Our next issue of Plain Country is March 30. Deadline for submissions is Monday, March 14. Advertising deadline is Monday, March 21. Please send the information that you’d like to share to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062. You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933. {AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Vol. 3 No. 3 March 9, 2011 Signs of Spring By Barbara Detweiler The first signs of spring is hearing or seeing a robin. The second sign is seeing shoots of green growing out of the ground’ sometimes even through the snow. Also, when you see maple trees being tapped, you know spring is just around the corner. Remembering Winter Looking for Spring Amish Proverb … winter Nothing lasts forever, not even winter. Amish Proverb … winter to spring In autumn sunshine, prepare for winter’s cold. In winter’s cold, read seed catalogs! Japanese Proverb ... One kind word can warm three winter months. By Linda Weaver Georgia Road School mothers treated teachers and pupils to a pizza lunch on Wednesday, Feb. 16. This grandma enjoyed it too, as well as the singing afterward. Teachers, eighth graders, and several parents went visiting other area schools. This is always an interesting day for everyone. By Sarah Miller Sawmill Lane School is having a Pancake Breakfast on March 11 at Joe’s Window Shop starting at 5 a.m. There will be homemade donuts! For details see page 2 of this issue. By Rachel Miller Tinker Creek School had their hundredth day of school and the children had to bring 100 of something. Leah Miller took 100 miniature cupcakes! On Feb. 11 the Spelldown for this area was held at Lakeview School. Leah was the best speller in English and also the loudest or clearest speller. By Barbara Detweiler Windsor Mills School had two winners in the annual eighth grade spelldown. Uria Kempf won second prize in German spelling and Esther Yoder won third prize. Esther also won second in English spelling. The Chicken Dinner and Auction Benefit has been moved to March 25 and is still at Joe’s Window Shop from 5:00 to 7:00 with Carryouts available from 3:30. Any donations for the auction are very much appreciated. FROM OUR SCHOOLS Seasons By Laura Detweiler Summer is a time, That we like a lot. We like it during June, And when it’s very hot. Autumn comes next, When the leaves fall. Children like the leaf piles, Especially if they’re tall. Winter is a season, For ice and snow. To ride sleds and skis, While the wind blows. Spring is after winter, When the flowers grow. The sun comes out and, NO MORE SNOW!! School By Katherine Detweiler I don’t really like school, But I have to go. If I’d ask,”May I stay home?” My Mom would say, “No!” We do English and Geography, And vocabulary, too. I’d much rather visit, The animals at the zoo. I think I like some things, About school, too. But not a lot of stuff, Maybe YOU do!
Transcript
Our next issue of Plain Country is March 30. Deadline for submissions is Monday, March 14. Advertising deadline is Monday, March 21. Please send the information that you’d like to share to
Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062. You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933.
{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}Vol. 3 No. 3 March 9, 2011
Signs of Spring By Barbara Detweiler
The first signs of spring is hearing or seeing a robin.
The second sign is seeing shoots of green growing out of the ground’ sometimes even through the snow.
Also, when you see maple trees being tapped, you know spring is just around the corner.
Remembering Winter Looking for Spring
Amish Proverb … winterNothing lasts forever, not even winter.
Amish Proverb … winter to springIn autumn sunshine, prepare for winter’s cold. In winter’s cold, read seed catalogs!
Japanese Proverb ...One kind word can warm three winter months.
By Linda Weaver Georgia Road School mothers treated
teachers and pupils to a pizza lunch on Wednesday, Feb. 16. This grandma enjoyed it too, as well as the singing afterward.
Teachers, eighth graders, and several parents went visiting other area schools. This is always an interesting day for everyone.
By Sarah Miller Sawmill Lane School is having a
Pancake Breakfast on March 11 at Joe’s Window Shop starting at 5 a.m. There will be homemade donuts! For details see page 2 of this issue.
By Rachel Miller Tinker Creek School had their
hundredth day of school and the children had to bring 100 of something. Leah Miller took 100 miniature cupcakes!
On Feb. 11 the Spelldown for this area was held at Lakeview School. Leah was the best speller in English and also the loudest or clearest speller.
By Barbara Detweiler Windsor Mills School had two winners
in the annual eighth grade spelldown. Uria Kempf won second prize in German spelling and Esther Yoder won third prize. Esther also won second in English spelling.
The Chicken Dinner and Auction Benefit has been moved to March 25 and is still at Joe’s Window Shop from 5:00 to 7:00 with Carryouts available from 3:30. Any donations for the auction are very much appreciated.
FROM
OUR SCHOOLS
SeasonsBy Laura Detweiler
Summer is a time,That we like a lot.We like it during June,And when it’s very hot.
Autumn comes next, When the leaves fall.Children like the leaf piles,Especially if they’re tall.
Winter is a season,For ice and snow.To ride sleds and skis,While the wind blows.
Spring is after winter,When the flowers grow.The sun comes out and,NO MORE SNOW!!
SchoolBy Katherine Detweiler
I don’t really like school,But I have to go.If I’d ask,”May I stay home?”My Mom would say, “No!”
We do English and Geography, And vocabulary, too.I’d much rather visit,The animals at the zoo.
I think I like some things,About school, too.But not a lot of stuff,Maybe YOU do!
