Plain Country Magazine

Our next issue of Plain Country is July 13. Deadline for submissions is Monday, June 27. Advertising deadline is Tuesday, July 6. 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. 7 June 22, 2011

Submitted by our readers and writers

“A task takes as long as it takes.”

“The person who sows seeds of kindness will have a perpetual harvest.”

“Good character like good soup is usually homemade.“

“The best way to escape evil is to pursue good.”

“The only time to look down on your neighbor is when you’re bending over to help.”

Psalm 90: “He will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with his shield.”

“God gave us two ends – one to think with and one to sit on. Your success depends on which you use the most.”

“Kind words make good echoes.”

“The only people who never make mistakes are those who do nothing.”

“Ideals learned by children are more caught than taught.”

“Never give up in failure; below the ashes there’s a spark in the cinders.”

“Bloom where you are planted.”

“We get too soon old, and too late smart.”

“Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not.”

“A child can read a parent’s character before he can read the alphabet.”

Psalm 37– “He who talks to you about others will talk to others about you.”

“You need not call the devil; he’ll come without calling.”

“You can tell when you are on the right path. It’s usually uphill.”

Proverbs 11:17– “Your own soul is nurished when you are kind; it is distroyed when you are cruel”

By Jane Attina

On July 14th I will have worked for the library for 25 years! Most of that time has been spent with the bookmobile. I have had a mystery on my mind for some time now; maybe you can help! Sometime between 1987 and 1995 a little Amish girl drew a beautiful picture of the bookmobile and me. I was a driver back in those days and on the bus quite often so I got to know many of the people who came week after week. I covered the crayon drawing with plastic so it would last and to this day I have it hanging in my office here at the Middlefield library. Every time I look at my drawing I wonder what happened to this little girl. Today, she is more than likely married with children of her own. The back of the picture was signed simply Regina Miller. Was this you or someone you knew? If you can help me solve this puzzle, it would mean so much to me. Maybe I will hang my picture on the bookmobile and make a contest of it! Please let any staff member know if you can solve this great mystery!

Please Help Me Solve a Mystery . . .

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Plain Country | June 22, 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 . . .Birthdays .......................................................02Bits and Pieces of the Yesterday ...........08Books in Review .........................................08Children’s Immunization Clinics ...........02From Our Schools ......................................06Greetings from Garrettsville ..................06Greetings from the Plain Community 06Hello from Amish Crossing Corner ......06Hello from Huntsburg ..............................07Jane Attina [Bookmobile News] ......01, 08Katherine’s Korner .....................................04lines From linda .......................................07Mom’s Diary .................................................05Nutrient Dense Gardening.....................04Obituaries .....................................................02Parkman Pathways .... [see you next issue]Plain Community Events .........................02Plain Fun .......................................................09Recipes ..........................................................03Spotlight On Creekside lawn Furniture. ......................04Tell Me a Story ........................................... 08Wanted ..........................................................02

In Memoriam

Plain Community Events

Amanda J. Miller (nee Weaver), 61, of Parkman, entered eternal rest Sunday morning, May 29 at home surrounded by her family and friends after a long battle with cancer.

She was born April 22, 1950, to Jerry J. and lydiann (Sommers) Weaver. She married Bill U. Miller on March 25, 1971. Amanda was a lifelong resident of the Middlefield area and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. She thoroughly enjoyed being a homemaker, working outdoors, sewing, cooking, and always doing for others. Amanda also cherished spending time with her family.

Amanda will be sadly missed by her husband; children, Nancy (Robert) Detweiler and Gertrude (Allen) Detweiler both of West Farmington, David (Mary Ann) Miller of Middlefield, lydiann (Daniel) Hochstetler, Martha Mae Miller, Fannie Mae Miller all of Parkman; 16 grandchildren; two brothers; and three sisters. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, and a granddaughter.

Funeral services were held June 1. Amanda’s final resting place is in Yoder Cemetery in Parkman.

In loving memory of . . .Our grandfather, John A. Miller who

passed away June 24, 1947 and his wife, our grandmother, Jemima (Hostetler) Miller Hershberger who lived to be 99 years and 11 months old. She passed away June 21, 1995. John was a well-known farmer having his farm at the bottom of Huntsburg Hill on Route 528. In addition, he worked for Doerfer’s Harness Shop in downtown Middlefield. He and his wife also cared for Mr. Doerfer as he suffered ill health. John was starting home from work that June 24 stopping first to get his mail and then at Mumaw’s with a jug of his maple syrup. It is said he was reading his paper as he crossed the tracks in downtown Middlefield and did not hear the train that hit and killed him.

Our grandfather, Samuel J. Fisher, who passed away July 12, 1964 and his wife, and our grandmother, Ella D. (Miller) Fisher, who passed on March 24, 1993. Samuel was a well-known farmer who also worked for and, eventually, retired from Geauga Industry. He and his wife were known for their charitable works, done quietly.

Our father, Robert J. Miller who passed on June 30, 1997. Robert was a well-known blacksmith in Middlefield. His shop was next to where the Middlefield Fire Station is today. He was at work when his father, John A. Miller had his fatal accident.

They are all sorely missed by their family, Emma Miller and her five sons, Raymond, Chester, Bob, Jr., Marty and Nelson Miller and their families.

