Our next issue of Plain Country is June 22. Deadline for submissions is Monday, June 6. Advertising deadline is Monday, June 13. 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. 6 June 1, 2011

Embarrassing MomentBy Sarah Miller

A funny thing happened to some friends of ours several years ago.

They have a store and a friend of theirs died, so the lady of the store and her daughter decided to go for the viewing. Going into the funeral home they noticed the men were all dressed as belonging to some sort of organization. Upon viewing the body, they realized they were in the wrong funeral home. Trying to leave as inconspicuously as possible, they slid out the door and they burst into laughter. A most embarrassing moment.

A Jumping EggBy Linda Weaver

Did anyone ever see an egg jump around in the nest?

Noah Detweiler Jr. told me they had a duck in one of their

flowerbeds. He got too close one morning and the mother hurried

away. Looking in the nest, he saw one of the eggs jumping around. He could

hardly believe his eyes. By that evening the mother had five babies following her to the pond. Another of God’s miracles, and an unforgettable experience.

Smoked TurkeyBy Jacquie

Frank and I were married in early November, so Thanksgiving dinner was the first meal I fixed for my in-laws. Actually, I had taken over cooking for my family right after my Mom died. With several years of being “chief cook and bottle washer” under my belt, I approached cooking this feast of a meal with supreme confidence. (Always a mistake.)

Things seemed to be going well enough that I felt free to visit with the family in the living room leaving that huge turkey to its own devices in the oven.

When I popped into the kitchen to check on things, I looked through the glass door into the oven to see the turkey was on fire!!!

Although I was still a new bride, I knew exactly what to do. After turning off the oven, I calmly walked back into the living room, went over to my husband and spoke quietly to him. asking him to come into the kitchen to help me for a moment. Of course, my mother-in-law wanted to come help, too, but I told her we’d only be a minute.

Well, as would happen many times in our future, my husband came to the rescue. He blocked the oven vent with a wet towel and after a few moments the fire was smothered out. We examined the turkey and decided that, although it was a bit browner than usual, all we needed to do was remove some of the drippings (they had flowed over the pan and caused the fire), baste the bird well and continue roasting it.

During the meal, my mother-in-law remarked that the turkey had a good smoked taste and wondered how I did it. After 15 years had passed, my mother-in-law let it out that she knew, all the time, how that turkey got its special taste.

Years later, when working with a group of ladies from our church on a funeral dinner, I shared this story. To my surprise, I found out that, of the seven of us, three others had done the same thing as young brides cooking for the in-laws!

By Elma Miller

A Funny Thing Happened

A Walk in Early SpringSubmitted by a friend

A friend of ours liked to take walks while expecting her second child. One day she went walking with her six year old son, her husband and their hunting dogs. It was early spring and she strolled along the side of the road admiring the scenery and watching her step, for the snow was still deep along the ditches. Suddenly she realized her son was not in view. Worried, she called his name and was surprised to hear his voice coming from the part of the ditch behind her. As fast as her condition allowed, she hurried back and looked down into the ditch to find her son lying at the bottom. She hollered down, asking him if he was all right.

He replied, “I’m OK. I landed on a snake, but he ran away.” Continued on page 9

2

Plain Country | June 1, 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

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 v Subscriptions are available for $25 per year

In This Issue ...Anniversary ................................................. 02Birthdays .......................................................02Bits and Pieces of the Yesterday ...........09Bookmobile News .....................................10Books in Review .........................................08Children’s Immunization Clinics ...........02From Our Schools ......................................07Greetings from Garrettsville ..................07Greetings from the Plain Community 08Hello from Amish Crossing Corner ......06Hello from Huntsburg ..............................07Katherine’s Korner .....................................06Lines From Linda .......................................08Mom’s Diary .................................................05News from Windsor ..................................07Obituaries .....................................................02Parkman Pathways ....................................11Plain Community events .........................02Plain Fun .......................................................12Recipes ..........................................................03Spotlight On Hayes Rd Greenhouse ...04Tell Me a Story ........................................... 09Understanding Horses ........................... 07Wanted ..........................................................02

June 1 eli D. Miller (15)June 2 John H. Shetler (78)June 2 Steven Ray Byler (33)June 3 Myron P. Miller (9)June 3 Mrs. elsie Yoder (34)June 4 Amanda J. Kauffman (15)June 4 Wayne J. Miller (31)June 4 Philip R. Hershberger (11)June 5 Samuel A. Shetler (24)June 5 Chester L. BylerJune 5 Mrs. Fannie Miller (69)June 6 Linda J. Miller (17)June 8 Linda e. Miller (13)June 9 Andrew D. Miller (13)June 9 Steven A. Detweiler (5)June 9 Allen M. Glick (12)June 10 Mrs. Freeman (Martha) Mullet(56)June 10 Jonathon R. Hershberger (52)June 10 Willard Yutzy (13)June 10 Wayne Yutzy (13)June 10 Lester L. Hershberger (16)June 11 Laura W. Detweiler (15)June 11 Mrs. Albert (Mary) Miller (73)June 11 Wally Kauffman (29)June 11 Andrew S. Yoder (10)June 11 Adam J. Hershberger (4)June 11 Sarah M. Glick (4)June 11 Anna Marie Troyer (61)June 11 Martha A. Mullet (11)

Happy Birthday!!June 14 Mervin J. Hershberger (7)June 15 Andrew O. Yoder (57)June 16 Barbara Ann Weaver (16)June 16 Noah Yutzy (36)June 16 Susie O. Miller (33)June 17 Andrew A. Weaver (29)June 18 Mrs. Sam A. Miller (26)June 18 Mrs. Jonas (Sara May) Byler (54)June 18 Matthew G. Bender (4)June 18 Mary D. Mullet (6)June 19 Sam T. Miller (31)June 22 Susan A. Miller (31)June 22 Amanda Weaver (22)June 22 Mrs. Ray (Cindy) Byler (32)

Happy Belated BirthdayMay 12 earl Swonger (24)May 18 Mrs. Albert Detweiler (56)May 20 Marvin Kurtz (41)May 20 Marvin Kurtz, Jr. (19)May 21 Marlin I. Schmucker (23)May 22 Ivan Miller Jr. (44)May 27 Mrs. Andrew (Lydia Ann) Weaver(29)

Happy Belated Silver AnniversaryBill and Susan Gingerich

In Memoriam

Savannah A. Miller, 9 months, of Garrettsville, was granted her angel wings Monday morning, May 16, 2011, at home in the arms of her loving parents.

She was born Aug. 16, 2010 to Allen Ray Jr. and elizabeth (Byler) Miller. Savannah will be sadly missed by: her parents; brother, Aaron; paternal grandparents, Allen Ray and Kathryn (Byler) Miller; maternal grandparents, Marvin D. and Kristine (Troyer) Byler; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by 1 cousin.

Funeral services were held on May 16 with Bishop John Coblentz officiating. Her final resting place is in the Detweiler Cemetery in Garrettsville. Arrangements were entrusted to Best Funeral Home, Middlefield. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.

Mary J. Fisher (nee Weaver), 92, of Parkman, entered eternal rest early Wednesday morning, May 18, 2011 at home surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born Jan. 12, 1919, to Joe S. and Minnie (Troyer) Weaver. Mary is reunited with her husband, Dan J. Fisher Jr., whom she married Nov. 19, 1938. She lived in the Parkman area ever since age 16 and is a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Mary enjoyed quilting and spending time with her family.