2
Plain Country | March 9, 2011
{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}
Publisher: the FONTANELLE group inc
Editorial Coordinators: Jacquie Foote and Joe & Sarah Miller
Staff Writers: Katherine M. Byler, Barbara Ann Detweiler and Donnie Miller
Contributing Writers: William Bender, Daniel Fisher, Ellen Hershberger, Rachel Miller and Linda Weaver
Phone: 440-632-0782 v 440-834-8900 v Fax: 440-834-8933
Published Every Three Weeks – Free of Charge v Subscriptions are available for $25 per year
March 9 Sadie B. Miller (8)March 9 Aden (Susie) Miller (23) March 10 Karin W. Miller (8) March 11 Maribeth Miller (11)March 11 Marlene Miller (11)March 11 Mrs. (Wally) Barbara Miller (57)March 11 Mary Lou (David) Miller (15)March 12 Allan W. MillerMarch 12 Bobby Miller (20)March 12 Paul D. Miller (16) March 12 Joey M. Miller (9)March 12 Yost W. BylerMarch 13 Barbie Frey (14)March 13 Mrs. Anna Hershberger (68)March 15 Nora Mae Kurtz (21)March 15 Billy M. Miller (16)March 15 Mrs. (Wally) Ann Byler (56) March 16 Samuel E. Byler (13) March 17 Mrs. Barbara Detweiler (28)March 17 John W. Detweiler (17)March 17 Ruthie J. Gingerich (17)March 18 Mary Ann Miller (Hayes Rd) (76) March 19 Erma Mae MillerMarch 19 Lester W. Byler (60)March 19 Mrs. (Joe) Melinda Kurtz (68) March 19 Mrs. (John) Lizzie Bricker (73)March 20 Nathan Miller (7)March 20 Vernon Hershberger (44)March 21 Mrs. Albert (Lydia) KurtzMarch 21 Philip Miller Jr. (11) March 21 Elizabeth (Daniel) Byler (27)March 22 Linda J. Yoder (18)March 22 Nathan R. Mast (1) March 23 Eve Kristine Yutzy (1)March 23 Mrs. (Ray) Sara Miller (56)March 24 Andy D. S. Miller (54)March 24 Norman Bender (5) March 25 Mrs. Ray (Judy) Miller (38) March 25 Mary Ann W. Miller (23)March 25 Allen W. Byler (58)March 25 Ray D. Byler (57)March 25 Mrs. (Dan) Savannah Miller (56) March 26 Mrs. Andy (Elva) MillerMarch 26 Cindy Yutzy (9)
March 26 Mrs. Marty (Ruth) GingerichMarch 26 Sam Miller (62)March 26 Dan Miller (62)March 26 David Miller (56)March 26 Eli D. Miller (77)March 26 Mrs. (Albert) Barb Mast (65)March 27 Sarahann Miller (17)March 27 Daniel U. Slabaugh (37) March 27 Stephan C. Yoder (33) March 27 Maribeth C. Hershberger (5)March 27 David L. Yoder (9)March 28 Chester C. Hershberger (45) March 29 Rebecca S. Yoder (13)Match 29 Mary Ann (William) Byler (44)March 30 James E. Troyer (26)March 31 Edna Mae Miller (16) March 31 Kaylie Yoder (1)March 31 Kristina M. Miller (15)March 31 Kaylie Anne Yoder (1)
Happy Belated BirthdayFeb. 11 Robert L. Hershberger (19)Feb. 13 Christopher Yutzy (12)Feb. 14 Marlin Yutzy (11)Feb. 21 Esther Lou Miller (74)Feb. 23 Barbara Edna Yutzy (15)Feb. 25 Steven Lee Miller (twin)Feb. 25 Sally Marie Miller (twin)Feb. 25 Eli D. YoderFeb. 26 Mervin Kuhns (30)Feb. 27 Ervin Yutzy (7)Feb. 29 Carol N. Miller (11)March 2 Adam M. Miller (2)March 3 Jacob R. Schlabach (24)March 4 Aaron Shetler (48)March 4 Jonas L. Byler (24) March 7 Robert Yutzy (5)March 8 Joseph C. Yoder (19) March 8 Linda MillerMarch 8 Albert (Catherine) Yoder (25)March 8 David L. Byler (20)
Children’s Immunization ClinicsGeauga County General Health District hosts local children’s immunization clinics. Immunizations for children and adolescents are free of charge for all Geauga County residents regardless of income. For non-Geauga residents, there is a $5 fee per child, per visit.
MIDDLEFIELD CLINICS Second Wednesday, March 9 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at:
St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Rd., (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Wednesday, March 16 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at:
St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Rd., (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Thursday, March 17 from 3 – 6 p.m. Clinic will be held at:
St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Rd., (Route 87 east), Middlefield.NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC Wednesday, March 23 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at:
Wanted for Our Next IssuePlease write in and tell us what works for...-Making a Spring Garden-Pepping up children who get “Spring Fever”
Share with us …News from your schools (benefits, events, children’s works)Recipes to help cure “Spring Fever”Stories of Spring GardensAnything from the past that you think others would be interested inBirthdays and anniversaries.
Information must be received by: March 14 to be in the next edition. Send to: Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 . You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933.
Thanks to all who sent in birthday announcements and other information for us to share with the community.
Plain Community EventsSawmill Lane School Benefit Pancake BreakfastFriday, March 11, starting at 5 a.m.Joe’s Window Shop – (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)Homemade donuts! Carryouts available.
Bloodmobile Saturday, March 12 –Joe’s Window Shop – (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)
Craftsmen Open House Saturday, March 19 –Joe’s Window Shop – (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)14 or more Amish Craftsmen Something for everyone!
Windsor Mills SchoolBenefit Chicken DinnerFriday, March 25 *Joe’s Window Shop(Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)Carryouts at 3:30 p.m.Sit down dinners 5 – 7 p.m.Live and silent auction will follow. Donations for auction are very much appreciated. Come spend a fun evening. *Date changed from March 4
In This Issue ...Benefits ..............................................................02Birthdays ............................................................02Bits and Pieces of the Yesterday ................07Bookmobile News ..........................................08Books in Review ..............................................08Children’s Immunization Clinics ................02From Our Schools ...........................................06Greetings from Garrettsville .......................07Greetings from the Plain Community .....04Hello from Amish Crossing Corner ...........06Hello from Huntsburg ...................................06Katherine’s Korner ..........................................05Lines From Linda ............................................07Mom’s Diary ......................................................05News from Windsor .......................................08Obituary .............................................................02Parkman Pathways .........................................08Plain Community Events ..............................02Plain Fun ............................................................09Recipes ...............................................................03Seasonal Influenza Immunizations ..........02Spotlight On... Weaver Bedding ................04Understanding Horses ..................................06Wanted ...............................................................02
Chester M. Mullet, 56, of Mesopotamia, entered eternal rest early Saturday morning, Feb. 26, 2011 at UH Geauga Medical Center.
