Wednesday, September 30, 2015

JEAN'S APPLE YAM BAKE

JEAN'S APPLE YAM BAKE

2 apples, sliced
1/3 cup chopped-pecans (if desired)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 17-oz can yams, drained (or fresh)
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Toss apples, yams and nuts with combined brown sugar and cinnamon.  Alternate layers of apples and yams in 1 1/2 qt casserole. Dot with margarine.  Cover.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.  Sprinkle marshmallows over.  Broil until lightly browned (1-2 minutes).

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

JEAN TELLS ABOUT MICHAEL, EDWARD AND THOMAS

Someone asked about older boys, so I will tell you.  Michael, Edward and Thomas are harvesting the crops for this year.  This month and October are the last of the harvest.  Time has sure flown by.  It seems that we just planted them.

Michael also is doing running his machine repair work.  I shouldn't say just machine repair, he does most anything: farm machinery, house appliances, and more.  He does furniture repair, but he leaves most of that to Thomas now. Michael admits Thomas does wood work a lot better than he does.

Edward, in addition to the harvest, is keeping peoples books, and alike.  He still can't go out on his own until he is 18, so is working with one of Elmer and Anna's sons.  Their son, checks on Edward's work and because he has a license can sign where Edward can't.

In addition to all that, they are working on Edward's Grandmother's house for Thomas and his soon to be wife.  They have decided to marry in December.  Thomas wants to make sure he gets adopted and our last name before they marry.  He still asks us if we are sure we want him, and we are going through with the adoption.  Of course , David an I reply yes to all.  He is already a member of our family as far as we are concerned.  The adoption only makes it legal and gives him our last name.

Anyway the wall came down in the kitchen which enlarged that a lot.  They had to put new plumbing and electric in the house as the old didn't pass inspection, which ment most of the walls are new.  I thought they would have the women over there sanding an refinishing the floors, but the men did it themselves.  David, Thomas, Michael and Edward made and installed the new cupboards.  Edward felt bad seeing the old cupboards go because they were what his Grandmother used.  So for Edward's birthday, Thomas made him a dining room table, chairs and dish cabinet from the cupboards.  Edward was shocked and really liked it.  They are stored up in our attic now.  Thomas told Edward the only problem he may have is if the lady he decides to marry doesn't like them.  Edward says she has to like what Thomas made before he will marry her.

The kitchen at Edward's Grandmother's house now has new appliances in it - from Sears.  All of us that are canning are saving some to put on the shelves in the cellar before Thomas and his, then wife, move in.  We also have new drapes throughout.  Thomas got some furniture for the house and so did his lady so they have put that in the house.  It is really beginning to look like a home again.

I guess I am saying this out of order, but we also put in two bathrooms. There was already one on the second floor, so they put a bathroom in the master bedroom.  The second bathroom put in is on the first floor - it has a sink and toilet.

The men also took care of the yard.  Thomas enlarged Edward's Grandmother's garden to the size his lady wanted.  They planted and harvested it this year even though they didn't live there.  So, she is also canning a great deal from the garden.

David decided the house needed a painting.  Elmer asked if he had ever consider siding on it as then you don't have to paint it every year.  Siding is what is on our house - was on when we bought it.  It does save a lot of painting work.  After a family discussion, we had Elmer, Michael, Thomas and David put it on the house.  It does look a lot better.

It was decided to take down the falling down garage and build a big barn, which we did.  There is still a smaller barn there, too.  It is sometimes hard on Edward when we make drastic changes, so we try not to make too many.  That's what made us decide to leave the smaller barn standing and build a larger barn.  After all, he saw the garage come down.  Thomas has what wood he could save of the garage stored away.  He says when Edward gets married, he will think of something to make for him out of the garage wood.  By the Edward gets married he should have his tax license, so maybe he could use some of it to build Edward an office on his property.  Maybe something else.  Time will tell when Edward gets married, which we hope is a while off.

After putting the siding on the house, the roof didn't look so good, - so they replaced the roof.  I forgot to mentioned they spray insulated the house to make sure it would be be warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  I can't remember if I mentioned they replaced most of the window with new ones.  David said for all we did on this house , barn and property, we could have almost torn the house down and rebuilt it for less.  Edward yelled no you couldn't.  David explained he was kidding.

But all has not been work this summer.  Michael, Edward and Thomas have been fishing, gone to singing, played soft ball, basketball, volley ball and more.  So summer has not been all work.  They are now waiting for hunting season.

