CANANDAIGUA LAKE IN THE SPRING

Canandaigua Lake is the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes in New York State.  City of Canandaigua is at the north shore of the lake and the Village of Naples is at the south end of the lake.  The name Canandaigua is from the Seneca Indians Kanandarque which means "the chosen spot." Canandaigua Lake is 15.5 miles long, 1.5 miles wide and a shoulder of 35.9 miles. Canandaigua Lake is about 14 miles from my house and about 5 miles from Jean's house.

I took these pictures back in April.  With all the cold and snow, I thought it would remind us of some of things we have to look forward to in a few more months.

JEAN'S QUICK ECONOMY MEAL

JEAN'S QUICK ECONOMY MEAL

1/2 to 1 lb ground chuck hamburger or round steak
2 slices bread (toasted) for each dinner
1 can mixed vegetables
1 can tomato soup
Basil
Oregano
Onion Flakes
Garlic powder
Herbs (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Saute ground meat in cooking spray treated skillet.  Remove all grease from pan.  Add drained vegetables, tomato soup and stir until all meat and vegetables are covered with the soup.  Add seasonings as desired and mix.  If too dry, add water so that mixture can be spooned on toast.  Cover and cook on low heat while bread is toasted and buttered.  Then spoon mixture on toast and serve.  Serves 2 to 4 persons.

RICKIE, TWO YEARS HE HAS BEEN GONE

Last year Rickie, my long haired Chihuahua, had been gone one year.  I saw A Dog's Last Will & Testament and thought I would put it on today, two years since he passed.  I still miss him. 
Marilyn

ELMER ANSWERS SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS

Thought I would answer some of the questions that you have asked me.  The first question is: Are the Amish more strict than the Old Order Mennonite?  First let me explain that people are different.  What I would allow my child to do, my neighbor might not.  Likewise he might allow his children to do something that I would not allow my children to do. There are some people that let their children get away with anything and others that are overly strict.  We Amish, are all different like the Old Order Mennonites and Englishers.   Both Amish and Old Order Mennonite raise our children by the ways in the Bible.  That all being said, I will not say that Anna and I are stricter than Jean and David.  Not will I say Jean and David are stricter than we are. 

Which leads to the next question: How do the Amish deal with the young wanting to drive cars? Not all Amish young folks want to drive cars or do drive cars.  We strongly discourage it.  But I did have one son, who drove a car for a short time.  I remember telling my parents about him while I was sitting at their kitchen table.  My Father went on about what he would do if it was his son.  I noticed my Mother had a smirk on her face.  When my Father stopped for a sip of coffee, I asked my Mother what was on her mind.  She smiled and said: " Now you know what we went through with you, your brothers and sisters."  When my grown children come to my house to tell me about their children-I say the same thing my Mother said to me.  If a young person drives a car, they can not keep it on our property.  In New York State you have to have a drivers license before you can get license plates for a car.  If anyone of our children were under 18 and wanted a drivers license, we would not sign for it.  The Bishop would also come and talk to the young person and explain that cars are against our belief and why.  Everyone I know that drove a car, gave it up, when they got serious with a young lady.

My last question today is: How do Amish deal with careers?  I don't know if you mean someone going into a questionable career or picking a career.  I will take it you mean picking a career. There are two careers most Amish know - farming and building.  We also feel that we are to use the gifts that the Lord gives us.  Some make furniture, some own a general store, some do bookkeeping and taxes, and other careers.  Businesses like furniture, or general store may be passed down as the father retires and the children take it over as are many farms.  Some start a different career, in some areas, because faming land is hard to find and expensive. Some start a business because they live or move in an area that they see needs it.   All Amish try to do as much in our homes as we can, but there are some things that we have to go to others for.  For example, I can do many repairs on my buggy, so can David, so can Kevin and others.  But should something major happens, we have to have them loaded on a flat bed truck and hauled to Penn Yan or Clyde which are a long way away to get them repaired.  It would be nice if we had someone that could build and repair buggies here.   Maybe someone will move into the area or some young person take it as their career or trade.  I know Bishop Joseph has mentioned this  to Jean and David's son, Michael, as a possible career. 

When I grew up, ladies work was in the home.  Oh, a young lady might work outside the home before she married - doing house cleaning, waitress, taking care of children and alike.  A wife could set up a vegetable stand or pastry stand or make foods to sell at a bake sale.  If a lady made quilts, handkerchief, etc.  they took them to a store to sell it for them.  Things have changed.  Now many Amish ladies have green houses where they grow and sell plants.  Also, they have what we call cottages which are small buildings built on our property where the ladies sell quilts, jams and jellies they canned, baked goods and more.  There are some women owned cottages that sell baked goods.  Some cottages are wife and husband businesses.  The ladies sell quilts, baked goods, foods they canned while the men sell Amish furniture, wood items, etc.  Some of the cottages are groups of men and ladies run together.  Each person brings their own items to sell and they take turns working there so no one person is running it all the time. 

