Pc05292013

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{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}

SCHOOL’S OUT

Vol. 5 No. 7

From Our Schools Submitted by Laura Kauffman

Writing: If I were a … By Susie (grade 5) If I were a RAINDROP, I would sail out of the clouds and come down … down … to the earth. I could see for miles and miles around! It would be fun. I would go into a circus tent to the elephant’s pail of water. He would pick me up with the other water and squirt me through his nose. I would go sailing away and land on a little girl’s nose!

Submitted by Laura Kauffman

Writing: What I want to Do This Summer By Susie (grade 5) This summer, I want to help my mother work. I also want to play with my sisters and brothers. And I want to move our doll things into our playhouse and help plant the garden. I also want to teach our mini pony to jump over things and to be ridden bareback. I also want to learn to make bread and pie. And I want to learn to sew if my mother lets me.

Only 96 days till school starts!

May 29, 2013

Good Advice for a Parent By Mrs. Rudy Kathryn Detweiler

Before your children go out the door for school, bow and say Our Lord’s Prayer with them and have them say it out loud with you. “Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen Most of us Amish can memorize this in German for our children. With all the sad happenings nowadays, this is important.

Georgia Road School Graduates

Submitted by Linda Weaver Paul Slabaugh (Erwin and Betty Ann) Mary Ann Frey (Al and Linda) Joanna Miller (Andrew and Sara Jane) Mary Ann Slabaugh (John Jr. and Esther)

Next issue Plain Country– June19. Editorial deadline–Mon., June 3. Advertising deadline–June 7. Please send the information to share to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062, or call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year.


Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Plain Country’s

Plain Community Events

Community

Benefit Fish-fry andEvents Auction for nonprofit amish benefits Meadow Brook School and events are published at no Friday, June 28, 5:00 p.m. charge Joe’s Window Shop Send to: Plain Country Events, P.O. Box 626, OH 44062 (Corners of Middlefield, Shedd Road and or call 440-834-8900 | fax 440-834-8933 Route 168)

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Publisher: the Fontanelle group inc Editorial Coordinators: Jacquie Foote, Joe and Sarah Miller Staff Writers: Katherine M. Byler, Barbara Ann Detweiler and Donnie Miller Contributing Writers: William Bender, Daniel Fisher, Ellen Hershberger, Rachel Miller, Linda Weaver and Susan Yoder Mailing Address: P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 Phone: 440-632-0782 v 440-834-8900 v Fax: 440-834-8933 Published Every Three Weeks – Free of Charge Subscriptions are available for $25 per year

Benefit Fish-fry and Auction for Meadow Brook School Friday, June 28, 5 p.m.

Joe’s Window Shop (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168) Carry-outs at 3:30 p.m., sit down at 5 p.m. Auction follows.

Happy Birthday May 29 May 29 May 29 May 30 May 30 May 30 May 30 June 2 June 2 June 2 June 3 June 3 June 3 June 4 June 4 June 5 June 5 June 6 June 6 June 6 June 7 June 9 June 9 June 9 June 9 June 10 June 10 June 10 June 10 June 10 June 11 June 11 June 11

Jacob Detweiler Jr. (13) Mrs. Bob (Sara) Hershberger Danny Ray Byler Ray Mast (65) Elizabeth Byler (John) (18) Joey N. Yoder (19) Mrs. (Gid) Margaret Hershberger (58)

William Bender Jr. (30) Mark Miller (Allen) (5) Steven R. Byler (35) Mrs. Elsie Yoder (36) Myron P. Miller (11) Rachel D. Detweiler (11) Wayne J. Miller (33) Philip R. Hershberger (12) Chester Byler (39) Mrs. Fannie Miller (71) Mrs. Esther Miller (53) Mrs. Marlin (Linda) Miller (19) Wayne C. Byler (41) Susanna Weaver (2) Andrew Wayne Miller (15) Andrew D. Miller (15) Steven A. Detweiler (7) Robbie Bender (Dan) (7) Raymond Yoder Willard Yutzy (twin) (15) Wayne Yutzy (twin) (15) Lester L. Hershberger (18) Freeman Martha Mullet (58) Martha Mullet (Al) (13) Andrew S. Yoder (12) Adam C. Hershberger (6)

Plain Concerns

This is a list of organizations that help with low cost spay/neuter surgeries: n Rescue Village.....................440-338-4819 n Geauga Dog Warden........ 440-286-8135 n Fix It in the Farmland....... 440-338-4819 n Angels for Animals............ 220-549-1111 n Valley Save a Pet................440-232-9124

June 11 June 11 June 13 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 16 June 18 June 18

Mrs. (Bert) Mary Miller Laura W. Detweiler (17) Barbie Kurtz (19) Mervin J. Hershberger (9) Mrs. Mary Bontrager Noah Yutzy Jr. (38) Susie O. Miller (35) Matthew G. Bender (6) Mary Muller (Danny) (8)

Benefit Auction for Clara (Joe W.) Byler’s huge hospital bills. Friday night, July 5

Middlefield Sale Pavilion 15848 Nauvoo Rd. Middlefield Big lunch stand with chicken, hamburger, Italian sausage sandwiches, sides, salad bar and desserts. Carryouts 4p.m. live auction at 5p.m. Chinese auction with many gift baskets. Many items to sell. Donations welcome! Come for the entire evening! (Clara is at Rest Haven Mental Hospital in Indiana. She is not well. Please pray for her.)

Belated Birthday May 1 May 8 May 10 May 12 May 16 May 17 May 20 May 23 May 27

Phillip Miller (Andrew) (16) Mrs. Walter (Cindy) Gingerich Mrs. John (Ruth) Miller Mrs. Danny (Linda) Troyer David Gingerich (Waynes) (13) Mrs. Owen (Cindy) Miller (65) Steven Detweiler (Sam) (5) Mrs. Robert (Laura) Troyer Ruth Ann Gingerich (Erwin Jr.)

My Cat

Happy Anniversary

By Norma Detweiler (age 8) One day, my cat ran away. He ran into the woods. He saw something. It was a bear. “MEOWW!!” said the cat. And he ran up a tree, The bear went after him. He climbed higher and higher and higher. The cat was so frightened that he jumped right out of the tree. Then, the bear got mad. He wanted to jump, too. He did not get the cat.

Marty and Sara Jane Mast, May 18 … 20 years Lester and Ruth Mullet, May 18 … 7 years Jake and Linda Weaver, May 25 … 41 years

Wanted

for Our Next Issue

Please write in and share some...

