ELMER GIVES US SOME THOUGHTS FOR 2015

As I said, Amish do not consider New Year's Day a special day. But, I think like many people, I think of what I want to do next year.  I guess Englishers call them resolutions.  This  year Anna and I would like to lose a little weight.  With all ate pies, cakes, dinners, fudge, candy and more that we have eaten has put a little weight on us.  There are also farm things I want to do such as plowing around the outside edge of the house so Anna can plant flowers, want to put another coat of paint on the barn, and more.  Of course, I want to plow and plant the land for our crops.  Anna and I were talking of maybe setting up a stand in front of our house to sell some of our vegetables and the flowers, herbs that Anna will grow.  I just thought that I will have plow a place for Anna's vegetable garden this year - once she decides where she wants it.  These are our plans.

But, we must stop before we do anything and ask the Lord what He wants us to do.  We must trust in the Lord and His way not our way.  As it says in the Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:10 "They kingdom come. They will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."  Sometimes we make a list and ask the Lord that we accomplish all these things.  In Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it shall be given you: seek and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh finedth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Now what we ask for might not be the answer we receive.  Like Anna and I were planning on turning our old house into a bed and breakfast, but that was not God's will.  All of a sudden, things changed.  Sometimes Anna and I wake up in the morning and still can't believe we are in the one story house with a smaller farm.  It happened so fast.  It was the Lord's will that our old house went to our daughter, son-in-law and family.  Now we didn't hear loud voices.  No one knocked on our door and told us what the Lord wanted us to do.  But deep inside was like a feeling.  Like we were being talked to.  Some of what happened just because things feel together right.  Like when we found out some of the land we thought we owned - we didn't.  Everything fell into place that we now own it.

Also there are times when you have to do things.  The doctor tells you you have to lose weight or your health will be effected.  You have to quit smoking.  You must stop drinking liquor.  You must get off drugs.  Then we must ask the Lord for His health and strength.  Psalm 3 3-4 "But thou, O Lord art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  I cried unto the Lord with my voice and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah."  We must turn to the Lord at times like that.  We must trust that He is our shield.  He does lift up our heads.  Even if you cry to the Lord He will hear you.  If whatever you have to give up seems impossible, we must turn to the Lord.

We also must trust in the Lord that He will see that we make it through whatever we must go through. Psalm 37 - 3 "Trust in the Lord, and do good so shall thou dwell in the land and verify thou shall be fed." Here too we must trust in the Lord and he will see we make it through whatever we must go through or discontinue.  We also must trust that the Lord will give us the strength to get through whatever we must do.  There are a lot more passages in the Bible on trusting the Lord.

When out daughter, Alma, was in the terrible buggy accident several years ago.  Anna and I sat down and went through the Bible marking every passage on trusting the Lord.  Whenever one of our old Bibles wears out and we get a new one, we go through and mark the new one.  That way if something comes when we must trust and would like to read a passage - all we have to do is look for one of our marked passages.  Of course we mark other things in the Bible, too.  So sometimes we have to search a little for a passage.  But after reading and using the Bible so much we can find one pretty fast.

When you have completed your resolution like losing all the weight the doctor wanted. don't smoke any more or drink liquor anymore or use drugs anymore, don't forget to Praise the Lord.  and thank Him for all He has done.

So as Anna and I go into 2015, it will be in prayer - praying that the Lord's will is done in our lives.  We know we will make mistakes.  We know that we won't always do the Lord's way as we are human.  But when we realize we made our mistakes, get back on the Lord's way not our way.

We wish all a wonderful 2015.  We wish you strength for your resolutions.  We wish you that the Lord's will be done in your lives.  We wish you all prayers.

We wish you a Blessed and Happy New Year,
Elmer and Anna

P.S.
I have changed my mind and have a special poster on tomorrow. It should come on at 12 midnight.  Recipe will go be on Friday.  Next week, we will have someone new on Tuesday.  I think you will enjoy her. Marilyn

IF YOU DRIVE, DON'T DRINK.
IF YOU DRINK, DON'T DRIVE.

We want you all back here safe and sound.

ANNA'S LAST POST FOR 2014

Our Second Christmas at Elmer's parents house is over.  We had a great time.  After everything was all cleaned up, Elmer's Mother called all her daughters, daughter-in-laws, grown up granddaughters and granddaughters-in-laws into her kitchen.  She handed each of us a booklet.  Inside were all the family favorite recipes that she made for Christmas and Second Christmas dinners over the years.  Elmer's Mother had typed one of these on her manual typewriter and took it to the library to have copies made so each of us would have a copy.  Then she told us, with a laugh, we are on our own.

We then tried to decide who would have Second Christmas next year.  Sarah wanted it, but we told her that is the entrance of fire for her first dinner.  We agreed she should start with a smaller gathering - then work her way up.  Her time would come.  After a whole bunch of talking guess who got selected for next year - me.  I don't mind doing it.  We are going to rotate every year so no one gets the same job every year.