Sometimes things just happen that give you the idea of a new career.  Anna and I are thinking of going into a business in our home, that I will tell you about in another post.  We have this big house.  Our son will probably be marrying soon.  We talked of selling it, but then came up with another idea we are checking into. 

I hope I have answered some of your questions. 

Another thing that might interest you is that Anna, our son John and myself are going to take a trip to  Pinecraft in Sarasota, Florida.  Marilyn would like us to do a post on that either while we are there or when we get back.  We plan on staying for the month of February, so we will be leaving New York State on January 29th by bus. It will be nice getting away from the cold, snow and ice for a little while anyway.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer

  

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PALMYRA, NY

The First United Methodist Church is the second of the four famous churches built on the four corners.  This church was formed back in 1811 as the First Methodist Episcopal Church.  They moved to many locations in our village until they changed their name to First United Methodist Church, and built the brick church on the corner which they dedicated on October 31, 1867.  Since the original church being built, they have added an addition to the church.

This church is a bit unusual in that the main entrance to their church is not on Main Street as the other three churches are. In the first picture is the front of the church on Main Street.  Between First United Methodist Church and Western Presbyterian Church is a street called Church Street.  Entrance to the Methodist Church is on Church Street.  I believe this happened when they added on the addition.  The third and fourth pictures are of the side entrances.  The last picture is of their parsonage.

In the months that have a fifth Sunday, they come to our apartment's community room on that Sunday and put on a free breakfast for all of us.   I think that is very kind of them to do that for us.

NEXT WEEK WILL BE ON THE THIRD OF THE FAMOUS CHURCHES - FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

ANOTHER SWISS-GERMAN AMISH FARM IN GALEN, NY

Here is another Swiss-German Amish Farm that I took pictures of.  I don't know if you can see the people in pictures three and four.  Have more farms to put on.

MARILYN'S CROCK POT RECIPES

As Martha and Jean are looking for crock pot recipes, I thought I would put on a couple that I use.
Yes, I do have three different crock pots and sometimes use two at the same time making different things.

Marilyn

SHORT-CUT CHILI CON CARNE

1 1b. lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 to 2 tsp chili powder
1 bay leaf
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 (16-0z) cans kidney beans, drained
2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce

In skillet break up beef with fork and cook until lightly browned.  Pour off excess fat.  In crock pot combine meat with onion, salt, chili powder, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce and kidney beans.  Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours.  Remove bay leaf before serving. Makes 6 to 7 servings.

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

1/4 lb salt pork or bacon, cut in small cubes
1 onion chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
3 cups water
2 (7-oz) cans minced clams or 1 pint fresh shucked clams, cut up
2 cups light cream or evaporated milk
Paprika

Saute pork with onion in a skillet.  Combine sautéed pork, onion, potatoes, salt, pepper and water in crock pot.  Cover and cook on low 5 to 7 hours.  Turn control to high.  Add clams and cream.  Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes.  Sprinkle with paprika.  Makes 6 to 7 servings.

HOT CHICKEN SALAD

2 cups diced cooked chicken (or turkey)
1 1/2 cups diced celery
1 cup ham-flavored croutons
1/2 cup slivered toasted almonds
1 1/2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
4 tbs mayonnaise
1 tbs lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp curry powder (optional)
1 cup crushed potato chips
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

In slow-cooking crock pot, combine chicken, croutons, almonds and Parmesan cheese.  Toss together to mix.  In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and curry powder.  Stir until well blended.  Pour over chicken mixture.  Stir to coat thoroughly.  Cover and cook on low 2 to 3 hours.  Sprinkle with potato chips and cheddar cheese.  Turn to high and cook another 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

OKAY, NOW IT'S YOUR TURN, PLEASE SEND YOUR FAVORITE CROCK POT RECIPES TO: lincolnlady1121@yahoo.com  FOR MARTHA AND JEAN.  YOUR RECIPES WILL ALSO BE PUT ON HERE TO SHARE WITH US ALL.  IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR NAME ON, JUST LET ME KNOW - I WILL PUT ON THE RECIPE WITHOUT YOUR NAME.

MARTHA NEEDS YOUR HELP !!!!

Jean and most of her family have come down with the flu so she asked me if I would do the post for her this week.  Hope they are all feeling better and back soon.