Children’s Immunization Clinics

.BENEFITS (printed at no charge)

to be held after June 19

.RECIPES

Geauga 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 n Second Wednesday, June 12, 9 – 11:30 a.m. n Third Wednesday, June 19, 9 – 11:30 a.m. n Third Thursday, June 20, 3 to 6 p.m. Clinics will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east). NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC n Wednesday, July 24, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at Grace Evangelical

for busy time meals and treats

.Birthdays

For Sale Standing Sawmill Timber Call Taylor Lumber 412-298-2076

NATURE’S WAY GREENHOUSE

FOR SALE

n Strawberry & vegetable plants. n Flower plants & baskets. n Vegetable seeds. n Seedlings started here–no chemical fertilizers used.

NATURE’S WAY GREENHOUSE 15150 Shedd Rd Burton • 440-834-0288

.anniversaries .Memories of the past to share

A story for our “Tell Us a Story” column. These can be stories of the past, stories with morals, or Bible based stories. They can be stories you like to tell, or stories that have been told to you.

.Mail to

Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, Ohio, 44062, or call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933 by June 3 to be included in our next issue. * Anything, of appropriate nature, submitted will be used, if not in our next edition, it will be included in a future issue.

Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road.

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In This Issue ...

Bits and Pieces from the Past............................ 04Bookmobile News........................................08 Books in Review.................................................08 Children’s Immunization Clinics...................02 Coffee Break with Sue......................................05 From Our Schools..............................................01 Greetings from Garrettsville..........................05 Greetings from the Plain Community........09 Happy Birthdays................................................02 Hello from Amish Crossing Corner..............03 Hello from Huntsburg......................................04 In Memoriam......................................................02 Howdy from West Farmington.....................08 Katherine’s Korner.............................................07 Lines by Linda.....................................................03 Local Amish Business Directory...................09 Mom’s Diary.........................................................07 Nutrient Dense Gardening.............................06 Parkman Pathways............................................06 Plain Country’s Community Events.............02 Recipes..................................................................04 Tell Me a Story....................................................04 Wanted..................................................................02

A Runaway Pony By Betty Detweiler (age 9) One day, my brother Andrew, my sister Norma and I went for a ride with our pony. On our way home, the pony tripped on a rock and Andrew fell off. The pony turned into our driveway and Norma and I fell off. Our hands were all scraped up and we were screaming and crying. The schoolteachers heard us and came running. Then, my Dad and brother John also came running when they saw the pony and the empty wagon. Andrew wasn’t hurt, thankfully, and Norma and I had mostly scrapes. We had to fix the wagon, but, luckily, the pony was all right. That is the end of my little true story.

In Memoriam

William “Bill” J. Kurtz, 81, of Mesopotamia, entered eternal rest May 7, 2013 at home surrounded by his friends. He was born Jan. 26, 1932 to the late John J. and Mary (Detweiler) Kurtz. Bill was a retired farmer and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He will be missed by brothers, John (Martha) Kurtz of Orwell, Gideon (Elmina) Kurtz of Burton, Jacob (Katie) Kurtz of Kentucky; sisters--in-law, Emma Kurtz and Ada Kurtz; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bill is preceded in death by: his parents, three brothers and three sisters. Bill’s final resting place is in Clark Road Cemetery in Mesopotamia. Online condolences may be sent to www. bestfunerals.com.


Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Bring us your used plastic pots, trays!

By Sarah Miller

• Bedrooms • Living Rooms • Dining Rooms • Curios • Bookcases • Cedar Chests • Hickory Rockers • Children’s Furniture • Computer Desks

May 13, 2013: A beautiful but chilly morning (29 degrees). I wonder if it will do damage to the strawberries! I keep looking ahead to the 90+ degree weather and know that then I will wonder if it really was that cold in May. I decided to do some writing this morning and then get my sewing done for our grandsons’, Norman Ray and Nathan Byler, weddings on May 22. They will be having a double wedding, as they will marry sisters. This will be in Ossineke, Mich. We are all getting excited, as this will be something different. We have a bus scheduled to leave Tuesday, May 21, coming back on Wednesday evening after the Wedding. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dan and Esther Miller family as Esther was transferred to Cleveland Hospital on Sunday afternoon following stroke like symptoms from extremely high blood pressure. Also thoughts and prayers to the Andy and Marcia Byler family as their 1 1/2 year old is in critical condition after falling in the pond. This happened on Saturday, May 11. Emma J. Byler of Tavern Rd. had openheart surgery on Tuesday, April 30. She is at home doing well. She lives with her brother Enos and Esther Byler family who help care for her. Spring cleaning is being done. Still have the kitchen and basement to do. Flowerbeds still need some attention. The flowering shrubs are simply beautiful. With our frequent rains, the grass needs to be cut several times a week.

Nauvoo Rd.

And Much, Much More

Rt. 528

Rt. 87

16403 Nauvoo Rd., Middlefield • 440-632-0248 (One Mile East of Rt. 608)

www.countrysidefurnishings.com Mon-Sat 8am-5pm; Fri ‘til 6pm; Closed Sunday

Lif

Mon-Fri 8am–dark; Sat 8-6

An Heirloom Tomorrow

Rt. 608

13310 Clay Street Middlefield 440-636-5558

A Treasure Today...

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Hurry Before They Are Gone! Organic fertilizer • Shrubs, hanging baskets • Plants Strawberry Plants geraniums • Blooming Azaleas Edible Crab Apple Fruit Trees Seed Potatoes. All types of mulch.

Hello from Amish Crossing Corner

One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Items Oak, Cherry, Br. Maple & Hickory Furniture

need new windows?

We have a complete line of all-welded new construction & replacement custom-size windows, and patio doors. Low E • Wood Grain • Bays & Bows • Basement Sliders SLidinG Basement Windows • Caulk • Barn Windows SHop WindoWS Basement Hoppers 8 Sizes in stock Ready for delivery!

Call Joe Today for pricing! 800.866.0326 / 440.834.0326

Joe’s Vinyl Window Shop • 15020 Shedd Rd., Burton

WILL BUY ALL TYPES HORSES & PONIES Market Price Paid

Sound or Unsound • Pick up at Farm

Ron Andio Livestock Home: 330-702-1832 Cell: 330-719-5980 Also buggy horses & ponies for sale or trade.