Elmer's Mother said she would be glad to help, bring food, or do whatever, but she wasn't going to do it all anymore.  As I said last post, she is all most 80.  She said she wouldn't let anyone else do it all these years because she wanted to do it, but her time to retire has come.  We laughed and clapped.

Elmer and I are starting to get our seed catalogs in.  I know spring seems a long way off, but it will be here faster than we think.

What I didn't like in one of the herb catalogs is they don't know what they are saying.  Now not all herb catalogs are like this, just this one.  They are trying to put the use of the herbs in next to each herb, but they don't know what they are doing.  Like some herbs they have as can only be used as vegetables.  They are wrong.  Not only that, some that they have as vegetables can be used for medical purposes.  They do have some marked for medical use, which they are right on.

I have purchased from that catalog as they do have good prices and do offer some herbs that other's don't but they had better get someone that knows herbs better to make out their catalog.  I know the difference, but someone starting in herbs may not.  I don't want to mention any catalog names.

Just if you are starting with herbs, be careful on what they say they are used for.  As I said, some herbs can not be eaten.  There are many books on herbs that can help.

Seeing the weather has been so fine lately, many of the men are plowing the fields.  They want to plow under the ground that had snow on it.  Who would think that two days after Christmas, they would be plowing in Upstate New York?

Elmer did our plowing and took the plow and horses over to John's.  Elmer was going to plow his land for him, but John wanted to do it himself.  So Elmer sat inside talking to Sarah, drinking coffee and eating some of her baked goods while John did the work.  Elmer said it is funny to see our son grow up.  Before he didn't want to plow the fields.  Now that it is his own, he can't wait to plow.

If the weather stays the same, Elmer will plow Hannah and her husband's land for them.  He would like to get it plowed before the snow comes again.

Elmer also said he thinks this is a year to mark.  He feels that this is a rare year where we don't have snow this time of year.  Also, we better enjoy it because he feels the snow is coming.

Lord willing, I am not leaving here forever.  I just don't want to have to post every week.  Things will come, I am sure, that I will tell you about.  I told Marilyn that I would be glad to fill in if Jean or Elmer couldn't do it.  Maybe when spring comes, I will have more to say.  So I do not plan on saying good-by just that I won't be on all the time.

I hope you all have a very Blessed and Happy New Year,
Anna

JEAN'S LAST POST FOR 2014

First, I wish you all a very Happy New Year.  Please keep the Lord in your heart and prayers in this coming year.

Like Marilyn, I wonder where 2014 went. It seems in just got here and now it is gone.  It is funny with David Jr., Katie, and Susan.  To them every year seems so long.  Wait until they get our ages.


Christmas came and we had a deeply religious and enjoyable time.

A few days before Christmas, Thomas had been out with his lady friend and came home earlier than we thought he would.  He saw us having a family meeting and we all went quiet when he came in.  Of course he thought that we were going to find him another home.  David and I explained that the meeting was something for him on Christmas.  It was not bad.

On Christmas after church, presents, dinner and everyone else had left, we gathered in the living room.  Thomas wondered what his present was.  We explained that at the meeting we had when he came we all agreed to yes. He asked yes to what.  David asked Thomas, if he would agree to letting us adopt him.  We know he is new in our home.  He could think about it.  The family meeting was to see if everyone agreed with us and they did.  We consider him a member of our family now, but would he allow us to make it legal.  He has many months before we can do it because of all the papers and things we have to go through.

Thomas had tears in eyes and kept asking us if we were for real.  We said yes.  He said we wouldn't back out - one family did.  The whole family agreed that we would not back out.  He asked if it was because we felt sorry for him.  We said no we didn't feel sorry for him, we loved him.  He had to go to us him room because he was taken by emotion.  The little ones couldn't figure what happened - we said he would be back and he was.  After about a half hour, he came out of his room, down the stairs and screamed yes. We all hugged him.  So the Monday after New Years, David and I will call Social Services and our lawyer to get the adoption going.    I had Thomas okay this before I told Marilyn. Thomas said to say it was the best Christmas he ever had.

Elmer told you that the Michael, Edward and Thomas are earning extra money plowing driveways and shoveling walks.  They have been doing this in addition to their other winter jobs.  Of course, we haven't had any snow since the time Elmer told about.  They boys hope that snow comes so they can make some more money.  All three of them are saving for something.  We don't know what it is.  David said it better not be a car.  They said no.  Maybe it's another courting buggy.

Which leads to if young folks in our area should drive cars?  Bishop Joseph had a hard decision to make as he drove one when he was young before he was baptized.  Our Bishop at the time, did not approve.  My husband, David, also drove Joseph's car before he became baptized and we married.
Should Bishop Joseph preach what he wanted or what he practiced?  He had meetings with the deacons and ministers.

Finally, one Sunday, Bishop Joseph got up to preach and told the story on how he had driven a car before he was baptized and married Martha.  In fact driving the car into the city is how he met Martha.  But, that was wrong and he should not have done it. Meeting Martha was not wrong, but driving the car was.  He explained how he had meetings with the deacons and ministers.  They have all agreed that young ones should not drive cars.  Because Bishop Joseph drove a car when he was young does not make it right for others to drive a car.  Cars are of the outside world.  Horse and buggy are of our world.