My help is that I am looking for crock pot or slow cooker recipes. Oh, I have a couple of cookbooks, but an looking for recipes you make in your home.  You see crock pots were recently allowed in our homes and for us to use. 

Many of the people in our meetings (church) wanted to be allowed to use them especially the ladies.  Others were against the idea as they said it would give us a great deal of free time.  This had been brought up many times, but ruled down by our previous Bishop.  It was brought up again before my husband, Bishop Joseph. 

Joseph had seen them in stores, but never saw one working.  He was thinking of buying one to see what it was like, but when we mentioned it to Marilyn, she brought one of hers over that we could use.  I was shocked when she said she has three of them and uses all of them - some at the same time.  The picture above is of the crock pot Marilyn brought to our home.

Edward, and Marilyn showed us to prepare the food and turn it on.  While my food was cooking, I did some ironing and caught up on my sewing.  I didn't see it as a machine that would give someone a lot of free time.  Like all other household machines, it depends what you are doing while they are running.  You can be doing other work or wasting your time. 

After we enjoyed our meal from the crock pot, Joseph had all the deacons come to our home for dinner the next evening.  I made the meal in the crock pot.  Edward's Grandmother had one while she was raising him, so he explained how the crock pot worked.  He explained it cooked slower, but uses a lot less electric than the ovens would for those that had electric stoves.  Also, more of the juices and nutrition are detained in crock pot cooking than in oven cooking. Edward also explained how it could be used for making apple sauce, soups, some baked goods and lots more.

At one of the meetings, Bishop Joseph had  a vote from all members including the deacons saying if they would like it or not.  More wanted it than didn't.  Still Joseph said he would make a decision the next week.  The final decision was his. After a week of prayer and thought, he announced at the next meeting that crock pots would be allowed. 

We have purchased one and we have used it.  Some of my recipes I still use the oven for, but I have used the crock pot.  It did a great job on the apple sauce and soups that I made with it.  I have also used it for meats and our meals.  To me, the meals taste better. 

It also does give us some free time, but I try to use it wisely - doing things I don't have time for.  I also think it will be great to use during our planting and harvesting seasons. 

So if you have any recipes that you make in your crock pots, Jean and I would like to have them.  We got a cookbook when we bought our crock pot and bought another cookbook at the book store.  But, we would like your favorites.  I thank you in advance.

God is with us,
Martha

SEND ALL RECIPES TO: lincolnlady1121@yahoo.com

WESTERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PALMYRA, NY

Last week I had a post on the four churches on the four corners in Palmyra, NY.  I decided to do the posts according to the churches age.  The Western Presbyterian was the first of the four churches to be built.  Western Presbyterian was build in 1832.  It is the largest of the four churches and has the largest congregation, to this day.  There has been an addition to the original church but that was many years ago - before my time. The addition has the office, community room, handicapped entrance and more.



Many of the people in this town did not believe in slavery and partook in the Under Ground Railroad for the slaves before and during the Civil War.  Rev. Dr. Eaton, who was Pastor of the Western Presbyterian Church at that time, hid slaves in the steeple of this church. 

I attended a Catholic High School and my term paper in my senior year in religion class was to interview a minister from another religion and tell the differences between their beliefs and ours.  I chose the Presbyterian Church and spoke with the Minister at the Western Presbyterian church.  Women's liberation was coming in then (1967) and I asked the Minister if he thought that the Presbyterians would ever have women ministers.  I can still remember him pounding his fist on the desk saying that the Presbyterian's would never have women ministers much less allow a woman to be Pastor.  As you can see by the white sign in the fifth picture - he was wrong.



On the second floor of the addition is the Canal Town Nursery School which the Western Presbyterian Church has sponsored since 1973. 



Next week's post will be on the second church built on the four corners - The First United Methodist Church.

UNUSUAL AMISH FARM HOUSE

When I came across this house, I thought it was an Englisher's.  Elmer and Anna were with me and when we stopped to talk with another Amish man, Elmer found out that this house was built for a newly wed Amish couple.  Tom, the Backroads Traveller sent us the second picture that he took while the house was under construction.  I thank you Tom, for the picture.

THE FIRST OF THE FOUR CHURCHES ON SUNDAY.

MARTHA HAS A POST FOR US ON MONDAY.

JEAN'S CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

The first time I had made this recipe when David and I had gotten married, I was upset when he had his first piece and then poured blue cheese dressing over it.  I thought I had done something wrong in making it.  Speaking with his Mother, I was told the blame falls on David's father.  That is the way he liked it and so does David.  Now David, Michael and Edward all like chicken cordon  bleu with blue cheese dressing over it.  I warm the dressing just a bit before I serve it - just enough to get the cold off of it.  So here are the recipes for the chicken cordon bleu and blue cheese dressing.  You can serve it with dressing or without.