He was born April 3, 1954, to Milo and Amanda (Troyer) Mullet. Chester married Sara J. Yoder on Nov. 6, 1975. He was a lifelong resident of Mesopotamia and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Chester was a machine operator at Great Lakes Cheese.
Chester will be sadly missed by his loving wife; mother; children, Roy (Arlene) Mullet of West Farmington, Alan (Linda) Mullet of Middlefield, John (Leona) Mullet of Troy, Chester Mullet Jr. of Celina, Tenn., Martha (Marty) Gingerich of Windsor; 10 grandchildren; and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father and stillbirth daughter.
Funeral services were held March 1 with Bishop David J.S. Miller officiating. Chester’s final resting place is in Wilcox Road Cemetery in Mesopotamia. Arrangements were entrusted to Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH. 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent to www.bestfunerals.com
In Memoriam
Happy Birthday!!
Sparrow Christian Books, Gifts and Music14962 S. State Ave. Middlefield
440-632-0011 • www.sparrowchristian.com
Book SigningTuesday, March 15th
Stop In And Meet Best Selling Ohio Author
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“The Caregiver: Families of Honor”
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William J.S. & Martha Miller16786 Madison Rd • Middlefield
440-548-5486
Thanks to our advertisers ... Plain Country was able to donate $366. to your Amish Community Aid Plan (ACAP) from the revenues collected in the last quarter of 2010.
March 9, 2011 | Plain Country
3
For Hungry Scholars Family Fare
Saltine Cracker SnackSubmitted by Rachel Miller
6 packages crackers*1 1/4 cup olive oil3 tablespoons sour cream3 tablespoons onion powder3 tablespoons cheddar cheese powder*You can use any crackers.
Put olive oil, sour cream, onion powder and cheddar cheese powder in a “Fix and Mix” bowl and mix well.Put crackers in a roaster.Pour mix over crackers, stirring very carefully. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.After 15 minutes, stir crackers and mix carefully.Put back in oven for another 15 minutes.Great after school snack. Just as good any other time.
Sweet PopcornSubmitted by Rachel Miller
1/3 cup oil3/4 cup popcorn1/4 cup white sugarPut everything in popper at once, pop and enjoy.(Good as an after school snack or anytime.)
Mix ingredients and spread on a plate.Grate cheese over top if you wish.Dip tortilla chips or crackers into it and enjoy!
Treat SquaresSubmitted by Rachel Miller
10 cups corn flakes1 cup white Karo1 cup brown sugar1 cup peanut butterNuts, if desired
Mix Karo, sugar and peanut butter together and cook for one minute.Pour over corn flakes.Cool and cut into squares,
(Our dear older neighbor on Nauvoo Road, Rube Mattie Byler, used to give this treat to our children. They loved it. Mattie has passed away.)
Crescent Roll Chicken Breast Casserole Submitted by Sarah Miller
8 boneless breasts, boiled 20 minutes. 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can milk 1 package crescent rolls 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded1 bag frozen peas, semi-thawed
Wrap rolls around chicken breasts. Pour soups, milk, and peas over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.Sprinkle cheese on top. Return to oven until cheese is melted. Enjoy!
Mix the chocolate cake. You may add the vanilla pudding to the mix. Bake in two pans, sprayed and wax papered, according to directions.Cool cakes.Place one layer on a rectangular cake plate or pan.Mix cream cheese, brown sugar and Cool Whip. Spread 1/2 on the cake layer.Melt the butter. Add water and heat to boiling.Remove butter mixture from heat and add powdered sugar. Stir well.Drizzle half over first layer.Place second layer onto first. Cover with the rest of cream cheese mixture and, then, rest of icing.Cool and enjoy!
Deluxe Potato Ham Bake Submitted by Sarah Miller
2 cans cream of chicken soup 4 tablespoons butter, soft or melted 1 cup sour cream Mix the above together and add : 1 medium onion 2 cups cubed ham Top with one large bag hash browns, shredded. Bake until hot at 350 degrees.
Stir all together and top with: 4 tablespoons butter, melted 3/4 cup corn flakes, crushed Bake for 5-10 minutes longer.
Fruit DessertSubmitted by Barbara Detweiler
1/2 gallon Sunny Delight12 ounces pineapple juice1/2 cup sugar
Cook ingredients together.Thicken with clear jel.Cool and serve. (This is also a good baby food.)
Coconut Cream PieSubmitted by Katherine Byler
1 baked pie shell1 package instant vanilla pudding1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened1 (12 ounce) container cool whip3/4 cup cold water1 can Eagle Brand milk1 cup toasted coconut*(*Brown in pan on low heat, stirring constantly until tan in color.)
Mix pudding and water with wire whisk. Set aside.Add milk to cream cheese; then add 8 ounces of the cool whip and beat until smooth.Add the rest of ingredients (including pudding mixture) except coconut and 4 ounces of the cool whip. Beat until fluffy.Put into pie shell. Top with cool whip, then toasted coconut.Chill until firm.
