them.  I had lots of e-mails and looked at lots of dogs, but none were a full poodle.  One friend got on Craig's List.  She would e-mail me anytime a poodle came on.  I would e-mail the people that were selling the poodles.  One never answered me and the other had already sold it.  On Valentine's Day, she e-mailed about a poodle that was on- in the town next me.  It wouldn't come up on my computer so she had to send it to me.  I answered by land line and e-mail.  A while later, I got a call from the lady that owned him.  She explained that she worked 10 hours a day and didn't feel he was not getting all the attention he should. She also said one problem with him is he hogs attention. 

I was told to come over and see him.  My car was in the garage getting new brakes on it, so I asked if I could come tomorrow.  She asked where I lived and brought him over.  I waited on the street in from of our building until she pulled out.  Pierre (them called Tido) jumped out of the car and ran right to me, jumping on me like we were old friends.  When we went into my apartment I couldn't find him-the lady said to look on my bed-and sure enough there he was like he lived here.  The price she wanted was within my budget, but being a Christian I wanted to pray about it.  She said she would hold until the next day.

The next morning she called and asked me if I wanted and when I said yes, she said come and get him.  When my car was delivered-over I went and got him.  She said he had all his shots-two years ago and hadn't been groomed in ages.  I took him home, called the vet and the next day he went for all his shots.  Then he went to the groomers where he was groomed.  I didn't recognize him when I went to pick him up.  I almost took the wrong dog-but the groomer stopped me and gave me Pierre.

I wish Pierre could talk and tell me about his life before I got him.  There were two previous owners.  My vet says he was show dog, as she took him through all the moves in her office.  He does tricks, too.  Where ever he was is over-he is my little boy now.  Before he didn't have toys-now he has a basket full-some from Alaska.  He shares the attendtion that he hogged at his previous home with all the 97 tenants in our apartments here.   Pierre answers every request that I made on my list to God except I asked for a girl and he is a boy-that doesn't matter.  So Happy Fourth Birthday Pierre, the first birthday with me.  I truly believe that Pierre was a gift from God to me.

Marilyn

PIERRE TO THE DOG GROOMER'S

 First picture is of Pierre before he goes to the groomer's.  He wanted to take a little nap first.  We get into the car and head to the dog groomers.  Out front is their sign.  The dog groom lady's business is in her home.  She came recommended to me by my vet and also people at the apartments I live in take their dogs there.  She does an excellent job in grooming.  Pierre is easy to do.  Last picture shows him all groomed up, ready for his birthday tomorrow.  Again, he is ready to take another hap.  Those groomers sure wear doggies out.

Marilyn