T R OYMillworks ER formerly “The Spindle Shop”

• Balusters Sizes: 1-1/4” and 1-3/4” Lengths: 31”– 48” Designs: Square & Pin Top Species: Oak, Poplar, Maple, Hickory, Ash, other species available • stair Parts • Newels • sPiNdles Andy Troyer, owner 16201 Pioneer Rd. Middlefield 440-636-5577

We and son Perrys were supper guests at son Rays last night. We were treated to barbequed ribs and pork roast. Delicious! Thanks, Ray and Judy. Our family gave Joe and me a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party on Thursday evening, May 9. Invited were my sisters Fannie and Mel Yoder, Edna and Bill Byler, Crist and Clara Hershberger, sister-in-law Saloma and Levi Jr. Miller and niece Ellen Hershberger. They treated us to a full course wedding dinner with wedding cake and ice cream. There were beautiful decorations plus beautiful gifts. A wonderful evening of memories to tuck away in our “memory book”. Thank you to all that came! We missed the two families who weren’t here. Wedding bells are ringing for quite a few couples. On Thursday, May16, is the wedding of Alma, daughter of Robert and Lena Hershberger of Mumford Rd. and Johnny, son of John and Lavina Byler of Nash Rd. And on May 21, will be the wedding of Laura, daughter of Ray and Barbara Detweiler, and Paul, son of Abner and Mary Miller of Mumford Rd. Neighbor Mose D. Byler has his good and not so good days. They are selling out their salvage store, as he is not able to go out and help in the store anymore. The children still take turns caring for him for the night. The blood drive here on Saturday, May 11, brought us 65 donors, down a little from last time. Hopefully, the next drive on July 13 will be up again. You all have a good week!

e i u on yo s lik sin e u e g an lay pee an s e o d l so r at it o nio W y m he ou e a ff n; a n tre c tim tim e, le the ry. es e, th af re er on is e on is e Ho pe !!

Pleasant Valley Greenhouse

WROUGHT IRON now

Lines by Linda

available

By Linda Weaver

CREATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS

May 13, 2013: A cold frosty morning with me out early watering flowers and strawberries. Hopefully, it helped. Our weather had been summer-like for a few weeks and now comes this cold snap which requires us to start up our stove again. Luckily, we had a few buckets of coal left! Neighbor John Slabaugh had his hernia surgery 10 days ago. Doctors said it was monstrous. He is coming along well after being pretty uncomfortable the first week. He was able to be in church yesterday as was Erwin Jr. Gingerich. Jr. went to a lung specialist last week and was told surgery is a possibility after all. Tests are being done on his lymph nodes tomorrow. If they’re clear, he’ll have to decide. His heart doctor gave him the OK, too. Last Monday was the open house for Mrs. Mahlon (Fannie) Yoder’s 90th birthday at her daughter Bert Mast Nancy’s, where Fannie lives. Many friends and family attended with delicious food served to all who came. Thanks to Donnie Miller Nancy for taking me along with her group. The school picnic was held on Thursday night, a beautiful evening for playing baseball. We are sorry to report the teachers Lydia and Barbara Miller won’t be returning next year. They have decided to take a break from teaching. Lydia has been here for 16 years! Yesterday, Mother’s Day, was rainy and quite chilly. It warmed my heart to receive several nice cards and flowers from family and friends. Marty Masts, son Pauls and Aarons came for supper tonight. Bobs stayed home with her Mom. Born to Lavern and Linda Troyer, a daughter named Rosalie. Grands are Bob and Sara Hershberger and Lester and Linda Troyer. Greats are Noah Sr. and Viola Hershberger and Simon and Clara Gingerich. Two weddings to announce are Ruth Hershberger and Robert Miller for May 23 and Maria Barkman and Joe Allen Yoder for May 30. Congratulations! Enjoy the sunshine! Till next time.

Middlefield Care Center Old Order Amish COmmunit y BirthinG Center

Middlefield Care Center

• Providing a less expensive, safer option, to at-home unattended deliveries. • We accept most health insurance plans, including Amish Community Aid Plan (ACAP) • Home-like atmosphere without restrictions For questions about the Care Center or to schedule an informational tour, please contact, Jaime Fisher RN/D.O.N. at 440-632-1900

Middlefield Care Center • 14999 Lenny Drive in Middlefield 3


Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Bits and Pieces from the Past

Iced Coffee (recipe) Submitted by Katherine Byler 1/2 cup boiling water 1/3 cup instant coffee 1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 2 cups cold water 1 quart chocolate milk

… Pleasant Valley School By William Bender It is now 60 years that Pleasant Valley had school. The first few years, it was called “Huntsburg Private” school. The pupils from that time are miles apart now. They are in Cass City, Mich. and Munfordville, Ky., Pennsylvania has a lot of them. Menno Hostetler’s children are somewhere in the western states. The teachers were Uria R. Byler and Esther J. Miller. Later Esther was Mrs. Crist E. Fisher. Why did I start this? It just came to my mind that some are in Clymer, New York. I was in the 4th grade, the year I started there. Don’t ask me who my classmates were as I don’t know. Well, the boys I can name, but not the girls. I don’t know what year it was that Eli Mullet came to school all the way from the corner of Huntley and Princeton. Sometimes, he came with horse and buggy and sometimes he walked. Allen Miller came from the corner of Clay Street and Chardon Windsor Rd, one year. That same year, we went over to Fox Run School to play ball. We walked from our school on Burton Windsor Road to Fox Run on Hayes Road. After the ball game, we walked all the way home. Would I do it again today? NO!

Add boiling water to instant coffee and stir. Add condensed milk, cold water and chocolate milk. Mix well. Add ice and it’s ready to serve. Delicious!

Strawberry Pizza Submitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler

Rhubarb Punch

1/2 cup butter 3/4 cups sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla Strawberry glaze 1 quart strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced Cream butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix well. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Work into ball. Roll out, spread on cookie (or pizza) sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Let crust cool while you mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla.When crust is cool, spread cream cheese mixture over crust, then top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with strawberry glaze. Enjoy!

Submitted by Mrs. Rudy Kathryn Detweiler 2 quarts rhubarb, diced 2 tablespoons strawberry Jell-O 2 1/2 cups sugar 2 cups boiling water 1 can frozen orange juice 2 liter 7-Up Ice Put rhubarb into large pot. Add water to cover and boil 10 minutes. Put through colander. (Should make 2 quarts of juice. If not add water to make desired amount.) Mix strawberry Jell-O, sugar and boiling water. Add to rhubarb juice. Cold pack 15 minutes. When you open this juice, add the frozen orange juice, the 7-Up and the ice before serving. Delicious!

Submitted by Sarah Miller 8 ounces creamed cheese, softened 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 1/3 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 eggs 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/2 stick melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups chopped pecans Beat creamed cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Add flour and baking soda and mix well. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press dough firmly onto bottom of ungreased15x10x1 inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned Meanwhile combine rest of ingredients except for the pecans until well blended. Stir in pecans. Spread evenly onto warm crust and bake for another 20 – 25 minutes or until topping is firm around the edges and slightly soft in the center. Cool completely, then cut into bars. Makes about 5 dozen bars.