Hot Oriental Chicken SaladAnon
2 cups chicken broth1 package Ramen noodles3 marinated cooked chicken breasts2 tablespoons chopped onion1/2 cup slivered almonds1 bag coleslaw mix1/2 cup oil1 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons vinegar1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 package Ramen noodle seasoning
Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces.Spread Ramen noodles in a casserole dish; top with chicken pieces, onion and almonds.Pour chicken broth evenly over chicken.Bake at 350 degrees for 20 – 30 minutes. Combine oil, salt, sugar, vinegar, pepper and seasoning package. Heat in saucepan until seasonings are mixed.Remove chicken casserole from oven. Sprinkle coleslaw mix over chicken mix. Pour oil mix over all and return to oven for 15 minutes. Can be eaten cold or hot.
Stuffed Pepper SoupSubmitted by Emma Byler
1 pound ground beef2 cups chopped green pepper1 (8.8 ounce) pouch ready to serve rice1 cup chopped onion1 jar chunky tomato pasta sauce1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
Prepare rice according to package directions.Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook beef, green pepper and onions until beef is no longer pink. Drain.Stir in pasta sauce, tomatoes, broth and prepared rice.Heat through.
Our
cabin
ets a
re a
wor
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Since 1977
440-834-1540 17090 Jug St., Burton, OH 44021
Mon.-Fri. 7:00am to 4:30pm, Sat. by appointment only.
Weaver Bedding
“Quality That CountsAt A Price You Can Afford”
440-636-5859
OURPILLOWTOPS....ARE JUST LIKE SLEEPING ON
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q Mattresses q Boxspringsq Waterbed Inserts
Custom Fit q Mattresses for Boats and RVs and more . . .
13341 Princeton Rd.Huntsburg 44046
Hours: 8-5; Closed Thurs. & Sun.
4
Plain Country | March 9, 2011
Weaver BeddingBy Jacquie Foote
When you turn onto the driveway by the Weaver Bedding sign, you will pass a large white building on the right that Eli says is used for work overflow, family gatherings and such. You will go on a little further and stop at the next white building. It is trim and attractive … and the home office and manufactory of Weaver Bedding.
Nearly 20 years ago Eli and Ada Weaver started a unique little company, one that actually makes the fine mattresses it sells. At 17, Eli began work at the Burton Station Leggett and Platt Company. Eli says that although Leggett and Platt were … and are … huge in the bedding industry, few people have heard about them even when they were a Fortune 500 company. You see, they produce the components in mattresses. Their work is hidden, as it were, and people only see the names of the brands of the mattresses that hold Leggett and Platt parts.
During the 14 years Eli was employed at Burton Station’s Leggett and Platt Company, he not only learned how the parts of a mattress are made and how various mattresses are actually constructed, he became impressed with how a mattress is priced. He became aware of how the system of mattress makers selling to wholesalers selling to retailers selling to customers caused the high price of mattresses. He realized that each new mattress has been sold two or three times and each step of the way, the one who sells the product must raise the price to cover his expenses and allow him a living. Eli dreamed of what a benefit to the Amish community a local shop where mattresses were not only sold but also manufactured would be. He planned a high quality product to be had at a reasonable price.
He started that very business in 1991 and has since attracted and satisfied many non-Amish as well as Amish customers.
When you enter Eli’s shop, you enter the office/showroom. At least six beds are aligned along one wall, each holding a different style of mattress so you can sit, lie and/or bounce to try out the mattress choices before coming to a decision. There are displays of the sheets, pillows and mattress pads sold there. Weaver
Bedding also sells boxsprings, waterbed inserts, headboards and metal bed frames … everything you need for a bed.
Across from the display room is a door that leads to the large, bright work area where the mattresses are actually
manufactured. The various machines housed there aid Eli in his work. Custom made is the rule here. Eli can make not only queen and full size mattresses (the most popular) but also king and twin sizes. He can even make comfortable, long wearing mattresses for RVs, campers and boats.
There are more than six styles of mattresses that Eli makes. On the beds in the display room, he keeps a pillow top, a super soft, a deluxe extra plush, a deluxe plush, a deluxe and a firm for you to try. In addition, he makes an economy firm and even a memory foam mattress. Each of his standard and better mattresses
comes with an extra insulator pad in the center so it resists sagging. Since each mattress is custom made, you
can get extra supports on the sides of your mattress at very little cost.
Eli’s intent is that you have the mattress you order no later than a week from ordering. He keeps some of the more popular mattresses in stock; these are immediately available. If he gets too many orders for him to fill in a week’s time, Eli has “a homecoming” (his words). His children gather and make both buildings ring with the sounds of mattress making … and, no doubt, with cheerful chat and laughter.
Part of the concern for the customer getting good value for the money spent on his products is reflected in Eli’s policy of providing delivery (free within a radius of between 10 – 12 miles and reasonable further out).
Whether you visit Weaver Bedding for a mattress or for the fine sheets, pillow cases or mattress pads … or for a headboard, box springs or frame, you will never feel hurried or pushed into making a purchase you aren’t sure of. You will be in a place where Eli’s quiet friendliness and expertise make a real difference.
Weaver Bedding
Eli and Ada Weaver, owners.
They feature fine bedding and
custom made mattresses, boxsprings and waterbed inserts at affordable prices.
13341 Princeton Rd.,Huntsburg
440-636-5859
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Thursday
and Sunday
spotlight On...ICICLES ON YOUR EAVES?
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March 9, 2011 | Plain Country
5
Mom’s Diary By Barbara Ann Detweiler
Saturday, Jan. 29: Wayne and John went to help move a greenhouse at Windsor Greenhouse. There were over 50 men and boys there and they carried it across the drive to a different location.
This afternoon the children and I went to the Middlefield Library and checked out lots of books.
Sunday, Jan. 30: Went to church. Then, this evening, Wayne’s cousin Robert and Katie and two of their children came for a visit.
The thermometer is going down, down, down!
Monday, Jan. 31: I made supper for a church family, so that pretty much took up my day.