Mary will be sadly missed by: her children, Minnie Byler and John (emma) Fisher both of Parkman, Joe (edna) Fisher of Florida, Dan (Nancy) Fisher of Mesopotamia, Fannie (Bill) Detweiler of Carrollton, Linda (Henry) Burkholder of Garrettsville, Mary (Les) Byler of Pleasant City; daughter-in-law, Anna Fisher; 69 grandchildren; 264 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by: her parents; husband; son, Chris Fisher, son-in-law, Levi Byler; 4 brothers; 1 sister; 4 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on May 21 with Bishop Joe Kurtz officiating. Mary’s final resting place is in Wilcox Road Cemetery in Mesopotamia Twp. Arrangements were entrusted to Best Funeral Home, Middlefield.Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.

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 CLINIC Second Wednesday, June 8 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Wednesday, June 15 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Thursday, June 16 from 3 – 6 p.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield.NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC Wednesday, June 22 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at Grace Evangelical Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road, Newbury.

Barbara J. Mullet (nee Byler), 96, of Huntsburg, entered eternal rest Saturday morning, May 21, 2011 at home surrounded by her family and friends. She was born Oct. 29, 1914, to Jake C. and elizabeth (Byler) Byler. Barbara is reunited with her husband, Lester J. Mullet, whom she married March 3, 1938. She is a lifelong resident of the Middlefield area and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Barbara enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with her family.

Barbara will be sadly missed by: her children, Jake (Amanda) Mullet, eli (Sarah) Mullet and daughter-in-law, Betty Mullet all of Middlefield, elizabeth (Allen) Fisher of Bellville, Martha (Harley) Hochstetler of West Farmington, Lester (Sue) Mullet of Mesopotamia, Nancy (John) Byler of Huntsburg; 1 brother; 56 grandchildren; 187 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by: her parents; husband; sons, Crist, Dan, and David; 4 brothers; 2 sisters; and 2 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held May 24 with Bishop ervin J. Miller officiating. Barbara’s final resting place is in the Miller Cemetery in Huntsburg.

Bible Match Game Answers: 1– g (Matthew 9:9) 2– j (I Kings 11:1-3) 3– c (Ruth 1:20) 4– f (Judges 16:15-20) 5– i (Numbers 13:27) 6– b (esther 2:16 -17) 7– a (Genesis 25:25-26) 8- e (Colossians 4:14) 9- h (Numbers 11:28)10- d (2 Samuel 11:7))

Wanted for Our Next IssuePlease write in and tell some . . .-Bible verses or old sayings to live by-Benefits that will be held between June 22 and July 13-Birthdays and anniversaries-Recipes for outdoor cooking-*New column* ‘Tell Us a Story’ – send in stories of the past, stories with morals, or Bible based stories. stories you like to tell, or stories that have been told to you.-Write to the editor with questions or comments you have. Please include your name (we will withhold your name from print, if you wish) We will print as many of these letters as space permits.Information must be received by: June 6 to be included 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 440-636-9842.

Plain Community Events

Benefit Pizza and Wings Dinnerand Benefit Sale for Jonas and Cindy BylerFriday, June 3, starting at 3:30.Joe’s Window Shop(Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)Salad bar! Silent auction!

FOR SALECEdAR LumbER

Approximately 70 pcs., 2 x 6 x14 for $44. each

166 pcs. 2 x 4 x 14 for $23. each or, all for $6,000.

Joseph A. Miller 17245 Swine Creek Rd., Middlefield,

440-632-1865 or 440-313-8838

June 1, 2011 | Plain Country

3

Cornbread SaladSubmitted by Sarah MillerCornbread (your recipe)2 cups whole corn1 cup green peppers, chopped1 cup onions, chopped*1 bag shredded cheese10 slices bacon, fried and crumbled3 medium tomatoes, diced1 cup sour cream1 cup mayo1 packet Ranch dressing mix* You may substitute 1/2 cup for 1 cup.

Be sure cornbread is cool. Then crumble half of the cornbread in a loaf pan.Mix sour cream, mayo, and Ranch dressing in a separate bowl.’Layer half of vegetables and spread half of the dressing on them.Crumble rest of corn bread over this.Layer rest of vegetables followed by rest of dressing. enjoy!

Cheese and Ham CasseroleSubmitted by Rachel Miller2 cups cooked ham cut into pieces (chicken may be substituted)2 cups milk1 (10 ¾ ounce) can cream of celery soup1 /8 cup onion, chopped1 /2 teaspoon salt4 cups uncooked noodles, slightly broken up2 cups cheese, grated1 (16 ounce) bag peas

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.Pour into greased 9 x 13 inch pan.Cover and refrigerate over night.Before baking, cover with toasted buttered bread crumbs.Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly.

Rhubarb Custard PieSubmitted by ellen Hershberger2 cups rhubarb, cut up1 1/4 cups sugar1/4 cup water2 tablespoons flourPinch of salt3 eggs, separated1 unbaked piecrust

Beat egg yolks. Beat egg whites. Mix all ingredients except egg whites and put into the unbaked piecrust.Bake at 350 degrees until the rhubarb is almost tender.Put egg whites on top and brown.enjoy!

Banana Nut BreadSubmitted by Rachel Miller1 1/2 sticks oleo1 1/2 cups sugar2 eggs2 cups flour1/2 cup nuts 1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup sour milk3 medium bananas1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix oleo and sugar, add eggs.Mash bananas and add to oleo and sugar mixture.Mix in sour milk, flour, soda, salt and vanilla.Add nuts lastBake at 325 degrees until done.(This makes 2 loaves. I like to make this when I have over ripe bananas.)

Iced TeaSubmitted by Barbara Detweiler4 cups sugar2 cups lemon juice6 tea bags3 quarts water12 large sprigs mint Heat everything together until water is boiling.Remove from heat and cool.Strain into jars.Add water and ice to taste.Very refreshing.

Vegetable PizzaSubmitted by Barbara DetweilerCrust:2 cups flour1 tablespoon sugar2 tablespoons baking powder1 teaspoon salt1/3 cup shortening3/4 cups milk

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.Add shortening and mix as for pie dough.Add milk.Form into ball, roll out and place on cookie sheet.Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.

Filling:8 ounces cream cheese.8 ounces sour cream1/2 package ranch dressing mix.Sugar to taste.

Mix ingredients and spread on top of pizza crust.Cut any fresh vegetables from the garden into suitable sized pieces and scatter over top of pizza.Sprinkle grated cheese over all.

Chicken LasagnaSubmitted by Katherine Byler2 cans cream of chicken soup1/2 cup sour cream1 cup shredded cheddar cheese1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese4 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces1 box lasagna noodles, cooked1 medium onion, diced1/4 cup mayonnaise1/2 cup Parmesan cheese1/4 teaspoon garlic salt1/4 teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients together except the noodles and the Parmesan cheese.In a 13 x 9 baking pan, alternate layers of noodles with layers of chicken mixture.Top with Parmesan cheese.Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Rhubarb Custard BarsSubmitted by Rachel MillerCrust:2 cups flour1/4 cup sugar1 cup butter or oils, cold

Filling:2 cups sugar7 tablespoons flour1 cup whipping cream3 eggs, beaten5 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb

Topping:6 ounces cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla1 cup whipping cream whipped** You can use cool whip instead

For crust, in a bowl, combine flour and sugar.Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Press into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan.Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.For filling, meanwhile, combine sugar and flour in bowl.Whisk in cream and eggs. Stir in rhubarb.Pour over crust.Bake at 350 degrees for an additional 40 – 45 minutes or until custard is set.For topping, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.Spread over top. Cover and chill.Cut into bars.Store in refrigerator.