Be With God,
Jean




Monday, September 28, 2015

ELMER ANSWER'S YOUR QUESTIONS

Decided to answer some more questions this time for you.  Someone asked if all the Amish families came to New York from Pennsylvania.  No, not all of us did.  Some of them, I know came from Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota,  and more.  Our group are mostly from Pennsylvania, but there are other settlements that came in from other states.

Are there Amish in other parts of New York State.  Yes, there are.  There are many settlements in New York State.  I would suggest that you go to the library or buy the book, New York Amish by Karen M. Johnson-Weiner.  Anna and I bought a copy.  We have both read it.  I can tell about the settlements in our area, but the book can tell you more information about Amish settlements in the state than I can.

Someone wanted someone's views on how the environment (God's Creation) is being handled by human in general.  I believe it is not being handled in the way God would want it to be.  Today, I believe it is handled in an earthly matter where God is not considered, prayer to or honored as He should be.  I believe people have gotten away from the principals under which this country was founded.

I think the changes in the environment of the atmosphere, climate changes in weather and more has been caused by our earthly ways.  My way is that many are not observing the way of the Lord.   Many on the earth, believe this is their only life and going any way or doing anything they want.

I am not saying that is true of all on the earth.  Like ourselves, there are many Christians, but I wonder sometimes are we doing as the Lord wants in all ways.  Are we praying as much as we should?  Are we asking the Lord for His wisdom in ALL ways?

Also, I wonder if much of our changes aren't caused by gas from cars, some factories or businesses causing a change.  I am not just picking on cars.  I know they help in transportation.  Many times Anna and I have to call a driver.  But what I saying is the gas from cars and companies that are in our air.

Sprays, some farmers, use on their crops, not all help atmosphere.  We use fertilizer that is natural - doesn't have any harmful products in it.  Mostly from cows, but that is another subject.  But we use products that will not harm people that eat our products or the air.

I guess I am repeating myself, but I really think we are causing the changes on the earth.  I don't believe we are doing everything God wants us to do.  We are not living the way the Lord wants us too.  We are living the earthly way and not God's way.  Amish included.

Sometimes it is easy to go along with some of the changes on earth.  Like I have said before, we have given into some of the earthly ways.  I remember when all Amish used outhouses.  Now we have indoor plumbing in our house.  Not all Amish groups do, but we do.  We milk cows using milkers now.  When I was a child, we milked cows by hand - all of them.  Not all Amish groups milk with milkers, but we do.  There are many changes, just in my life time, that we are allowed to do that we weren't before and sometimes I wonder if we are doing Lord's way or our way.  Something for me to think and pray about.

I am getting low on questions again.  So if you can come up with some more, please give them in your messages.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer





Saturday, September 26, 2015

ANTIQUE CARS WITH INTERESTING LICENSE PLATES

Some people who own antique cars like to put on interesting plates.  Here are just a few of the antique cars at Canal Town Days car show.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Thursday, September 24, 2015

CANAL TOWN DAYS HORSE PARADE, PALMYRA, NEW YORK

I missed the large parade the day before, but I did make the Horse Parade on Sunday.  This time we had a few more carriages than we did last year.  Hope you enjoy the Horse Parade.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

JEAN'S CHICKEN PARMESAN

JEAN'S CHICKEN PARMESAN

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tbsp margarine
1 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Flatten chicken to even thickness.  Dip chicken into egg, then into crumbs to coat.  In skillet over medium heat in hot margarine, brown chicken on both sides.  Add spaghetti sauce.  Reduce heat.  Cover, simmer 10 minutes.  Sprinkle with cheese and parsley.  Cover, simmer 5 minutes or until cheese melts.  Serves 4.

I know this is a few months off, but Jean is starting the Christmas List for this year.  For the new people, every year Jean has a Christmas Recipe a day from about December 12 th until December 24th.  The recipe could be cookies, candy, dish, vegetable, bread, - anything.  If there is anything you are looking for or would like to see a special recipe for Christmas, please let us know. If you make a recipe for Christmas that you think the rest of us might enjoy, please let us know, we would be glad to put it on.  Jean doesn't want to put it off like she did last year and doing it at the last minute.  So let us hear from you !!!!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

JEAN ANSWER'S MORE QUESTIONS

Our family also, would like to extend our Sympathy to Marilyn on the passing of her brother. It was a hard way to find out, so long after the passing.  I know the Lord is with her and will guide her during this hard time.

Someone asked if  our children's school had art classes like they do music?  They don't have art or music classes.  From when they are born, we sing to the children, they go to meetings (church) and hear singing, - that is how they learn to sing.  They start singing at meetings very young.

