JEAN IS TELLING US ABOUT KATIE

I am so happy to be back and I have so much to tell you, I am not sure where to begin.  We are moved into our new house and Kevin and Bridget are in their new home.  The addition to our house in the dawdy is also on the house.  Now Grandfather Albert and Grandmother Olive have a bedroom with their own bathroom and to please Grandfather, Grandmother now has a room for all her sewing materials and where she can work.  She no longer has them on the kitchen table. This greatly pleases Grandmother Olive, too.

While we were moving we got a call from Sarah who is also a Foster Parent, she gave a post on Amish Stories.  She told us to get to one of the hospitals right away as a little girl was coming up for adoption.  When I explained we were moving she said now !! This one is yours !!  I was at one house and David at the other so when we finally got together, we got a driver and went to see the child.  Sarah met us there and said she could take her, but as soon as she saw her-she knew she was our little girl.  When we saw the little girl, we knew Sarah was right.

We welcome Katie, into our home and family.  She is a four year little girl, with light brown hair and brown eyes - just like our family.  Her Englisher parents were killed in an automobile accident, that we had read about in the paper.  Katie had been in the back seat which saved her. Neither of us ever thought that this child would be ours.  As we were moving the hospital kept her a few extra days so she could come into a home all ready for her.

Seeing Kevin and Bridget had moved, Martha and Joseph brought over one of their single beds to our house so Katie would have a bed and dresser.  The only family she has is her great-grandparents who are unable to care of her for health reasons.  I don't think they were happy when they first saw us in our dress.  We invited them to our house which they came to see when we had boxes all over.  They were happy to see that we have electric, running water and alike.  After we got settled we again invited them to our home for dinner and to see Katie.  David also took them to the barn to show them the bedroom set he, Edward and Michael are making for her.

At first it was hard on Katie.  She would cry for her parents especially at night, and we explained to her that they had gone to heaven.  We would sit with her. One night we didn't hear her cry at all and went up to see why.  She and Susan were in that single bed together-both sleeping.  We moved Susan's bed in there for a week and then moved her back in her room.  Katie has rarely cried since.
They are both close to each other.  Susan is so happy she has a little sister.

When we got Katie she was wearing Englisher slacks.  Now she wears our Old Order Mennonite clothes.  She has short hair, but still wears our kapp.  Hair will grow.  Meetings was hard for her, having to sit still for such a long time, but she is learning.  At first, she was afraid of some of the animals like the horses, cows, pigs and chickens.  Following Susan and helping her with her chores,  took some of the fear out.  We also explained our rules around the big animals.

Like with Edward, we are prospective parents for adoption of Katie.  We still have to have her with us for a year to make sure she fits in and we fit in.  I am so glad we have the new house where it sits back from the road.  It gives the children play area away from the road.

Grandfather Albert and Grandmother Olive think she is daring, too.  Katie still has to learn that the dawdy is only to be entered after you knock and get permission.  Susan has stopped her sometimes and tells her we knock first.

All the family has welcomed her into the family.  We had a family meeting before we brought her home and all agreed.  Susan says we should still get another girl to even up the number of girls and boys.  I told her, I think we will wait a little while.


Be With God,
Jean

Kevin, Bridget and two other of Martha's son's left for Oklahoma last Friday.  They arrived last Sunday and should have started work yesterday.  Hoping to get a post from one of them when they get back.  They will be there for two weeks.

Mabel, Vickie's poodle, is having terrible back problems again.  She can't walk on her back legs. For those who pray for pets, please remember Mabel in your thoughts and prayers.

Bandit, Pierre's friend, still hasn't been found.  We are all still looking for him.

Marilyn

MEMORIAL DAY - MAY 27, 2013

Below are pictures I took today in honor of Memorial Day.  I also want to tell a cheerful story here about a veteran.

