MARTHA HAS SOME NEWS

I am glad to be back, but I don't know how to tell what I have to say.  When Joseph became Bishop, Erin was not happy in our house, so we finally let him move in with Kevin and Bridget.  About a month , Kevin came to us and said something was wrong with Erin, but he couldn't say what it was.  As Erin came over every day to work on our farm, we asked him and he said nothing was wrong.

We knew that Erin was courting a lady and who it was.  One evening her parents came to our house and wanted to see Joseph and myself.  When we went into our office, they advised us that their daughter was with child and Erin was the father.  Joseph and I were in shock.  We had no idea.

I have to stop here and say that having been Englisher and became Old Order Mennonite there are certain things I disagree with.  One is that young people are not told the facts of life.  They are not explained what goes on behind closed doors.  I strongly feel that young people should be told so they know.  But that is not the way of the Old Order Mennonites and after talking with Anna, the Amish either.  When two people get together and go to far, they don't realize what is going to happen.

After the lady's parents left and Joseph and I calmed down, we spoke with Erin.  He had known she was with child and was going to tell us at the right time.  We don't know what he considered the right time, but we already found out.  When this happens, in our ways, they must get married, which was fine with Erin.  Erin said that were courting and were going to get married anyway. He moved back into our home until they were married. As they had to be baptized before they got married, they got baptized when Edward did.

Before they were baptized, they had to come before our meetinghouse and confess what they did.  Then they are sent outside while we vote on whether they will be accepted, which they were.  They came back into the church and one of the deacons told them rather Bishop Joseph.  Before baptizing they underwent instruction as Edward and the others did before baptism.

After they were baptized, their new house and barn were built on the land that we owned. We gave them the land as their wedding gift.  It is near Keven and Bridget's house. Erin had chosen that land a while ago. People from our meeting house, Amish and Englishers helped build the house and barn.  Also much of the furniture was made for their house.  Because of the short time, some of the furniture will come later.

So on June 19th, Joseph married Erin and Lovina.  It was a spiritual and beautiful wedding in our ways. It was held in Lovina's parents home.  Many people came.  Erin and Lovina are now in their new home and we are waiting for our first grandchild in about five months.

We know Kevin and Bridget are happy for Erin and Lovina, but are sad as they have not had a child.  They will receive their child or children in God's time not ours.

Also, we are sorry that Marilyn couldn't take pictures of the house and barn going up, but it was done during the week, when she works.  Maybe next time it will happen when she can be there.  We also thank her, Jean, Elmer and Anna,  for knowing what was happening and not saying anything.  They felt it was our place if we wanted to tell. So we decided to tell here.

After much discussion between us, Joseph and I decided to tell the rest of our children the facts of life.  We feel that it is something they should know.

God is with us,
Martha

ELMER WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK .

CROSS CREEK CHURCH (METHODIST), PALMYRA, NEW YORK

Cross Creek church is the newest church in Palmyra.  The church was started in the building in pictures two and three.  After they out grew that building, they built the bigger church, that is in the rest of the pictures.  The opening picture is in front of the new church.  Cross Creek is Methodist Church.  I believe the building they started in is now used for religious courses in their church.

WOWEE - HORSE BACK RIDING

Outside they offered horse back rides.  The farm that had the rides was open to anyone at WOWEE, but on their farm the only that ride their horses are people of special needs.  At the horse rides one little boy wanted to ride the horse - the big one.  His parents wouldn't let him because he was a special needs child.  The little boy had never ridden a horse.  He was in tears he wanted to ride the big horse.  The people from the farm explained what they do on their farm and dealt with special children.  Finally his parents let the child ride the horse.  In the second picture is the special little boy riding the big horse.  It doesn't show, but the people are holding on to him while he is riding.  He was laughing and happy.  His parents were in tears while taking pictures. They were so happy their little boy finally got do what he wanted - ride the big horse.  I had tears as I was taking picture of the little boy. The rest of the pictures are of the horses and riders.

WOWEE -WORLD OF WILDLIFE EDUCATIONAL ENCOUNTERS

I had never been here before so it was very interesting.  This is the beginning of animals that were there.  There are lots, lots, more. All the animals on today, have a sign above them.   They also had venders there selling items.  Also, places giving information.  Tomorrow I have a very heart touching post on from here.

HAITI AUCTION,PENN YAN, NY

These pictures of the Haiti Auction came from Tom  of Tom The Backroad Traveller who was at the auction on Friday, June 20th.  I thank Tom so very much for allowing me to put them on here. Pictures are great. Sure you will all enjoy them.  Again, thank you Tom, for letting me have the pictures.

JEAN'S AND ANNA'S STRAWBERRY RECIPES - WE JUST HIT 300,000 PAGEVIEWERS

JEAN'S STRAWBERRY CHICKEN SALAD

4 cups cubed cooked chicken
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

In a bowl combine chicken and celery.  In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, lemon juice,mint, salt and pepper; pour over chicken and toss. Refrigerate.  Just before serving, fold in strawberries and almonds.

