CORN RELISH AND CHOW-CHOW RELISH

CORN RELISH

2 quarts cut cooked corn (about 18 ears)
1 quart chopped cabbage (about 1 small head)
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
1 cup chopped sweet green peppers (About 2 small)
1 cup chopped sweet red peppers (about 2 small)
1 to 2 cups sugar
2 Tablespoons dry mustard
1 Tablespoon celery seed
1 Tablespoon mustard seed'
1 Tablespoon Ball Salt
1 Tablespoon turmeric
1 quart vinegar
1 Cup water
Ball Pickle Crisp (Optional)

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepot.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.  Pack hot relish into hot jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.  Add Pickle Crisp to each jar, if desired.  Remove air bubbles.  Adjust two-piece caps.  Process 15 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

Recipe Variation: To make corn relish without cabbage, substitute 1 cup chopped celery for cabbage.  Add 1 clove garlic, minced.  Follow directions in recipe.

Yields about 6 pints

CHOW-CHOW RELISH

1 quart chopped cabbage (about 1 small head)
3 cups cauliflowerets (about 1 medium head)
2 cups chopped green tomatoes (about 4 medium)
2 cups chopped onions (about 2 medium)
2 cups chopped sweet green peppers (about 4 small)
1 cup chopped sweet red peppers (about 2 small)
3 Tablespoons Ball Salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons celery seed
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon mustard seed
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ginger
2 1/2 cups vinegar
Ball Pickle Crisp (optional)

Combine vegetables; sprinkle with salt. Let stand 4 to 6 hours.  Drain well.  Rinse and drain.  Combine sugar, spices and vinegar in a large saucepot.  Simmer 10 minutes.  Add vegetables; simmer 10 minutes.  Bring to a boil.  Pack hot relish into hot jars, leaving 1/2 - inch headspace.  Add Pickle Crisp to each jar, if desired.  Remove air bubbles.  Adjust two-piece caps.  Process 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

Yield: about 4 pints

These recipes came from the Ball Blue Book and was given to us by Cornell University Cooperative Extension.

JEAN TELLS US ABOUT THOMAS

Well, we finally found out !! Elmer and Anna's daughter had an 8 pound, 5 ounce baby girl and they named her after Anna's first name.  So her name is Anna Marie.  We went to see them today at the hospital and the baby is so darling.  Elmer is happy that they finally got another girl.  It seems all his grandchildren lately had been boys so it was nice to have a baby girl.  So happy that Mother and daughter are doing well and will come home tomorrow.

Elmer forgot to put up a gift that Anna wanted.  Her greenhouse.  Elmer had purchased it and it was stored in his old barn.  When they went into move the cows, Bishop Eli asked him what was all wrapped up in the corner and Elmer remembered what it was.  With moving and everything he forgot it was in there.  David, Michael, Edward and Thomas are over at Elmer's house putting it up.  Anna will have another surprise when they pull in the driveway.

Thomas is a 17 year old who was with another Old Order Mennonite Foster Home where it did not work out.  I still haven't figured why it didn't work out.  He had met Michael and Edward doing service.  The boys wanted to be the ones that told him he was going to our house.  So the Social Security people pulled up and we pulled up in a driver's car.  Michael and Edward got out and walked up to Thomas.  Thomas told them he was going to another house, but he didn't know where.  Michael said he knew and added that he had always hoped that he would get a house like ours.  Thomas said yes, that's what he wanted, but wouldn't get one.  Edward told Thomas, you are coming to our house.  Thomas thought they were kidding.  So the Social Service people took him to our house.  We followed behind.

All Thomas came with was a suit case.  Nothing else.  That was like when Michael came.  Thomas dresses Old Order Mennonite, attends our daily prayers and goes to our meeting house.  He has been wearing Old Order Mennonite clothes for several years.  Even when we do chores he dresses in Old Order Mennonite clothes.  He didn't have any casual clothes like Michael, Edward and David do.

We were concerned because at the first meal we all sat down at, he ate three servings.  Now, we have had that happen with the men in our family before, but you would have thought this was Thomas' last meal.  He is very thin.  Social Services didn't give me a report on his medical.

Being a worried Mother, I called our doctor and made an appointment for Thomas.  He couldn't eat after eight, the night before because the doctor wanted a blood test and other tests the next day before he saw him.  After the tests and before the doctor, we bought Thomas some clothes, shoes, etc. at the stores.  At lunch, he ate a lot.

Thomas wanted to go in alone to see the doctor and I let him as long as he gave the doctor permission to tell me everything on the report and he did.  Doctors report is that Thomas is below what he should weigh for his size and weight.  He hasn't been eating as much as he should.  I explained that he eats a LOT at the meals like he hasn't been fed.  The doctor said that could be the problem.  It seems he hasn't been in a home where he was fed enough.  All the tests came through just fine.  He has a lot of muscle like a young person his age should.  Thomas is also very nervous, but the doctor believes that is from changing homes again and again.  He wants to comply with the rules in every house he's in. Doctors advice is to get some weight on Thomas.  After living with us for a while, he will calm down - doctor hopes.