By William Bender May 13, 2013: Is it really time for another letter? And my mind is as blank as this piece of paper. We have our third wedding to go to in the morning. This one is at Sime’s Dans. Last week it was at Billy Miller’s. And on May 3, it was at niece Mary’s, the Joe Hostetlers in Jefferson, Ohio. Saw a lot of old friends. Most of the people were from Holmes County. Wednesday, Anna has her Holmes County get-together here at our house. Last time, she missed it as she had her dates mixed up. She really enjoys these gatherings. There are eight women who grew up in Holmes County and moved up here after they were married. They have a get-together about every 6 weeks. The 18th of May, it will be 48 years that I started in Sunny Acres to put two years in. And why didn’t I like it? I had a job, a warm place to stay and all my meals (if I ate what they served). The pay wasn’t the best. Where did all the years go to? (Read more of Bill’s memories in “Bits and Pieces … Pleasant Valley School”.)

Tell Me a Story A Bat in the house By Katherine Detweiler

Letter written by my Mother as a child to a friend

Good Baked Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Submitted by Rachel Miller

Pecan Bars

Hello from Huntsburg

Submitted by Rachel Miller

1 cup oil 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup cheddar cheese powder 1/3 cup popcorn kernels Pop the popcorn and set aside. In a mixing bowl, mix the oil, sugar and cheddar cheese powder. Place popcorn in a large bowl and pour mixture over it. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. If the oven is too hot, the popcorn will easily burn.

Burton Station June 17, 1924 Hello Florence, How are you coming along? I hope fine. Lydia, Amelia and I had to pick up stones this forenoon. We have to pick up stones this afternoon, too. Then we can each go buy an ice cream cone when we are done. I passed to the 3 rd grade. I am so glad school is out. Well, I will close because I need to take this letter to the post office. Good by, From Sadie Byler To Florence Byler Answer soon.

Mixed Vegetable Casserole

Dave and Ida Miller, Had a bat in their house. (You know; the kind of bat That looks like a mouse.) It was night and all was dark, And pretty quiet, too. Until that bat flew into the room, Then, what a hullabaloo! Ida dove under the covers, While Dave looked around. They looked and looked and looked some more, But that bat just couldn’t be found.

Submitted by Mrs. Rudy Kathryn Detweiler

n Coleman Lanterns & Campstoves n H.C. and Lancaster Lanterns

Parts & Repair Service

n 12 volt L.E.D. Lamps,

Fluorescent Bulbs & Flashlights n Bulk Food William J.S. & Martha Miller

16786 Madison Rd • Middlefield

Use any vegetables from your garden, or store bought frozen vegetables Onion rings 2 cans cream of celery soup 1 jar Cheez Whiz 1/2 cup sour cream Mix all ingredients except onion rings and place in baking dish. * Put onion rings on top of mixture in baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. (* Cooked chicken breast cut into chunks may be added. Stove top stuffing (prepared according to the box instruction) can be put on top.)

440-548-5486

Free in-home

Call to schedule your appointment today.

Huntsburg • 440-636-5300

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hearing evaluations for our Amish neighbors is our specialty!


Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Greetings from Garrettsville

Coffee Break with Sue By Susan Yoder May 11, 2013: Hello to all! Hope we are all enjoying these beautiful sunny days. We are blessed! That’s for sure! We talked with Dad and Mom Yoder on the phone last night and are concerned with Dad’s back issues. They are contemplating surgery. He has suffered much pain. I guess it’s pinched nerves. The doctors don’t feel the surgery would be a big deal. Dad installed a new floor in Florida and “overdid” it. He is 74, not a spring chicken anymore, but he’s in fairly good health otherwise. Word has it Ray F. Miller had his surgery now and, hopefully, will return home soon. This was done at a New Jersey hospital. We wish him better days. I was working in my flowerbeds, dividing perennials, putting on compost, etc. and thought about having a “Perennial Trade Day”. Anybody interested? It would be a little late for this year. But maybe next? It’s fun to try new kinds, different colors, etc. Congratulations to Marcia, daughter of Nelson R. Millers and Aaron Gingerich (Roberts) on their upcoming wedding on June 4. Also congratulations to Marcia’s sister Barbie and David Byler ((Jonas) who plan a June 18 wedding. We have a mare in the barn that is due to foal anytime. Actually, it’s overtime and we are anxiously awaiting “the arrival”! Til next time.

By Rachel Miller

G r o ce r i e s • b ulk f ood s

General Merchandise

health & beauty Items

5515 Kinsman Rd. • Middlefield • 440-693-4617 (4 miles east of Middlefield • 2.5 miles west of Mesopotamia) Mon. - Fri. 8:00am-5:00pm Sat. 8:00am-3:00pm

yoder’s

buggy wheels Wood • Fiberglass Aluminum • Steel New & Repair 440-548-5267 Allen Yoder, Jr 17326 Newcomb Rd. Middlefield

Wholesale & Retail

May 12, 2013: It’s time to get my letter written and in the mail. We had 35 degrees this morning. I wonder if it wasn’t colder earlier as the barn lean-to roof was a little white. We now have 44 degrees at almost 8 a.m. It was up to 57 degrees and we had some rain and sleet and a few snowflakes this morning! I had my strawberries covered last night and again tonight. They are full of flowers. I also hung my hanging baskets in the shop. The early garden looks good though the tulips are about past. Yesterday neighbor boys Michael Coblentz and Sammy Byler came by with scooters and Sammy gave me a bouquet of flowers and said, “Happy Mother’s day.” That was nice. Next Friday evening is the benefit auction at the sale barn for Albert and Mary Miller. He has Parkinson’s and they both have medical bills and no income. He hasn’t worked for a long time. On May 24 is a silent auction and dinner at the Nelson Circle Community House for Albert and Patty Stump. He is in the hospital with heart problems and they have no income and no insurance. The weddings are starting a couple weeks already. We have an invitation for next Thursday, but I don’t think we will go. Tuesday, we go to Holmes County to Ivan’s sister, the Ray Hershberger’s. Betty is not well. She has a tumor that they have operated on twice and it is back again. They can’t get all of it, as it’s too close to the brain. It is not cancer. She does not have pain. She has some good days. Wednesday, my sisters and I go to Atlantic, Pa. to our sister Mrs. Mel Detweiler. Our brother’s wife is gong along. Mary and Saloma Detweiler will go to their sister, Mrs. Urie Byler’s. Just now, 2 deer ran across the road to here, in the field. I hope they stay out of our rock garden. Last fall, they ate off some flowers. Mrs. Val Troyer fell and broke her hip. She is coming along well and is at Briar Hill for a while. We were to our granddaughter Albert and Lucinda Miller’s Friday evening to see baby Michael. He is about 5 months old but the flu kept us from going sooner.

Some Kitchen Tips

Health Hints

Submitted by Sarah Miller

Anon

1. Put old socks on the legs of your furniture when you move it. This will prevent scratches.

Dry eyes can be caused by arthritis. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Oct. 2005) suggests that dry-eye is less common in women who get more omega-3 fats. Fish oil is rich in these fatty acids. Women who consumed more tuna were less likely to complain of dry eyes. (Or you could just take fish oil capsules.) One writer states that regular doses of garlic, caffeine, coffee, coco, or 50 mg of vitamin B6 can keep asthma under control. An elderly gentleman states that he has not had trouble with ingrown toenails since he was 10 years old. His Dad took him to the doctor because he had a badly ingrown toenail. The doctor had to cut along the side of the toe and pull part of the nail out.