JEAN'S STRAWBERRY SALSA  (DIABETIC)

1 cup diced strawberries
1 diced banana
1 peeled and diced kiwi
1 cored and diced apple
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

Combine fruits in a medium mixing bowl.  Add lemon juice.  Stir in nutmeg and cinnamon.  Add yogurt.  Mix well.  Refrigerate until time to serve.

JEAN'S STRAWBERRY MOUSSE (DIABETIC)

1 package sugar-free strawberry gelatin
1/2 cup boiling water
1 pint fresh strawberries, halved
1 cup ( 8 ounces) nonfat sour cream
1 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream
2 cups light whipped topping

Dissolve gelatin in water; place in a mixer or blender.  Add strawberries, cover and mix or puree until smooth.  Add sour cream and ice cream; mix or puree until smooth.  Fold in whipped topping.
Pour into a serving dish or individual dessert dishes.  Cover and refrigerate for a least 2 hours.

ANNA'S STRAWBERRY TRIUMPH PIE (NOT DIABETIC)

Baked 9 inch pie shell
1 quart strawberries
1 cup granulated sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 Cup heavy cream, whipped (may use Cool Whip)

Wash berries, hull.  Crush half of berries, stir in sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice.  Cook, stirring over low heat until thickened (transparent).  Cool.  Cut rest of berries in half.  Fold into cooled ones.  Pour into pie shell.  Refrigerate in shell until set.  Top with shipped cream.

ANNA TELLS ABOUT HER DAILY ACTIVITIES

Someone wanted to know about my everyday activities.  I don't know if I can remember everything I do.  Not only that things change all the time.  So, this is a general day.

I got up between 5:00 AM and 5:30.  If Elmer wakes up at the same time, we pray for a few minutes.  Should I wake up first, I dress, go down stairs to get the coffee on.  Then I take my Bible to read and pray.  When Elmer gets down, we usually pray - then he goes to milk cows.

John has a a problem waking up in the morning.  So if he does not come down with Elmer, I have to go up stairs and get him out of bed.  Once I know he is getting up, I get back downstairs and start breakfast.  If John does not come, I call him until he comes down.  Should there be a load of laundry, I do that and hang it outside.

When Elmer and John come back from milking the cows, we sit down for breakfast.  Elmer sometimes reads a Bible passage.  Then we pray.  After our prayers, we eat and talk about chores, what they would like for dinner, etc.  When they are done, I do the dishes, and do any cleaning the house needs.  I may start dinner.  Any baking that has to be done, I do that.  In mid-morning I either take a snack out to them or they come in for the snack and coffee.  When they leave, I do any house cleaning that has to be done.  If we have more laundry, I do that and hang it up.  If the first load is dry, I take that down.

Then it is time to make lunch.  When Elmer and John come in, we all sit, maybe Elmer will read another Bible passage and we eat lunch.  We talk about the day, more chores, etc. Sometimes Elmer and I take a walk after lunch, if the weather is nice.  We are gone about a half hour, then we come back and get to our chores. When they leave, I clean up the kitchen.  If I have more baking or if it is canning season, I do that.  Maybe I will go quilting.  If they need help with chores, I am out there.  Maybe I take care of my plants.  Or I may be working in the garden.  Whatever has to be done.  If there is time, I may go visiting my parents or Elmer's parents or our children or friends.  Maybe someone will come and visit us


Now that John has his own farm, sometimes John leaves do to work there, so I help Elmer with chores around here.  We have to realize that Elmer and I will have to handle the farm when John marries and leaves in October or November.  Right now, we are trying to decide to build on the property we have in the back or buy another farm smaller than ours.  I mean what I said to Elmer, I want the living area of the house all  on one floor, so we may have to build.  One of our daughters and son-in-law is buying our farm.  It's time Elmer and I went smaller farm.

I then start dinner.  When the afternoon milking is done, I have dinner on table.  Elmer and John come in, we pray and eat dinner.  After dinner, I clean up the kitchen while the men do any chores they may have.  John may go working on his farm.  Elmer and I may sit on the porch.  Go visiting.  Sometimes Elmer reads the paper and I do sewing.

Around 8:00 PM, Elmer goes and checks the barn one final time.  John may here when he gets back - then he may not be.  When Elmer gets back we have bible reading and prayer time.  If John is here, he joins us.  We have no set time on how long we have Bible and read.  Sometimes it is about fifteen minutes, some times longer.  We are in bed by 9:00 PM.