It was cold this morning, so Wayne got out his toe warmers. His fingers and toes get so cold since he’s on blood thinner, but I guess, he’ll have to learn to live with it. He’s also sore and achy at times and we blame that on his cholesterol drug. Otherwise, he’s doing quite well.
Tuesday, Feb. 1: Rose Edna had a dentist appointment today to fill some teeth and extract one. She almost passed out in the dentist’s chair, but they hurriedly laid her flat. After that she was OK.
Wednesday, Feb. 2: I am sick! I ache all over and my throat hurts terribly. I tried to stay down and rest but had to get up every so often. Moms can’t be sick!
Thursday, Feb. 3: Five degrees this morn! Brrrr! I went to the doctor this afternoon. She checked my throat and prescribed an antibiotic. She doesn’t think it’s strep
Friday, Feb. 4: Rose and Laura were both gone to jobs today. Norma gets bored being alone with me. She doesn’t play anything. She just follows me around and begs me to read her stories, which I do for a while.
Saturday, Feb. 5: I have this nagging cough that wants to linger now that my sore throat and achiness is gone.
It’s snowing and windy. It’s been a long, cold winter, and the groundhog says six more weeks. There’d be six more weeks anyway, even if he hadn’t said so!
Sunday, Feb. 6: Wayne and some of the children went for a pony ride this afternoon. It seemed like it was going to be a long day, then Dad and Mom drove in. That was a treat! We played games then.
Monday, Feb. 7: The girls and I went down to cousin Ida’s for the evening and Katherine fell down the stairs and hurt her back. The wind was knocked out of her for a while.
Tuesday, Feb. 8: Cold all day and by tonight it was down to 1 degree. Katherine feels pretty good but is still very sore. No running or anything strenuous for a few days.
Wednesday, Feb. 9: It feels like it’s Christmas all over again. I have a new sewing machine and it works like a top! My old one was worn out. Maybe my mountain of sewing will get smaller pretty quickly now!
Thursday, Feb. 10: Very cold! Went to my Mom’s for the day.
Friday, Feb. 11: The temperature showed 3 degrees below this morn.
Laura substitute taught at a school for a friend. She loves to teach.
Saturday, Feb. 12: We went down to Wayne’s parents for the day to visit with his sister Ada and her husband who were there from Missouri.
Sunday, Feb. 13: On our way to church this morn I fell on the ice on our driveway and hurt my leg. I kept on going, but after I got there my leg was all weak and shaky. What happened to those days of youth when “falls” didn’t faze me!
Monday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day. I limped around for a while this morn ‘cause my leg hurt badly from my fall yesterday.
The school children had a piñata at school today, so they came home with baggies of candy. We all went to bed early because we were all very tired.
Tuesday, Feb. 15: Hot lunch at school today. I made pudding and Rose, Laura, Norma and I went. The children sang for us afterwards.
Betty had a fever tonight and headache.Wednesday, Feb. 16: Betty felt better
this morning.Laura substitute taught at a school for a
friend. She loves it!Thursday, Feb. 17: It warmed up to 50
degrees! The children think it’s summer. Lots of mud around, though. Norma went outside with Wayne and slipped and fell in the mud, so she needed a change of clothes.
Wayne is still feeling good and putting in full days of work.
Friday, Feb. 18: Another mild day. Tonight we went to a benefit auction for one of my uncles. So we got to see a lot of relatives whom we don’t get to see very often.
Greetings from the Plain CommunityBy Donnie Miller
Is everyone as anxious for spring as I am? We sure enjoyed the warmer weather when it came! As our snow melted, we had huge amounts of water everywhere. But with the sunshine and wind it dried very fast.
Maple syrup makers are busy this time of year. What is better than pancakes and fresh maple syrup? To me, there is nothing better tasting than that first batch of new maple syrup!
Mrs. Bob Hershberger (Sara) was in a Cleveland hospital for open-heart surgery Tuesday, Feb. 22 to replace or repair her Mitral valve and have a possible bypass. Sara is the daughter of Simon and Clara Gingerich. She is 49 years old and has a family of four girls and two boys, with two girls married.
Daughter Susan and her friends went to Arizona, on Feb. 25, traveling by train. They plan to call on Esther, daughter of Henry and Rhoda Miller. Esther is 21 years old and stays in Arizona in the winter because of severe allergies.
I have recovered fairly well from my surgery and have been able to drive my horse and buggy to town for shopping again. Am not able to lift more than 20 pounds. There is always a chance that the adhesions or scar tissue can grow back. It helps if I can keep my weight down, but it is difficult if I am not active.
Every mile is two in winter. George Herbert
“Here we go again!” The words strike terror in my heart. I start shaking, and hurry to get dressed in case we have to go for help. The chimney starts making popping sounds. “We” left the stove door open too long again! One of these days,
before you begin that great diet. But be sure to wait till the cake is all gone. Lifelines Screening says I have a problem and it’s life threatening. So celery and carrots, here I come!
Saloma D. Detweiler enjoys mail and visits, as do her folks Don and Sarah. Sarah is being treated in the Clinic for her sickness. She feels better after receiving blood transfusions now and then.
Sister Betty and I spent a day with some of the Miller girl cousins recently. We learned quite a bit, but, as for me, I can’t recall everything. (Thank goodness.) We were at Betty and John’s daughter Kathy’s (Mrs. John Burkholder’s). They recently moved to the corner of South Windsor and Wiswell Roads.
And then the Weaver cousins plus friend, Mrs. Wayne Barbara Ann Detweiler, spent 24 hours going and coming and spending part of the day at Mrs. Joey (Emma) Miller’s, formerly from here. Emma’s mother and sisters also went. I tried calling there to see if they arrived safely and no one answered. Must be too much yakking; they didn’t hear the phone! They even had a Weaver for a driver, Steve by name.