2. A muffin tin is a handy holder for carrying hot baked potatoes. 3. Baking soda mixed with ground cinnamon or cloves makes a great carpet freshener. 4. If you put sugar cubes in your cheese containers, the cheese will stay mold free. 5. For a quick frosting for cupcakes, place a solid milk chocolate mint wafer on top of each cupcake right after removing a batch from the oven. After the wafer has softened, spread over the top of the cupcake … or just leave it as it is. Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40)

SUDOKU

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Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Children and Gardens in the 1800s

Quilt Raffle Tickets for Fall Heritage Days on sale now!

By Jacquie Foote

“Fry Pies” & us Lots of Crafts, icio Cookies, a delicnic Home Decorating p d el -h d han Ideas & Gifts dessert.

In addition to seeing to it that their children were well mannered, literate, knowledgeable about math and their country’s history and government, the Geauga parents of the 1800s instilled a solid work ethic in their children. And they began with household and farm chores. From a very early age the Geauga child of the 1800s (as elsewhere in the America of that time) worked along side the parents in feeding animals, gathering eggs, weeding the garden, and keeping the house neat. As time went on, chores became more gender specific with the boys usually being the ones to learn to plow and the girls being the ones to learn to cook and sew. But the gardening chores remained War. The shortage of sugar led some to use the tasks of both boys and girls. Little pumpkin syrup as a sweetener. wonder, for the garden was needed to Some gardens contained asparagus provide not only food for today but the plants. This vegetable once grew wild in surplus to put away for tomorrow. England, Russia and Poland and was used And what was planted in these only as a medicine. It wasn’t until about “kitchen” gardens? Many things you’d 1680 that the English began growing it for recognize. Among these is what is food. Settlers from England brought it to considered by many to be the world’s America. oldest vegetable ... the Carrots were onion. It is believed to also brought here have been first grown by English settlers. in Western Asia and was Carrots are thought certainly widely known to have grown wild in ancient Egypt. It is in England and believed that the early Western Europe settlers from England and began being brought this vegetable grown as food in to America. England during Of course, corn the reign of Queen was a garden staple by Elizabeth I. then. It was grown by the Indians before Another English import is the America was discovered and was one of cucumber. This is one of the oldest the vegetables called “the Three Sisters” by vegetables known. It is believed to have the Iroquois who used them in companion come from India and was grown as food planting. Actually, corn is a bit of a mystery. by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. The Other garden vegetables once grew wild, English grew cucumbers for centuries, but corn cannot grow wild, it must be calling them “cowcumbers”. cultivated. No one knows where it came Although salads were not thought as from originally ... or even how old it may be. important then as now, lettuce was found The second of the Three Sisters, beans, in many Geauga gardens of the 1800s. and the third, pumpkins, could be found in It was grown by the Persians hundreds most Geauga gardens from the beginning. of years before the birth of Christ and Beans are thought to have been grown was commonly grown in England as a as a food by the Indians of the Southwest decoration as well as a food from the 1500s. for thousands of years. Over time, they These garden plants, most of whom were introduced to other Indian groups were not indigenous to Geauga grew in as far east as the Atlantic coast. Pumpkins competition with the native weeds ... became important to the settlers as more making lots of weeding work for the than just a food during the Revolutionary children of the 1800s!

Jams • Jellies • Baked Goods Quilts • Wood Items • Centerpieces Wallhangers • Place Mats • Rugs Hickory Rockers • Baby Items and so much more!

Amish Home Craft & Bakery 440-632-1888 (Let Ring)

16860 Kinsman Rd.(Rt. 87) Open Daily 9am - 4:30pm Bakery Available Daily – Will Do Special Orders!

Cross Cut Country Store

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CROCS • THE NOTHINGS • SPIRA • BROOK SHOES Nice selection of spring and summer quality footwear for the enitre family! Black Crocs in stock, but we can order any Crocs not in stock. • Quality Footwear at Great Prices • Lifetime Tables • Household Items • Horse Supplies • Miscellaneous

16161 Nash Rd. • Middlefield • 440-548-2259 (corner of Rt. 528 & Nash Rd.) Monday thru Friday 8-5:30; Saturday 8-4:00

We have your spring gardening needs covered! Taking orders for shrubs. • Fruit Trees | Shrubs | Grapes • Tree Roses | Roses • Black Berries | Blueberry Bushes • Red | Black Raspberry • Strawberry Plants • Rhubarb | Asparagus • Onion Plants | Sets • Bulk Seed | Seed Potatoes • Plant Food & Sprays • Canning Jars • Compost | Manure | Peat Moss • Hardwood Mulch | Black Mulch • Potting Soil | Topsoil • Organic Hi-Cal Lime • Hydrated & Pelletized Lime • Fertrell Organic Fertilizers • Triple 12 Fertilizers • Basic H | Black Plastic • Quart Strawberry Boxes • Hanging Baskets • Potted Flowers | Veggies • Fire Starter Blox • Frost Protect Covers • Grass Seed • Birdseed | Bird Netting • Water Softener Salt

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Hayes Road

Greenhouse

440-636-5659

13015 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, 44062 (Between Pioneer & Burton Windsor)

Mon-Sat 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays

Parkman Pathways By Ellen Hershberger Sunday, April 28: We were in communion service at Albert Miller’s today. This evening was spent with family here, and then I visited Marian at Briar Hill. Monday, April 29: This was a slow moving day for me from lack of enough sleep the last few weeks. Tuesday, April 30: Sister and I did a bunch of errands and shopped this morning. Then, in the afternoon, I helped Kathleen get ready to move. I plopped into bed early. Wednesday May 1: Beautiful May, my favorite month of the year. The tulips are beautiful and birds are happy, along with the spring peepers. I won’t say how late I slept, but it was necessary. This p.m., it was back to cooking at Brooks, then to the usual overnight shift for the next 4 nights. Sunday, May 5: After a sleeping-in in the forenoon, the ones living here enjoyed a cookout. Tuesday, May 7: Today was taken up with a dental appointment and then TB testing and care giving quizzes at Brook House. Tonight, the singing group gathered at the Dan C. Byler home. Thursday, May 9: After a lunch with friends, we shopped at a beautiful greenhouse. Friday, May 10: We did errands and

Nutrient Dense Gardening By Daniel C. Fisher Greetings! The boys are busy in the field and greenhouse. Manganese in plants serves as an enzyme activator, helps break down carbohydrates and metabolizes nitrogen. In a seed, it is the spark of life. A seed with no manganese in it will NOT grow. Manganese deficiencies usually appear as interveinal chlorosis and will first appear on younger leaves, appearing similar to an iron deficiency. Manganese benefits photosynthesis, oil production, energy release in cells and enzyme functions. According to clinical studies, Cobalt and Manganese are what separates the animal species and the human species. Also, clinical studies show that deafness, depression, carpel tunnel, lack of ability to concentrate, ringing in the ears, poor muscle coordination, gout, still births and many more problems could be due to a Manganese deficiency. Until next time … D & S Farm & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, Middlefield. For more information or clarification call his voice mail at 440-693-4632.