I think it was very brave for Bishop Joseph to get up and do what he did.  Some of the young folks agree with him - and some don't.  Michael is one who didn't agree with him.  Edward and Thomas are happy with the horse and buggy.

Again, my family and I wish you all a

Happy New Year,
Jean and Family

WHERE HAS 2014 GONE ?

Where has 2014 gone ?  It seems that the year just started and here it is ending all ready.  First I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year for 2015.

I want to thank you all for coming to New York State of Mind.  Thank you for seeing all the pictures, reading all the articles and leaving messages.  It is so kind of you.  You are who keep us going.

Also, I would like to thank you for all the gas gift donations that you have made.  They are really appreciated.  It sure helps me to go out and take pictures.  I don't drive as much during the winter months that I do during the other seasons.  But, if there is no snow, I go.

How do I thank Jean, Grandmother Olive, Elmer, Anna, and Martha for all who contribute to New York State of Mind?  They don't receive any pay for what they do.  They are always here.  If for some reason one can't put on a post, one of the others will.  Sometimes they have to think of what to say, but they always come through.

Not all they do is New York State of Mind.  Jean has helped with my back problems.  Anna has, too.  Even Grandmother Olive has come up with advice to help.  I have never gone to their house and not had either a meal or a piece of pie or cake.  Never have I left their house empty handed - they always give me a jar of something they canned, a plate of something they baked, or a container of something I enjoyed at their dinner.

Most of all, we thank you for the prayers that you have prayed for us.  All of them are really appreciated.  It is nice to know that others are praying for us.  We pray for all of you, too.

This year has been a very good year New York State of Mind.  I don't think I had to remove anything this year.  Maybe I did.  I know people sometimes disagree with what I put on, but if they did, they expressed it kindly.

You have put up with my back problems.  My working.  My not working.

My not working may lead to some changes.  I don't know what.  To make some money, I will have to put items on ebay and etsy to sell, which means I will have to have time to do it.  We will see what happens.

Jean, Grandmother Olive, Elmer, Anna, Martha and myself wish you all a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year.  We hope you continue staying with us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR,
Jean and Family
Elmer and Anna and Family
Martha and Family
Marilyn and Pierre

I found out that some people are having a hard time with the I am not a Robot on the comments section.  In fact, they can not get on to leave comments.  I did not put it on, so I am trying to see if I can get that taken off.    Marilyn

ANTIQUE CAR SHOW - PALMYRA CANAL TOWN DAYS LAST SEPTEMBER

This top car is the Ford Edsel.  I think the next one is a Chevrolet Corvette and the next one a Ford. Next are the Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet and the last is a Ford.  Now you know how far back I go.  I still have more cars to put on later.

SWISS - GERMAN AMISH FARM

This is a Swiss-Amish farm that I took pictures of in September.  Hope you enjoy these pictures.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - DECEMBER 25, 2014

FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOUR, WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD.


Luke: 2:11






A BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS, TO ALL,

JEAN AND FAMILY
ELMER, ANNA AND FAMILY
MARTHA AND FAMILY
MARILYN

LAST CHRISTMAS RECIPE FOR 2014 - HAM AND BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

JEAN'S HAM AND BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

1 (8 oz) jar process cheese spread
2 cans cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 Tablespoon margarine
2 (10 oz) packages chopped broccoli (or fresh)
4 cups diced cooked ham
2 cups minute rice
1/2 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce

In large bowl, blend cheese, milk and soup.  Cook onion in margarin.  Cook broccoli according to package directions, drain.  Add cooked onion, ham rice and worcestershire sauce to broccoli.  Add sauce mixture and mix well.  Turn into (2) 1 1/2 quart casserole dishes (lightly greased).  Cover tightly.  Bake 400 degrees for 45 minutes.  This can be frozen before or after baking.  Serves 8-10 people.

Hope you have enjoyed all the recipes we have on for not only Christmas, but all year long.  We try to get on recipes that you will enjoy.

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas,
Jean
Anna
Marilyn


THERE WILL BE A POST ON TOMORROW.

ANNA TELLS ABOUT THEIR CHRISTMAS - SWEET POTATO PIE

We Amish have communion twice a year.  One is on Good Friday before Easter and the second is the Friday before Christmas.  Our Communion really starts four weeks before, when at church, Bishop Eli advises us that we must make preparation before communion Friday.  This means if we have hurt anyone, done anything to anyone, not forgiven anyone, we must do this two weeks before communion Sunday.  If anyone has any problems they can not handle, they are to see Bishop Eli, which means he is very busy.  Two weeks before Bishop Eli asks if anyone has any problems that have not been taken care of.  If so, communion Friday would be postponed until the problems are taken care of, but I never known for that to happen.

