Peeps

Is there anything cuter than a peep? I don't think so! Today I got my new little barred rocks from my friend Kim and I am so excited! Babies! Their ride home so so upsetting for them but here they are cozy and full, napping under the heat lamp.

I couldn't resist....

New Brick Walkway

There is something so pleasing about a brick path! Especially when it replaces an old broken concrete walkway with so many cracks it was dangerous! (Taffy always finds a way to be in the picture.) Here are the front steps. Ron did the brick work on the porch to repair a crack that had developed. The Amish boys did the walkway and steps.

Now everything seems less cramped! Once the new grass is in it will look even better.

The walk leads from the driveway to the porch.

Tobias suggested this herringbone pattern and it works really well with curving paths. One more project checked off the list!

Visitors From California

Matt, Brandi, Brittany and Allyson came for a visit this past week and did we ever have fun! Most of our day trips revolved around food, but I did manage to get a few pics that show some of the other adventures we had! Here is Allyson and Matt petting Big Ben out in Amish Country. This horse is gigantic!

Brittany fell in love with this puppy and even promised to give up a gift of a car for her 16th birthday if she could have it....funny, like she has a chance of getting a car anyway.

Piglets!

Ice cream cones filled with pellets were a fun way to feed the goats.

This little piggy looked only hours old!

Allyson wanted to ride one of the big horses not one of the ponies!

Baby bunnies too! After the petting zoo we had amish fry pies and whoopie pies then we went cheese tasting in Berlin. We rolled ourselves into the car and next headed to the huge Lehman's out in Kidron. Starving from lack of goodies, we went back to Mt Hope to Mrs. Yoders for a dinner of broasted chicken, roast beef and all the fixings.

The next day we got up early and drove up to Kirtland for a wonderful day of spiritual feasting. Here is Matt's family in front of the temple. It rained most of the day but that didn't stop us from having a great day in The Ohio.

The girls having a sister moment!

The temple grounds are beautiful this time of year. And the new visitor center is so nice. At the gift store Brittany got a counted cross stitch kit and since has almost completed the bookmark. It has four quilt square patterns and is so pretty. Hope we all get to see the finished project. Hint Hint. Their family bought our family a beautiful crock with the Kirtland Temple written on it for the cabin. I'll take a picture once I have it in it's new home!

Here is their family in front of the Whitney General Store. In this building the prophet Joseph Smith lived with his amall family for a time, and it also housed the School of the Prophets. So much happened here.

Monday we went to Roscoe Village. It once had been a busy stop on the Erie Canal and has been lovingly restored with many of it's original homes and storefront. Some are historical museums while others house restaurants and shops. Here is Allyson as she explores the canal boat.

These boats were the cool way to travel back when the canal carried people and goods through the Ohio. Brittany is on the right. She is such a sweet and funny girl. A real treasure.

Allyson trying to lure butterflies to her flower.

The Winslow family gun on display in the museum. Our ancestor carried it during the Revolutionary War.

All too quickly it was time for them to return to their busy lives. Miss you guys already!

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.

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!)

Best Wishes

Congratulations Mark and Crystal! Wish we could be with you on your happy day!

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.