I volunteer at the nutrition center and every day Fred, comes in for lunch.  He is a World War II veteran.  Being a veteran he sometimes tells of his time at war and he always mentioned his war buddy, Slim.  They had been good buddies during the war and after the war they wrote, but as life changes, they lost contact with each other.  Fred came back to the small town he grew up, married and worked on his parents farm even took it over when they retired.  When computers came out his son tried to find Slim on the computer but he had a very common last name and Fred wasn't sure of his first name after all these years.

Recently Fred, was offered the free trip to the World War II monument in Washington, D.C.  Fred's son was going with him.  As Fred gets around by himself without help, he and his son were asked if they would take another fellow with them who had no family.  He was widower, he and his wife had no children.  So Fred and his son agreed.

Fred and this fellow were talking on the plane.  Of course soon they were talking about the War II. All of a sudden the two men let out a scream and were hugging each other.  The stewardess and Fred's son came running.  When both men stopped hugging each other Fred told what happened.  As they were talking about the war, the fellow pulled out his wallet and showed Fred a picture of the fellows from the war.  He pointed Fred out in the picture.  He pointed himself out - he was Fred's buddy Slim.

Slim and Fred have become fast friends again.  They are both widowers and Slim lives in the next town.  Fred drives so he picks his buddy up and they go out to breakfast or to the American Legion or one of their homes to talk and pass the time.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - 2013

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. PLEASE REMEMBER  OUR MILITARY THAT ARE GIVING, OR HAVE GIVEN OF THEIR TIME AND SOME THEIR LIVES, SO WE COULD BE FREE.

                                              FREEDOM  IS  NOT FREE

HUNTING MUSHROOMS by SUEANN

                  

Spring is the best time to find mushrooms. They like cool, moist, days...not too wet, not too cool. In my part of the State, south western Ohio, we have had the hard, long winter that everyone else has had, which is unusual for us. But, the "rooms" have not disappointed us.

The early ones to come up are Morels. They are considered the caviar of mushrooms..because they are hard to find. But not in our yard! Last year we found only a few this year..we are finding about a dozen a day!!! Morels are said to like leafy matter...so you will find people searching them under the trees in the woods..but for us..they are all over the place!! We live on two acres..surrounded by hay fields.

Last year, I found them in our ash pit..where we dumped the ashes from the wood stove..this year..they are in a more "field" area....So you never know where you will see them.

The next ones to come up...real soon too, are Field Mushrooms, or, as we call them here "pink undies"-meaning...if you look under the white cap, the gills will be a pretty pink! The field "rooms" have a copy cat, which is poisonous, hence calling them "pink undies", the copy cat looks exactly like the field ones...stem, cap, but the gills are WHITE....! Not a hint of pink on them! So when looking for them...be very careful when you pick..look under the cap first. The field mushrooms look like little white buttons, the longer they grow, the caps (button tops) get wider. It is always best to have a good mushroom identification book too.

If you find a patch of mushrooms, and some are old, or shriveled, just stomp on them, grind them in the grass a bit...for next year.You don't need to cover them up...just a little stomp will do.

Last year we were finding a pound a day of the field ones. Unfortunatley, they do not keep well, past a day or so...so canning them is out of the question-never enough at one time to can. so for a few short days, maybe a week and a half, mushrooms are the main course! Never wash a mushroom until you are ready to use it, they are organic, and start breaking down as soon as they get wet...so let them sit on the counter for a bit, while you do other things. I collect them in the early morning, and don't touch them until it is time for supper!

What do you do with them?! LOTS! I make a "pie", so easy and quick, and there is always scrambled eggs, baked eggs, soup, sauce, fresh in a salad, cooked with a little butter only, maybe a few onions. Once we go thru all the recipes, we start over again!! and you would think..oh no- mushrooms again! But...we remember they are here for a few short weeks, until next year..so the complaining is minimal!!

for the pie, (I use this basic recipe for spinach, broccoli, asparagus, ), take 4 eggs and beat well, salt and pepper to taste, add about 2 cups milk, beat well, then add the cut up mushrooms,and about a cup and a little more of any cheese you like. Put all in a greased pie plate, or a square pan. Sprinkle grated cheese on top,for the "crust". Bake, 350 degrees for an hour-test center with toothpick for done-ness. This can be frozen after baked...sometimes I have a LOT of something...and this is the best way to preserve it for a few months down the road. wrap it in waxed paper, then plastic wrap, then put in a plastic bag and freeze. Thaw, and re-heat in the oven-or..cut slices and heat in the microwave.