Happy Birthday!!June 23 Wally Miller Jr. (24)June 24 Adam Miller (twin) (2)June 24 Amanda R. Miller (twin) (2)June 24 Marcia A. Mullet (11)June 24 Ella Fisher (51)June 24 Robert J. Miller IV (2)June 25 John J. Miller (91)June 25 Jeremy W. Miller (1)June 25 David E. Miller 15)June 25 Jeremy Byler (5)June 25 Mrs. (Jonas) Susie Miller (86)June 26 Mrs. Kathy Yutzy (36)June 26 Jason B. Detweiler (1)June 26 Rebecca E. Miller (23)June 26 Owen Mullet Jr. (24)June 27 Mrs. Clara Hershberger (66)June 27 Abner J. Miller (51)June 27 Christopher C. Yoder (28)June 27 Elizabeth R. Hershberger (15)June 27 Mrs.(Crist)Clara Hershberger (66)June 28 levi (Shteff) Miller (45)June 28 Wayne P. Miller (13)June 28 Jonas J. Miller (87)June 28 levi Miller, Jr (45)June 29 Karen M. Schmucker (6)June 29 Robert E. Weaver (2)June 29 Elma A. Miller (15)June 29 Joe l. Miller (66)June 29 Josiah D. Detweiler (22)June 30 Samuel O. Yoder (5)July 1 Christina Fisher (27)July 2 Rachel J. Hershberger (10)July 2 Elizabeth Weaver (9)July 3 Joni Bender (13)July 3 Ruthie J. Gingerich (39)July 4 Paul A. Miller (19)July 5 Mary l. Byler (11)July 5 Mrs. (Roman) Miriam Erb (25)July 5 Mrs. Barbara Schlabach (52)

Benefit Bar-B-Q Chicken Dinner for church district # 13Friday, July 8Carry outs at 3:30 p.m.Sit down from 5:30 - 6 p.m.live and silent auction follow.Joe’s Window ShopCorner of Shedd Road and Route 168.

Benefit Haystack DinnerLive and silent auction to followFriday, July 1Carry outs starting at 3:30Sit dinner starts at 5:00Auctions to followJoe’s Window Shop(Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)

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, July 13 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Wednesday, July 20 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Thursday, July 21 from 3 – 6 p.m. Clinic will be held at St. lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield.NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC Wednesday, July 27 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at Grace Evangelical Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road, Newbury.

Answers to Bible Trivia Gamesling and stone (1 Samuel 17:4,50)1. Gideon (Judges 6:11-12)2. laugh (Genesis 18:10-12)3. Satan (Job 1:12, 2:6:7)4. honey (Judges 14:5-9)5.

gray hair (Proverbs 20:29)1. lamb (Exodus 12:3-6)2. bless them (luke 6:28)3. ant (Proverbs 6:6-8)4. snake (Exodus 4:1-4)5.

July 6 Crist C. Hershberger Jr. (35)July 6 Mrs. Christine Weaver (35)July 6 Carolyn Miller (12)July 6 Robert R. Miller III (32) July 7 Mrs. James (Maurine) Troyer (23)July 7 Elizabeth O. Yoder (11)July 8 Becky R. Weaver (28)July 8 Rosanna Schmucker (22)July 10 Matthew C. Yoder (9)July 11 Mrs. Robby (Regina) Byler (23)July 12 Olin Ray Mullet (17)July 12 Noah G. Bender (17July 12 Carolyn R. Weaver (20)July 12 Nellie R. MillerJuly 13 Martha M. Weaver (22)July 13 Marvin C. Miller (13)

Belated BirthdayMay 26 Melvin Ray Bender (7)June 3 Chester R. Miller (61)June 5 Nathan & Norman Weaver, twins (19)June 9 Robbie Bender (5)June 12 Cathy (Bill) Miller (29)June 13 Melissa Miller (22)June 13 Barbie Kurtz (17)June 15 Clara StutzmanJune 15 Bob Miller, Jr (60)June 18 Adam lee Miller, Jr (12)June 18 Marianne Miller (56)

‘Extra special birthday wish’ to:June 9 Willie Byler-hit the big 50!June 24 Robert Johnathan Miller IV (2)July 6 Robert R Miller (32)

Happy AnniversaryJune 26 Shanna & Robert Miller III (11)

Wanted for Our Next IssuePlease write in and tell some . . .-Ideas to get rid of garden pests-Benefits that will be held after July 13-Birthdays and anniversaries-Recipes for canning fruits of this season-*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 27 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.

FOR SALECEdAR LumbER

Approximately 70 pcs. 2 x 6 x14 for $44. each166 pcs. 2 x 4 x14 for $23. each

or, all for $6,000.Joseph A. Miller

17245 Swine Creek Rd., Middlefield, 440-632-1865 or 440-313-8838

June 22, 2011 | Plain Country

3

Calico beansSubmitted by Sarah Miller

1 pound bacon2 pounds hamburger2 cans kidney beans2 cans pork and beans2 cans butter beans2 cups brown sugar2 cups ketchup4 teaspoons mustard4 tablespoons vinegar2 onions chopped

Fry bacon and hamburger. Drain.Place in a large baking dish.Add beans and other ingredients.Bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours.

Cookies N’ Cream CheesecakeSubmitted by Sarah Miller

30 Oreo cookies1 cup butter or oleo4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese1 cup sugar4 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla20 chocolate Oreo cookies, crushed

Finely mash the 30 Oreo cookies.Add butter and mix well.Press into a 13 by 9 inch pan. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Mix well.Add eggs. Mix gently.Stir in 1 1/2 cups crushed cookies.Pour into pan.Sprinkle with remaining crushed cookies.Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.Chill.