We fast from dinner on Thursday until after Communion on Friday.  Our Communion takes almost all day.  It starts at 9:00 AM in someone's home like all our services. Only members of the church can attend.  Children are not members of the church so can not attend nor outsiders.  We have a regular service with sermons on sinning, forgiveness, love for one another and alike.   After our service, any young folks or adults that are joining our church come forward and are baptized into the church.  They will receive their first communion with us.

When baptism is done, Bishop Eli asks one last time before communion if there are any problems that need to be settled.  Is everyone forgive and have forgiven?  We all answer yes.  Then we have the washing of the feet.  I will wash the feet of the lady sitting next to me and Elmer will wash the feet of the man sitting next to him.  When we are done, the person sitting next to us will wash our feet.  After the feet washing we stand and kiss the person that washed our feet on both cheeks, they do the same for us.  It is to show us humble.

Again there are prayers and sermons on how the Lord died for our sins.  How He has suffered for us and died for us. He also explains that the bread represents Jesus flesh, and the juice His Blood.  Bishop then comes around with the communion which is pieces of flat bread that some of the ladies made and cut before today.  Bishop asks each person if we have forgiven and are forgiven.  When we say yes, he hands us the piece of bread which we eat in front of him and he goes to the next person.  After he has been around to everyone with the bread, he goes around again with the juice.  Some Amish use wine, but we use grape juice.

When Communion is over we thank the Lord for giving us His son and thank Him for dying for our sins.  We pray that we will live the way the Lord wishes us to.  That we are kind to others.  That we will try not to sin again, but know we will because we are sinners. but know that Jesus died for us. He also rose from the dead for us.  We thank and praise the Lord for all He has done for us.

By the time, communion is over, it is time to go home and do milking.  Elmer does the milking and I have a casserole made that I can put it the oven and have ready for dinner.  After dinner we usually discuss the sermons, maybe look up passages and pray.  We go to bed early as it is an exhausting day.

As Sunday before Christmas is a church week this year, we went to church.  Sermons were about the Birth of Jesus.  How our sins are the crucifixion, but when we pray to God and ask for forgiveness, which He gives us, it is like a birth or the rising from the dead. Also, that we must teach our children the true word of the Lord.  That everyone has to have a rebirth.  Be born again.

We fast again on Christmas Day until dinner time.  Christmas Day is going to be at our house.  It looks like it will be my sister, her husband and children, my parents, Elmer's parents plus Elmer and I.  All our children are either going to in-laws or having it at their house.

When Elmer gets up, we pray.  Then he does chores, while I get the dinner going.  When he comes in, we will pray.  I am sure he will read about Jesus' Birth.  People will start arriving around 11:00 AM.  Most are bringing a dish to pass.  When everyone is here, Elmer will pray.  Read about Jesus' Birth.  We will pray.  About noon, we will have dinner.  After dinner, we will open presents.

In the afternoon, I will have pies, cake, candies, and alike out.  We will also have coffee, and tea.  Before the folks leave, we will again pray.  After they leave, Elmer will do chores and I will make dinner usually left overs from dinner.

Second Christmas is at Elmer's parents this year.  Elmer's Mother told us last year that the Lord willing she would hold Second Christmas this year and it would be her last time.  She had done it countless years and it was time that us children took over.  She would bring dishes to pass, help in anyway, but she is almost 80 and this is her last dinner hurrah.

For Christmas she is having Elmer's family, my family, John Sarah's family, and knowing her anyone who happens to stop by.  We are all bringing a dish to pass.  I am bringing the Southern Sweet Potato Recipe and a couple of pies.  I guess that's more than one dish, but I want to her help her out.  Also, Elmer and I will get there right after chores, so I can help her.

When everyone is there, I am sure Elmer's Father will read of Jesus' Birth from the Bible and we will have prayer.  Then we will open presents.  Dinner will be on the table at 12:00 noon.  Not 11:59 or 12:01.  At noon.  That is the way Elmer's Mother is.  We laugh at her, but that's the way she has always done.  Elmer's Father will say a prayer before dinner.  Dinner is turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, vegetables, salads, homemade bread, homemade jams and jellies and I don't know what else.  For desert there will be pies, cakes, and cookies.  After dinner Elmer's Father will give a blessing.

After the kitchen cleaning, the adults will have talking.  The children will be outside playing if the weather isn't bad.  If it is they will be playing probably upstairs.  After a while, we will have singing where all the of us including the children sing.  Then she will bring out the rest of the deserts, candies, etc.

Before everyone leaves, Elmer's Father will have a short prayer.  Then we will go home to do chores.  Elmer and John will probably stay to get the house back in some kind of order.  They will back the next day to make sure the furniture is where it should be, etc.  Hannah, Sarah and I will come to make sure the house is all cleaned up and taken care of.

I went on quite long.  I am sure I left some things out, but this is how we celebrate our Christmas.

Also, next week will be my last post for a while.  If anyone has any questions either Elmer or I will answer them or if something comes up, I will come on.  But, I feel that I have said all about herbs and medicine until spring comes.  So I am going to take a break.

Hope you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas,
Anna

If you have any sweet potatoes left over or you want to do something different with sweet potatoes, here is another southern recipe I got at Pinecraft.