I will write later, on Lilacs and making floral waters...they are the next to be in bloom.

Grace, and Peace.

SueAnn

THANK YOU SUE ANN FOR THE INFORMATION.  WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

TOMORROW IS MEMORIAL DAY POST.  THERE WILL NOT BE A POST ON MONDAY. JEAN WILL BE ON TUESDAY, THE 28TH. RECIPE WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 29TH.

WAR TIME CAKE AND JEAN POST

WAR  TIME CAKE

1 1/4 cups water
1 cup Brown sugar or 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup lard (can use butter)
2 cups seeded raisins
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
2 tsp water
2 cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking powder

Boil the first seven ingredients for 3 minutes.  Let cool.  Dissolve salt and soda in 2 tsp water.  Mix baking powder into flour and blend into mixture.  Pour into greased, floured 8" square pan.  Bake for 50 minutes in a 325 degrees oven.

Thought that I would get this recipe in before Memorial Day, in case you wanted to make it.  This recipe goes back to a least World War II - maybe before.


Marilyn asked me to say something about what the Mennonites do at a time like this for the people of the tornado in Oklahoma.  There is a group called Mennonite Disaster Service in just about every state that Mennonites live.  In the Disaster Building are items needed at the time of a disaster: beds, blankets, food, water, detergent, soap, etc.  Usually the Red Cross gets there first, but sometimes we do.  When Hurricane Katria happened in New Orleans, the Amish were there first.  Whoever gets there first see the needs and calls in.  Red Cross, as I said, usually comes first.  As in this case they are badly in need so they call Mennonite Disaster Service who sends out what items we have that they need.  The first load coming from New York was loaded on trucks, taken to the airport where it would be loaded on a plane and flown to the nearest airport where it will be met by trucks and taken to the Red Cross.

Some of our people go to help the Red Cross, some to console people,  and also to check things out for reconstruction.  Where could they buy materials at a reasonable price or will we have to haul it in.  Where would people stay when they arrive to work?  Can we set up a residence there?  Where could meals be set up and more.  As much as they can set up they do.  They find a place as close to the area as they can for people to stay.  These may be buildings that they are allowed to construct.  Mostly they have one building for men to stay in, one for women to stay in and a third for the dining room.  Once this is set up, people can start coming in to start construction.

When construction starts, we try to do help those that don't have insurance and that need help the most-the elderly, handicapped, the poor and more.  We really work on anyone's home, but we try to help those that have no help, first.

Mennonite men and women will be coming in to do construction and one who will be more or less the boss-to make sure everything is done and handle any problems.  Many of the people will be young people like Michael and Edward with some young married couples.  They come in shifts.  If our boys go, they will be there for two weeks and return home-when other young people or young married couples will go.  Many people whose children are grown up and have moved out of their home will also go. Sometimes there are Mennonite people of all different ages from all different states there at the same time.  Each person pays their own transportation to there and back, their meals and where they stay.

Also they might be working with be people of different religions: Amish, Baptist. Catholic, Presbyterian, Mormon and more. Other churches send people to help construction, too.  Their religious beliefs may have different ways, but our goal is all the same there.

As of yet, they don't know when the people will start the building, but they are planning who will be on the first shift to go.  Two of Martha and Joseph's son's will be going, so we will help them while they are gone.  Kevin and Bridget may be going too.  We know that Edward and Michael will also be going some time.  When that happens others will help us.

The helping of others comes first.  Even though this is our planting season, our son's duty is to serve the people in Oklahoma.  We are fortunate that we have others around us that can help us when they go.  Even if we didn't their service comes first. It may be a sacrifice to us, but they are badly needed - comes first.

Hopes this lets you know on what the Mennonite are doing for the people in Oklahoma.