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visited several more greenhouses before my night shift. I was training a new girl all night at Brooks. Saturday, May 11: After sleeping all morning, I was picked up by several friends and we made the drive to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, only to find them ready to close the gates for the day, So, we ate a bite and came back home. Sunday, May 12: Our church was at the Freemon Miller home and it rained, blew and, even some ice came down! Monday, May 13: This turned out to be a very pleasant day. And I got to sleep in my own bed. This morning, I gave my 2 weeks notice to quit the all night weekends. Tuesday, May 14: All I got done today was laundry and being with family here. Then, I fixed chicken for supper and took it along with our singles group to Mrs. Alma Miller on Georgia Rd. We watched them trying to herd 9 sheep across the road to a different pasture. Wednesday. May 15: After a morning treatment, I was on p.m. cooking duty … then to Chardon overnight. Friday, May 17: I’m not feeling peppy – my back hurts a lot. Had another treatment and spent what time I was able to plant my few flowers and veggies. May GOD bless you all!


Katherine’s

Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Korner

Mom’s Diary

By Katherine M. Byler

By Barbara Ann Detweiler A beautiful wedding day was enjoyed May 9th for granddaughter Rachel (Wally) and Marlin (Al and Barbara) Miller. They are making their home on Morris Road in Orwell. We wish them a long and happy married life (as the writers used to write in old Budget articles). Many were at the viewing/calling hours of local, well-liked taxi driver, Walter Cox. He suffered from cancer for 6 months and was buried at Clark Road Amish Cemetery on land formerly owned by his father, George Cox. George is remembered by “old timers” (myself included) as a milk hauler (can milk) for local farmers. He began his job using horse and wagon! Speaking of Christmas, the snowball bush outside my window is heavy with the white blossoms. Of course, I can bring a bouquet of them inside and they won’t melt. Am hoping that by the time this is in print, the garden will have been planted … including some posies. There are many, many cosmos plants coming up in the garden from last year’s plants. (Weeds to hubby.) Oh my, Mother’s Day brought me a full supply of hanging baskets for our porch! A few have been planted so thickly, they need dividing already … creating even more baskets to hang! Thanks to our offspring for the beauties and also to Crist Schlabach of “Just a Greenhouse” who was so kind as to give our driver and me each a beautiful hanging plant on our way home from the Bloodmobile at Joe’s Vinyl. Someone said put fake snakes in your fruit trees and the birds would leave them alone. Maybe we can try that with our strawberry plants. The only trouble is who’d buy them? NOT my better half; he’ll stay as far away from those as he does from the real ones

There, I’m finished … finished that is, cleaning corners and cobwebs, in case someone (anyone?) comes to help with Spring Cleaning. (Yes, capital letters!) Windows look pretty clear at the moment, as well! Weddings have begun; with good food comes good pounds. The fellowship. etc. is worth it, I say. It makes time go even faster and I was really reminded of it the other day when SMART SON reminded me the longest day of the year is coming up. After that, the days will be getting shorter already. About time; after all, there are only 209 days left till Christmas! Only 96 days till school starts! Flowerbeds are needing attention. Perennials multiply like crazy. Need transplanting. Maybe we’ll put some out by the road for free … along with other items no longer needed, or wanted. Blessings come in many ways and a very welcome one came for Joe and Sarah Miller when a brother-in-law offered to spade a small patch of garden for them. Sarah quickly went to a neighboring greenhouse for seeds and happily got them in the proper place in the ground. Son-in-law, Wayne C. Byler of Carroll County, had some barbecued hay before he got it home to his farmette recently. (No good even for the horses.) A spark ignited the trailer load as they sped down the highway to their home. He got some attention whether he wanted it or not, with fire trucks and police cars on the scene in short order. The second load was brought home safely. One cent doubled every day for 30 days might surprise you. The total at the end of 30 days would be $5,368,709.12. Save your pennies and let them multiply.

Saturday, April 27: A beautiful, breezy day. Laura did lots of laundry while Rose Edna and Katherine cleaned house. I sewed a while and did odds and ends. We burned a huge pile of branches and scrap, so for supper we went out and roasted hot dogs and grilled hamburgers. What would we do without burgers and dogs!!?? Sunday, April 28: We rested and read until this afternoon when we went over to Brother Johns for supper. It rained most of the day and was cool, so it was an “indoor” day. Monday, April 29: I could hardly get out of bed this morn. I got a call from the Special Pharmacy that my injection shipment will arrive tomorrow. Finally! Betty was going to the neighbor’s with a message and met up with a skunk! Andrew saw it and yelled to her to get back. Luckily, the thing kept on going! Tuesday, April 30: The last day of school! I was telling the little girls of all the chores they’ll have each day and Betty decided she wants to go back to school! Wednesday. May 1: A nurse came out and showed Wayne how to give the injections. She gave me the first one around noon and, by the time I went to bed, I felt more limber and sot so much pain. Thursday, May 2: Rose Edna, Wayne and I went to Guernsey County to the wedding of Wayne’s niece. When I got out of bed this morning, I could move pretty freely … but … by the time I got home, I hurt all over again and could hardly move. I have to wait until Saturday for my next shot! Friday, May 3: I was on the blink most of the day and the girls worked hard. I feel bad for them, but they don’t complain. Laura started working at Art Form Nurseries since school let out. I think she enjoys the change. More burgers and hot dogs for supper. Saturday, May 4: This week has been just beautiful. I managed to do some baking. “Shot Day” and Betty and Norma were all eyes watching Wayne do it. Katherine disappeared. She doesn’t want to see any part of it Sunday, May 5: To church, then home to rest and read. We got word that Wayne’s Dad was rushed to the hospital from church, so Wayne went up. By then, his Dad was discharged, so Wayne went to visit him at home. Wayne’s Dad has kidney stones and that’s why he had all the pain.