SWEET POTATO PIE

2 8 inch pie crusts, unbaked
3 cups sweet potatoes, boiled, mashed and peeled (you can use mixer or food processor)
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 to 4 teaspoons allspice

Preheat you oven to 325 degrees.  Mix all ingredients in mixer or food processor until smooth.  Pour into pie crusts.  Bake until crust is brown, about 45 minutes.  Cool and refrigerate.  Elmer likes it with whip cream on top.

ELMER ANSWERS QUESTIONS - SWEET AND SOUR RED CABBAGE

I will answer the easiest one first.  Yes, it is okay to send Christmas cards to Amish as Marilyn said.  Depending on what group or even family, some will reply with cards.  Some won't.  If they don't, please don't take it personal, it is their way.  Other Amish hand make their own cards and send them.  Some buy Christmas Cards at the store and send them to their Englisher friends.  Anna makes most of our Christmas Cards.

Someone also asked during my journey with the Lord and my being born again,  why was I worried that my new religion ways would harm my relationship with Anna.  That happened when I first was born again and I didn't know if Anna was.

First let me explain that most Amish do not believe in being born again.  It is believed to be an Englisher way not an Amish way.  Our group is one of the few born again Amish groups.  We hope and pray that there are more Amish being led by the Lord to being born again.  Knowing the true way of the Lord.  I don't know if I would have been led to the Lord if it weren't for Eli being born again and leading me.  Of course, Eli said if it hadn't been him, the Lord would have chosen someone else.

It is hard, even for one Amish trying to show another Amish the way.  Even showing them in the Bible the teachings of the Lord.  The ways of the Lord.  It's like I am trying to get them to leave the Amish which is not true.  It's that I want to show them the way.

I know all I can do is show the person the way.  It is up to them if they will accept it or not.  That goes for Amish, Old Order Mennonite or Englisher.  Maybe they will think about it when they go home and follow the way.  Maybe the Lord has someone else to lead them.

So getting back to Anna and I.  We were courting at the time.  As being born again was not common among the Amish, it was doubtful that Anna would be born again.  I being newly born again didn't have the knowledge, faith,   or courage as I do now.  I was afraid that when I told Anna of being born again and explaining it to her that she would leave me.  That she would not understand my way.  That I was leaving the Amish religion.

It was such a relief to find that her family were born again, too.  That she understood that I was not leaving the Amish.  That she believed the ways that I did.  I had worried about nothing.   The Lord had led us both His way.  I hope I answered questions.

Feel free to ask questions.  I will know what you are interested in.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer

THERE WILL BE SOME CHANGES NEXT WEEK.  JEAN WILL BE ON MONDAY.  ANNA ON TUESDAY.  ELMER ON WEDNESDAY.  RECIPE ON THURSDAY,  I WANTED ELMER TO GIVE US SOMETHING TO START OUR NEW YEAR OUT.  THE REST OF THE WEEK WILL BE THE SAME.

JEAN'S SWEET AND SOUR RED CABBAGE

3-4 bacon stripes, diced
1 onion, diced
1 large apple, peeled and diced
1 medium head sliced red (or white) cabbage (sliced)
1/4 cup vinegar
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
salt
pepper

In dutch oven brown bacon.  Add onion, and apple.  When tender, add cabbage, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper.  Mix well.  Cover.  Let simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  If it goes dry, add a little water.

JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON) CHURCH - HOLIDAY BUTTONS

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints better known as the Mormon Church was founded in the town I live in.  The first picture is of their church and the second their sign in front of the church.  The third and fourth pictures are of their Temple and sign.  Trees were in the way so it is hard to take pictures of.  Fifth picture is of Joseph Smith's home, the founder of the church.  The last picture is the building in which the first Book of Mormon was printed.

JEAN'S HOLIDAY BUTTONS

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups chocolate-hazelnut spread, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
Decors or decorating sugar

Beat butter, 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with mixer at medium speed until well blended.  Add egg and almond extract, beat until well blended.  Combine flour, salt and baking powder; gradually add to butter mixture, beating after each addition.  Divide dough into four pieces shape each piece into 7-inch log.  Wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until firm.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.  Cut dough into 3/8 inch thick slices; place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.  Poke four holes in each slice with toothpick or straw.

Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until cookies are set.  Cool on cookie sheets 1 minute; remove to wire racks to cook completely.

Spread 1 teaspoon chocolate-hazelnut spread on flat sides of half of cookies; top with remaining cookies.  Roll sides of sandwich cookies in decors.

OLD ORDER MENNONITE FARM - CHRISTMAS THUMBPRINT COOKIE

Here is an Old Order Mennonite farm I took pictures of a couple of months ago.  I want to go out this weekend and see if I can get more pictures. The way the weather is going, there won't be any snow.  I wanted some winter pictures.