This is just a general day of what I do.  If we have a vegetable stand in front of our house, I may be going in and out from there.  Sometimes there is an auction that Elmer, John and I go to.  Elmer and I may go fishing or hunting depending on the time a year.  I may be working in the fields or barns if they need me.  If there is quilting, I may leave Elmer and John a lunch and leave early in the morning.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Anna


ANNA JUST GAVE ME HER POST FOR NEXT WEEK ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON REMEDIES.

JEAN TELLS ABOUT FATHER'S DAY

First, I would like to thank you all for your condolences on the passing of our Bishop. They were very kind of you and are appreciated. It is very kind of all of you.

As some of you asked to know about our Father's Day, I thought that I would tell you.  A few days before, after we got back from Penn Yan, Elmer came over one day when Susan, Katie and David Jr. were playing in the yard.  I thought he would pull in and visit, but he gave Susan a box, spoke with her and left.  Susan bought the box to the house.  She said Elmer gave her a gift for David Sr. on Father's Day to be from the children.  When I saw Elmer and Anna, Elmer said it was something that David needed in slaughtering.  I offered to pay them for it, but he said it was from the children.  So that's the note I put on it.

On Father's Day, it was the first gift he opened.  Inside were some special knives that are used when slaughtering animals.  The ones that David used were old and really needed replacing but are expensive and he thought after this years harvest he would buy a new set.  When Elmer used the old ones while we were in Penn Yan, he decided we needed a new set now.  We thanked Elmer and Anna very much at Father's Day dinner and again offered to pay.  Elmer said the gift was from the children.  Anna agreed.

David had a desk that was his grandfather's.  It was in the attic in are old house, Kevin and Bridget's house and this house.  He said he was going to refinish it and use it in our little office area, but he never did.  Michael and Edward decided to do it for him for Father's Day.  We got it out of the house and over to Joseph's when David wasn't home.  Wouldn't David go looking for it while it was gone.  He thought I got rid of it.  Michael and Edward worked on it whenever they got a chance.  Any questions they had, they asked Bishop Joseph. They put a finish on the top in case someone spilled coffee or water on the top, it wouldn't damage the desk.  When it was finished, they brought it back on Saturday before Father's Day when David was out.  They took the desk we had been using and put that in the attic.  We tried not to let David in the office to see it, but finally the boys said they had to. So all of us went with David when he went into the room.  David was in shock when he saw that desk.  He was so proud of Michael and Edward for doing all that work.  David always said he would do it, but never got around to it.  Now it was done and he was so happy.  They did the chair that went with it over, too.  He also thanked Bishop Joseph for his advice and help with it.

This may sound  bit unusual to you, but I got David a winter coat for Father's Day.  He had wanted it during the winter, but the price was more than he would pay.  So did his Father want one.  I went through the store after Christmas and the coat was on sale for less than half of the original price.  So I bought one for David and one for his Father.  We gave his Father his, but David was surprised on Father's Day that I got one for him, too.

We got my Father a spring coat that he wanted and needed.  For Grandfather Albert, I made him a new suit of clothes.  Grandmother Olive has trouble doing hand sewing sometimes, she has arthritis in her hands.

After leaving meeting house, we went to the dinner at Elmer's friends farm.  Elmer's friend had church service at his house again.  The men had set up the tables and seats when we got there.  The two seating wagons and dishes wagons were there.  Two people - one Old Order Mennonite and the other Amish, had slaughtered one of their cows so we would have enough steaks.  Last year we donated one and I think Elmer donated the other.

When we arrived all the men received a flower.  We gave each of them a tulip.  We also laid out the dishes to pass and cooked the steaks.  The men sat and chatted while we got set up.  When dinner was ready, both Bishop Joseph and Bishop Eli said grace and welcomed us. The men ate first.  Then the boys.  Then us ladies and the girls.

After we ate, the men chatted while we ladies cleaned up.  The children enjoyed games.  We ladies chatted.  Later in the afternoon, we had cookies, cake and pie with lemonaide, iced tea, soft drinks, etc.

Before we left Bishop Joseph said that every year it is on the Amish to arrange where this will be.  He thought it was time one of us Old Order Mennonite had Mother's Day or Father's Day next year.  So we offered to have one of them at our house.

The men packed up the seats and tables while we ladies cleaned up the dishes and packed our things for home.  Both Bishop Eli and Bishop Joseph said a parting prayer and thanked us all for coming.  Bishop Eli ended by saying that the ladies do better on Father's Day anytime over the men's Mother's Day.  The men clapped for us ladies.

So that is how we had Father's Day.  When we got home, we had to milk the cows.  We had sandwiches for supper after all we had eaten today.

Be With God,
Jean

MARTHA WILL BE ON NEXT MONDAY WITH FAMILY NEWS.

SECOND REFORMED CHURCH, MARION, NY

Second Reformed Church is Marion, New York is really a beautiful church.  I couldn't find a history on it. It is the only church I have taken pictures of, so far, that has a separate building for youth and education.