A dinner and auction was held recently at Mel Byler’s shop on Gates Road to benefit Ferdie Miller who’s off work for a while. He underwent shoulder surgery and is hopefully on the mend and can be his same old self soon. He turns 60 in August, another blowout then? The dinner included John Miller children and grandchildren. It was a fun evening. Aunt Mary S. Miller was a part of it also, of course, as this was at her home.
we may work on relining the monster. It was a very cold morning and hubby says, “I don’t know if I can get up on the roof or not.”
“Well, don’t look at me,” I’m thinking, “I’m helpless!”
He did manage, carrying hot water along up to pour down the chimney, and all’s well that ends well. He finds it hard to accept that he can no longer jump up the five foot rise from porch roof to main roof.
Thinking aloud, he also wondered why “Fred” isn’t spelled “Phred”. The English language is a strange one, as everybody knows. Many thousands of people don’t even know the difference between its and it’s or to and too, to name a few!
Oh, the rocking horse looks so lonely out in the snow and ice. Our winter isn’t over yet. We have had a “taste” of mud already, just as much fun for the grandchildren to play in as it is in snow!
This issue, I’m enclosing a recipe for a yummy cake (page 3), a good one to make
Kath
erin
e’s Korner
By Katherine M. Byler
5515 Kinsman Rd. • Middlefield, Ohio 44062(4 miles east of Middlefield • 2.5 miles west of Mesopotamia)Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday 8:00am-3:00pm
Hello From the Amish Crossing Corner ...By Sarah Miller
ChuckleTwo women were
driving downtown and were hailed by a traffic Cop.
“Hey you!” he shouted, “Pull over!”
They did. The next day the judge fined the woman who had been
diving $25 for speeding.
The lady was anxious to keep this from her husband.
Since he regularly checked the checkbook, she
marked the stub: “One pull-over,
$25”.
What a winter wonderland! The trees, telephone wires and everything were covered with ice. Making a very beautiful landscape. Now, when the sun shone, it was even more beautiful.
We are into March … and thinking SPRING.
With all the snow melting, we have a pond in our front lawn.
Visitors with us and grandpa John, Sunday evening Feb. 20, were Philip and Martha Miller and sons Nelson, Betty and Norma Wengerd, and Ray and Judy Miller and children. We had homemade ice cream and snacks for grandson James 14th birthday. It so happened it was also Nelsons 60th birthday. Congratulations to both.
Still lots of flu going around, making some absentees in church.
Visitors with Mrs. Bob Hershberger, Tavern Road, this forenoon were, Mrs.
Sylvia, Mrs. Saloma, Mrs. Judy all Millet’s and Mrs. Leona Gingerich.
Bob’s Sylvia recently had foot surgery, and may not walk on it for at least 12 weeks. Hope she likes to read and put together puzzles. She’s lucky to have two girls and a son out of school, to help out.
Planning to visit Mrs. Joe J. Miller of Jug Road. tonight are, grandpa John J. Miller, Joe and I and sons Perry, Joe, Richard,
Ray and Wayne and wives and daughter Sylvia and Dan.
Son Richard had a sale Feb. 25 in our shop, to sell his carpenter tools
and miscellaneous items. He plans to get out of construction and have a home
business making stable blankets, horse collar pads and more.
Understanding HorsesBy Daniel Fisher
If we would make a list of products to have on hand, besides a Free Choice Program, for those sudden horse problems or injuries, the following would be our list.
Remember, with most injuries you want to do something while you wait on the vet.
Pro-Bi probably gets used more than anything else. This is for a good reason. Pro-Bi does so much. Depending on the horse’s problem, you can add things to Pro-Bi to get quicker results. For example, on hot days, if the horse starts wearing down or will not drink well, you add Ride-Rite to Pro-Bi. This will add electrolytes.
Other examples include … in cases of azoturia, you add selenium and vitamin E to Pro-Bi. For founder, add cream of tartar to Pro-Bi. Use Pro-Bi straight for colic or any other digestive problem. It is also good to put on the feed for a tired horse. He will be refreshed a lot sooner. Pro-Bi can be used to clean out wounds; it will promote healing.
For accidents where the horse is bleeding, use red pepper to help the blood to clot easier. If the wound bleeds freely, you have to put pressure on the wound to control the blood flow.
Even though it is hard to have everything you might need on hand, here is what we would like to see: pliers, scissors, leg wrap, wound pads, Pro-Bi, Ride-Rite, iodine, selenium, vitamin E, Dy’s Liquid Bandage, cream of tartar and red pepper.
If you don’t shoe on a regular basis, include a small hammer and shoe nails. Remember that most of the foot problems in horses are caused by not shoeing on a regular basis. The blacksmith does not cause them, as some people would like to think.
Until next time.
Daniel C. Fisher is proprietor of D & S Farm & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Rd., Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-693-4632 for more information.
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March 9, 2011 | Plain Country
7
Hello from Huntsburg By William Bender
February 16 … Here we are in February. The sugar bush guys have sugaring on their minds. It has to warm up first. Cermack has tapped as he has tubing. Old Joe Yoder used to say not before Feb. 20.
Our carpenter work is still real slow. But spring is on the way.
A few broken bones to report. Mrs. Mary Byler has a cracked pelvis and Melinda Troyer (9) broke both bones in her arm.
(Read Willaim’s memories of sugaring in his childhood in “Bits and Pieces” above.)
ChuckleA preacher looked out from the pulpit one Sunday morning and
was shocked to see only one parishioner.
He looked at the cowboy and said, “Well, son, since we’re the only ones
here, why don’t we forgo services today?”
The man replied, “Sir, if I took a load of hay out to feed the cows and only one showed up,
I’d still feed her.”
This so inspired the preacher that he gave a sermon like he’d never
given before. For the next two hours the word of God flowed from him.