I can't wait to tell you that we have a four year old, little girl named Katie in our family. She is the subject of my June 3rd post, but I couldn't wait to tell you. She is loved by us all.

Be With God,
Jean

JEAN CAN'T WAIT TO TELL US ABOUT KATIE SO JEAN WILL HAVE A POST ON MAY 28th.  JEAN AND HER FAMILY WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.

PIERRE'S "THE BARK"

Memorial Day Weekend is coming and I would just like to remind people about pets during the summer days.

Please don't leave your pet locked in your car even while you run into the store to get a quick item-even if you leave the window open.  It can get real hot on the inside of the car real fast.  Even if you have air-conditioning in your car it is not a good idea.  Mom told me of the Police Officer in Florida that left the Police dog in his car with the air-conditioning running while he got a quick lunch.  When he came out some how the engine had gone off and the Police dog had died.  The Officer didn't mean to do it-but it could happen to anyone.  In some states it is against the law to leave your pet in a locked car.

When taking your pet make sure you have plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot out doors.  Also make sure that your pet is in a shady area and out of the sun.  Don't let yours pet get overexercised in the heat.

Don't let your pet jump into the pool or run into the lake unsupervised-some dogs aren't good swimmers.  Make sure you introduce your pet to water gradually and make sure your pet wears a flotation device if you are taking it in your boat. When you dog comes out of the water, rinse your dog off to remove chlorine or salt off their fur.  Also try to keep your pet from drinking pool water as chemicals could cause stomach upset.

You may trim your pet shorter in the summer months, but don't shave your pet.  Our dog coats protect us against overheating and sunburn.  If you brush your cats more often than usual during the summer, this can prevent the problem caused by excessive heat.  If you use any sunscreen or insect repellent on your pets, make sure it is labeled specifically for use on animals.

When it gets real hot don't let your dogs linger on hot asphalt.  With paws so close to the ground could make the dog's body heat rise up more quickly, and sensitive paw pads , like mine, can burn.  Try to keep these walks to a minimum during these hot times of the day.

Beware of commonly used flea and tick products, mouse or rat bates, lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. Be careful when walking your dog, steer clear of areas that might have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals.  Also keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well.  Call your veterinarian if you suspect your animal has ingested any poisonous material.

Which leads to, please carry your veterinarian phone number on your cell phone.  You never know when you might need it and a dog or cat emergency might make you forget the number.  If it's on your cell phone you can just push the number.

When taking your dog to a barbeque or party remember that the food and drink offered to humans may be poisonous to pets.  Keep alcoholic beverages, snack foods, raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol away front pets.  It could make them get severe digestive ailments or poisoning.

The old rule: Love me, love my pet, may not be good if you are staying at someone's house that does not like animals or is allergic to them.  Also, it's not fair that their cat is locked in a room while your dog has the run of the house.  Make sure your pet is welcome before going to someone's home.

This also goes for hotels and motels.  Make sure they accept pets before going there.  Just because they took pets the previous year, doesn't mean they do now.  Also make sure your led your pets by the hotel or motel rules and regulations.  Walk you pet in the areas they allow and pick up after your pet. Also keep them quiet during sleeping hours.

If you are camping, also make sure you are in the pet area and obey the rules.  No one likes to go out and step into some dog poop.  So please clean up after your pets.  Make sure your dog is quiet and doesn't bark during the night.

Make sure your bring some pet toys, dog food, dog cookies,  dog dishes and some water from home.  That way you don't have to worry about your pet not eating or drinking like normal.  Sometimes we like to stick to the same old foods and water even though we are traveling.

When traveling make sure your pet is in the back of the car not on the front seat.  This way it will not be distracting you and won't get injured if you have to stop fast.  In some states it is against the law to have you pet in the front seat.

Don't take your pets to fireworks and never have them around your pets.  Exposure to fireworks can result in severe burns or trauma to curious pet and even unused fireworks can be hazardous.