JEAN'S CHRISTMAS THUMBPRINT COOKIES

1/2 Cup shortening
1/4 Cup brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup sifted all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg white, slightly beaten
3/4 Cup finely chopped nutmeats
jam

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Cream shortening, add sugar, gradually.
Add egg yolk and vanilla.  Beat well.
Sift flour with salt.  Add to creamed mixture.
Form into 1" balls, dip in egg white and roll in nutmeats.
Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes.  Remove from oven and quickly press thumb gently on top of each cookies.
Return to oven, bake 8 minute longer.
Cool.  Fill centers with jam.

PIERRE'S "THE BARK" - LET'S NOT FORGET CHRISTMAS PET RECIPES

My Mom had a Christmas Dinner to go to yesterday and she had another one today. So, I took over the computer.  Don't forget that pets would like goodies for Christmas, too.  Today, I am giving recipes for pets.

MINTY BREATH TREAT BISCUITS FOR DOGS

2 Cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup oil
3/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons honey
2 Teaspoons peppermint extract
1/4 cup cornmeal

Place first 4 ingredients in medium bowl.  Blend with a whisk.  Add oil, water, honey and extract.  Mix well.  Knead 1 minute.  Sprinkle half of the second 1/4 cup cornmeal over a sheet of waxed paper.  Place dough on waxed paper.  Sprinkle remaining cornmeal on top of dough. Roll out to 1/4 thickness.  Cut with 2 1/2 inch cookie cutters or cut into rectangles.  Place on sprayed baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

SUSHI FOR CATS

1/3 cup rice, uncooked
2/3 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 Cup carrot, grated
1 (6 oz) can tuna, drained and flaked
1/2 teaspoon brewer's yeast

Cook rice in broth with oil.  After about 15 minutes, but before all the liquid is absorbed, add grated carrot.  When liquid is absorbed, set aside.  Cool, mix with tuna and sprinkle with brewers yeast.  Yields 2-3 servings.  Keep unused portions refrigerated.

Dogs get biscuits.  Cats get sushi.  Can dogs eat sushi.  That sounds good !!!

GIANT NATURAL PINE CONE FEEDER (FOR THE BIRDS)

1 Large Natural pine cone
hard vegetable fat or chopped beef fat
wild bird feed (or chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds, millet etc.)

Heat and melt hard vegetable fat or chopped beef fat in a pan.  Add wild bird feed.  Fill pine cone.  Allow mixture to partially set on the cone, then cool in refrigerator.  When hardened, hang outside in your favorite tree or post.

Hope you enjoy making these recipes and that your pets enjoy eating them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

PIERRE

NEW YORK HAITI BENEFIT AUCTION - JUNE 19th and 20th, 2015

NEW YORK HAITI BENEFIT AUCTION

I got this the other day and thought I would let you know.  I know that is over six months from now, but there are things that are happening sooner you might be interested in.  I got a new Canon scanner,  printer and copier - and I don't know how to save things on it.  Happening dates are kind of out of order, but that is the way the letter was printed.

2015 AUCTION DATES

June 19, 2015  4:30-7:30 PM Dinner, 6:30 PM Cattle Auction & 6:00 pm Misc. Auction

June 20, 2015  6:00-9:00 AM Breakfast, 8:00 AM Auction Starts

PANCAKE BREAKFAST BUFFET FUND RAISER

SATURDAY, APRIL 4. 2015, 6:00-10:00 AM

At Benton Fire House, A family breakfast outing!

QUILTING DATES:

February 4 and 5, 2015 Quilting at Benton Fire House

February 25 and 26, 2015 Quilting at Finger Lakes Fellowship Center 

NOTE: New Quilt Sizes:  Full: 98x108 Queen 103x122 King 118x118 or 120x120

I believe the Finger Lakes Fellowship Center is in Seneca Falls, New York.  Also, note the change in sizes for new bed quilts.  

BUS TRIPS

Florida HBA Sale, Sarasota, Florida, January 14-21, 2015

Kentucky HBA Sale (Christian County), Mary 15-17, 2015

Now the Florida trip is what I would love to go on.  Be down to Florida at Pinecraft and see the Haiti Auction at the same time.  

I have names and phone numbers of people in all sorts of departments for the Haiti Auction in New York State.  If you need any of them, just let me know and I will e-mail them to you.  I know this is a while away, but it gives us a chance to save up our money and plan ahead.

JEAN'S SPINACH SQUARES

1 pkg. chopped spinach or fresh (frozen)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 beaten eggs
1 Cup milk
1/4 Cup melted butter
1/2 Cup chopped onion
1 lb. grated cheddar cheese

Cook Spinach and drain.  Mix dry ingredients.  Add eggs, milk, butter.  Add onion, cheese, spinach.  Pour into 9" x 13" pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until browned on the top.  Let stand.  Cut into squares.

CHRISTMAS DIPPY DAY - DIP RECIPES

Jean: Someone asked for dip recipes so this is the day.  These come from Anna, Marilyn and myself. Let's have fun with this.  If you have a dip you would like us to have, just put it on comments.  Let's be dippy today.

