Now I don't have any pictures, but I did see him after the race. What race? Who?
My younger brother Joe has spent months training for a fundraising road bike race for Black Rock Retreat and the race began yesterday morning at 6:30am. The course started at the retreat center and finished at Rehoboth Beach. He finished a whoppin' 125 miles in under 7 hours! Not bad for a first timer, right? :o)
A bunch of family and some friends surprised him with a party when he got home last night. He looked tired but was definately pleased with his success. We're just so proud of him!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Feels Like Home
Some of my readers have never been to Lancaster County, and even those that live within a few hours still think I'm strange. It's because there are just some things that you kind of had to grow up with to understand and appreciate.
Things like...
1. Saying something is "all".
2. Being able to distinguish different kinds of manure by smell alone.
3. Being able to tell the difference between an Amish farmhouse and a Mennonite one.
4. Knowing what it means to "red up a room".
5. If the word "ferhoodled" creeps into your normal conversation.
6. Knowing what is meant when someone asks if you want to come "with".
7. Thinking that singing in 4 part harmony is commonplace.
8. Having barn parties.
9. Iceskating on a neighbor's pond in the winter, and swimming there in the summer.
10. Knowing what a "road apple" is.
And how many of you have ever had/made the following? (Mind you, these all are made from "scratch".) :o)
1. Hamloaf or hamballs
2. Red beet eggs
3. Scrapple and puddins (and knowing the difference between the two).
4. Brown butter noodles
5. Cracker pudding
6. Apple butter
7. Chicken corn soup
8. Root beer in the summertime
9. Shoo fly pie
10. Whoopie pies
11. Pig's stomach (on New Year's Day)
12. Fastnachts (on the last day before Lent begins)
Okay, so how did you do? Any have you completely stumped? :o)
Things like...
1. Saying something is "all".
2. Being able to distinguish different kinds of manure by smell alone.
3. Being able to tell the difference between an Amish farmhouse and a Mennonite one.
4. Knowing what it means to "red up a room".
5. If the word "ferhoodled" creeps into your normal conversation.
6. Knowing what is meant when someone asks if you want to come "with".
7. Thinking that singing in 4 part harmony is commonplace.
8. Having barn parties.
9. Iceskating on a neighbor's pond in the winter, and swimming there in the summer.
10. Knowing what a "road apple" is.
And how many of you have ever had/made the following? (Mind you, these all are made from "scratch".) :o)
1. Hamloaf or hamballs
2. Red beet eggs
3. Scrapple and puddins (and knowing the difference between the two).
4. Brown butter noodles
5. Cracker pudding
6. Apple butter
7. Chicken corn soup
8. Root beer in the summertime
9. Shoo fly pie
10. Whoopie pies
11. Pig's stomach (on New Year's Day)
12. Fastnachts (on the last day before Lent begins)
Okay, so how did you do? Any have you completely stumped? :o)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Plain Truth
OK, first of all I just gotta' say, W O W!
This was my first Jodi Picoult novel and it won't be the last. I decided to take a friend of a friend's recommendation and check it out. It was the most educating, moving and thought-provoking piece of fiction I've picked up since A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Picoult's most recent claim to fame is My Sister's Keeper, which apparently has also been adapted to film, though I have yet to read or see either. And if you read any of her work, you'll quickly discover that here is an author who lends a keen eye and a detailed stroke to her characters. It is obvious that she painstakingly researches prior to writing a single word.
That being said, I found Plain Truth to be the most insightful piece I've read regarding the Amish E V E R ! And let's just say I've read a few...Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, etc. Except for Cindy Woodsmall, J.P.'s Plain Truth puts the others to shame in my opinion. Though I still enjoyed the stories, they just fall into a completely different category.
Beware, she always includes a twist...and boy did it surprise me! I just sat there with my mouth hanging open!
I'd describe Picoult as a mixture of John Grisham, Francine Rivers, and Khaled Hosseini: a well-scripted courtroom drama, flawed and believable characters, within an accurate cultural framework that provokes you to think deeply.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tag...You're It!
Actually I've been tagged by Momma Roar, but if any of you want to play along...
6 Things That Make Me Happy:
(On this particular night--in no particular order)
1. A good night's sleep!
Any recently pregnant mommas out there identify with arms and legs going numb? The pillow-to-people ratio in our bed at night is getting out of hand! :o)
2. Having another baby on the way!
We waited and prayed and tried and trusted a long time for this one...God's timing and provision is always perfect.
