We have some wonderful friends here in Ohio. We met them when their oldest son landscaped our backyard two years ago. Tobias and his crew (mostly brothers and cousins) were in our home for more than two months and quickly became Ron's buds. Soon we were invited to their home and were treated so kindly. His parents Ephriam and Lydia shared their knowledge of gardening, canning and other farm information with us eagerly. We, in return, brought them little gifts of Sees candy and took them for rides in the airplane. Recently, Tobias has been working on a new front walk for us. After so many invitations to their home, we wanted to share a meal with them at our home and invited the whole family to come for a BBQ this last Saturday. In total, 18 Yoders came in vans (drivers bring them to town for shopping, etc.) and did we ever have fun! Ephraim, Lydia, their 7 children, 3 daughter-in-laws, Lydia's parents and her twin sisters, one daughter-in-law's brother and their first granddaughter all came, each one a pleasure! Ron cooked burgers and hot links on the grill, and I made fruit salad, and burger fixings, including my zucchini relish. The Yoders brought Corn Bread Salad (so delicious!) and Grandma Mary brought berry and peanut butter pie. It cooled off enough that we could eat outside, at three large tables, and ate til we could hardly move. When we could move again, it was up the path to the barnyard to discuss the garden, chickens and play with their 15 month old granddaughter. Then the men (who were mostly barefoot or in stocking feet!) got out the clay pigeons and shot around 300 shots. The women also took turns and proved to be good shots too. I sat with the older women and the baby and watched and talked. We had a few short rain showers and ran in and out of the barn as the rain came and went. Before long it was time for the drivers to arrive so reluctantly we said our goodbyes, gave hugs and expressed our gratitude for each other. As they drove away Ron and I were tired but so thoroughly content to have had such a wonderful afternoon we couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces. My favorite memory was just before dinner when all 10 women were seated around my living room discussing recipes, children and auctions in both english and pennsylvania dutch. I looked around at all these beautiful faces, both young and old. gently smiling and talking, just as women have done for centuries and was filled a deep satisfaction of my lot in life and God's blessings. It was a truly perfect moment.Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Yoders
We have some wonderful friends here in Ohio. We met them when their oldest son landscaped our backyard two years ago. Tobias and his crew (mostly brothers and cousins) were in our home for more than two months and quickly became Ron's buds. Soon we were invited to their home and were treated so kindly. His parents Ephriam and Lydia shared their knowledge of gardening, canning and other farm information with us eagerly. We, in return, brought them little gifts of Sees candy and took them for rides in the airplane. Recently, Tobias has been working on a new front walk for us. After so many invitations to their home, we wanted to share a meal with them at our home and invited the whole family to come for a BBQ this last Saturday. In total, 18 Yoders came in vans (drivers bring them to town for shopping, etc.) and did we ever have fun! Ephraim, Lydia, their 7 children, 3 daughter-in-laws, Lydia's parents and her twin sisters, one daughter-in-law's brother and their first granddaughter all came, each one a pleasure! Ron cooked burgers and hot links on the grill, and I made fruit salad, and burger fixings, including my zucchini relish. The Yoders brought Corn Bread Salad (so delicious!) and Grandma Mary brought berry and peanut butter pie. It cooled off enough that we could eat outside, at three large tables, and ate til we could hardly move. When we could move again, it was up the path to the barnyard to discuss the garden, chickens and play with their 15 month old granddaughter. Then the men (who were mostly barefoot or in stocking feet!) got out the clay pigeons and shot around 300 shots. The women also took turns and proved to be good shots too. I sat with the older women and the baby and watched and talked. We had a few short rain showers and ran in and out of the barn as the rain came and went. Before long it was time for the drivers to arrive so reluctantly we said our goodbyes, gave hugs and expressed our gratitude for each other. As they drove away Ron and I were tired but so thoroughly content to have had such a wonderful afternoon we couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces. My favorite memory was just before dinner when all 10 women were seated around my living room discussing recipes, children and auctions in both english and pennsylvania dutch. I looked around at all these beautiful faces, both young and old. gently smiling and talking, just as women have done for centuries and was filled a deep satisfaction of my lot in life and God's blessings. It was a truly perfect moment.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fake Berries Real Bird's Nest
The last few days we have been finding a ton of branches on the porch in front of the front door and even caught in the wreath! Have we had some wind storms while we were sleeping or have the landscapers been especially energetic while putting in the new sidewalk and kicked up some leaves and twigs? Each morning I've cleaned it up only to find more the next morning. Huh...... Then this morning Ron figured it out. We have a new neighbor. In the wreath. On the door. A bird. 
Not that I mind new friends but just not on my front door! So one more cleaning and a change of decor and that should be the end of that. (I already have a family of birds in my decorative bird house on the front porch so I've done my part!)
Not that I mind new friends but just not on my front door! So one more cleaning and a change of decor and that should be the end of that. (I already have a family of birds in my decorative bird house on the front porch so I've done my part!)
Monday, June 21, 2010
What's Up With That?
Ron has always said he doesn't like cats, is allergic to cats, never wanted to get a cat. I had to beg for one, and finally got one with the understanding that it had to be a barn cat and not EVER come in the house. Yesterday I looked out the window and what do I see? Hmmmm.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Grandkids Visit Ohio
What a wonderful week we just had. The twins came to Ohio for their baptism and our annual Grandma's Camp was held in the days following.