 GARDEN VEGETABLE HERB DIP

1 container (16 oz) Breakstone's or Knudsen 2% Milkfat Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
2 Tablespoons finely chopped green onion
2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 envelope Good Season Italian Dressing Mix

Place cottage cheese in blender or food processor container; cover.  Blend on low speed until pureed.  Spoon into medium bowl.  Stir in remaining ingredients; cover.  Refrigerate for several hours or until chilled.  Serve with assorted fresh vegetable dippers or Nabisco Crackers.

HOT CHIPPED BEEF DIP


1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)
2 Tablespoons milk
1 2 1/2 oz jar chipped beef - finely chopped
2 Tablespoon onions finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped pecans (if desired)

Blend cream cheese and milk and chipped beef.  Mix remainder of ingredients except pecans with the creamed cheese mixture. Saute chopped pecans in 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter.  Sprinkle over top.  Bake 350 degrees - 20 minutes.  Serve with crackers.

SHRIMP DIP

1 7 oz can shrimp, drained
1 stalk celery, chopped finely
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
mayonnaise, enough to moisten

Break shrimp with fingers.  Add other ingredients.  Mix in mayonnaise.  Fix ahead and refrigerate.

CORNED BEEF DIP

1 1/3 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons chopped onion
2 Tablespoons parsley flakes
2 Tablespoons dill  weed
2 3 oz package corned beef
2 loaves rye bread

Combine all ingredients except bread.  Refrigerate until ready to use.  Cut 1 loaf bread into small bite size pieces.  Cut center out of other loaf of bread creating a basket type effect.  Cut centers of loaf into bite size pieces.

CURRY DIP

1 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 hard cooked egg
2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients with mixer or blender.

BEAU MONDE DRESSING

Beau Monde is a spice that you should be able to get at your grocery store.

1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon dill weed
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon Beau Monde
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix together and let set in refrigerator for for 24 hours to enhance flavor.  Serve with vegetables.

ARTICHOKE DIP

1 can artichokes in water, quartered and drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
dash of Worcestershire
dash curry
(I sometimes add a bit of small cooked shrimp if I have it)

Combine all ingredients.  Bake in small casserole at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

CLAM DIP

8 oz cream cheese
7 1/2 oz can clams
1 Tablespoon juice

Soften cream cheese.  Combine all ingredients.  (Reserve extra clam juice to add later if dip becomes thick).  Refrigerate for several hours.

HOT PECAN DIP

1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 Tablespoons melted butter
8 oz softened cream cheese
2 Tablespoons milk
2 1/2 oz dried beef, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 small onion grated
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup sour cream

Mix pecans and butter.  Set aside.  Thoroughly mix cream cheese, milk, dried beef, green peppers, onion, pepper and garlic powder.  Fold sour cream into mixture.  Put in 9" baking pan.  Sprinkle with nut mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

NOW LET'S GET DIPPY WITH YOUR DIP RECIPES.



.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This has been a messed up day, Monday.  Anna had promised some friends she would go to a quilting today.  My back is out again and I can't get to the chiropractor until tomorrow, Tuesday.  So I am putting a recipe on today and will try to get Anna on later in the week.  She has someone new she is trying to get on here and we think you would like her post.  This is another southern recipe that Anna got a Pinecraft.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

1 (2 1/2 lb) can sweet potatoes , drained (fresh sweet potatoes can be used)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Beat ingredients together in mixer or food processor until smooth.  Pour into greased 2-quart casserole.

TOPPING

1 cup coconut
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup self-rising flour
1 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup butter or margarine melted

Mix ingredients together and spread on top of sweet potatoes.  Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

ELMER AND ANNA'S FIRST SNOW IN THEIR NEW HOUSE & EDWARD'S SQUASH APPLE BREAD

Well, we had our first serious snow in our new house.  We had no problems with the house although we turned on our gas heat for the first time.  But when the snow started, it kept coming and coming.  All day Wednesday, I kept the area from the house to the barn clear so I could take care of the horses, cows, chickens, pigs, dogs and cats.  The snow kept coming and coming.  I made it to the barn on Wednesday night.

When we got to bed, Anna asked me where our sleigh was - then I remembered it is in the barn at our old house.  This ment we would have to go over there, get it down, and clean it before we could use it.  The last thought I had before I went to sleep was how bad the snow was going to be in the morning when I had to get to the barn to take care of the animals.  Now we have a plow that we hook two of our horses to and I stand in the back to direct them as they plow.  That was in the upper part of the barn at our house.

Anna and I woke up to the sound of an engine drive plow in our driveway.  Anna thought maybe it was some truck going by.  I told her it was a snow plow.  She asked me if I hired a snow.  I told her I didn't hire anyone.  We looked out the window and there was a field tractor in our yard with a snow plow on the front of it and it was clearing our driveway.  Both of us got dressed and I went out to see who it was and why they were there.  It turned out to be Thomas from David and Jean's house.  He, Edward and Michael had gotten jobs cleaning out driveways during the winter.  As he passed our house and knowing my height, he decided to clean the driveway out for us.  I offered him pay, but he refused.  After he did ours, he went next door and did Hannah and her husbands driveway.  Still he refused money.  Anna said she knew one thing he would accept and told him he was staying for breakfast.  So, he ate his second breakfast of the day at our house.