When he finally finished, he looked at the cowboy and said, “Well, what did you think of that?”
The cowboy replied, “Well, sir, I don’t mean any disrespect, but if that one cow showed up, l sure
wouldn’t dump the whole load on her!
Lines by LindaBy Linda Weaver
Feb. 24 … Hello Friends! We are surrounded by ICE! I can’t remember it hanging on the trees like it has all week creating a beautiful sight with the sunshine making it glitter and shimmer.
This weather has put syrup making on hold for this week. The Gingerich family sugarbush has a total of almost 150 gallons already from the first run.
Erwin Jr. is much improved from his bout with pneumonia but still needs to take care.
Last week we received the sad news of my cousin Monroe Gingerich’s son Casey’s death by drowning. This happened in Puerto Rico on a mission trip with friends. He was their only son and the oldest in the family at 24. They live in Leon, Texas.
This week word came of a serious accident in Mio, Mich. My cousin Paul Gingerich’s daughter and daughter-in-law were badly hurt when someone hit their stopped mini-van. The daughter has a badly broken back and the daughter-in-law needed surgery on a badly broken leg. Our thoughts and prayers are with these families as they adjust to these changes in their lives.
Greetings from Garrettsville By Rachel Miller
Feb. 17 … Aren’t we having beautiful weather! We had 45 degrees this afternoon. I did a big laundry this morning, then we went to town. When we came home, the laundry was almost dry and ready to fold. Everything was so soft and fluffy. Some of you may have hung your laundry out this winter, but mine was in the basement. We have a stove down there and laundry dried in a day.
The birds are busy at the feeders, but no cardinals at the new one. They like the pine trees in the front. But the Finches, Chickadees, Titmouse, Nuthatch and Woodpeckers came. We also have Bluebirds at the feeders, especially where there is suet.
Urie Bylers and we were to Andrew Millers Saturday evening to see little Becky. She is a healthy little baby.
I was busy this week cleaning closets and the pantry. I did get a shirt made for Ivan.
And I did send my seed order out. I saw the Pussy Willow tree starting to get buds. I think they do come out in March.
By William Bender
I am not sure what year we moved up here on Pioneer Road, somewhere around 1947. And I am not sure what year Dad put up the sugarhouse. It was not the first few years we were there. We got the arch, an IXL, from Dan S. Miller, where Eli Mast lives today.
I always looked forward to sugaring, but was real glad when it was over. I never liked to gather sap when it was snowing and blowing. We carried a screwdriver along to poke holes in the ice to get the sap out. It seemed if it happened to be nice and warm one day, that night it would turn cold and snow.
It was fun when it was 60 degrees and the buckets were full. Then I tried to flood Dad with sap and get the storage tank full before we were done gathering. I don’t think I ever got it so full we couldn’t finish.
The last few years Dad had the sugar bush, when Reuben came home from Johnson Rubber he would walk up and take over the boiling for Dad. (Reuben lived behind our woods.) I used to sit in the sugarhouse till he was done, just to keep him company.
Bits and Pieces of YesterdaySubmitted by Rachel Miller
From Grandfather Enoch Byler’s diary:Monday, Jan. 18, 1943 –
28 degrees at 7 a.m., wind in the south; 27 at 9:15 a.m. and raining; very foggy all day.
28 degrees at 9 a.m., sun is shining. Pa has the Grippe. Dr. Faust was here for Pa and Irena’s children. They have flu, $1.50.
Submitted by Sarah Miller
Feb. 21, 1900; Middlefield, Geauga County, Ohio
Nice weather with a little snow on the ground. Cutting logs and stove wood is the order of the day.
Some of the farmers are getting ready to open their sugar bushes.
John I. Troyer of Holmes County is here to rent a farm.
Peter J. Gingerich of Iowa and Isaac and Eli E. Gingerich of Illinois were here to visit their many friends, but on Tuesday morning they bid us farewell and started on their trip home. We wish them a safe trip home.
John B. Detweiler made a flying trip to Lawrence County, Pa. this week.
Church services were held at Jacob Coblentz’s last Sunday. Next Sunday at J. E. Millers.
This leaves us all well. Yours truly, Daniel D. Gingerich.
J&J Cabinet Shop4738 Donley Road
Middlefield, Ohio 44062
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News from WindsorBy Barbara Ann Detweiler
The benefit for Windsor Mills School has been changed to March 25. For details see page 2.
A daughter, Hannah, was born Feb. 18 to Ray and Ann Hostetler. Grandparents are the Eli Hostetlers and the Joe Weavers.
8
Plain Country | March 9, 2011
“The Life of a Farmer’s Wife, Volume 1” by Lena Yoder was published by Legacy Press, Winesburg, Ohio, copyright 2010. It is the first in the series of books of collections of Lena Yoder’s monthly articles previously published in “The Connection” magazine. Volume 1 contains the articles published from October 2004 through December 2007.
Lena chronicles the events in the life of a mother of six who is also the wife of an Amish farmer in the twenty-first century. She tells of the tasks a farmer’s wife has and of the events in the lives of her husband, her children and herself. She writes of the visiting and frolics and church services she and her family have part in. But most vividly of all, she speaks, through her writings, of her deep love of God, belief in the Amish way, and her struggle to walk that way consistently. Lena muses on the need to take time to meditate no matter how busy your life is, the need to recognize peer pressure and deal with it, and, perhaps
Books in ReviewBy Jacquie Foote
Parkman PathwaysBy Ellen Hershberger
Tuesday, Feb. 1: This is my first winter in Chardon and we watch the snow pile up. Tonight, after I came home about 5, I had a few hours to recoup, then did an overnight with no sleep.
Wednesday, Feb. 2: I go to another assignment and, in the p.m., try to catch a few winks.
Thursday, Feb. 3: I’m feeling sleep deprived, but it’s amazing how one can function on a few hours sleep. I miss my family and the activities at home, but am thankful for work at my age!