Fourth of July banana Split CakeSubmitted by Jacquie Foote

White cake mix, your choice1 cup whipped cream1 large tub of Cool Whip2 bananas, ripe but firm1 quart strawberries, washed and patted dry1 pint blueberries, washed and patted dry1 cup chocolate or fudge syrup

Make the white cake in a sheet form according to directions. let cool well.Combine whipped cream with Cool Whip mixture. Mix well.Spread a thin layer of Cool Whip mixture over cake.Slice bananas and distribute them on the layer of Cool Whip mixture.Quickly, cover bananas with rest of Cool Whip mixture.Slice strawberries, toss with blue berries and sprinkle over Cool Whip mixture.Drizzle chocolate syrup or fudge syrup over strawberries and blueberries.Keep cake cool until serving it.

Fourth of July CakeSubmitted by Jacquie Foote

White cake mix, your choice12 ounce container sour cream1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip1 cup sugar1 quart strawberries, washed and patted dry1 pint blueberries, washed and patted dry

Make the white cake in a sheet form according to directions. let cool well.Combine sour cream, whipped cream and sugar. Mix well.Slice the strawberries in halves (or quarters if they are very large).Spread sour cream mixture over cake as a thick frosting.Place strawberries on this frosting. Sprinkle blueberries among the strawberries.Keep cool until served.

July Fourth TrifleSubmitted by Jacquie Foote

1 angel food cake3 cups vanilla pudding1 large tub Cool Whip1 quart strawberries, washed and patted dry1 pint blueberries, washed and patted dry1 cup whipped cream

Tear or cut angel food cake into bite size pieces.

Set aside 3 of your largest strawberries and cut the rest into halves or quarters, depending on size.

Set aside 2 tablespoons of blueberries.

In a large bowl, place a layer of angel food cake pieces.

Spread 1 cup of vanilla pudding over cake pieces.

Sprinkle 1/3 of the cut strawberries and 1/3 of the blueberries over the pudding.

Spread 1/3 of the Cool Whip over the berries.

Place a layer of cake pieces over the Cool Whip.

Repeat alternation of pudding, berries, Cool Whip and cake until you have 2 more layers, ending with a cake layer.

Spread whipped cream over final layer of cake.

Cut large strawberries in halves. Place strawberry halves on whipped

cream layer. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of blueberries among the strawberry halves.

Keep cool until serving.Serve by spooning up this trifle as if it

were a big pudding.

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By Katherine M. Byler“DON’T SlAP THE BREAD!”

John Mark, age 9, knows that now. Took the grandson along to the Senior Center. He was a big help and, thank goodness, didn’t harm the bread I was baking there. He was just tempted enough to give light slaps to the bread as it was

rising in the pans.Emma Shrock, 92, who is a regular at

the Senior Center, can still recall girlhood songs and will sing them (quietly) if we ask nicely … songs like “Geauga County Girls” and the “Bachelor Song”.

I baked another yummy chocolate cake and, as someone wrote to Ann landers long ago, “You take just a little sliver of cake, eat it; soon another sliver, and, before you know it, you’ve slivered that cake to death.” Serves it right, right?

We’re finally getting warmer weather, probably here to stay. Gardens are being planted later than normal. Grass keeps growing in lawn AND pasture! Weddings abound, always a good time to see and talk to friends … and maybe make new ones.

Ike and linda Ebersol and Sam and linda King from lancaster County, Pa. were in the area for the wedding of Jonas

Nutrient Dense GardeningBy Daniel Fisher

First, I’d like to write about our Nutrition and Health Seminar by Walt Merriman on June 28, 6 p.m. He will talk about how the body was designed and how America’s standardized food has effected America’s health. This is why we really think it’s very important to try and get nutrition back in our food.

Now, to get back on track on Nutrient Dense! How do we do that with the wet spring we had? It’s harder, but still possible. So we will try and write why soil health matters. You have more at stake than next year’s crop.

We believe healthy soil is the firm foundation needed for a healthy food system. Healthy soil produces healthy crops, healthy livestock and, ultimately, healthy people.

There is, as yet, no standard definition of healthy soil. But, as a farmer or gardener, you likely recognize healthy soils when you see them.Some common characteristics of healthy soils are:• They drain and warm up quickly in the spring.• They don’t crust after planting.• They soak up heavy rains with little run- off. (This spring was different. With 20 plus inches of rain in May, you will have run-off. This is why cover crops are important to help prevent soil erosion, etc.)• They store moisture for dry spells.• They resist erosion and nutrient loss.• They support teeming populations of microbes.• They don’t require ever-increasing fertilizer rates to maintain good quality and quantity.• They produce healthy, high quality, and nutrient dense crops.

The condition of the soil is at least as important as its fertility. The productivity of the soil can never be greater than the plant-available food element in the least supply. This means being concerned with

lancaster County’s loss is definitely Geauga County’s gain!

It started three years ago when Joseph Miller bought out lancaster’s Cypress Breeze Series and moved the business to his property on Swine Creek Road. There, in a neat white building next to his house, he and his wife, Nancy, set about making a dream come true.