Tangy Carolina BBQ SauceSubmitted by Katherine Byler1 cup cider vinegar1 cup ketchup1/3 cup spicy brown mustard1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 cup chopped onion2 tablespoons butter1/4 teaspoon chili powderDash of Worcestershire SaucePinch of cayenne pepperSalt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together well.Great on anything you Bar-B-Q!

Marinated Chicken BreastsSubmitted by Katherine Byler1/2 cup soy sauce1/2 cup pineapple juice1/4 cup salad oil1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed1 teaspoon dry mustard1 teaspoon ginger1 teaspoon garlic salt1/3 teaspoon pepper 4 – 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Combine all ingredients except for the chicken, and mix well.Pour over chicken. Let marinate, refrigerated for 24 hours.Good grilled over coals.

Peanut Butter PieSubmitted by Laura Miller1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust8 ounces of cream cheese, softened1 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy2 cups powdered sugar12 ounce container cool whip, thawedCool whip and chocolate syrup for garnish

In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and peanut butter until well blended.Add powdered sugar and mix to combine.Mix in cool whip until well combined.Pour peanut butter mixture into graham cracker crust and smooth with spatula.Before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Sauerkraut SaladSubmitted by emma Byler3 cups sauerkraut, drained and washed1/2 cup onion, chopped1/2 cup celery, chopped1 green pepper, chopped1 1/2 cups sugar1/2 cup vinegar 1 1/2 cups water

Combine sauerkraut, onion, celery and pepper. Set aside.In saucepan, combine sugar, water and vinegar. Bring to a boil.Cool.Add to vegetable mixture and mix well.Let stand in refrigerator overnight before serving.

Thank You CasseroleSubmitted by Sarah Miller5 raw potatoes1 medium onion, diced1 can cream of mushroom soup1 pound hamburger1 can vegetable soupPotato chips

Slice potatoes into a buttered casserole dish.Break up meat and spread over potatoes.Mix soups and onion together and pour over meat.Top with crumbled potato chips.Bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes.

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4

Plain Country | June 1, 2011

HAYeSRoAd

GReeNHouSeDan and Clara Miller,

ownersWe have your

spring gardening

needs covered!

13015 Hayes RoadMiddlefield

Open 8 a.m. until dark

No Sunday sales

By Jacquie Foote

Past the little white sign that proclaims this to be the Hayes Road Greenhouse and up the driveway, you will find a place filled with luscious green plants and colorful flowers. It seems that, somehow, you have entered a world apart … a peaceful world where things proceed, as they should, growing, maturing according to the age-old timetable.

The people who are there to help you with your questions and purchases suit the place. They are quiet, efficient but unhurried, and helpful.

This wonderful place started 16 years ago. Dan Miller’s wife, Clara, told her husband that she wanted a greenhouse. As Clara says, Dan took ahold of the idea and ran with it. Now there are two large greenhouses, two smaller ones, a large building to hold just about anything you might want to help your garden along, and other smaller buildings.

Hayes Road Greenhouse sells mainly to individuals for their own use. But they are willing to work with landscapers and, in fact, have been one of the suppliers of plants, etc. for Secret Garden. One of their favorites is potted wave petunias, are available in many colors and are ready to be transplanted into your hanging baskets.

The greenhouses hold a variety of hanging baskets, ready to be taken home by those who prefer an already finished basket to brighten porches, decks and yards. There are also many, many flowers to transplant as ground cover,

flower gardens or in containers. Pansy baskets show their shy beauty, Marigolds and daises, clematis, petunias and more, all in various colors, vie for attention. And the prices are just right!

In another green house, and on tables outside, are squash, peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, strawberry plants, grape vines, rhubarb and more … a whole kitchenful of vegetables and herbs … all started from seed right here, at Hayes Road Greenhouse. Some of the old fashion varieties of tomatoes are here, waiting to be placed in gardens or pots so they can provide healthy food to eat and preserve. For those who prefer to plant from seeds, there are seed packets and bulk seeds as well as seed potatoes, onion sets, asparagus roots, garlic and various plants to start from roots, all on display in the main building.

Not all the plants available here are small. Trees, both fruit and ornamental (including the beautiful magnolia) are on display outdoors as are bushes. If you are thinking healthy food, there are raspberry and blueberry bushes. If beauty is your objective, there are azaleas in several beautiful shades, roses, hibiscus, and Rose of Sharon as well as more exotic plants such as Variegated Pieris Japonika, Maiden Grass and Artenisia. The delicate scent of lilacs call your attention to those beautiful bushes. Pots of english Ivy are

Hayes Road Greenhouse

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Cedar non folding Adirondack Chairs reg. $150. Sale $120.

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spotlight On...there to be used as groundcover.

The main building offers just about everything you would need to make your garden healthy and welcoming. There are, among other things, fertilizers and sprays, both organic and chemical, garden tools and hoses, steel fence posts, fly traps, frost protection row covers, bird nets and a small library of gardening books from orchard tree care

to vegetable gardening tips. Wind chimes, trellis, shepherd

hooks, folding garden fences, and birdbaths are available to make your

garden a friendlier place.There are four vareties of grass seed

as well as large bags of such gardening necessities as peat moss, mulch, potting soil, weed and feed, mushroom compost and even compost manure that can also be obtained from the main building.

Of course, spring and summer are their busiest times with autumn coming next. In winter, traditionally, Dan and Clara have taken orders for popcorn and, especially, for the fresh roasted peanuts they sell. Those peanuts are a real treat.

Hayes Road Greenhouse people have the reputation of going out of their way to provide you with your garden needs. When you come, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask them. If they don’t have answers, they will likely be able to help you find them.

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Swine Creek Road YARD SALESWed 6/8 12p-8p,

Thurs 6/9 & Fri 6/10 8a-8pLots of multi-family, ton of stuff.

Watch for balloons.

June 1, 2011 | Plain Country

5

J&J Cabinet Shop4738 Donley Road

Middlefield, Ohio 44062

Wood Siding & Paneling for all your building needs!

Our Lumber or Bring Your Own!Interior & Exterior • Rustic or Smooth

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Stop In or Call...

Mom’s Diary By Barbara Ann Detweiler

Sunday, April 24: Went to church, came home. More rain.

Monday, April 25: Rain … again. Our basement drains are backing up again. It seems every time you wash the mess down, it backs up again!

Norma was in the bathroom a long time, so I asked her what she’s doing as she’s too quiet. She yelled out, “I’ll sing, okay?!”

Tuesday, April 26: Nice and breezy, so I did lots of laundry.

Laura is helping out at John Kathy since their baby was born.

The school children had a wiener roast at school.

Wednesday, April 27: Nice again. Yeah! Today is the last day of school. everyone’s glad, including me. For a while, anyway!

Thursday, April 28: It was nice, but cool. We did yard work … mowing, mulching, weed eating.

Andrew cleaned out the barn and found a nest of mice. Betty and Norma came out, each holding a baby mouse. They knew I’d have a fit and I did! I made them take them back to the woods, kill them, then come and scrub their hands. I could still shudder just thinking about it.

Friday, April 29: Cold and wet again, but it brightened up this afternoon.

We went down to Wayne’s Aunt Savilla to mow her yard tonight.

Wayne, Andrew and Norma get their ears checked here at home by VISTA. Andrew and Norma have a wax buildup, but Wayne needs to go to a specialist.