Now, that said, when they start school, they do learn songs for their Christmas play, caroling, visiting people's homes and more.  When they stand in front of the room and sing at school, it is to honor the Lord.   But the school does not have any special music classes.

Likewise with art.  There are no art classes, but that does not mean they don't do art.  Teacher may show the children how to make snow flakes out of paper or alike.  Also, she may ask the children to draw pictures for something, but there are no art classes.

Someone asked how do the kids and teachers travel for a field trip?  Most of them are walking.  A field trip may be on leaves, animals, stones, etc. They usually go no further than the little ones can walk.  Usually they take a bag lunch with them so they can enjoy it on their trip.

When they get to the eight grade - the last year of school - as a special for them they usually go on a field trip by car.  Either teacher or parents or both go with them.  Sometimes they go to Niagara Falls, or Corning Glass Works, or to the Museum in Rochester.  It is a day trip so they go and come back the same day.  The children must save up money for the driver, lunch and any expenses.  If they can't afford it, I have never known any child that didn't get to go.  Someone, unknown to the child, will give the money so they can go.

Our schools teach reading, writing, math, social studies, English and some science.  They are taught to comply with the State of New York.  Our children have to take the same states tests that the public schools do.  As I have said before, children in the Old Order Mennonite and Amish schools rate higher than most public schools.  We believe it is do to fact that we don't have any necessary subjects that the public schools do.

I know when Michael and Edward first moved in and went to public school, we had all these subjects to make choices of.  We thought most of them were not needed in life.  The four of us went around with the school many times.

Most of the time, the school has one teacher.  Sometimes a parent will come in, if the teacher feels it is necessary on certain projects.  As a parent, we can go into the school anytime we would like, especially if they are member of the School Board which David is.  Sometimes school board members go just to see how things are going, does the teacher have a problems or things she would like to discuss after school.  All parents are involved where our children go to school.

Be With God,
Jean



Monday, September 21, 2015

MY LATEST SUNFLOWERS

Being upset, I hadn't gone out and looked at my sunflowers.  Was I surprised this morning.  Hope you enjoy them, too.

ELMER'S POST - HOSPITAL VISIT FOR JOHN AND SARAH

First, we extend on Sympathy to Marilyn on her brother's passing.  He has done his time on earth and we hope he is in heaven with the Lord.  It shows we should be prepared because we never know when our time will end on earth and we will answer to the Lord.  We are praying and asking the Lord to ease Marilyn's grief.

Marilyn asked me not to put a whole post on about death, and grief at this time, so I will do as she asks.  I just want her to know she is in our prayers.

John and Sarah went to the hospital to see the maternity section that the hospital offered.  John wasn't going to go as he said birthing is women's work.  I told him it takes two when it comes to babies and he had better go with her.  He agreed.

When they got to the meeting room, there were two Englisher couples, a Old Order Mennonite couple, one Amish lady with her mother and John and Sarah.  The Amish lady was surprised that John was there as she said her husband's wouldn't come.  Sarah said John wasn't coming originally, but that I had made him change his mind.

He said it was very informative.  A nurse took them through the hospital entrance and the emergency entrance, the room where they go during labor, - the nurse told them that some come by pass that room because they are so far along.  Then the delivery room.  If they have to do surgery it can be done in the delivery room, but if time allows, they would prefer to take them to surgery, which they also showed them.  Mother and baby are taken care of after delivery, they showed them the room they are taken into.  In this hospital they like to keep the Mother and baby in the same room.  The days of going down the hall, staring at a group of babies trying to figure out which one of them is yours are over. Also, they showed, where they take the baby if special help is needed, like it is a premature baby or has some problem that needs special attention.

What John liked the best, is the Mother and baby in the same room.  Also, if he or Sarah's Mother or Anna wanted to stay over, there is a pull out bed that they could sleep on.  Visitors can come to see the Mother and baby, in that room.  This hospital is a private room for Mother, baby and if someone wanted to stay over.  Another thing that John joyed, you don't have a bunch of other people you don't know in another bed.

After viewing everything, they went back to meeting room.  One of the doctors was there and it happened to be Sarah's this time.  They had cookies with coffee, tea, water of a soft drink.  Then they sat and asked the doctor any questions that might have.   The doctor answered all their questions.  Also, they were given some information about the hospital, birthing and alike.