The dream? Well, Joseph, a carpenter and cabinetmaker who worked in construction, wanted a family owned and operated business right on his own homestead. And he wanted a quality product he could feel satisfied having his sons (and daughters) work on with him.

When you turn in at the Creekside lawn Furniture sign, you can see swings, tables, benches and chairs set in an outdoor display area. When you walk into the workshop, you will see the pieces being made and you will smell the rich, clean aroma of the Cypress wood being cut, carefully sanded, assembled and finished right there. (In an effort to support other Geauga businesses, Joseph buys all his supplies, even the Cypress, from local suppliers.)

At first, he used Cedar wood as well when making his furniture. But he found that customers vastly preferred the Cypress and has phased out the Cedar. (There may still be some great bargains there, if you hurry).

Cypress, like Cedar, has natural oils that repel rot … but without Cedar’s strong odor. It also does not twist or crack like treated lumber, nor has it been treated with arsenic or other chemicals. Cypress is well known for its hardness. One of Joseph’s customers tells of a piece of Cypress lawn furniture she has had outdoors for 30 years that is still as beautiful and useful as ever.

Cypress’ natural color is a light golden yellow with reddish, chocolate or olive overtones. At Creekside lawn Furniture, you will see Cypress furniture in its natural state, and in the silver gray it weathers into if you choose not to stain it. Of course, if you prefer, Joseph will stain the furniture you buy for you. The colors of stain he keeps on hand are Golden Harvest, Keystone Dark and Redwood light. If you prefer another color stain, he will take care of it.

So what kind of furniture can you get here? Well, are you looking for a glider? Joseph will make you a glider 2, 4, or 5 feet long with either a high or a low back … and a model with a special lumbar support back

and one that swivels. How about swings? They too come in various lengths, high and low backed and with a model featuring lumbar support. In addition, tripod a-frame swings are available in 4 and in 5 feet.

Are you interested in chairs? You will find English chairs, Adirondack chairs, Kennebunkport chairs and rockers (high back, low back and bent cypress).

Of course, for outdoor or casual meals, there are tables; picnic style, oval, octagon and children’s tables along with the chairs or benches that fit them. Actually some of these tables are elegant enough for indoor use.

Other furniture available includes planters, potting benches, refreshment stands, foot rests and a unique folding beach chair.

If you don’t see what you want, Joseph and his family are pleased to do custom orders. Bring in a picture or drawing … or just describe what you want. large or small, they will make it for you. (Recently, they constructed a trellis for a customer.) And they don’t restrict you to lawn furniture. Joseph and family will be happy to produce cabinets to meet your requirements.

The prices for these things are astoundingly reasonable. For example, the 100 Series 4 foot low back glider with a contour back is only $208. The, heavier 500 Series 4 foot glider with a contour back is only $290. And remember, these gliders are backed by a 100 percent guarantee for quality of materials and workmanship and will last, not years, but decades!

Oh, by the way, it is not only gliders covered by the 100 percent satisfaction

guarantee. Every piece of Cypress furniture sold at Creekside carries the same assurance.

Although the Cypress furniture is less heavy than you would think, most of the pieces are too large to simply pop into the trunk of the average car. As a service, Joseph will arrange for delivery for you, as near as less than a mile away, as far as the state of Washington, or even further if you need. For a friendly atmosphere, knowledge about the products being made and sold, quality craftsmanship and an enthusiasm for letting you know how to care for your new purchase, Creekside lawn Furniture can’t be beat.

Come on over to Creekside lawn Furniture for excellent furniture and an enjoyable experience wrapped into one!

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what is missing in the soil and what is plant-available, as well as what is wrong with it and what can be done to correct it.

Until next time.Daniel C. Fisher is proprietor of D & S Farm & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-693-4632 for more information.

C. Detweiler of New York and Rachel Miller, daughter of Dan and Mary Ann. Ike and linda made a short visit at the hospital with Mrs. Crist Miller (Barbara). Barb had knee replacement done, then returned to the hospital with a lot of pain. Doctors removed fluid and sent her home again after two days. She had to miss out on the wedding.

We spent a day with Uncle Jake C. Byler who recently turned 86. He’s pretty much confined to home. We found out one of his grandsons, married and father of 10, told his busy wife to take care of the twin babies and he’d finish supper. OOPS! He put the thickening for chocolate pudding in the wrong kettle and they had chocolate bean soup (minus the bread?) for the first and, hopefully, last time.

End of an era? With an auction of many years’ collections, a great change looms. Milo Schlabach, age 89, experienced such, ridding himself of the headaches of storage, etc. He has a very pleasant new home in the new addition at his daughter’s, the Dan P. Hostetlers on Hayes Road.

Yours truly is trying to get rid of a bunch of stuff so I can go yardsaleing again. Watch for the “free table” in our front yard. Maybe we need to hire an auctioneer too!

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J&J Cabinet Shop4738 Donley Road

Middlefield, Ohio 44062

Wood Siding & Paneling for all your building needs!

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Sunday, May 15: Norma’s sixth birthday! She’s waited a long time for this day.

Rainy and dreary all day. We were cooped up in the house; the children got bored and my nerves got all jittery. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when bedtime rolled around!

Monday, May 16: Still dreary. laura was home today, so she did laundry.

Tuesday, May 17: Rose Edna’s sixteenth birthday. These children of mine are growing old way too fast for me.

It is raining for the sixth day in a row. I’m trying to be thankful.

