This week will bring us to the end of September and to the start of October. These summer months went by so fast and now early signs of autumn are seen all over. Leaves are starting to change color, which will make for some beautiful scenery in a few weeks. I love seeing leaves change color. Gardens are emptying fast as well. Also, cooler mornings make us think of the upcoming winter months. We are hoping to get our fourth cutting of hay this week.
We are a little short on hay yet for the winter supply of the horses. It is a cloudy morning and it looks like it could rain, which might put off cutting the hay for a few days. The girls were able to mow our grass again after the last rain we had. We hadn't mowed for more than three weeks due to lack of rain. After receiving more than 8 inches of rain in three days a few weeks ago, everything looked nice and green again.
Yesterday, church services were held at sister Emma and Jacob's house all day, in preparation for Communion services, which will be held there in two weeks. Services were held in the new building that Jacob's built in the last three weeks. With Joe being on three-day work weeks, he could help on the days he was off. The siding still needs to be put on and they hope to insulate it next week. With colder weather coming it will be easier to heat.
Oct 1 six years ago I penned my first column, taking over from my dear mother who had passed away a few weeks before. We still miss her and cherish the many lovely memories we have of her. I was re-reading my first column and what changes these six years have brought. Our oldest child, Elizabeth, was 8 years old and in second grade. Now she is 14 and in eighth grade, and I have five more going to school.
I went with sister Emma to the hospital for Steven's six month heart check-up. She received good news that he is doing great. He acted like he remembered where he was, as he just wanted to cling to his mama. He will have to go back a year from now, which will be his last heart check-up if all goes well.
Steven is 15 months old now and we all enjoy him so much. Kevin, age 3, came to tattle on Steven one day when I was helping Emma get ready for church services. Steven had unrolled a whole roll of toilet tissue in the bathroom. Since this was Steven's first time to discover that, Kevin must have heard us laughing about it and thought it was funny.
The next day when I came into our bathroom Kevin had unrolled a whole roll of toilet tissue. I told him he couldn't do that and he said "Steven does." I tried to explain to him that he is a lot bigger boy than Steven is right now. Hopefully he won't try to copy Steven in too many things from now on.
Apples are being put into cider at the nearby apple farm. I would like to go get some fresh cider soon. We are all fans of the fresh cider. It sure doesn't last long in this household!
Homemade Apple Crisp
6 c. apples, peeled and chopped (5 large apples)
1 c. granulated sugar
1 c. butter, slightly softened
Topping:
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. flour
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9- x 13-inch pan. Place the apple slices in the pan and sprinkle with the granulated sugar. In a large bowl, with fingers mix butter, cinnamon, oats, brown sugar, and flour until mixture is coarse and crumbly. Spoon over the top of the apples. Bake for 45 minutes until crumb topping is golden.
Serves 4 to 6
-- Recipe reprinted from "The Amish Cook at Home"
Lovina's first book, "The Amish Cook at Home," will soon be released. Cookbooks will not be available through Oasis Newsfeatures, but instead will be available at most major bookstores. Online bookstore Amazon.com is taking pre-orders at a discounted price until the book's Oct. 21 release date. Visit amazon.com and type in "Amish Cook at Home."
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