If it is really too hot, please don't take your pet with you. Even thought your pet looks so sad and wants to go with you - it will still be glad to see you when you come home. Also, take care that there are some people out there that would steal pets today, so make sure your pet is with you and not roaming around where someone could grab it.

These are just some suggestions. If you have any you would like to add, please feel free to put them in comments.  Some we have are from the ASPCA and some are from my Mom.  Hope this helps you and your pets have a great time during the summer months.

Love,
Pierre


JEAN HAS A POST WITH THE RECIPE TOMORROW.

MARTHA'S-FARMING BEGINS

This will be my last post every week. Jean will be coming back on June 3rd.  She came up with the idea of her doing three Mondays and either Olive or myself or maybe we can get Bridget doing the fourth Monday. That way we can all have our say here and gives Jean a break.  If neither Olive, Bridget or myself have anything to say on a Monday, she will do it.  What do you folks think?

The picture is of either Edward or Michael running the tractor across the field that Jean and David gave them to farm this year.  You can see how dry it is.  We hope it rains soon.  Michael and Edward had one of David and Jean's tractors and one of ours to break up the soil.  They will plow it again before planting.

When farming begins we get up early.  The cows are milked, then I have breakfast on the table for Joseph and they boys after which they go out plowing our fields.  They usually plow the land twice before they plant.  Right now they are planting vegetables that frost won't kill on part of the land.

Likewise in our house garden we are doing the same.  I had the men plow the garden for me.  Now the girls and I are planting vegetables also that won't be killed in frost.  In a couple more weeks, we should be able to plant the rest of the crops both the men in the fields and us in the garden.

When planting starts in the field they work from breakfast until mid-morning when they either come in or I take out coffee, cold tea or water plus some cookies, or donuts or alike for them to munch on.  After a short break they start in again until lunch.  After lunch they go back out  to start planting again.  Again, either they come in or I take out a something to drink and snack on.  They work until milking time.  After milking we have dinner and then, many times, the men go work the fields until dark.

Joseph and our sons go help others that might need help in their fields.  Like they are plowing Kevin and Bridget's  land because they don't have a tractor yet.  Kevin and Joseph are going to an auction to see if they can buy one for Kevin.  We are keeping our eyes on Michael and Edward to make sure everything is going well on their land.  Any farmer we hear that needs help, we will be there as they would to us if we needed help.

While the  men (Joseph and our sons) work the fields, the girls and I work the garden, cook the meals, keep the house, keep washing clothes and more.  With the dust and dirt in the fields we are working to make sure the men have clean clothes.  At times, the girls and I milk the cows so the men can work in the fields longer.

Once the planting is done gives us a little break during which we do any painting or repairs on the fences, barns or house.  Also, we make sure all the equipment is in the best of order for the fields.  We are also check and pull the weeds.  Sometimes we go to auctions, Joseph and the boys fishing, we ladies to rummage or garage sales, etc.  We also like to have picnics, visit our relatives and friends.  Also the lawn is mowed and the flowers planted.

It seems we are busy all the time except on Sunday, the Lord's Day.  That day we do only what we have to do milk the cows, and feed the animals.  That is our day or worship and rest.  Sometimes we will have a picnic, visit friends, and alike.  We try to get us rested up for the work of week.

I hope this tells you of what life is on the farm.

As I said it is my last one.  I enjoyed doing this and enjoyed your comments and questions.  Let us know what you think of Jean's plan of her doing three Mondays and either Olive or I doing the fourth.

God is With Us,
Martha


PIERRE ON TUESDAY ABOUT PET CARE IN SUMMER MONTHS. ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE THE RECIPE.  THURSDAY WILL BE A SPECIAL ON MUSHROOMS AND FRIDAY WILL BE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND POST.  NO JEAN OR MARTHA POST ON THE 27TH.  WEDNESDAY WILL BE RECIPE, FRIDAY ON COBBLESTONE HOMES AND SATURDAY WILL BE GOOD BY NEWARK DINER.  JEAN WILL BE ON JUNE 3rd WITH GREAT NEWS.