Wednesday, May 18: I was home all day, which is unusual! It was nice, too!

More rain coming down.Thursday, May 19: The children and I

went to Mom’s to help clean, etc. laura and Katherine did cupboards and I did ironing, cooking and baking.

It was nice and sunny this afternoon. Very refreshing.

Friday, May 20: It didn’t rain, but everything is very saturated. Andrew mowed the lawn anyway and you could see his tracks.

Saturday, May 21: We went to the Cleveland zoo. We really enjoyed it, especially the monkeys; and, no, they didn’t keep any of us there to join them!

It was a beautiful day and lots of people there!

Sunday, May 22: We went to church, then home to rest and read. It rained, and then turned nice.

Monday, May 23: Niece Barbara Ann called and announced she and her husband, Ben, have a little boy. They named him Joey, after his grandpa (my brother Joe). Joe’s birthday is May 25, so all the more reason to call the baby Joey. Can’t wait to see him.

We went to Teacher Norma’s house tonight to visit with her and her parents.

Nephew Nathan, age 8, came up from Carroll County tonight to stay a while.

Tuesday, May 24: Nathan had lots of fun with Andrew today, riding and driving the pony, catching frogs, all those boy things. They put up the tent to sleep in tonight.

Wednesday, May 25: Katherine went down to Sister Elizabeth and Wayne’s in Carroll County. She’ll stay till Sunday, then we’ll take Nathan home and pick her up.

Thursday, May 26: It stormed last night, but the boys stayed in the tent and braved it out.

Then, tonight, we had another storm.I didn’t feel all that good. I have sore

throat and headache. Betty had it earlier in the week, so, evidentially, I caught it from her.

Friday, May 27: Housework was up to me today, since my three older girls were all gone.

Nathan says he wants to stay here forever and never go home! He misses Baby Donnie, though!

Saturday, May 28: laura was home today, which was such a treat. She did laundry while I baked and cooked and cleaned some. The day went fast.

Sunday, May 29: We went down to Carroll to exchange children and also stayed to visit and for supper. Neither Katherine nor Nathan was ready to go back to their own homes!

Monday, May 30: Memorial Day. Very warm and humid. The girls didn’t have to work today so they cleaned, did laundry and sewed.

Tonight we all went to Crist and Emma Burkholders for a cookout.

Tuesday, May 31: Today was an exceptionally warm and humid day. I had to go get groceries which makes it seem worse.

Tonight, I didn’t do more than I had to!Wednesday, June 1: Much more

pleasant today. I had a yard sale. I got rid of some junk (treasurers?). Some I put out as free and that disappeared in a hurry.

Thursday, June 2: I went to my cousin Rachel’s wedding today. It was a beautiful, pleasant day. I surely enjoy it when it’s like this!

At home tonight we had hot dogs on the grill and sat outside till the mosquitoes drove us indoors. They come out in swarms and invade the whole outdoors. Friday, June 3: Katherine and I did the laundry and cleaning.

Andrew was weedeating and Norma was “helping” him with a stick. I asked her something and she said, “Mom, you have to be quiet, ’cause I can’t hear you while I’m weedeating.”

Saturday, June 4: I went yard saleing today. laura was home, so things were in good hands.

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By Barbara Ann Detweiler

6


June 6, 2011: Ahhh! We finally have summer. It has been

a week without so much rain and it gives us a chance to catch up on yard work. Many flowers are in bloom. It is a lovely time of year.

Our sympathy to the Bill U. Miller family on the passing of their wife and grandmother.

Spending an enjoyable day with the eighth grade class and parents on Wednesday, June 1 were Bill and Ada and Mose D. Byler and Joe and I. We went to Altoona, Pa. where we took a train ride and visited a museum and a candy factory. last we stopped where Flight 93 crashed. They are in the process of building a huge monument there. It is to open by September 1, 2011, the tenth anniversary of the crash.

Visiting Grandpa John J. Miller on Sunday afternoon, June 5 were Mr. and Mrs. Freemon A. Byler of Route 168. They used to live in Pelki, Mich.

Going to a wedding in Johnsonburg, Pa. on Thursday, June 2, were Roman and Ada Schlabach and Mike and Emma Slabaugh plus some more whose names I’m not sure of. They also visited brother Allen and Mary Ann M. Miller in Punxsutawney, Pa. on their way home. Allen had a stroke several years ago.June 7, 2011:

Tuesday morning and it’s time to get this faxed in.

That was quite a storm we had this morning, with hail the size of marbles. Am glad farmer Joe got most of his hay that was dry in. It has been hard for farmers to get their crops planted with all our rainy weather.

On Thursday, June 16, we plan to leave for Mio, Mich. for a family reunion. The reunion is to be on Friday, June 17. We plan to go by chartered bus. Coming home the evening of June 17. Plans are for a nephew and family and brother Menno and Malinda to come down from Wisconsin and travel with us.

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Georgia Road School NewsBy linda Weaver

A chartered bus took Georgia Road School seventh and eighth graders as well as teachers, parents and grandparents (us) on a well-planned outing in West Virginia on Saturday, June 4.

The first stop was breakfast at Das Duetch Haus in Columbiana, Ohio where we all had the buffet. Yummy!