Friday, Feb. 4: Got home in the a.m., with about one hour before heading off to cook. Hope they like my meal tonight.
Saturday, Feb. 5: This morning nephews and I went to town, then I did a little sewing. This evening an enjoyable time was had by our singles group when we gathered to celebrate a birthday. Homemade ice cream was on the menu.
Sunday, Feb. 6: Today we attended church at Dan and Sara Byler’s home. Resting, reading, eating popcorn and family fellowship filled the rest of the day.
Monday, Feb. 7: It seems my gears head to the kitchen where cooking, baking and cleaning up are good therapies.
Tuesday, Feb. 8: This p.m. after work we headed off to vote, then sister and I had a most enjoyable evening visiting with our Mom’s old friend, “Candy Mary”.
Wednesday, Feb. 9 & Thursday, Feb. 10: We caregivers have a great responsibility and especially when it involves end of life care. Hospice is wonderful and I’m learning so much from them. God bless them!
Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.
Anon
most important, the benefit of trust in God. Several times Lena wonders whether the teachings and love in her family and in the Amish community will be enough to keep her children safe from the snares of the modern, non-Amish world. She worries that as Amish families move away from farming as their major occupation, the children will have too much time on their hands and also will not feel as vividly how important their place in the family is.
“The Life of a Farmer’s Wife” is, in many ways, a serious book. But it is neither a boring nor a sad book. The daily adventures are told with a bright sense of humor and fun. Readers from the 6th grade up will find it a hard book to put down and adults will find passages to reread and meditate on as well as passages to chuckle over.
This, and Lena Yoder’s other books, are available at S & E Country Store on Newcomb Road.
Friday, Feb. 11: Again home in the a.m., off to cook in the p.m. and then spending a few evening hours singing with a group of friends.
Saturday, Feb. 12: I pull a six hour shift (not bad!) and then, what else (?), I bake some brownies and prepare a batch of raspberry filling to take to work to make into pies.
Sunday, Feb. 13: Today my Dad would be 94. He passed on a very warm July 26, 1976 at age 59. We had family brunch, rested in the p.m. and then had friends visiting this evening, playing games and eating popcorn.
Monday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day and a 93 year old I know still is enjoying giving his wife a valentine.
Tuesday, Feb. 15: Coming home a bit earlier from work gave me time to repack in time to join our singing group at Mrs. John Yoder’s home on Hosmer Road. Such uplifting songs give one a good mood booster. From there I went to the overnight. I’ll want to sleep tomorrow.
Wednesday, Feb. 16: I’m home a few hours this morning, trying to sleep, but the stove kept puffing and waking me up. So I gave up, made some lunch and soon packed for a doctor appointment.
Thursday, Feb. 17: Some changes in my schedule are enabling me to have a few days off, so I am spring cleaning.
What fun! Time to enjoy the “little people”, meet friends for lunch, etc.
The men have tapped the maple trees.With that I bid you adieu.
Greetings!The big blue bookmobile is happy to
be wanted by so many of our county’s avid readers. We currently have 84 total stops on our schedule. While this is a good thing it does not leave any extra time during the eight hours a day we are on the road Monday through Saturday. We have had several families recently ask if the bookmobile can come to their house. Though our immediate desire is to say yes, we have to be realistic and at this time unfortunately there is no additional room on the schedule for new stops. Please know that we take your request very seriously and keep a file so if in the future we can fit you in we will.
Some of our ‘sister’ libraries throughout Ohio have recently donated books to our bookmobile. We have received several good used copies of the Boxcar Children, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and the Happy Hollisters.
Bookmobile NewsBy Jane Attina
Though many of these titles are still available for us to purchase others are out of print and unavailable. We are grateful to the other Ohio libraries and we let them know the books will be enjoyed by our many patrons!
When materials you request are not available in our library collection we may borrow books from libraries throughout the United States. These books come to you with a special sticker on the front that says either MORE, or INTERLIBRARY LOAN. When you receive these special order books, please make sure to return them in three weeks as they cannot normally be renewed and we have to return them in a timely manner. Thank You!
The following titles will arrive soon:“Chasing Fire” by Nora Roberts
“44 Charles Street” by Danielle Steel“I’ll Walk Alone” by Mary Higgins Clark
“Judgment” by Beverly Lewis“Miles to Go” by Richard Paul Evans
“Night Road” by Kristin Hannah“Sixth Man” by David Baldacci
“Quicksilver” by Amanda QuickUntil next time, stay warm and curl up
with a good book!
Stop in and Visit our Museum, Video Viewing and Cheese Outlet.
And the Winners Are …Thank you for your great response to our coloring
contest. So many fine entries! We couldn’t remember ever having so many before. The judges took a long time, but finally chose six winners.
Just a reminder … if you do not follow the directions, we cannot consider your work in the contest.Our winners are:Ages 5 – 7 Joseph Detweiler (Hayes Road) Amanda Miller (Sweet West Road)Ages 8 – 10 Miriam W. Byler (Bundysburg Road) Raymond Miller (Bundysburg Road)Ages 11 and up Sara Weaver (Kinsman Road) Linda N. Yoder (Hayes Street)The winners should have already received notice by mail.
It’s a Complete and Color the Drawing Contest! To enter this contest, just add to the picture of the sugar house below. You might draw any details you want to make this an interesting picture of a sugar bush in operation.
Use crayons or color pencils or both. Do not use markers or paints, as they don’t look good on this kind of paper.
Be sure to add your name, address and age at the bottom of the picture.
Send your entry to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 by March 14.
Age groups are 5 – 7, 8 – 10, and 11 and older. There will be two winners in each age group. Each winner will get a set of drawing pencils and a set of color pencils. Winners will be notified by mail on or about March 25.