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Monday, May 6: The schoolgirls have not been bored yet. There’s too much to do! Tuesday, May 7: Grocery day. Betty went along to help me. It seems those injections last only one day. Wednesday, May 8: I went to help get ready for my niece, Rachel’s, wedding. Wayne gave me another shot tonight. Thursday, May 9: Rachel and Marlin’s wedding day. It was a beautiful day and I felt good. We had a mishap when the one table fell over. The ovens were on top and they were full of chicken, so everything landed in a heap on the ground. We got everything back together and could salvage most of the chicken. Friday, May 10: I felt stiff and sore again today, but managed to help with laundry. Saturday, May 11: Our school picnic was today and what a day! It was dreary and cool, but, at least, it didn’t rain. The children had fun anyway. They played games and they put their names and addresses on helium balloons and let them fly. The men and boys played ball. We actually started a fire in our living room stove when we got home. It felt good! Sunday, May 12: We went over to my Brother Johns for the day. Monday, May 13: Still cool and the fire is still going. I felt good, so I did lots and lots of laundry. Tuesday, May 14: Another hard day for me. I have this urge to go outside and dig in the dirt or run up and down the driveway. But no can do. Wednesday, May 15: Norma’s 8th birthday and it’s a big day for her. She could hardly wait. We had cake and ice cream and I gave her a gift. Thursday, May 16: We went to two weddings today, so it was a long day. Saw lots of friends and family. Friday, May 17: Today is Rose Edna’s 18th birthday. Where has the time gone? She hasn’t been around much this week and I miss her. This has been another beautiful week. We surely can’t complain of how the month of May has been so far.

Health Hints By Mrs. Rudy Kathryn Detweiler If you woke up this morning with more “health” than illness, you are more blessed than the millions of people who will not survive the week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, loneliness of imprisonment, agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people around the world. If you can attend church without torture or death, you are blessed ore than 3 billion people in the world.

D & S Farm & Garden Supply

4738 Gates East Road, Middlefield

440-693-4632

www.dandsfarmandgarden.com Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM • Sat 8AM-2PM

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If you have food, clothes and a roof over your head, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you can hold up your head with a smile on your face and are thankful, you are blessed because most of us can but don’t. If you can read this you are blessed more than 2 million who cannot read. Compare your problems with those of others; your troubles may not seem so large.


Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Books in Review By Jacquie Foote “Letters to Katie” by Kathleen Fuller, was published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee, copyright 2013. One of my favorite sayings is, “Be still and know that I am God.” It is a very appropriate saying for me because, usually, I am so full of what I want to say to God, that He can hardly get in a word edgewise! This, the latest Kathleen Fuller Middlefield Family Series book, tackles the problem of how we can know what God is telling us … exactly what IS God’s Will in our lives. She approaches the problem through the lives of several quite different people. There is Sawyer Thompson, whom we met as a boy in “A Summer Secret” and as a young man briefly in “Treasuring Emma” and more fully in “Faithful to Laura”. Sawyer, a Yankee, lost his parents in a car accident when he was 9. No relatives could be found who could take him in, so Sawyer was adopted by an Amish family. Although given the education usual for a Yankee child, Sawyer is drawn to the Amish Way and, now, in his early twenties, believes it is time to choose between the Yankee and the Amish lifestyle. He knows only God can guide him to the right decision and only God can show him how to convince the bishop … and the parents of Laura, the woman he hopes to marry … that a decision to enter the Amish church is right for him. Then, there is Cora, Sawyer’s grandmother (!) whose entrance into Sawyer’s life is the subject of “Faithful to Laura”. Very wealthy with an indomitable will, little patience and many prejudices, Cora schemes to remove Sawyer from the life and people he has grown to love in order to groom him to take over her business. As far as Cora is concerned, God had no part in her life, and never will. And, then there is Katherine Yoder … the Katie in the title. She has appeared in every book of the Middlefield series … from childhood she has been sure that God set aside Johnny Mullet for her husband … Johnny who has never seemed to have any interest in her at all. How does a person tell the difference between something they want and something God wants for them? As usual, Kathleen Fuller is careful to be authentic in her presentation of the Amish Way and Amish people. She makes her characters come alive by presenting them with enough background information and side details to make them real. She is as careful to be as authentic with her secondary characters as she is with her main characters. This book is not “preachy” and never dull. It holds your interest from start to finish. Easy to read by 7th graders to adults and because of the title, likely, immediately of interest more to women, “Letters to Katie” holds enough robust and believable male characters to keep the attention of any man who would pick it up.

Bookmobile News By Jane Attina Greetings from the Bookmobile! We have really been busy this month behind the scenes in the bookmobile office. Learning how to use the new computer system has taken up a great deal of time, but we are very excited, as it will be a big improvement for patrons and staff. Placing all those books you ask for on hold will go much more quickly as the searching feature is enhanced and easy to use. By the time you read this we will have been on the new system for approximately two weeks. Please make sure to bring your library card with you each time you come to the bookmobile or the library. Thanks! Writing this article really makes me realize how quickly the time is passing by. One issue I am writing about snow and cold, the next looking forward to spring and the greening of the trees and today I am writing about summer and the upcoming reading programs! Wow! It seems life is like a Merrygo-round, ever spinning and changing from one season into another. “Dig into Reading” is the theme for our children’s summer reading event. Visit the Bookmobile beginning June 3rd to register and pick up your time log and handouts. For each 15 minutes that children read or are read to, they can color a symbol on the time log. After 10 hours of reading time has been reached, return the time log to the Bookmobile to receive a prize bag. The program ends on July 13. Our adult summer reading program will begin July 1 and go through August 10. For every book you read, fill out a slip for a chance to win great prizes. As always, we are grateful to the Volunteer Friends of the Bookmobile Group that provides monies for these programs. If you would like to support the Bookmobile by becoming a Friend we have forms available. A family membership only costs $5. This small fee helps to contribute to the community by enhancing the services the Bookmobile provides. Whether it is summer reading prizes, Birds of Prey programs, or the endless supply of stickers the children get each time they visit, we thank our Friends and members for their continued support. True stories have always been a personal favorite. Sometimes the books are informative such as learning about the civil war, or reading about a famous person from history, such as Abraham Lincoln, or the currently popular Navy Seal Chris Kyle, American Sniper book to name a few. The non-fiction books that especially touch my heart are those about people or families that have faced tragedies and have learned to move on to overcome the events that have changed their lives forever.

