We are having a break from the heat this week. The mornings are so nice and cool. Hmmm… now what excuse should I use for my garden still being full of weeds?
Last week was just too hot to work in it. We do have to get to it this week, though. The recent storm took a few big branches from the big maple tree at sister Verena’s house. It left the tree branches mostly on one side. Verena was afraid another storm would take the rest, and it was close to her house. Last night, our son-in-laws tackled the tree, and it is all down now and cleaned up. The only way to reach the big tree was across the road, but they did fast work opening the road right away. They did a good job, and Verena sure appreciated the help. Joe, son Kevin, and I went down to join them for supper at Verena’s house. This made her night go faster. It was a nice cool evening, and we ate out on her deck.
Daniel Ray and Verena came back from Colorado on Sunday around 11:00 p.m. We were happy to see them again! Daniel Ray is off from the RV factory this week, and so are three of our other sons-in-law. They had a nice time, but Verena had to see an eye doctor because her eye developed corneal erosion. The doctor put in a medicated contact. She just left to see her eye doctor. The eye doctor was used to this in the area because of the dry air that can cause it.
Daniel Ray mowed our grass yesterday. We had a lot of nice rain after the heat, so the grass still grew. The garden is doing really well, and we are enjoying the fruits of our labor. Our radishes are over now, but we have hot peppers, green peppers, lettuce, onions, and zucchini. Green tomatoes are loaded on the plants, and, weather permitting, it looks like there could be a bountiful crop. Joe trimmed all the leaves off the bottom of the tomato plants to make healthier plants and prevent disease. Leaves that touch the ground easily catch blight and rot. Pruning them keeps the plant clean and improves airflow. This is the first year he tried this. He was talking with some men at church who told him about this. I’m glad he’s patient enough to sit there and trim them because I know I wouldn’t take the time to do it. Our plants are in raised beds, so he can do it sitting using a mobility scooter. His back wouldn’t let him stand to do it.
I have grandsons Denzel and Byron and a granddaughter, Kylie, here right now. I’m getting a little of this column written a little at a time. I need to make them lunch soon. Joe will join us for lunch. He’s back from his appointment now. He has three or four herniated discs, which are causing his lower back pain. The children helped me water the hanging flowers on the porch. We discovered a bird’s nest with three eggs in it. In another flower, there were little birds. I’m not sure, but I think they are finches. This whole time, I was watering the plants and didn’t realize there were nests in there. My hanging flowers are still doing okay, even with the hot, humid week we had. My goal is to keep them blooming all summer. I love seeing them on my porch. And now it gives the finches a place to call home.
This is now almost 8 p.m. It is just Joe and me at home. Daughter Elizabeth, Tim, and family came for a visit; also, son Joseph and Grace, and daughter Lovina and Daniel and Brooklyn stopped in a while. Daniel Ray, Verena, Ben, Joanna, and Kevin are out on the lake fishing on the pontoon. We are out of fish, so hopefully they catch some.
I want to wish my daughter Loretta (July 1) and son-in-law Daniel Ray (June 29) both a happy birthday. They were both on vacation for their birthdays. Wishing them many more!
I have this recipe in one of my cookbooks, The Essential Amish Cookbook.
God’s blessings.
Pea and Cheese Salad
• 1 (12-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed, or an equivalent amount fresh peas, cooked until just tender
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• 1 cup Colby cheese, cubed
• ½ cup radishes, sliced
• ¼ cup green onion, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
In a medium bowl, combine the peas, celery, eggs, cheese, radishes, and green onion. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, and salt. Pour mayonnaise mixture over the vegetable mixture and mix well.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make sure the peas are well drained or the salad will be watery.
Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her three cookbooks, “The Cherished Table,” “The Essential Amish Cookbook” and “Amish Family Recipes,” are available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at Lovina’s Amish Kitchen, PO Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply. Or email questionsforlovina@gmail.com and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.
Dining and Cooking