After discussing this with David, we decided it might be a good idea if Michael and Edward spoke with Thomas telling how they came here and that we don't strike anyone for punishment.  If we must give punishment it is either extra chores or being sent to your room.  When sent to your room only for about an hour and meals are never with held.  So Michael and Edward did.  That seemed to calm Thomas down a bit and time has seemed to help, too.

What information we have on him is that he has been a Foster Child for many years.  He has a sister somewhere in the system, but hasn't seen her for years.  He was going with a girl in Seneca Falls, NY who was Old Order Mennonite, but now having moved thinks he won't see her again.  He won't tell us anything about the last house that we got him from.  The reports only say that it didn't work it and that Thomas had done nothing wrong.

When I asked him what he wanted for dinner one morning, he said no one ever asked him that before.  He told me it didn't matter, but he told the boys he would really wanted steaks and they told me.  So that night we had steaks, potato salad, chow-chow relish, fresh corn on the cob and apple pie.  We all really enjoyed that.

David and I explained to him that he is a member of our family.  That we go through the good times and the bad times together.  We work together and play together.  We think he is a little afraid of us yet.  He is a hard worker.  There isn't any chore he won't do.  He is very polite.

One evening we told about some of the times in our house like when David sent Michael to his room and forgot.  Came supper time and we all sat down.  Grandmother Olive asked where Michael was.  Then David remember he had sent him to his room.  We went and got him, David apologizing to Michael about forgetting him.  We also told about the time Michael accidentally set the house on fire.  The time that Susan ran down the cellar stairs and Edward was coming up and many more.

We found out that at his previous Foster Home, they did nothing on his 17th birthday, but wish him Happy Birthday.  So we are giving him a belated Birthday party.  After much tracking, we found the girl he was going with so she and her parents are coming to the party.  Thomas doesn't know that.  All of us are buying him gifts, but we think she will be the present he wants the most.  Now we are trying to track down his sister.

Since Thomas has been here, he has calmed down a lot, but is still a bit nervous.  He eats a lot, like the other young folks, but not like it is his last meal.  One worry is that when he turns 18 next year, we are going to make him leave our house.  David and I told him, we have never asked any Foster Child or adopted child to leave our house and we aren't starting now. This is his home.  I think it will take him a while before he believes it.

Be With God,
Jean

JEAN SAVES THE DAY !!!!

Marilyn called me at 8:30 PM saying that she had no post for tomorrow (which is today now) and couldn't get a hold of Elmer.  We had an ambulance call this afternoon to Elmer and Anna's old house where one of his daughters and son-in-laws live, now.  They wanted a lady for the back of the ambulance.  So putting two and two together, I think their daughter is bringing her baby forth.  It will be their 9th or 10th children - I can't remember which.  So here I am.

First I would like to thank everyone that donated to Marilyn for New York State of Mind.  It is so very kind of you.  I knew you would come through.  She has money to purchase the camera, if we can figure out which one to buy.  The one we were going to buy isn't for sale anymore, so we are back where we started.  Marilyn and her friend, are going down there again.

I know you have all heard about the two Amish girls being kidnapped and molested.  I am so glad that the people who did this have been arrested.  But, it makes us realize that this could happen to our children.  David and I realized that we can not send Susan and Katie out to the roadside stand alone.  Now either David Sr., Edward, Michael or Thomas (the young man we recently took in our home) or myself must go with them.  If we are busy, there is a jar there for people to put money in. This was one of Susan and Katie's chores, but not alone.

Bishop Joseph and Martha, also let their girls go out to their roadside stand, but now, not without their father, mother or older brothers.  Some of the people have closed their roadside stands because of what happened to those Amish girls.  They feel that no child or woman is safe at a roadside stand.

Our prayers go to those two girls and their family.  We know that they will forgive the people for what they did to them as that is the Amish and Mennonite ways. The Lord's way.  But, they will never forget what happened to them.  Our prayers also go to the people that kidnapped these two girls.  That they realize what they did was wrong.  They realize they need the Lord and we hope and pray that they come to the Lord.

I don't know if Anna will be on tomorrow or not.  If not, I will be back tomorrow and tell you about Thomas, our new Foster Child.

Be With God,
Jean

CHAPIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, HOPEWELL, NY

Welcome to the Chapin United Methodist Church in Hopewell, New York.  It is located on Route 21.  This is a little confusing as the is called Chapin United Methodist Church located in Hopewell, but the mailing address is Canandaigua.  There are several small towns in the area like that.  The church is a quaint church.  Several times during the year, they have a sign out front telling what time service is  and a dish to pass dinner afterwards.  

