THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF EDMONDS, WA

 

The First Baptist Church is the oldest in the local region - built in 1909.  The top picture shows the church today.  The lower picture shows the church at it's original location.  It was moved to the present location in 1929.  While it is still part of General Baptist Convention, it has been an interdenominational church for about 10 years.  It was enlarged in 1950, I think to its current size.   It has a more modern interior than one would think from looking at it outside.  It is so popular that they can only accommodate parishoners  during the 8:00 AM service and then the other two services, later on Sunday are held in one of the city's conference rooms.  They are very civic minded participating in holiday celebrations, parades, pancake breakfasts for firefighters, things like that. 

 

I thank Laura for sending me pictures and telling us about this church in her area.

 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHURCH ON HERE, JUST SEND ME SOME PICTURES AND TELL ME ALITTLE BIT ABOUT IT. 

 

 

THE VIOLET BARN-FLOWERS,FLOWERS AND MORE FLOWERS

 

Above are pictures of many of the other flowers and African Violets that they sell.  They also sell pots, potting soil, books and more.  I also showed the check out.  The last two plants shown are the two African Violets that I purchased.

 

Again, I thank Rob and Olive "Ma" for allowing me to come in and take all these pictures.  If you are living or visiting the area, I would call before I came as they may be at a show.  Also, if you wanted to stay for a few days, they own a house that they rent out to tourists in the area. 

 

Naples has many restaurants and stores in the area.  In September, they have the annual Grape Festival, that I will be telling you about in another post. 

 

Hope you enjoyed seeing The Violet Barn.  They are at: www.violetbarn.com

THE VIOLET BARN AFRICAN VIOLETS

When I first went to The Violet Barn, I thought African Violets were African Violets - all were alike.  Ma showed me that I was wrong.  I took picture of some of the signs that tell what kind of African Violets they are - along with the price at the store.  I learned, they are not all alike. 

They also ship out LOTS of flowers.  I saw the shipping area but was asked not to take pictures there as it might disturb the people that do the packing.  I stood and watched them pack.  Each plant is carefully packaged and sent.  It is really something to see.

Tomorrow I will show pictures of other flowers they have there and the store.  I hope you enjoy these and more to come.  The Violet Barn www.violetbarn.com

THE VIOLET BARN, NAPLES, NEW YORK

Welcome to the Violet Barn !!  If you subscribe to African Violet Magazine or have been to an African Violet Show or searched African Violet on the computer,  then you probably know Rob and Olive "Ma" Robinson  who started and own The Violet Barn.  Most of their sales are done through the mail or at shows, but they do sell from their store in Naples, New York.    I would suggest that you go to their blog and read how they met and got into founding The Violet Bran - it is very romantic.

I found them on the computer when I was looking for some special pots for African Violets.  When I found the pots, I called them to see if they would mail them to me.  Ma told me she was sorry, but that particular pot I was looking for was only sold from the store.  So I went to the store.  Being inside an African Violet Store, to me, is like being a child let loose in a candy store. 

When I got New York State of Mind, I thought of them and finally e-mailed Rob asking if they would allow me to  come out and take pictures.  I thank Rob and Ma for allowing me to come in and take all the pictures that I wanted. 

The pictures above are of their sign, two pictures of the building, some of the awards they have received, and the entrance to the store.  African Violets are not the only flowers that they sell, as you will see, but their main sell. 

To get to their blog is www.violetbarn.com .  On their blog they tell of how they got started, what they sell, care of African Violets and lots more.  They are wonderful people to do business with.

Tomorrow, I will show more of the flowers inside the store. 

EDWARD'S GRANDMOTHER'S SOUTHERN BLUEBERRY PECAN BREAD

EDWARD'S GRANDMOTHER'S SOUTHERN BLUEBERRY PECAN BREAD

2 cups all purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

juice and grated rind of 1 orange

2 Tablespoons butter, room temperature

1/2 cup boiling water

1 cup fresh blueberries or huckleberries (you can use frozen berries, thawed) washed and dried

1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

You can use one large or two small loaf pans, greased or lined with wax paper.

In a large bowl sift together 1 3/4 cups flour and the dry ingredients. 