Howdy from West Farmington By Mrs. Rudy Kathryn Detweiler May 11, 2013: Lilacs fill the air with rich perfume. Our sweet little grandchildren, Marty (6) and Amanda (4) brought me a dandelion bouquet, how precious! Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and all I need is a smile, but here come our children with hanging baskets, rose bouquets, etc. God bless them all! Bill Kurtz, age 81, died at his home on Clark Rd where his parents, Deacon John and Mary Kurtz lived. We were in the same church back in the 1970s. Now, Deacon Owen Schrocks live there. Bill was a single man, never married and 4 single boys from his church were pallbearers, Mahlon Fisher, Robert and Daniel, Levi L. Miller Jr., Mervin (Owen) Schrock. He was buried at Fishers Clark Rd. Cemetery. He was in Bishop John A. Kurtz district. Widow Mahlon Yoder Fannie made it for her 90th birthday with an Open House and approximately 100 people attending. Monday, where she lives with her daughter Bert Nancy Mast. Nancy told her, at 9 p.m., “Mom, just think, in 3 more hours, you will be 90. “ (She didn’t think she’d live to see 90.) Our singing group had an enjoyable evening at the home of widow Urie Sara Miller on Coffee Corner Rd. Now-days they call this road Parkman-Mespo Rd. The neighbors on Coffee Corner joined us. (I had laryngitis and enjoyed just listening.) In the group were Firman Wengerd, Danny Troyers, John R. and Marty R. Detweiler, Marvin Kauffman, Sara Ann Miller and us. Urie Sara seems to be in good health and keeps busy. Coming up from Kentucky this week was Mrs. Dan U. Susie Miller, Mrs. Daniel Sue Weaver and our daughter-in-law Mrs. Robert Linda Mullet. They spring-cleaned their Mother, Bishop Andy Miller’s house and Linda visited on Thursday evening. Last night, a group of 19 classmates came here for a dinner and requested Rhubarb Pie … and ordered several to take home (only leaving a few pieces for me). Either you hate rhubarb pie or you can eat the whole pie. (That’s me.) Yum! Daughter-in-law Marty Lori thought if they like rhubarb pie so well, maybe they’d like to try some rhubarb punch she made. They did and preferred it to iced tea! It was delicious! See the recipe column for this punch recipe! 8

A newly published book titled, “I’ll See You Again” by Jackie Hance is one of those. In a powerful memoir, Jackie shares her story of unbearable loss and darkest despair and how she slowly, painfully and miraculously was able to return to hope and love. A horrific car accident took the lives of her three young beloved daughters. The girls, Emma age 8, Alyson, age 7, and Katie, age 5 were gone as was their aunt who was driving the automobile. When later reports came out showing her sister-in-law was driving while under the influence of alcohol, Jackie was filled with anger. Learn how Jackie struggled to regain her faith, to forgive and to strengthen her marriage. Reserve your copy of this beautifully written book next time you visit. Looking to do some square foot gardening or plant a shade garden, or perhaps create a water feature in your yard? The Bookmobile has a variety of gardening books on board to give you some great ideas that will make your yard look beautiful this season. Check one out next time you visit! Have you been hearing very loud insect sounds these days? If so chances are that is the sound of the 17-year cicadas. There are several cicada species in the country and many emerge each year, but Brood II is one of the distinct populations that only mature every 13 or 17 years. These kinds of cicadas, known as periodical cicadas, are endemic to the eastern half of the United States. The cicadas coming out of the ground now were born in 1996. After emerging, the nymphs shed their crunchy brown exoskeletons (which you may find on tree bark or other areas around your garden) and will spend their few weeks of adulthood mating and laying eggs in tree branches. Then the red-eyed insects will all die, leaving their 2-inch-long bodies to litter the ground. The newly hatched Brood II babies, meanwhile, will make their way back to the ground and burrow in for a dark 17-year juvenile period until they emerge once again. The winged insects make their short-lived act above the surface known. Males make species-specific mating calls by vibrating a white, drumlike plate, or timbale, on either side of their abdomens. These chirping and clicking noises can be heard by females up to a mile away. Entomologists, people who focus their studies on insects, are excited over this year’s emergence for science reasons, while other people insist that cicadas make a delicious protein-rich meal. No thanks! No insect meals for me please! Happy Reading from the Bookmobile!


Plain Country of Northeast Ohio | May 8, 2013

Greetings from the Plain Community By Donnie Miller May 11, 2013: Greetings to all readers! Once again, it is time for another letter for the Plain Country. We are having a fine spring so far. The blossoms are extra nice this year, especially Lilacs (one of my favorite flowers). The grands picked us a nice bouquet and the whole house smells sooo good! Farmers have had a good spring to get their crops in the ground. I believe most of the oats are sown and some corn is planted. Hay fields are coming along. After last year’s short hay crop, this year’s is looking good. Weddings and more weddings! Plans are for Maria Barkman, daughter of David and Sarah, to wed Joe Alan Yoder, son of Joe and Betty of Kentucky, on May 30. May 23 is the wedding date for Robert Miller, son of Roman and Emma and Ruth Hershberger, daughter of Abner and Mary Ann.

There have also been deaths within the community. Bill Kurtz was the son of John and Mary (both deceased). Bill was 81 years old and never married. Another death was that of Owen Burkholder, son of Rueben and Alma (both deceased) of Munfordville, Ky. The funeral is tomorrow, May 12. Owen was 72 and was formerly of this area. Open house for Mahlon Yoder Fannie was held on Monday, May 5, for her 90th birthday. Fannie is staying with her daughter Nancy (Albert Mast). Dave Troyer Lizzie Ann, our oldest lady in our community had a hospital stay lately and was real sick, losing blood. Lizzie has rallied and is once again at home. Lizzie is 96 years old and is well cared for at her daughter Ben Betty Troyer’s. Lizzie Ann cannot see very well and has not been able to read for many years. Visiting with her on Tuesday, May 9, were John Troyer Mary, Jake Linda, Elwin Linda, Roy Esther and my wife. Lizzie still has a sharp mind. Looks like we are facing a cool spell. Is this what our forefathers used to call our “Blackberry Winter”?

Local Amish Business Directory Rt 322 East to

If you are an amish business and want to be included on our map, call kim 330-389-0094 ORWELL AMISH CRAFTSMEN

5

31 25

BURTON

10

20 40

36 30

GROCERY | Salvage

10. ...................................... B & K Salvage 5515 Kinsman Rd. 44062

440-693-4617

Rental | REPAIR | SUPPLIES

25. .....................David RS Sharp Shop 15480 Burton Windsor Rd. 44062 • 440-632-9600 40. .............................................Frey’s Paint 8220 S. Girdle Rd • 44062 440-693-4689

SHOES | BOOTS | VARIETY

29. ..............Cross Cut Country Store 16161 Nash Rd. 44062 440-548-2259 30. ................................M & W Coleman 16786 Madison Rd. 44062 440-548-5486 31. .........................Mel’s Shoes & More 16189 Burton-Windsor Rd. 44062 440-636-5815

3 29 PARKMAN

Rt 88 South to Garrettsville

MESOPOTAMIA

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03. C. A. Miller ................. Custom Woodworking 17090 Jug Rd. 44021 440-834-1540 36. ..........................Joe’s Window Shop 15028 Shedd Rd. 44021 440-834-0326 05. ............................... Troyer Millworks 16201 Pioneer Rd. 44062 440-636-5577 09. ..........Country Side Furnishings 16403 Nauvoo Rd. 44062 800-819-6160 • 440-632-0248 www.countrysidefurnishingsohio.com

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