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skin removed
4 thin slices of ham
4 slices Swiss cheese
Seasoning salt (Lawry's, etc)
1 egg, beaten
flour
cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp oil

Place chicken breasts shiny side down, pound with meat tenderizer mallet until thin, flip over and repeat.  Sprinkle seasoning salt on each breast, place 1 slice of ham, then 1 slice Swiss cheese on each being careful to leave an edge of chicken.  Starting at the narrow end, carefully roll up chicken and stretch meat on sides to cover.  Place in pan (seam side down) and refrigerate for 10 minutes.  While waiting prepare 3 bowls; one with beaten egg, one with flour, and one with cracker crumbs.  Take breasts out of refrigerator and roll in flour, then egg, then crumbs.  Return to refrigerator for 10 minutes to set breading.  Remove from refrigerator and brown outside by frying on top of stove in 2 Tbsp hot oil.  Finally bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese starts melting on cookie sheet/pan.

BLUE CHEESE DRESSING

3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup half and half

Reserve 1/2 cup blue cheese.  Beat remaining blue cheese and cream cheese on low speed.  Add mayonnaise and half and half; beat on medium speed until creamy.  Stir in reserved blue cheese.  Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.  Makes about 1 2/3 cups dressing.

JEAN'S "IT IS COLD OUTSIDE"

When we got up this morning, it is below zero outside.  Bishop Joseph called this morning and told us they are closing Susan's school today, which is rare.  He said that with so many children walking to school in this weather would not be safe. 




David and Edward went to a painting job this morning, but got a driver rather than taking the buggy.  This cold weather is not good for the horses especially seeing they would have to stand outside a greater part of the day. 




Because of David and Edward's job, Michael had a few extra jobs to today.  Right now he is working with Kevin in Kevin's shop which is heated.  The men did all the outside work today.  David wouldn't even let Katie and Susan out to get the eggs, he had Michael do it.  He felt it was too cold for us to go outside unless it was necessary.



Today is baking day in our home.  We are baking bread, rolls, muffins, cookies, cake and maybe a pie or two if we can fit them in.  Grandmother Olive, Susan and I are doing most of it, but Katie and David Jr. are helping us.  The baking also heats up the house, so we can keep the furnace down lower.




It is a good thing we did our washing yesterday.  It would have been as solid as a rock if we hung it outside today or we would have it hung all over the basement.  We do have some ironing today, but that won't take too long.  I will wait until Katie and David Jr. are taking their naps.




Last night David checked to make sure the generators would work in case the power went off, as it sometimes does with the wind, but it didn't last night.  A few of the farmers did lose theirs.  After we went to bed, David had to go out to a fire.  Elmer was also at the fire and David asked him how things were at his house as the Amish don't have electric.  Elmer said that their house was warm with the heater they have that burns wood.




Other firemen came in their cars to pick Bishop Joseph, Kevin, Elmer, David and his father up.  They didn't want them getting the buggies out at that cold.  There was no fire when they got there.  Someone's furnace had backed up and filled the house with smoke.  Everyone had gotten out of the house.  David said that is really going to be a job for those people to clean all the smoke up, but glad there weren't any flames.




The little ones still want to go outside and play even though it is so cold outside.  David and I had been talking about when we were their age.  The weather didn't bother us then, but we wouldn't want to go out in it today except for chores.  The boys are hoping that it is cold enough to skate on a local pond.  For the past two years, it has not been solid enough for skating so they haven't worn their new skates.  Of course it is suppose to be in the 40's this coming weekend.



Hope all of you are able to keep warm during this cold winter.


Be With God,
Jean

PALMYRA, NY - FOUR FAMOUS CHURCHES

The Village of Palmyra in Wayne County, New York, is the only place in the United States with a major church on each corner of a main intersection.  Shown here, (looking northwest) at the corner of Main and East Canandaigua Street are (clockwise from bottom): Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian. 

Another interesting point in these churches is that three of the four churches have women Pastors.

This postcard picture was taken by Don Hunt Aerials, Wolcott, NY. 

I am planning on doing a post a week on each of these churches.  When I have completed them, I will do posts on the other churches in the village and area. 

AMISH SCHOOL HOUSE, LYONS, NY

  After passing Miller's house, I went down a road to turn around on November 9th, found the school and took the two top pictures.  On December 28th, I went by there again to take the lower three pictures.  I didn't know that the back door opened, in the last picture,  until I got home.  If you want to see the school under construction go to: Tom, the Backroads Traveller.  On December 11 th, Tom, shows pictures he took while the school was being built.