In a measuring cup pour the juice and orange rind and add to the batter.  Add boiling water to make 3/4 cup.  Stir the liquid into the dry ingredients, mixing well.  In a separate bowl combine the berries, pecans and 3/4 cup flour.  Add berries and pecans to batter-taking care not to mash the berries.  Pour batter into pans.  Bake until bread is a light brown.  Test with a wooden toothpick inserted in loaf comes out clean and dry.  Remove from oven and turn pan on its side.  Carefully remove the bread out of the loaf pan.  Cook on metal rack.

 

 

TOMORROW STARTS THE POSTS OF THE FLOWER STORE I WENT TO.  JEAN TOLD ME TO PUT IT ON,  SO I DID.  IT WLL BE ON THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

ELMER HAS A FEW WORDS TO SAY

I am not doing a Pinecraft Post today.  As you all know, Jean has stated that she is leaving at least for a while.  Like everyone else, I tried to talk her into staying until Anna said typical man.  Then I started to think, Anna was right.

Got on an Englisher's computer that I know that lives near Pinecraft and looked back on some of Jean's posts on Amish Stories and New York State of Mind.  Jean has given us almost three years of her good times and bad times.  She has spoken about the way Old Order Mennonite life and why.  She has spoken about taking in and adopting Michael, Edward and Katie.  She has spoken about the fire, her serious operation, moving, and much, much more.  Most important she has spoken of the Lord.  Not to get anyone to change their religion nor not to try to force her religion but to help others understand the Lord better.

We owe Jean a thank you for all she has done.  It is not easy to just come up with a post sometimes.  I know.  It has taken Jean many hours over the years coming up with them.  Jean has answered many of the questions you have asked.  She has told of things she thought you would be interested in. 

In looking at her posts, I wonder if we really appreciated what we had when we had her.  I don't think that we realized that sometime it would end, at least for a while. 

So instead of trying to talk her into staying or coming back as I did earlier this morning, I called Jean and thanked her for all she has done.  For the many hours that she had put on the posts.  For sharing her family and life with us.  I hope she enjoys her rest.

Because she asked Martha and myself, we have agreed to take over her posts. We are in no way trying to replace Jean - we can't do that.  Jean is Jean.  Martha is Martha and I am Elmer.   So starting on March 3rd, I will be doing the posts on Monday.  As Martha's husband, Joseph, is Bishop, it is harder for her to get posts on than me.  But, she will be doing posts, too.  Maybe if I can get Anna over her fear of computers, I can get her to put something on, too. 

What you must remember is that we too, are not going to last forever, too.  We don't anticipate leaving anytime soon, but in time, things may change. 

Thank you Jean for all you have done.  We appreciate all you did and you are welcome back  anytime.  God Bless You and Your Family.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer
Marilyn

JEAN'S DECISION ON LEAVING US, BUT ..............

When I first wrote on here, I was going to leave.  I didn't mean to shock Marilyn, when I told here I was leaving.  I felt that I was boring to you all.  That I didn't have anymore information for you.  But after Marilyn read me all your comments, I rethought.  I have decided to say, I want some time off to rest, get my writing energy back, be able to come with more posts to give you. 

I thank you all for your comments.  You are all so very kind.  You have all given me so many things to write about.  We have all been together through all my good times and my not so good times.  We seem like more than friends, like family.  I can't leave my family.

So I have still decided to take some time off, but I plan on coming back. But I don't know how long I will be gone.  While I am gone, Edward would like to put on a post about his coming to our home as a foster child and now a member of our family and religion.  Also, he may be putting on some recipes. 

Grandmother Olive still plans on putting canning meat on.  So she will be on when she finds the notes that she had or rewrites them.  They are in the house some place, but got lost during the move. 

Maybe when I come back, I will only come once a month or maybe every week - I am still thinking on that.  I thank Elmer and Martha for taking over while I am gone.  It was decided that Martha and I will both be putting the recipes on and maybe Edward, too. 

Again, thank you for all your kind comments.  I hope you understand my wanting to leave for a while.  I feel I am leaving you in good hands. 

Be With God,
Jean