MARILYN HAS SOMETHING TO SAY

First off, I would like to thank everyone that contributed to New York State of Mind donations.  It means a great deal to me and I truly appreciate you.  Jean has said that I should ask, a while ago, but I wouldn't do it.  Anna, Jean and I thought of making a cookbook to see if we could get some money to help for gas and a new camera.  When the camera went, that's when Jean wouldn't listen to me anymore and threatened me - not serious, if I didn't put her message on.

As of yet, I haven't got the camera.  When I had the money and went to buy it, Walmart didn't have anymore.  None of the local stores had it.  Now, it's not on the computer, either.  So we have to pick something else out.  Yes, I will get a warranty on it as Jean ordered.

There are many places that I would like to go where Amish and Old Order Mennonites live, but the cost of gas has kept me from going so far.  I now plan on going to some of these places, when I get a camera.  Then there will be pictures of different areas.

I will accept donations at anytime.  The money is set aside for New York State of Mind and I will use it on the camera or gas.  I do not want anyone taking money from their own bills or needs.  Your needs come first.  But, if someone wants to donate, they are appreciated.

So, again, I thank you so very much.  It is so very kind of all of you and is greatly appreciated.

On August 23rd, there is going to be a Block Party craft, quilt and furniture sale by the Amish, and Old Order Mennonites at the Fairgrounds in Amherst, Wisconsin  The address is: Portage County Fairgrounds, 4504 Fairgrounds Road, Amherst, Wisconsin.  At 8:00 AM there is the craft auction, 9:00 AM the Quilt Auction and 12 noon, the furniture auction.

Is anyone going there?  If so, would they mind taking pictures that I could put on New York State of Mind.  Also telling us a bit about the auctions would be appreciated.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank everyone that was interested in information about the two Amish girls that were kidnapped.  Also, too the police, Amish , Englishers and of course, our neighbors in Canada for all the searching they did for the girls.  I am so glad that the girls got home safe and sound.  Elmer has a post about this coming up, Monday.

Again, thank  you all,
Marilyn


Thank you Doreen for letting me know that the Block Party is in Wisconsin and not New York.  I saw Amherst and just figured New York.

WAYNE COUNTY FAIR

Welcome to the Wayne County Fair.  Today, the day this is on, is the last day of the fair.  It will take more than one post to get it all on.  The first picture is of the entrance to the fair - the main building.  The next pictures is of some cows getting a bath.  The third is of an animal not happy about getting a bath.  Next is some times made by the 4-H inside the 4-H building.  The lady is telling of canning.  She gave us a sample of corn relish.  Yes, I got the recipe.  The rest of the pictures of items made by the children in the 4-H. I saw some items made by the 4-H that I wanted the pattern for.  When I went to get ice cream from the 4-H, the lady that taught the girls was there and gave me the pattern.   There are lots more pictures to get on here from animals to quilts to eating and more.

JEAN'S MESSAGE AND THE MOON AND CLOUDS

Here are some pictures I took of the moon back in November.  The clouds kept moving in and out.  This was right outside of my apartment.  Hope you enjoy the moon and something different than what I usually have on.  Jean's Message below.

Marilyn, a friend and I went looking at the cameras to see what it would cost to get a new one.  They asked me along to make sure, I thought it was a fair deal.  The costs of cameras today, really surprised me.  They run from about $75.00 up to $500.00.  Of course I never purchased one.

Marilyn's friend knows more about cameras than we do.  We looked at a lot of cameras.

So to get to the point, the camera we thought was the best for it's price and would do what Marilyn needed it to do would cost $99.95 plus 8 per cent sales tax.  Rounding it off, it would be $108.00.  Also, she would need recharging batteries ( 2 sets, if she could afford it).  Also she could use a new battery recharger as  hers is wearing out - it takes a day to charge batteries.  She would also need a PNY.  We thought it would also be better if she got the warranty with it, too.  So for the total we figured the total would be between $175.00 and $200.00.

Marilyn said she could make do without the recharger and use the old one.  Maybe her PNY from her old camera would fit her new one, she would have to see.  We didn't think to bring that.  She could also make do on one set of batteries until she could afford another set, but we thought that wouldn't be a good idea.  We definitely want her to have the warranty on the camera.

As I write this, she has $105.00 right now, which almost covers the camera.  But, I found, when you buy a new camera there other things you should buy with it.  We thank all those that have donated.  But, we could still use some more.

Also, please do not forget all the gas that Marilyn uses driving around getting pictures.  Any donation that someone could make would be appreciated.  I know Marilyn doesn't want to ask, but I feel she deserves some help for all she does on New York State of Mind.

Be With God,
Jean