Our next stop was in Moundsville, W. Va. at the Sate Penitentiary. It is no longer a working prison, but tours are given by a former worker, Margie Gray. She was an excellent tour guide being as she had years of experience, and could tell us what went on and what could happen, etc. Very interesting and an eye opener for all of us. Part of our group was brave enough to be locked up for a few minutes, but not this Grandma!

We, then, went to the Marx Toy Museum, a very interesting place for us oldsters. We played with some of those exact toys growing up. I also love antiques, and these definitely were. louis Marx Jr. just recently visited there and didn’t know the museum existed. He is now paying a salary to the collector who started the museum and rents his building. There is also a movie about his father that louis Marx didn’t know about.

Our last stop was Cabelaís which all the menfolk enjoyed. Their stuffed animals and live aquarium are unbelievable. A very worthwhile day.

It was a tired group coming home. We stopped and ate on the way home. We did a few quizzes and sang some songs, making for some special memories.

Greetings from Garrettsville By Rachel MillerJune 3, 2011:

We have 40 degrees this morning. The sun is out. We have had four nice days in a row.

Monday, Barbara and I went to son Ivan Jrs. to help get ready for the wedding of granddaughter lucinda to Albert, son of Albert Millers. They had a nice day, Tuesday, although warm. It was a nice wedding with good food. John Schrocks of Prattsburg, N. Y. came. My relative from Atlantic, Pa. couldn’t make it.

I’m still working on spring cleaning. This week, it’s the kitchen’s turn. With going away so much, I’m slow getting spring cleaning done.

Ivan and Barbara were working on mowing and trimming the lawn last night. He still has the front lawn to do. This morning, he had to go work for a lady in Garrettsville.

I had a lot of humming birds and was filling the feeder every day. Now I think I have one

June 8, 2011: Well, our rainy season has ended, or so

it seems. The garden was planted Wednesday evening, June 1 and it dried up awful fast. The rain we received early morning, June 7, sure made the garden pop! Strawberries are ripening, but ours are a later kind of strawberry. We are anxiously waiting for ours to ripen, but, oh, my aching back!

A trip is planned to Munfordville, Ky. to surprise Nancy’s brother for his sixtieth birthday. We expect to leave Friday noon, June 10 and arrive Saturday morning with balloons and streamers. We hope to make this a real surprise!

By the time this is in print, we hope we have had a safe trip and it was a success. The whole Troyer family is planning to go along except John H. Troyers and Dan E. Millers.

We enjoyed the wedding at Urie Byler’s of their daughter Nora Mae to Johnny Troyer on May 26. Johnny is wife Nancy’s nephew. So we enjoyed the day with relatives. It was a nice day except for some light sprinkles in the afternoon. Upon arriving home that evening, we saw the rain gauge had over 2 inches of rain. Only a little over a mile away from the wedding. As always, I ate too much and talked too much, but, so, this is my life.

What I like about the Plain Country is the ads. I’m an ad reader to see what people have to sell. I would like to see more classifieds. I also enjoy the reviews and the stories about businesses. I also enjoy all the writers. Keep it up!

If anyone has ideas how the paper can better serve us, write a letter to the editor.

By Sarah Miller

Chuckle An elderly man finally decided to get a hearing

aid. Some time later, he stopped at the store where he’d bought it. The beaming manager greeted him and said, “Your relatives must be

happy that your hearing is so much better.” “Oh, I ain’t told ‘em yet,” the old timer chuckled,

“I’ve just been sitting around the house, listening. You know, I’ve heard enough to

change my will twice already.”

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lonely humming bird. The others must have found it sweeter someplace else.

We have two barn swallow nests by the porch. The wren is singing by the clothesline.

We got our garden planted Wednesday evening. Still need some cabbage, pepper and celery plants. My tomatoes were big and ready to go out.

Happy birthday to granddaughter Barbie Kurtz who was 17 years old on June 13!


7

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Hello from Huntsburg By William Bender

Time to get my thinking cap on and get something worthwhile on paper.

Huntsburg has two new residents that I know of. A son born to Harvey and Anna Mary Detweiler; a daughter born to Marlin and Miriam Yoder.

The way it looks, summer might be here. We sure had a wet May. The old saying is “A wet and cold May fills the barn with hay”.

April showers bring May flowers; what do May flowers bring? If I don’t forget, I will put the answer down next time.

Mrs. lester Mullet (Barbara) passed away. At 96, she was the oldest Amish woman here in Geauga. Now, if my feeble mind is right, the oldest Amish woman is Mrs. David Troyer at 94. Melvin Wengerd is the oldest Amish person in Geauga at 97. (Read William Bender’s story of boys living off the land in “Tell Me a Story”, page 8.)

Lines by LindaBy linda WeaverJune 6, 2011Hello Friends,

I’m sure everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather after all the rain. We got our garden planted and it already could use some rain, at least around the plants. Underneath, there are still lots of moisture.

Church was here May 29 for daughter Sara Jane and Marty Mast and we were blessed with a few visitors. Minister Andrew and Sara Jane Miller and children, John and Barb Mast, and their granddaughter Ruthie (Eli) Yoder were here. Church is here again for Jake and me on June 12.

Noah Detweiler Jrs. announce the birth of quadruplets … swans, that is. Seems a little later than usual. Miriam wrote there were 5 eggs, so I guess one didn’t hatch.