Saturday, April 30: A beautiful day. My idea of perfect weather! We did more yard work.

Betty spent time with her pony and Norma with the dog.

Sunday, May 1: This afternoon all of us but Wayne and John went on a six mile trek with rollerblades and scooters. Betty and Norma did very well with their blades, but Norma had a blister when she got home. So we’ll have to baby that foot for a few days.

Monday, May 2: Katherine has to be my helper these days when Rose edna and Laura are both off at jobs.

We all got invited to neighbor Linda’s wedding on May 12. She’s getting married to Norman Miller. The children are excited about going.

Tuesday, May 3: I’m not so sure I’m glad school’s out with all this rain we’ve been having. We’re cooped up in the house a lot and getting on each other’s nerves.

Wednesday, May 4: Cold today. Betty even dug out her gloves! even so, we grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for supper.

Rose edna and Laura helped clean the schoolhouse tonight, in preparation for our annual school picnic on May 14.

Thursday, May 5: I took Rose edna and Laura to the dentist. Rose edna’s teeth are now fixed, but Laura needs to go back a few more times.

Wayne bought a horse for John and we used him tonight to drive to Wayne’s sister Viola and Norman. The horse is small but full of pep. It didn’t take long to get there. So far, I like him, which is a lot said! I haven’t liked horses since my accident last July.

Friday, May 6: Katherine was my helper again today. She’s a willing worker most of the time.

Norma came down during the night ‘cause she was scared of the thunder. She crawled in beside me, and then I couldn’t sleep. I finally got up and did some writing and made an early breakfast.

Saturday, May 7: A beautiful day! Sunny and warm

I went to the Community Yard Sales in Leroy. I found a few bargains, but nothing spectacular.

Sunday, May 8: Dad and Mom came up this afternoon and made our day.

Monday, May 9: Wayne isn’t working this week, because they don’t have any logs. So, John started a temporary job today. I have to pack a lunch for him, which is different for me!

Tuesday, May 10: I got up at 5 a.m. to get John’s breakfast and his lunch packed. Katherine went to John Kathy’s with Laura, so it was rather peaceful.

Betty and Norma had Tony the pony making his rounds for hours today.

Wednesday, May 11: I went over to Dave’s to help cook for the wedding.

Thursday, May 12: We all went to the wedding. It was an all day affair and we enjoyed it. It did rain in the afternoon for a while.

I asked Betty and Norma what the best thing about the wedding was. They immediately responded, “The candy!”

Friday, May 13: It stormed this afternoon and the rain came down in torrents. Yes, there’s water in the basement again. Once the weather settles, the boys and Wayne can dig up the pipe outside and figure out what’s wrong, and, hopefully, fix it for good.

Saturday, May 14: Our school picnic was today, in spite of the rain. It did stop raining in the afternoon, so the children could play games, etc. School is now officially closed until the fall.

Submitted by reader Esther Byler

Geauga County Raccoon HuntersMeetings are held at

the club on Peters Road, the 2nd Thursday at 7pm

Trade day – June 4 9 am til 5 pm

Bake sale • FoodSpace available

contact Chris – 440-636-2003

Answers to Bible Quiz1. Paul (Acts 18:1-3) 2. Jesse (1 Samuel 16:13) 3. Whirlwind (2 Kings 2:1) 4. Dagon (1 Samuel 5:1-5) 5. Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17)6. Paul (Acts 13:9)7. Jonah (Jonah 1:1-3,17)

16161 Nash Rd.(corner of Rt. 528 & Nash Rd.)

Monday thru Friday 8-5:30Saturday 8-5:00

FAMILY FOOTWEAR

Harness & Tack • DAC Supplies Lifetime Tables & Chairs • Buck Knives

Cross Cut Country Store

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6

Plain Country | June 1, 2011

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Hello From the Amish Crossing Corner ...By Sarah Miller

May 16, 2011 … Guess we’re still in the rainy season. Makes it hard to get the grass cut. Dandelions are in full bloom. NOT my favorite weed!!

Many folks went to Kentucky this past week for a wedding. There is another one the week of May 23 which some plan to attend.

Neighbor Roman A. Schlabach cut himself in the left leg Wednesday, May 11. This happened in Pennsylvania and he was taken to a hospital in erie. Pa. He needed quite a few stitches. So, now he’s “hobbling” around, trying not to bend his leg. It is cut above the knee.

Mrs. Owen Cindy Miller of Newcomb Road had knee surgery recently. She is coming along well.

The blood drive on Saturday, May 14, brought 108 donors. A big thank you to all.

Visitors with Grandpa Miller and us Sunday evening, May 15, were our sons Richard and Rays, and children and Crist Jr. and Maureen Hershberger and children.

Visiting Mrs. esther Wengerd in erie Pa. hospital Sunday, May 8, were sister

Mrs. Mat Miller, her daughter Joe Loma and sister-in-law Mrs. Lydiann Miller. esther had double pneumonia.

We are planning to attend the wedding tomorrow, May 17, at the Abner Miller

residence. Their daughter Rebecca is getting married to Aaron,

son of Robert and Rachel Hershberger of Nash Road.

Mark and Miriam Schmucker and family moved from Mumford Road to a place on south Bundysburg Road. We will miss them in our church.

Jake J. Byler of Tavern Road has not been feeling too well the last while. He had his 86th

birthday Sunday, May 15.Going to Richfield

Springs, N. Y. for the weekend of May 13 were Joe and Betty

Yoder with more of her family.With all the rain we’re having,

it is quite a challenge to get ready for a wedding, especially when a tent is needed for the women to cook in. It gets VeRY muddy!!

Monday, May 16 … Not a good day for drying laundry, although I did hang out some in the afternoon. Will see what happens.

You all have a good week. Stay dry!!

Chuckle

eager to improve his sermons, a young pastor

bought a tape recorder and recorded one of his Sunday

morning services.

After dinner, he put the cassette in the recorder, sat on the sofa and

listened to the tape.

The opening prayer, scripture readings and hymns came forth nicely. Then came the sermon.

When he awoke some time later, the choir was singing the closing

hymn.

Kat

heri

ne’s

KornerBy Katherine M. Byler

“As soon as the rush is over, I’m, going to have a nervous breakdown. I worked for it, I owe it to myself, and nobody is going to deprive me of it.” This is from an old and weathered plaque I’ve

had for years.We put our gloves away and it was

too early. Hopefully, by the time this gets into print, no one will need any. The vitamin D supply is still in demand to be absorbed as sunshine in pill form.

Perhaps cheer can be passed along in the form of going out to eat for one’s anniversary. Twice, in recent weeks, I have heard this was one, both times it was for fish on a Friday evening at Dutch Family Restaurant. Oops, one was for a birthday (Barbara Detweiler’s!) John and elmina Kurtz had their 40th anniversary. Our 45th is coming up. HINT! HINT!

Joe and Sara Miller were nominated for an award and a special breakfast for their work with the Red Cross. They were chosen and regaled on May 5 with others as well. All enjoyed the special morning.

From a 92 year old … Mrs. emma Yoder says keep your mind sharp by playing games (with anyone who comes by?). It’s the competition that must keep you hopping. Grandchildren can keep your mind razor sharp, too. But, oh, it hurts when they’re smarter than you! NOT WISeR, just smarter!

Mrs. Crist J.S. Miller (Barbara) will be doing some intense therapy for a knee transplant. Wishing her better days ahead. She’ll miss out on the Wedding at brother Dan and Mary Ann’s on June 2. Their Rachel weds Crist Detweiler’s son Jonas of Clymer, N. Y.