EDWARD'S SHORT'NIN BREAD

This recipe was brought into this country by the slaves that were on plantations.  They also brought in the song short'nin bread. 

EDWARD'S SHORT'NIN BREAD RECIPE

4 cups sifted flour
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 lb softened butter or margarine

Mix flour and brown sugar together thoroughly.  Add butter and work in until a smooth dough is formed.  Turn onto a lightly floured surface and pat to a 1/2 inch thickness.  (Chill if necessary for easier handling)  Cut dough into desired shapes and transfer to cookie sheet.  Bake at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes or until very delicately browned.  Remove sheets.  Cool for about 5 minutes before transfereing to rack to cook thoroughly.


I apologize to Edward for not putting this on the Christmas recipes.  Somehow I over looked it. He was very kind and understood.  This recipe can be made and enjoyed anytime of year not just Christmas.

JEAN'S FIRST POST OF 2014

I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  I also hope you enjoyed the Christmas recipes.  Would you like them again next year?

We have taken down our Christmas decorations.  Katie's great-grandparents brought their Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve.  All talking from David, Bishop Joseph or myself could not convince them not to bring so many gifts.  When Grandmother Olive saw all the gifts she was really upset.  She said this has to end.  I was told to make a pot tea, bring some cookies, and invited Katie's great-grandparents into the dawdy.  They were in there a long time.  At one point Grandmother Olive came out and wanted the bank books that we had for all the children.  I asked her why and she said just give them to her, which I did.  Bishop Joseph, David and I waited and waited.  They were in there about two hours, when they finally came out.  What she and Grandfather Albert said I don't know.  When they came Grandmother Olive said a compromise had been reached. 

As this was Katie's first Christmas at our house - many presents were to be allowed.  All of the presents that were not allowed in our home were to be removed.  This ment us opening some presents to see what was inside and rewrapping them.  The great-grandparents were to return the items we didn't allow or give them to a charity.  After this year, they were to buy just a few gifts and put any other money they would spend on Katie, in her savings account. 

The children, while this was going on, were over at Bishop Joseph and Martha's house and didn't know what was going on.  On Christmas morning, everyone got more gifts than we would usually have, but we wouldn't argue with the compromise.  All of us had a very Merry Christmas. 

Bishop Joseph asked Grandmother Olive and Grandfather Albert how they did that with the Great-Grandparents.  Grandmother Olive told him, he is a great Bishop - very kind and understanding.  But some things he will learn, come with age and experience.  We all had to laugh, she was right.

Michael and Edward are now out of the public school.  They have sheets, they must fill out every month, telling what work they are doing.  In addition to his farm work, Michael, is learning how to work on farm equipment and every once in a while a car.  Edward in addition to his farm work, is doing painting jobs with David.  David thinks that Edward should take some courses in accounting.  Edward is really good at figures.  He can figure things before they are even written down.  As the Old Order Mennonites and Amish must keep accounts and file taxes every year just as the Englishers, it would be a great job for Edward.  Edward had never thought of that and said he likes to work with figures so we are seeing if he can take some courses.  David told him to take one and see if he likes it or not, but that there is a need for people keeping records and doing taxes.  But, Bishop Joseph did not approve of Edward taking courses in the public school system especially after we just got him out of one.  Edward spoke with one of Elmer's sons who keeps books for some of the Amish and does their taxes.  He took a correspondence course, which we are entering Edward in.

Grandfather Albert also can do figures like Edward without writing them down.  Grandfather said it runs in our family.  Edward laughed as he was a foster child and now our adopted son.  Also, Edward thinks it is funny because Grandfather Albert is white and Edward is black.  Grandfather told Edward that the day he came into our household -Grandfather Albert became Edward's great-grandfather like he did Michael's and Katie's and Grandmother Olive became their Great-grandmother. Grandfather never took any courses in accounting and also agrees, it would be a good idea for Edward, if he wanted.

Susan is back to our school, so Katie and David Jr. are the only little ones at home.  Katie has made herself big sister over David Jr.  She is a great help in entertaining him and watching him while I do chores in the house.  Katie is a big help.  We are still teaching her the language, reading and counting. 

Please remember to keep the Christmas Spirit not just in December, but all year.

Be With God,
Jean

OLD ORDER AND WEAVERLAND MENNONITE WINTER FARMS

These farms are Old Order Mennonite and Weaverland Mennonite Farms.  I got these pictures yesterday while traveling the back roads.  Also took pictures of some of the fields.  I know some of these pictures aren't the best, but considering the roads, I think they came out pretty good.  Yes, we did have snow in New York State and have more coming in a few days.