James and linda Miller had church in Bill M. Byler’s district Sunday. His dad Jim Miller of Guys Mills Pa. attended, as did Mark Gingeriches, Owen Yoders and son Rudy and John Gingerich Jr., a cousin to James. John is the one who compiled the Gingerich ancestry book and went to Germany to learn more of his family history. He also understands and speaks German, but wasn’t raised Amish. This church is next at Erwin and Betty Ann Slabaughs on June 12.

Looking Back to the BeginningBy Jacquie Foote

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

These words were written 235 years ago. They are actually the beginning of the second section of the Declaration of Independence. Under the last sentence of this declaration which said, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”, 56 men, representing the 13 colonies in America, put their signatures.

The war with England had been going on for more than a year when, on June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a “Committee of Five” to write a declaration, which would tell the world why Americans were fighting. The Five were: John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert R. livingston of New York, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut. This committee left no minutes, so how it happened that Thomas Jefferson was the one to actually draft the declaration can only be guessed at. We do know that Jefferson was well known for his writings and was well respected among the members of the Congress. Something written by him could be expected to be well received.

So, between June 11 and June 28, 1776, Jefferson wrote what we call the “Declaration of Independence” which has become both the nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson’s most enduring monument. Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions that had come to exist in the minds and hearts of the American people. So, remember, the political philosophy of the Declaration was not Jefferson’s own idea. In fact, its ideals of individual liberty had already been expressed by John locke and the Continental philosophers. What Jefferson did was to summarize this philosophy as “self-evident truths”. later in the Declaration, he also set forth a list of grievances against the King in order to justify before the world the breaking of ties between the colonies and the mother country.

One of the most stirring and famous passages of the Declaration is the one quoted at the beginning of this article. In more modern language it means that there are certain obvious truths. One of them is that all people are created equal (i.e., no one is created to be a king, or a noble, or a pauper). It also says that God has given us certain rights that cannot be taken away. These rights include the right to life and the right to liberty and the right to strive for a good life.

Once the document was complete, Jefferson consulted the other committee members, made some alterations, and the completed Declaration was presented to Congress by the committee on June 28, 1776 under the title, “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled”. The Declaration was tabled until July 1st, when Congress declared itself a “committee of the whole” and began the debate over Jefferson’s writing. This debate resulted in its

ratification and the signing that was completed on July 4, 1776, giving us our national birthday.

As Benjamin Franklin said we are not English any longer, ” We are a new people. And we need a new country.” We declared we were no longer 13 colonies; we were 13 states united into one country. We were … and are … the United States of America.

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8


Submitted by Sarah MillerWelshfield, OhioJuly 29, 1893

Warm and dry is the weather.Farmers are busy cutting oats, which is a

little short on account of the dry weather.Wheat is a fair crop.John and Eli Miller are hustling over the

county with their threshing outfit.Jacob, son of Benjamin Schrock had

a severe attack of lung fever* but is slowly improving again.

Minister Simon E. Mast and wife, of this place, started for Holmes County last Saturday evening.

Benjamin J. Yoder’s new barn is nearing completion.

John S. Weaver is happy that little boy made his appearance in their family.

Anybody desiring a good mail carrier will do well to call on Misses R. and K.I and my Pa*lung fever is what we now call pneumonia.

Submitted by Katherine BylerFrom a letterAug. 1991

The Chouteau Farm Supply had been broken into for 3 weeks in a row. Radios, flashlight and tools were missing from the trucks, besides feedbags torn open and messes made. Then, last Monday eve, the manager, Jake, saw someone going into the elevator. He told his wife to call the law and he walked down to watch them. He saw them crawl through a hole that had always been there. He could hear them having their fun. After the law got there, Jake locked the door which got their attention and they ran for the big doors which were hooked on the inside. When they got it unlocked to get out, the law was on the outside, waiting on the 3 boys who were 9 and 10 years old. Jake said he never in his life heard bawling like he heard then. It was still daylight. The law took them to t he police station and their parents had to come after them.

To some, the 4th of July simply means a day off work, to others a cookout in the backyard. I remember my childhood 4th of July celebrations fondly. It was a time for family fun, and, with my father being of Italian descent, that meant big family fun! Dad had five brothers and sisters and that meant I had a great many cousins to play with. We all gathered at my grandmother’s house. Nana, as we called her, was not really into grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. She would much rather feed us a “decent” meal of spaghetti, sausage and meatballs, fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Of course I loved the food, but most of all I loved being outdoors playing with my cousins. It was the best fun ever! When the day’s light started to fade, my dad went to the trunk of his car. Our anticipation immediately grew as our eyes feasted on the sparklers and other firecrackers that would soon be lighting up the night sky. Dad was always very careful so that no one ever got hurt or burned. One by one we had our sparklers lit by dad. “Be careful”, he told us as we twirled them ‘round and ‘round. little stars danced in the night sky until the sparklers had burned down to the end.

As I grew into an adult I realized that not only was it a day of celebrating with family and friends, but more importantly it was about our nation’s freedom and called the birthday of America. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared independence by announcing our 13 colonies no longer belonged to Great Britain. Because of that declaration, the first Independence Day was celebrated on July 8th 1776. Today we continue the annual holiday, each in our ways.

My dad is no longer here but memories of days gone by remain. I am thankful I live in a beautiful country and am free to be me.

Tell Me a Story Making HayBy Rachel Miller

When we have four nice June days in a row, it makes me think of making hay when I was still at home. I had to drive the team while Dad loaded with the hay loader behind the wagon. When the wagon got full, I’d have to stand on the standard. Then the hay would get down my neck and scratch.