Uncle Milo Schlabach spent a week in Holmes County with his two sisters recently. It helped the time go by a little faster for him. He is living in a new addition at his daughter’s, the Dan P. Hostetlers, on Hayes Road. Milo will be 90 in September, Lord willing.

Mrs. Lydiann Miller has been overwhelmed with 80 gifts for her birthday … not once … not twice … but four times! She feels richly blessed with cupboards filled with useful items. Maybe she thinks it was worth it turning 80.

every year our garden gets smaller; soon ‘twill be nothing left. We may have to skip the entire project this year. Farmers are the ones who need to plant, even if late.

We were in Mumfordville, Ky. for a wedding. It was a very enjoyable time, and because it’s an 8 to 9 hour trip down, one needs to have good traveling companions. The Noah and Owen Wengerds allowed us to go along with them. We appreciated and enjoyed it immensely. Also going were Owen’s two daughters, along with their husbands, Marlin Mast and Robert Yoder. Was asked, or told, not to write everything down! Can say Robert plans eye surgery and it sounded like the only (or main) reason for it was so he could see the big bucks (4 legged ones).

Mrs. Owen Wengerd (Martha) was the happy winner of a drawing for stamping supplies, given by demonstrator Mary ellen Byler. It amounted to $165.

Animosity can be caused by those who open their garage sales many hours before the designated time!

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A Sad Punctuation StorySubmitted by Katherine Byler

Relating to the problem of poor punctuation, this story is told:A panda entered a café, ordered a sandwich, ate it, and then pulled out a gun

and started shooting. When a waiter asked him to explain his behavior, the panda handed him a poorly punctuated wildlife guide and asked him to look up the description of a panda.

It read: “Panda, a large black and white bear-like mammal, native to China. eats, shoots and leaves.” Having a comma after the word “eats” is an error that changes the whole meaning of that last sentence.

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Maple Grove and Tinker’s Creek SchoolsSubmitted by Rachel Miller

Maple Grove School had a chicken dinner at the Parkman Community House Friday, May 6. It was for the firemen. They had a good turnout. Their last day was Thursday, May 5. Their picnic was Friday, May 6.

Tinker’s Creek School had their last day Friday, May 6 with the picnic the following Saturday. They had a nice day.

May 9, 2011: We are sitting outside watching the

birds. It’s a beautiful morning. Yesterday was nice, too. Barbara was home and we did a big laundry, and spring-cleaned the bedrooms. Barbara did some outside work, too. Ivan was to the Chalker sale with son Roy.

The birds are really busy. The canaries (or finches) are singing and so are the cardinals. We’ve had orioles here now, even the Orchard Oriole.

Going to Garrettsville last Thursday, we passed a field of yellow wild mustard. It made me think of when I was a girl at home. Dad would take the horses and wagon out to the field. We would pull the mustard out and he’d haul it away. Now they just spray.

This afternoon (May 9), we are going with our daughters to the viewing of Mrs. Bill Gingerich. She passed away yesterday morning (May 8). She had cancer. Her husband died a couple months ago. She was 75 years old.

My strawberry plants and sweet onions are growing. The black raspberries and grape vines have leaves now. Tomato plants are getting big. I hope they won’t be too big before I can plant them out. We usually like to do that around Memorial Day.

Hello from Huntsburg By William Bender

Time to get to pushing a pen and get this ready.

We sure had a wet April. April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring?

The school picnic was May 10. It was in the evening, then, in the wee hours of Wednesday, Urias left for Cass City. It is kinda quiet around here.

We have plans to leave for South Dakota May 20 for the Ortman Clinic.

We had surprise visitors a few weeks ago when Anna’s niece and husband from Peeples, Ohio came. They stayed a few days. Really enjoyed them. Their son, Adam, went to camp White Wood to that cheese meeting, or whatever it was.

Dan Miller (Tim) is taking some tests on his liver. The cousins were there one evening. Dan had to see his doctor May 19 to find out what it is. We all have had fingers crossed.

Barbara Mullet, 96, is not feeling the best. She is the oldest Amish woman in Geauga. She has been a widow for many years. She buried her husband and three sons. Two died real sudden of heart attacks, and one of cancer. I think her husband, Lester, had cancer as he was sick for a while.

Windsor Mills SchoolSubmitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler

The Windsor Mills School Annual School Picnic was held Saturday, May 14.

Benefit auctions coming up …Prairie Lane School, June 10 Stillwell Country School, August 19

News from WindsorBy Barbara Ann Detweiler

Norman and Linda Miller were married on May 12. They will live at her parent’s until their house next door is finished.

John and Kathy Burkholder have a new little baby girl named Mary elizabeth. The grandparents are eli Burkholders and John Weavers.

Understanding HorsesBy Daniel Fisher

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.

I have heard of people who tried to remove bot eggs from horses with steel wool, sandpaper, and a knife. These procedures didn’t go well. Probably clipping the hair is the easiest way to get rid of bot eggs. The eggs stick very well to hair.

These eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days. The larva causes a slight irritation, so the horse licks or bites that area. This is how the larva gets into the mouth and into the stomach.

In about 8 months, they are mature and they will detach themselves from the stomach wall and pass out with the manure.

After about 5 weeks in the soil or compost pile, the pupa will mature into a fly, and the cycle starts over again.

There is argument on how much harm the bot larva does to a horse’s stomach. The amount of bots makes a big difference. It can weaken the stomach wall and cause ulcers. It can also cause digestive problems and colic.

When you see bot pupa in the manure, it is probably too late to treat the horse for bots. They have finished their cycle in the stomach and are already leaving the horse. I would suggest the best time to try to kill bots is when you worm your horse in the fall, right after the first frost.

Bots do not react to fly sprays like other flies do as their only intention is to lay eggs and not to be on the horse. The female fly will die soon after laying her eggs. Until next time.

Coleman Lanterns & Campstoves

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8

Plain Country | June 1, 2011

Books in ReviewBy Jacquie Foote

Windsor Stairs and Millwork

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Lines by LindaBy Linda Weaver

May 14, 2011Hello Friends,

The Baltimore Oriole’s beautiful song woke me at 6:30 this morning. I’m sure he was trying to let us know his jelly plate was empty. We sure enjoy watching all the different birds at the feeders.

It’s still raining this morning, which everyone in this area is experiencing. Saturated lawns and some wet basements are the usual topics of conversation. Looks like more rain is in the forecast. We are glad God is in control of our weather, so this is His plan for us. In some places they had large hail Thursday evening, which makes us think of tornadoes.

Monday, May 9, was the funeral of ella Gingerich, 75. Our thoughts have been with the family as they also lost their father in February. Both parents needed a lot of care and will be dearly missed by family, but also by their church and in the community. They were well liked and had many friends.

Our children have been coming the past week to do some work that needed to be done in our basement. The menfolk put in new windows, a major

improvement and removed old copper pipes, putting in plastic replacements. The women cleaned cupboards and both china cabinets, which is such a good feeling to have it all washed and back in place. They also brought lots of good food to share with us. Our family times sure are precious and keep us close together. Church will be here May 29, so we are on a cleaning binge!

Congratulations to John Troyer Jr. and Nora Mae Byler whose wedding is May 26. We hope to attend.

The womenfolk had a workday at daughter-in-law Lydiann’s this week. Some worked in the basement and some upstairs. Rosa fixed a delicious pizza for lunch. Jake went along too and worked on the lawn along with grandsons Aaron Ray and Adam.