Cindy, Ryan, Phoebe and Chloe right after the girl's baptism. Chloe later said this had been the best day of her life!
Four of the Pike cousin were able to be here.
Family photo of those in attendance. Great-great Grandma Moore is in the front and center.
Cupcakes and punch for all! That night, after the parents left, we had a campfire and roasted giant marshmallows for somores. Then we caught fireflies which mysteriously got loose in my house later that night!
The next day the parents took off on their own adventure and we had the four cousins for the next three days! First we went to Amish country and visited Hershenberger's Country Petting Zoo and Fruit Stand. Here is Phoebe on the biggest draft horse for a ride. That girl has no fear!
The kids had to use a set of stairs to get up there and still had to climb the last bit like a monkey to reach the saddle.
Eli was a little hesitant at first but he wasn't going to let a girl show him up! Look at him ride!
Chloe and Abby went for the buggy ride instead and loved their horse and driver! After a fry pie and whoopie pie, we headed to Heini's for cheese tasting and then next door to the candy shop to load up on sugar for the next few days.
The next morning found us up early for a pancake breakfast at the airport! Then everyone had a ride in Grandpa's plane (four trips cuz each child had to have a turn as the copilot). Then we went to the farmer's market for some maple candy and homemade amish sugar and molasses cookies.
After loading the truck with all our goodies, we made the short trip out to Deer Gulch Cabin for an afternoon of water play in the creek. The smaller swimming hole just came up to their chests at it's deepest and was ice cold. But that didn't deter the kids from playing for hours in the water. Nor did the rain that came and went all afternoon. Crawfish, butterflies and snakes created all kinds for entertainment! They even went on a water safari up down the creek til they came to the deep swimming hole and had to turn back.
Lunch was held inside the cabin and then it was back outside for more fun. Worn out we traveled back home to prepare for the sabbath the next day. Church was loads of fun when you have cousins to go to class with you! Too soon it came to an end when parents arrived to pack them up and head back home. Grandpa and I collapsed on the couch and started thinking about what we will plan for next years camp.
Cindy, Ryan, Phoebe and Chloe right after the girl's baptism. Chloe later said this had been the best day of her life!
Four of the Pike cousin were able to be here.
Family photo of those in attendance. Great-great Grandma Moore is in the front and center.
Cupcakes and punch for all! That night, after the parents left, we had a campfire and roasted giant marshmallows for somores. Then we caught fireflies which mysteriously got loose in my house later that night!
The next day the parents took off on their own adventure and we had the four cousins for the next three days! First we went to Amish country and visited Hershenberger's Country Petting Zoo and Fruit Stand. Here is Phoebe on the biggest draft horse for a ride. That girl has no fear!
The kids had to use a set of stairs to get up there and still had to climb the last bit like a monkey to reach the saddle.
Eli was a little hesitant at first but he wasn't going to let a girl show him up! Look at him ride!
Chloe and Abby went for the buggy ride instead and loved their horse and driver! After a fry pie and whoopie pie, we headed to Heini's for cheese tasting and then next door to the candy shop to load up on sugar for the next few days. 
The next morning found us up early for a pancake breakfast at the airport! Then everyone had a ride in Grandpa's plane (four trips cuz each child had to have a turn as the copilot). Then we went to the farmer's market for some maple candy and homemade amish sugar and molasses cookies.
After loading the truck with all our goodies, we made the short trip out to Deer Gulch Cabin for an afternoon of water play in the creek. The smaller swimming hole just came up to their chests at it's deepest and was ice cold. But that didn't deter the kids from playing for hours in the water. Nor did the rain that came and went all afternoon. Crawfish, butterflies and snakes created all kinds for entertainment! They even went on a water safari up down the creek til they came to the deep swimming hole and had to turn back. 
Lunch was held inside the cabin and then it was back outside for more fun. Worn out we traveled back home to prepare for the sabbath the next day. Church was loads of fun when you have cousins to go to class with you! Too soon it came to an end when parents arrived to pack them up and head back home. Grandpa and I collapsed on the couch and started thinking about what we will plan for next years camp. Saturday, June 5, 2010
Lock Down
These are 12 angry chickens. They like to free range, foraging for bugs, tender leaves and wild strawberries. Taking dirt baths and keeping the social order intact. And of course running to their humans for snacks of leftovers and popcorn. But the last few day they have been on lock down. Two reasons. Racoon and the garden's electric fence. One can only lose so many chickens before you have to adjust. But try explaining that to the girls!
Rainy Day
Here in Ohio we had a very wet May this year. The rainiest in recorded history as a matter of fact. Now we have gone into June and so far it has been just as wet! Just finding a dry day to mow the yard has been a challenge. So it was no surprise to wake up this morning to another rainy day. 
The Fairy rose loves all this moisture as do all the plants!
The outdoor picnic area hasn't gotten much use so far this year! But soon summer will be here, hot and muggy, and we will miss these cool rainy days.
The Fairy rose loves all this moisture as do all the plants! 
The outdoor picnic area hasn't gotten much use so far this year! But soon summer will be here, hot and muggy, and we will miss these cool rainy days.
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