When it was over, Sarah took John up and introduced him to the doctor.  The doctor had said that husband's are allowed in the delivery room - in fact sometimes their being there calms the Mother down during deliver, but Father's have to stay where they are told, are not allowed to give orders, and if they start to pass out are removed from the room.  So the doctor asked John, if he would like to come in if they decided to have the baby at the hospital.  John explained that is not the usual Amish way, but that I was at the birth of each of our children and he would like to be, too.  The doctor said that would be fine.  Then he explained how his brother-in-law went in when his wife was giving birth and almost passed out.  The doctor said that sometimes happens, but most, when they see the baby coming are fascinated.  It is their child coming into the world.  The men had been shown the waiting room if they didn't want to go into the delivery room.

The Amish lady that came with her Mother heard John and said her husband would never come into the room until after the baby was born.  She wanted to know what Amish we were.  John told her Old Order Amish, but it's not the rule of our group - just our family, although our Bishop would never deny a Father from seeing his child born. He said he tried to explain me to the lady, but he said I am kind of hard to explain to people.  They have to meet me.  I don't know if that was a compliment or not.

John would really like to have the baby born in the hospital especially since he has seen the hospital and all that they do.  Sarah is still apprehensive.

Sarah also called the ladies that the doctor had given her the phone numbers of.  The ladies that gave birth a home were happy with their midwives and the doctor.  Ladies that gave birth at the hospital really enjoyed that. One lady told Sarah, you even get meals in  bed at the hospital.  The lady said she really enjoyed the meals in bed because she knew that wouldn't happen again unless she went into the hospital, again.  The lady that gave birth and then had to be taken to the hospital was also pleased.  She said if they have to take you after birth, you don't worry about yourself, but of the tiny baby.  At the hospital she and the baby were given top treatment.  She couldn't say a word against it. She is expecting again - she and her husband have decided they will go to the hospital this time - it is better to be over safe than under safe.

To make Sarah feel even better, Anna and I , had, David, Jean and their family over for dinner.  David rides with the ambulance.  He can not drive, but is trained to treat people in the back on the way to the hospital.  So I asked him what would the ambulance do if they had to take Sarah.  He explained what they would treat her at home and in the ambulance, if necessary.  Also, said they would take the back road instead of the front road as it is a lot shorter.  But, he hopes we don't need the ambulance.

So we are back to the beginning.  Sarah and John are still trying to agree on where to have the baby.  John believes that seeing the baby is so small, it should be born in the hospital, just to be safe.  If an emergency he knows the ambulance would come, but sometimes you should prepare ahead  and not need it.

Anna still says October.  The doctor still says November or maybe even the first part of December.  My answer: time and the good Lord will tell.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer




Saturday, September 19, 2015

OSPREY

I have driven past their nest several different days at several different times.  It appears that all three took off for the warmer climate.  Hope they come back next year.

May have a post tomorrow.  This week is Canal Town Weekend, so depending on if I can get pictures  and of what, I may have a post on tomorrow.

Friday, September 18, 2015

MY BROTHER PASSED

I just found out last night that my last brother died - 4 months ago.  Neither his wife or my nieces of nephew called me and told me.  How I found out was I entered his name on the computer and found the obituary.

Right now, I am in many moods.  I am shocked because I had no idea.  I am upset because my brother passed.  I am pissed because no one called me and told me.  My name is not even in his obituary as his surviving sister.

I was born with two older brothers.  My brother George was the oldest, my brother, Robert (Bob) was in the middle one and I was the youngest.  George was 14 years older than me.  Bob was 7 years older than me.  Growing up and into our adult lives we got along.  Oh, as brothers and sister, we had disagreements, but nothing serious or that lasted long.

 My brothers and their families moved to Florida.  I stayed here until my parents got ill with Alzheimer Diease and Dementhia.  I moved to Florida to take care of my parents.  Took care of my parents for 13 years.  When my Father's time was coming, my brothers got all upset with me.  I still don't know why.  When my Father died and they found out I was the head of the estate, they really got upset.  After that I moved back north.

When my brother, Bob, passed, it was my brother George that called me and told me.  Later we got involved in our geneology and we talked backed and forth several times.  Our relationship wasn't like it was when we were we children, but it was good.  So I can't understand why no one called me and told me.  I don't know what to do.  It hurts, it really does.

I would like to call them up and tell them off, but that is not what God would want me to do. On the computer, after the obituary, there is a place you can leave a message, I wonder if I should leave one, but would I say.  Or should I go on and not say anything?

With my parents gone and my brothers gone, I am the head of the family now.  Not that it makes any difference. I have been praying over this and asking the Lord what I should do.

Marilyn




ROADSIDE SIGNS

Some signs I saw along the way.  Do you think the last two are trying to tell us winter is coming?