Our good friend LaVerne Fiorino passed away Saturday morning. Her daughter Jenny Ann called with the sad news. Graveside services were held Tuesday in Kirtland.

“Prairie Courage” by esther Mae Witmer was published by Carlisle Printing, Sugarcreek, Ohio, and copyright 2010.

Wanting to adhere more strictly to Mennonite principles and worried that the Yankee culture around them was exerting too much influence on them and their children, some families accepted Pennsylvania’s Bishop David Stauffer’s lead. In 1888 they removed themselves to a less populated place where they could live and raise their families according to their beliefs. Prairie Courage is the story of the resulting Stauffer Mennonite settlement in May City, Iowa.

esther Witmer tells the story of the experiences of her great-grandparents elias and Nancy Gingrich, true pioneers who left their home in Ontario to travel over 1,000 miles with their five children to a new home on the prairies of Iowa. There they would experience heat and cold unlike anything they had felt before. They would find joy in the society of their community. They would experience the danger of cyclones. They would know great satisfaction in the way their community helped each other. And, largely because of the time they lived in, they would have the sorrow of losing two children to childhood diseases we don’t even worry about today. In each case, when bad or hard things happened, their faith carried them through. But there was one case that tested the strength of that faith.

Within three years, discord began to arise in their community and was apparent enough that visiting relatives remarked on it. The dissatisfaction grew and in 1900, the settlement, which started in 1888, saw members begin to move away. Those who stayed on tried to concentrate on the positives and make things work in the less-than-ideal church life. But the problems, many of which centered on their bishop, Jesse Bauman, continued. In 1915, the last of the Stauffer Mennonites left the May City settlement.

The lessons that can be learned from the experiences at the May City settlement are what caused esther Witmer to write this book… lessons taught both by their failures and their successes. There are questions her book brings us to consider. Questions such as: Should we promote isolation to attain separation from the world? What can we do if tolerated sin in church begins making people, particularly young people, lose their way?

The book tells a story both deep and interesting. You can choose to concentrate on the adventure a pioneer life naturally brings… or you can look deeper, at the spiritual life laid out for you.

Readers from the 8th grade to adulthood would enjoy this book.This and other fine books are available at S & e Country Store on Newcomb Road.

Greetings from the Plain CommunityBy Donnie Miller

May 17: The cardinals are still calling, “WeT! WeT! WeT!”

We are close to having the wettest spring in history. We feel for the farmers and the produce growers. And, our cool weather has been holding everything back, except the lawns. However, the strawberries are really blooming. Hopefully we will not have a late frost.

Callers at our house on Wednesday, May 11, in the evening were Leon ebersols, emanuel Fishers, Daniel Lapps and Sam Glicks, all from Narvon, Pa., with Bill Stutzman as their guide. The Pennsylvania folks were here to attend the wedding on May 12 at Melvin A. Millers of their daughter Nancy who wed a son of Bill R. Bylers.

We had traveled with Leon ebersols on a western tour in 2004. Leon’s wife has since passed away of cancer and Leon has since remarried. So it was very nice to meet him once again.

We enjoyed the day in Homesville, Ohio on Sunday, May 15, attending church at Malva Yoder’s. Traveling with us were Andrew and Sara Jane, enos and Alma (both Millers), David and Miriam Yoder and Walter and Cindy Gingerich. Aaron and Margaret planned the trip for us. Malva Laura is my step-niece. Her mother who is my step-sister (emanuel Coblentz Ada) was also able to attend, as was Grandmother Coblentz, 96 years old. A very enjoyable day.

Sister Dan Byler Ada enjoyed a visit with our sister John Kathryn in St. Ignatius, Mont., leaving Friday morning, May 6, and coming home early on Sunday morning, May 15. elwin e. Weavers (Ada’s daughter Rhoda) traveled with her.

Widow Jonathan Miller Alma is visiting her daughter Marie Mrs. Lester Byler in Munfordville, Ky. at the present.

There was a wedding at John H. Bylers where their daughter Rachel was wed to Johnny, son of Joey Gingeriches. We were invited and had planned to attend, but we both developed hard colds and were overtired and could not attend.

Another wedding is planned, this one at Urie Jr. Bylers of their daughter Nora Mae to Johnny, son of Nancy’s brother John and Sue Troyer.

Submitted by reader Andy Troyer

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Tell Me a Story Memories of Grandmother’s PantrySubmitted by Katherine Byler

My wish is that I could smell the sweet, spicy aroma of my Grandmother’s pantry once more. She has long gone to her reward, but childhood memories still linger.

What were the smells of long ago? Well, there were spices and pickles, the acrid smell of cheese and freshly churned butter, of molasses and possibly something fresh baked like rhubarb pie or a pan of gingerbread.

Her jellies were jewels of different colors, not in regular jars, but in long goblets topped with paraffin and set among her good dishes in the dish cupboard.

Dried herb teas and dill hung in bunches among other seasonings like garlic and onions and, possibly, red

From a 1974 diarySubmitted by Katherine Byler

A quilting bee was held at Mrs. John H. Weaver’s home in honor of Nancy Hershberger of Milroy, Ind. who is to be the lucky owner of it. Attending were her aunts, Mrs. Leah Hershberger, Mrs. Roman Schmucker, Mrs. elmer Mullet and some cousins and fiends. Mrs. Raymond Yutzy (Ada) also surprised us and was there from Milroy, Ind., so we ladies had an enjoyable time of gabbing; I mean quilting!

Mrs. Allen J. Hershberger gave birth to a daughter and plans are being made to place the baby in an Akron hospital, as she is quite small.

Later) Mrs. Hershberger was in the hospital again with a blood clot in the leg. They named their daughter Wilma.

From the Middlefield News, June, 1910Submitted by Katherine Byler

Amish dark Horse Is a Fast one:Horse Race at Burton

One of the races was greatly enlivened by the appearance of a mare driven by an Amishman, which apparently could not go very fast, but soon demonstrated she was the fastest in the bunch. Belle, owned by D. M. Miller of Troy, was in her first race. She has never been trained (for racing) and has been used for the ordinary work on the farm. The few who knew her were aware that she has great natural speed and as a 3 year old stepped a quarter (mile) in 35 seconds. She came to town Saturday night hitched to a milk wagon and appeared in the race in an old high wheel cart and heavy farm harness and was rested between heats on grass by the trackside.

peppers. Sassafras roots were chipped and crushed, then dried and stored in a glass jar on the shelf along with a jar of whole nutmeg to be ground as used. Sometimes there was a jar of maple syrup cakes.

No cupboards were full of tin cans in Grandmother’s day. Sugar and salt and sometimes whole coffee beans were bought at the store. The coffee was ground at home in a coffee grinder which, then, lent its pungent aroma to mingle with the rest.

But now the aromas of he past have gone the way of the pantry itself. In their stead we have the aroma of foods never heard of in Grandma’s day, such as pizza and taco salad. And then, there are also smog and exhaust fumes. But let’s not ruin the memories of the past with the mistakes of the present.

Written by a farm girl then and a farm girl still.

By Emma Byler (1988)

Letter, Feb. 19, 2000Submitted by Katherine M. Byler

editor of newspaper;enclosed find $2.00; one dollar to

renew the subscription one year each for I. J. Hershberger and J. C. Slabaugh of Burton; 50 cents for a new subscription for Albert M. Miller of this (post) office, Welshfield, and 50 cents to add to the India fund.Signed,J. I. Hershberger(This must have been Joseph Hershberger, 21 years ago and not yet married. KMB)

A Deer ChaseBy Rachel Miller

The other morning, we had a deer in the field beside us. Soon a turkey came out of the woods, too and the deer began chasing the turkey! They both ran into the woods. It was funny to watch them. We see and hear turkeys a lot.