We’d take the wagon into the barn with Dad in the wagon with a (grapple) fork he’d stick in a bunch of hay. Then, I’d lead the horse down the ramp pulling a rope and Dad would guide it to the haymow. Sometimes I would go up in the haymow and help even the hay out. Those were the good old days!

Living off the LandBy William Bender

Some years ago, there were some boys who lived along Clay Street. They wanted to live off the fat of the land (or should I say “creek”).

On a Monday morning, they went back in Poor Dave Joe’s pasture with a tent, some bread and a bottle of salad dressing. They were going to stay until Thursday afternoon. They tried to live on fish and frog legs.

Well, they didn’t get enough fish or frog legs to take care of their hunger. So, one day one of the boys went home and his mom gave him some money to buy hot dogs. They walked up to 322 and got their feast of roasted hot dogs. When Simon went to get the salad dressing, it was gone. He yelled, “Jonas!” and all Jonas said was, “I was hungry.”

Thursday morning found the boys eating cold cereal at home. I don’t know how much weight they lost, but I do know they came home hungry.

Now, the only one of these boys left in this neck of the woods is David Bender. Most of the others live down by the Green River. I guess the Green River has bigger fish than Tare Creek. (Right! The other boys were Joe’s Joey and the Schmucker boys!)

Books in ReviewBy Jacquie Foote

“From Grandpa’s Pen, Memories of Uria R. Byler” by Uria R. Byler was published by Carlisle Printing, Sugarcreek, Ohio and copyright 2010.

This is a companion book to “As I Remember It”, Uria R. Byler’s autobiography. As many Amish still do, Uria kept a careful journal. In his later years, remembering his longing to know more about the lives and times of his grandparents, he used his journals to write his life story for his grandchildren. His family had his book published after his death. His was a notable life for many reasons, not the least of which is his involvement in the formation of the Amish schools in Geauga County.

“From Grandpa’s Pen” contains memories and meditations this good man wrote from June 1962 through January 21, 1973. The first of his writings published by his family is more fact centered, dealing with the events in his life and times in a straightforward manner with a few asides containing his thoughts about what was going on. This book dwells more on his thoughts and concerns as he went through life trying to understand God’s will. In it, Uria looks back on the choices he made, trying to understand why he made them and how those choices affected his life and the lives of others.

Another thread running though ”From Grandpa’s Pen” is Uria Byler’s concern for the Amish way. He meditates on life in the Geauga County Amish community, on how cherished traditions and beliefs are taught and followed and yet how the press of Yankee culture influences members of the Amish Community. Uria writes of his concern for the children especially. He saw clearly how the non-Amish world can tempt the young to forget their own values so that they could lose their way and he worried at the erosion in the Amish Way that could be caused when economic security becomes too important.

This book is also filled with moments of humor, beauty, commitment to the Amish way and with memories of Uria’s deep affection for friends and family.

“From Grandpa’s Pen” was written by a man to whom God had given the gift to communicate. His writings are both deep and interesting. 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.

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My Memories of the 4th of July By Jane Attina [Bookmobile News]

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Helpful Hint and Very TrueBy Katherine Byler

If your buggy’s back curtain is rolled up while you’re driving, it is much cooler for you, and for the horse. Try it. (This doesn’t mean roll it up WHIlE you’re driving; do it before you hit the road.)


9

Fun!And the Winners AreThank you for entering our “Improve and Color the Eagle Picture” contest.Our winners are: Ages 5 – 7 Enos A. Byler (Donley Road) Marlin Miller (Bundysburg Road)Ages 8 – 10 Ruthie Mast (Hayes Road) Andrew Miller (State Route 534)Ages 11 and up David Detweiler Jr. (Bundysburg Road) Kathryn D. Schlabach (Parks West Road)The winners should have already received notice by mail.

Bible Trivia Game (Answers on page 2) 1. What weapon did david use against Goliath? sling and stone lance jawbone 2. Who was working under an oak tree when the angel greeted him? Mark Job Gideon 3. What did Sarah do when she was told she would have a son, Isaac? cry laugh go to the temple 4. Who received permission to attack Job’s possessions, family and health? David Pharaoh Satan 5. What did Samson eat from the carcass of the lion he killed? honey tongue jawbone 6. According to Proverbs, what is the “splendor of the old”? children gray hair wisdom 7. What animal did God tell the Israelites to eat during Passover? lamb camel dove 8. What did Jesus tell his disciples to do to people who cursed them? leave them curse them back bless them 9. What insect does the book of Proverbs tell lazy people to learn from? bee ant locust10. What did moses’ staff (or rod) turn into? water manna snake

Summer Drawing Contest –To enter this contest, draw a picture of something that you like best about summer – is it riding in the pony cart?

helping in the garden? playing with your pet, or brothers and sisters? sitting under a tree and reading? or fishing? You may color your picture if you wish. But the winners will be chosen for the drawing, not for coloring.

Put your name, address and age on the back of your drawing.Send your entry to: Plain Country Contest, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, Ohio, 44062 must arrive by June 29.

Age groups are 5–7, 8–10, and 11 and older. There will be 2 winners in each age group. Each winner will get a tablet of drawing paper and set of artist pencils. Winners will be notified by mail on or about July 6.

Plain Country Magazine

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