After Thomas left, John showed up thinking he would be helping me shoveling but there was no need.  So John helped me milk the cows and feed the animals.  He had eaten breakfast at home.  So he and I went over to our old house and got the sleigh over to our house.  Thomas, Michael and Edward were each over to our house at least once that day plowing our driveway and Hannah's so we could keep doing our chores.  When Michael came one time, he said Jean had said to clean the snow off the greenhouse as the weight of the snow could damage it.  After he said that, he went out and did it. Once he left, Anna and I kept an eye on the greenhouse.  When it got a great deal of snow on it, I would go clear it off the top.

We believe that during the winter the ground rests.  The snow forms like a blanket over the ground.  Many farmers (Amish, Old Order Mennonite and Englishers) believe that God puts something special in snow that makes the soil better for growing.  What we believe is in there, I don't know.  Whether it is nutrition or some other we don't know.  That is why many farmers, myself included, like to plow under one of the last snows of the winter.  I don't know if I plow it because I believe something special is sent in snow or in tradition.  But I do it.

Late Thursday, the snow slowed coming down.  Thomas was there Friday morning to plow us out and Hannah's out.  One thing we enjoy about Thomas is he can always eat - even if he has just eaten.  He doesn't seem to gain weight.  So Anna fed him another breakfast.  She also sent some baked goods that she had made on Thursday home with him for Jean, David and the rest of the family.  We teased him that we hoped some made it home. He said they would.  They did as Jean called us to tell us they arrived and her family enjoyed them.

Things seem to be back to more normal now.  We got over 10 inches of snow.  The snow is still on the ground and every once in a while we get light flurries.  I guess we are suppose to get more later in this week. We are wondering if we will get a white Christmas.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer

EDWARD'S SQUASH APPLE BREAD

3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
3 Cups sugar
1 Cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2/3 Cup water
2 Cups squash (cooked and mashed)
1/2 cup black or English walnuts
1 Cup chopped apples

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large mixing bowl sift together flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.  In a separate bowl combine oil, eggs, water, squash, nuts and apples - blend well.  Add to dry ingredients and mix well.  Pour mixture into 2 large loaf pans or 3 small ones.  Bake 60 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

SPARK OF DIVINITY CONGREGATION, PALMYRA, NY & ANNA'S CORNBREAD DRESSING

The Spark of Divinity Congregation has recently rented the building that was known as the Garlock House.  I can tell you more about the building than I can about the religion.  I do know that the Spark of Divinity Congregation was in one of the Main Street buildings that was burned out in our May, 2013 fire.  Until they rented this building and moved in - they went to their church in Newark, NY.

The building was built for and lived in by O. J. Garlock who founded Garlock Packing Company in our town.  Garlock Packing Company has been sold, but is still the largest business in our town and many of the people in our town and village work there.

After Mr. Garlock passed the building was turned into the Garlock House Restaurant.  There use to be apartments upstairs that were rented and the restaurant was on the first floor.  It lasted for many years until the people that owned it, retired.  After that there were several restaurants in there.  For the last several years the upper floors were rented, but the restaurant was vacant until it was remodeled into offices - but did not get rented.  Finally Spark of Divinity Congregation rented it this year for their religious services.

ANNA'S CORNBREAD DRESSING

Someone asked for cornbread dressing.  Jean, Marilyn or I couldn't remember if we put it on or not.  Marilyn said she will have to go through and write down every recipe.  Anyway, here is one I got when we were at Pinecrest, one time.  It is a southern recipe.

CORNBREAD DRESSING

3 cups cornbread crumbs
3 cups white bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 eggs
3 cups chicken stock, enough to moisten crumbs well
1/2 cup butter melted
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper

Mix all ingredients together well and stuff into turkey or bake in a covered dish along with turkey or chicken.

NOTE: If you like more celery and onion add it. You may also want to add some chopped bell pepper.

WINTER FARMS AND FIELDS - HOLIDAY SAUSAGE PIE

Thought you might be interested in seeing some of the local farms and fields now that the snow feel.  Plan on going and taking more pictures tomorrow - if the weather holds.

JEAN'S HOLIDAY SAUSAGE PIE

1 9" unbaked pastry shell
1 lb bulk pork sausage (medium spiced)
1 lb small, whole fresh mushrooms, cleaned (may used canned mushrooms)
1/2 Cup minced fresh parsley
2 eggs
1 Cup half and half
1/2 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt

Crumble sausage in large skillet and add mushrooms. Cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until mushrooms and meat are lightly browned and all liquid from mushrooms has evaporated. Drain off any excess grease.  Stir in the parsley.  Beat eggs with half and half and Parmesan cheese, blend in mushroom/sausage mixture and salt.  Pour into the unbaked pie shell.  Arrange mushrooms so that any stems are turned down in liquid.  Bake in preheated 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until crust is well browned and filling is set.  Let pie stand about 10 minutes before serving.