Giggling and Wall PaperSubmitted by Sarah Miller

Talking about spring-cleaning and funny things reminds me of when I was a girl at home and it was time to “paper” our kitchen. My, what a chore. But, with four girls and a mom to referee, it couldn’t be too bad, could it?

Well, back then we mixed our own paste made with boiling water and flour. (Now they have a ready mix. I think we’ve come a long way.)

We would put a plank between two sawhorses to stand on to paper the ceiling. Imagine standing on a plank, looking up, trying to hold the long sheet of papering, stepping backward, and keeping the paper from going on crooked! Then, all of a sudden the whole thing starts coming down and we all get the giggles …. except mom.

There was a saying that if you want to find if you and your boyfriend can get along together, try papering a room together!

Welshfield, ohio, May 17, 1893Submitted by Sarah Miller

I have to report the wettest spell we have had for nearly a year. It started to rain on Monday noon and kept on day and night until Wednesday noon and is still at it, but not as fast anymore.

Ministers Moses Beachy and Solomon Miler and wife of Holmes County are in our midst at present.

Oats are about all sowed. Some corn planted, but not very much.They are paying 70 cents per hundred for milk; it started at $1.25 in the spring.

It is expected that it will not come down anymore.The prospect for a new railroad through Troy looks favorable. Daniel R. Byler of Lawrence County, Pa. is here on a few weeks visit. I understand

he intends to work at the carpenter trade here. Work is very plenty in this community at present.

Semet

Submitted by reader Fannie Miller

Bits and Pieces of Yesterday

From enoch Byler’s diarySubmitted by Rachel Miller

Monday, Jan. 19, 194032 degrees at 6:45 a.m., raining,

wind in northwest.24 degrees at 10:30 a.m., very windy

and snowing, blizzard and sunshine by spells.

Friday, Jan. 21, 194437 degrees at 11 a.m., sun shining.40 degrees at 3:10 p.m. We cut up

a pig and made sausage and liverwurst for Walter Steadman. We ground meat and mix and stuffed sausage for Kelly Bradley.

A Funny Thing HappenedContinued from cover

10

Plain Country | June 1, 2011

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Daniel J. Schmucker - (330)569-7032 or call (330)569-4825 (Voice Mail)

14409 Grove Rd. • Garrettsville, OH 44231

• New Construction • Replacement Windows• Basement Finish• Metal Roofs & Siding• New Roofs • New Siding

FREEESTIMATES!22 Yrs. Experience

Quality Guaranteed

• Reroofs• Re-siding• Decks• Pole Barns

Triple S ConSTruCTionJune 21 marks the Summer

Solstice and the beginning of summer. everyone I talk to is hopeful that the weather will warm up by then and that the sun will shine! Summer schedule –

The bookmobile will have a new schedule out effective Monday June 6. There are not many changes but please be sure to pick up your copy from the bookmobile next time you visit.Reading adventure –

Our summer reading adventure begins on June 6 and runs through July 16. We have three programs for the children: • Read to Me (read any 20 books to your child if they are not reading themselves) • Readers (read 24 books) • Young Adults (read 6 books)

each child completing the requirements will receive a prize bag of goodies.Adult reading program –

We will also have a program for our adult readers for the six week period as well. Simply fill out a slip detailing the book you read and give it to any bookmobile staff member. There will be three grand prizes and several smaller prizes distributed at the end of the six weeks. Prizes are paid for by the Bookmobile Friends Group. Join Bookmobile Friends –

Please consider joining the Bookmobile Friends. Annual membership fees are only $3.00 for an individual and $5.00 for a whole family. Becoming a member shows your support for our bookmobile and helps pay for prizes, stickers and other handouts the children receive throughout the year. Forms are available on the bookmobile. Thank You!Father’s Day –

The bookmobile has a special Father’s Day word search to celebrate the great men who influence our lives from an early age and hopefully for many years after we have grown. Father’s Day has become a day to honor your father, but also a day to honor all men who act as father figures, including uncles, stepfathers, brothers, and grandfathers. The Census Bureau says that the idea of Father’s Day was conceived slightly more than a century ago by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Wash., while she listened to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm. A day in June was chosen for the first Father’s Day celebration — 101 years ago, June 19, 1910, proclaimed by Spokane’s mayor because it was the month of Smart’s birth. The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made it permanent.

Whether we call them Dad, Poppa, Vader, or Daat, fathers will always have a special place in our hearts.

New books coming soon, reserve your copy now:“The Amish Nanny, Women of Lancaster County Series #2” By Mindy Starns-Clark, Leslie Gould(This book will be released on 07/01/11.)

Amish-raised Ada Rupp knows it’s time to make a commitment to the faith and join the church, especially if she wants a future with the handsome Amish widower Will Gundy. But when she has the chance to travel to Switzerland as the caregiver of a young child, she leaps at the opportunity. Anxious to learn more about her forebears, Ada enlists the help of a young Mennonite scholar named Daniel, but even as she develops feelings for him, she cannot get Will from her mind-or her heart. At a crossroads, Ada must decide what she is willing to give up from the past in order to embrace her future.

“Treasuring Emma, Middlefield Family Series #1” By Kathleen Fuller(This book will be released on 07/16/11.)

emma was Adam’s first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. emma’s heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later. For the past ten years, emma has been raising her siblings after their parents’ untimely death. She’s put their needs above her own and now, with them grown, she can focus on herself and her dream of opening a yarn store in the vacant cider house on her land.

With Adam’s return come feelings emma’s long buried. They’re older and life hasn’t turned out the way they thought it would. Adam’s feelings for emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put others aside and give their love a chance?

“Learning, Bailey”, Flanigan Series #2By: Karen Kingsbury

“Hope Rekindled”, Striking a Match Series #3By: Tracie Peterson

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

B & K Salvage

• Groceries • Health and Beauty Items

• General Merchandise

a familya familylike no one can seea family everyone wants to be

family love comes from abovefamily loveis softer than a dove

Stop in and Visit our Museum, Video Viewing and Cheese Outlet.

15815 Nauvoo Rd., Middlefield (Corner of Rt. 608 & Nauvoo Road)440.632.5228 Ext. 6000 • 800-327-9477 Ext. 6000

www.middlefieldcheese.com • Open Mon-Sat 8:00-5:30

FREE SAMPLESMeat & Cheese Trays Gift Boxes • Worldwide ShippingTuesdays are Golden Buckeye Days

The Home of Award-winning, High Quality, Natural Swiss Cheese

Amish Church Orders

Mon-Sat 8-5:30 “Swiss Cheese Annie”

Weekends beginning Memorial Day

weekend, visit the

Cardinal Swiss Cheese-on-a-Stick

Stand! June is

National Dairy Month! Great specials all month long!

10040 Penniman Rd.•Orwell 44076

D&L FLOORING

– Installation Available –

440-685-4385Daniel E. Miller

• Linoleum• Carpeting• Laminate • Floor Mats

Great Flooring!Great Prices!

FlooringStarting atonly 89¢ sq.ft.

Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

June 1, 2011 | Plain Country

11

HUGE SELECTION OF HOUTDOOR FURNITURE

HFIREPLACES HSTORAGE BARNS

H SHEDS!

