Mom asked me to put on the post this time, so here goes.
Margaret had her birthday so she is 17 now and teaches at one of the schools. It's not the one my brother and sisters go to, but another Mennonite School not far from our house. Their teacher had to leave do to health reasons and they couldn't get a teacher. As Margaret had been helping at my brother and sisters school, they asked her if she would consider coming to theirs. After a discussion with our school board, their school board, Bishop Joseph and their Bishop, it was decided that Margaret would be a great teacher. Of course, they consulted her, too and she was thrilled. If we try real hard, maybe we can get her to put a post on here about her teaching school. Like I said, maybe.
What makes our family laugh it she is no shy around adults, and people our age. Yet, at school she is so comfortable and understanding with the children. Even the problem children, seem no problem to her. She has grades 1-8 and handles them all at the same time. So far, they are very happy with her.
Thomas, Ruth, and baby Bridget have moved into their new house which means I got my Grandmother's house. Dad (David), Thomas and I decided to gut the kitchen to remodel it. When we all had our axes in hand about to hit the cabinets, I yelled stop. I couldn't do it. I couldn't tear my Grandmother's kitchen apart. There were so many memories in the kitchen.. Dad and Thomas looked at me like I was crazy.
Mom (Jean) and Ruth were there. They said something had to be done with the kitchen. Mom asked that us men do something else while she and Ruth look around. I told them not to do anything until I got back. They promised they wouldn't. So we went upstairs to figure the plans I had of making two bedrooms into a bedroom and bath.
Finally Mom called us back. She said the kitchen had to be updated. All the plumbing probably has to be replaced along with the electric which Dad, Thomas and I agreed. Mom says so the cabinets have to come down. What Mom and Ruth suggested is taking down the cabinets. I moaned. They said to wait and listen. Take the cabinets down, strip them down to the original wood - if I like the original wood, fine - if not stain them to a color I like. Also, modern door openers on them. The stove and refrigerator have to go. Thomas and Ruth had problems with the stove. Mom said it's time to replace them. Being so interested in cooking - they have to go. I wanted the same tile that Grandma had on the floor and the ladies groaned, but we are seeing if we can find close to it.
So now, the kitchen is gutted. In stipping one of the cabinet doors, we found it be knotty pine wood. So we are going to strip them all and keep the natural color. Dad says they also have to be sanded. Whether it was my Grandmother or someone else who owned the house before her, they sure had several coats of paint on top of them.
In addition to all the remodeling, I am doing taxes for people. It's tax time. The new modern way to do taxes is on the computer. We are not suppose to use computers. I went to Bishop Joseph. After a discussion with some other Bishop's and the deacons, it was decided I could have a computer to use only on taxes. I can't use it for casual conversation, advertisement, etc. So some people's taxes on do on computer and some I do without the computer.
Spring is here, so we will soon be plowing. My place doesn't really have much room for plowing large crops. The man behind me wants to sell some of him. So Dad and I are seeing if we can make a deal with him to add on. Either us buying the land or my renting it.
I guess that is all I have to tell ata this time.
Be With God,
Edward