440-632-0174 13650 Madison Rd H Middlefield

H 4 Styles of Outdoor Furniture

Poly, Cedar, Treated & VinylH Unique Planters H Wishing Wells H Lighthouses

and more!

Parkman PathwaysBy ellen Hershberger

Our

cabin

ets a

re a

wor

k of

art!

Since 1977

440-834-1540 17090 Jug St., Burton, OH 44021

Mon.-Fri. 7:00am to 4:30pm, Sat. by appointment only.

Sunday, April 24: I did a lot of sleeping today, like that would be of interest to anyone.

Monday, April 25 – Tuesday, April 26: To my job as usual. It’s now one year I’m with this couple. Then, Tuesday evening, the singing group went to Mrs. Dan Troyer.

Wednesday, April 27: Had to go into town for yearly TB test for work. This p.m. an ambulance was called to the back of the property here for Cindy, one year old daughter of enos and Rhoda Miller. They rent the upstairs of Noah Yutzy Jr. Cindy had a convulsion from a high fever. They returned from the eR tonight.

Thursday, April 28: Sister and I joined Mother’s sisters for lunch at our Aunt ellen and Bill Detweiler’s. They are glad for visitors, being housebound.

Cindy was still sick today at her Aunt Susan’s wedding. She needed to be taken to the eR again.

Friday, April 29: Had to go back to town to get TB test read, so I also checked in on friend Rita who is quite sick with bronchitis. We had a small group gathering here to sing tonight.

Saturday, April 30: First time lawn mowing was done today. I did cleaning and joined friends to eat tonight. It’s nice the younger ones do the mowing now. I remember some Aprils I’d cut the grass three times a week, it grew so fast! But not this April!

Sunday, May 1: We had communion services at Chris Fisher Jrs.

Monday, May 2 – Tuesday, May 3: Nothing unusual at my work.

Wednesday, May 4: I’m still cleaning cupboards, slow poke me! Lately I caught two more mice that I had smelled in my pantry, Ugh!

S & E Country Store

440-548-2347

17574 Newcomb Rd • Middlefield

Parts and ServiceOil Stoves Gifts Books

German and English• •

Submitted by reader Barbie Frey

Tonight a load from our church attended the benefit auction at Middlefield Market. Oh yes, also had fun at several greenhouses and Amish stores today.

Thursday, May 5: I had promised a friend a chocolate cake for her birthday, so I made it into cupcakes for easier storage. They have chocolate filling with little chocolate chips in the center. I spent the afternoon and night with her.

Friday, May 6: So here we are on a nice day of rest. This afternoon and evening we enjoyed a grilled hamburger supper with family.

Monday, May 9 – Tuesday, May 10:After two days at work, I joined our singing group at the home of John and edna Mullet. The rainstorm came up very loudly on the metal shop roof while we were eating snacks.

Wednesday, May 11: Another 24 hour stint at a new place. Didn’t get much sleep.

Thursday, May 12: Had lunch in Garrettsville with sister, sister-in-law and niece … and the youngest paid for it all for us “oldsters”.

My, the downpour brought water we’d hardly seen before, almost up to the road (Route 88) by the pasture. Out back, most of almost 100 baby chicks got washed away and drowned. There was also some greenhouse damage. We’ll take the good with the bad. We’re all safe and thankful to GOD.

Friday, May 13: A trip to town, then planting flowers, drying clothes and enjoying the haystack dinner at Joe’s Window Shop.

See you next month.

Swine Creek Road YARD SALESWed 6/8 12p-8p,

Thurs 6/9 & Fri 6/10 8a-8pLots of multi-family, ton of stuff.

Watch for balloons.

Just a nice story . . .The Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80’s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.

He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9 a.m. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointmentthis morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, “And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?”

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, “She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.”

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life.’

True love is neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, But how to dance in the rain.’

We are all getting OlderTomorrow will be our turn

ChuckleAn older gent asked the widow lady

for her hand in marriage and she said, “Yes.”

The next morning he couldn’t remember if she had said yes or no, so off he went, back to her house.

When she saw him, the widow exclaimed, “Oh, I’m so glad to see you! I couldn’t remember who was here last night!” ☺

Mast Metal SalesBuilding Materials

• Metal and Vinyl Siding• Steel Truss Buildings• Cannon Ball Track• Metal Roofing • Shingles• Door Frames & Accessories

Melvin J. Mast13828 Bundysburg Rd., Middlefield

440-632-0093 (let ring)Monday-Friday 7am-5pm • Saturday by appointment

12

Plain Country | June 1, 2011

Fun!And the Winners Are . . .

Thanks to everyone who entered our ‘create a heading logo’ contest! The winning entries may need to be manipulated slightly to fit. And, will be used as space permits.

We now have a logo for:• Amish Crossing Corners, thanks to Elma Miller (Bundysburg Road). (The judges liked this one so much that it was decided to put it on the front page for this issue) • Bits and Pieces of the Past, thanks to Fannie Miller (Bundysburg Road)• Greetings from the Plain Country, thanks to Andy Troyer (Bundysburg Road)• Mom’s Diary thanks to Esther Byler, (N. Hayes Road)• Parkman Pathways, thanks to Barbie Frey (Old State Road)

each winner should have received notification by June 1.

It’s A Complete and Color the Drawing Contest!To enter this contest, just add to the picture of the bald eagle below. You might draw any details you want to

make background more interesting. (Remember, we have bald eagles around here now. Maybe this is a Geauga bald eagle!) You may use crayons or color pencils or both to color the picture. Do not use markers or paints, as they don’t look good on this kind of paper.

Be sure to fill out the bottom of the picture where it asks for your name, address and age. Send your entry to Plain Country Contest, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, Ohio, 44062. Must arrive by June 6. Age groups are 5 to 7, 8 to 10, and 11 and older. There will be 2 winners in each age group. each winner will

get a large set of Crayola crayons. Winners will be notified by mail on or about June 15.

Name __________________________________________________________________ Age ____

Address _________________________________________________________________________

Bible QuizCircle the correct answer to each question. Check yourself with the answers found on page 5.

Which apostle was also a tentmaker?1. Peter James Paul

Who was the father of King David? 2. Saul Jesse Solomon

How did elijah get to heaven?3. On a cloud in a whirlwind on wings

What idol fell and broke when the Ark of the 4. Covenant was placed near it?Dagon Baal Satan

What nickname did Jesus give disciple 5. brothers James and John?Sons of Thunder Fishers of Men Rocks

Which apostle was originally known as Saul?6. Paul Peter John

Which prophet was waylaid by a giant “fish”?7. Job Nineveh Jonah

Bible Match GameMatch the words in column with the words in column 2.(Answers are on page 2.)

Column One Column Two

1. Matthew a. esau

2. Solomon b. esther

3. Ruth’s mother-in-law c. Mara

4. Samson d. soldier

5. Canaan e. doctor

6. Xerxes f. long hair

7. Jacob’s twin g. tax collector

8. Luke h. Nun

9. Joshua i. Milk and Honey

10. Uriah j. 700 wives

June 1, 2011 | Plain Country

13

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary!

Beautify your BackyardNice Selection of Gazebos, Barns,

Playsets & Outdoor Furniture

We challenge you to find a better-built line of Outdoor Products!

Alan Mullet 440-693-4363

4853 Kinsman (Rt. 87), Middlefield(1 mile West of Mesopotamia or 4 miles East of Middlefield )

8-5 Daily; 8-4 Sat; Closed Sunday