3. Cooler weather coming!
I love Fall, and this week's 70 degrees forecast has me really happy. This hormonal woman's "glow" (a.k.a. SWEATINESS), got old 6 months ago...yes, I know that was in April!!!
4. Being so close to family!
Even a year after our big move, I still just love the thought that I can pop on over to my parent's place or see siblings and in-laws within minutes. Being "close" relationally to family is also such a blessing...I know I take it for granted.
5. Being creative!
I rarely get to do artsy things anymore, but it is a joy whenever I get the chance. Over the years I've enjoyed trying new things: decorating cakes, arranging wreaths, sewing, scrapbooking, blogging, etc. I do none of these things on a regular basis, just when the opportunities (and finances) are there.
6. My hubby and daughter!
I just marvel at how God has brought these two people into my life--my husband is exactly the man God knew I needed, to challenge, shape and bless me. Our daughter, our "gift"--I am humbled that she has been entrusted to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anybody wanna' play along? :o)
6 Things That Make Me Happy:
(On this particular night--in no particular order)
1. A good night's sleep!
Any recently pregnant mommas out there identify with arms and legs going numb? The pillow-to-people ratio in our bed at night is getting out of hand! :o)
2. Having another baby on the way!
We waited and prayed and tried and trusted a long time for this one...God's timing and provision is always perfect.
3. Cooler weather coming!
I love Fall, and this week's 70 degrees forecast has me really happy. This hormonal woman's "glow" (a.k.a. SWEATINESS), got old 6 months ago...yes, I know that was in April!!!
4. Being so close to family!
Even a year after our big move, I still just love the thought that I can pop on over to my parent's place or see siblings and in-laws within minutes. Being "close" relationally to family is also such a blessing...I know I take it for granted.
5. Being creative!
I rarely get to do artsy things anymore, but it is a joy whenever I get the chance. Over the years I've enjoyed trying new things: decorating cakes, arranging wreaths, sewing, scrapbooking, blogging, etc. I do none of these things on a regular basis, just when the opportunities (and finances) are there.
6. My hubby and daughter!
I just marvel at how God has brought these two people into my life--my husband is exactly the man God knew I needed, to challenge, shape and bless me. Our daughter, our "gift"--I am humbled that she has been entrusted to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anybody wanna' play along? :o)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Anticipating Autumn
We are entering my absolute favorite time of year...autumn.
It's arrival seemed delayed this year. Perhaps it's because of my canning adventures. That has certainly pushed back my transition into our household's usual school/Fall routine. I always look forward to the regularity the start of school brings. I function best when there's some continuity from week to week.
Last year we were still adjusting to our recent move, Pete was doing his best to keep his head above water with starting a new job, taking classses, and everything else, and I was figuring out where the grocery stores were around here and setting up house.
One of the things I enjoy doing at this time of year is evaluating my weekly routine. What day(s) I plan our meals for the week, grocery shop, clean, go to the library, etc. This year I'm also looking forward to trying out a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group with my good friend Lisa. I have a whole list in my head of what I want to accomplish before Baby Adam arrives, not to mention the holiday shopping and baking I hope to do before I'm as big as a barn and can't move. :o)
In all of it, I want the Lord to lead and guide me...for I know my lists often need His tailoring and modification. God, please guard my heart. I can quickly rush ahead with my "good" plans while neglecting to consider what His "best" for me looks like.
And in this season when the air is cooling, the smells of harvest float through the windows, and the sound of school buses and wagons in the field are the background music of our days, I want to take time to enjoy the sensory delights God has sprinkled all around. The gradual change of leaves turning colors, chilly walks through the woods with the ground crunching beneath our feet, cups of hot cocoa, and the smoky scent of woodstoves. Snuggling close to my hubby at a local football game, buying pumpkins, gourds and mums, making pumpkin bread, and wearing jeans.
For all of you F A L L lovers out there, what are your favorite parts of this time of year?
To quote one of my favorite movies, "You've Got Mail", I'd send you all a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils! :o)
It's arrival seemed delayed this year. Perhaps it's because of my canning adventures. That has certainly pushed back my transition into our household's usual school/Fall routine. I always look forward to the regularity the start of school brings. I function best when there's some continuity from week to week.
Last year we were still adjusting to our recent move, Pete was doing his best to keep his head above water with starting a new job, taking classses, and everything else, and I was figuring out where the grocery stores were around here and setting up house.
One of the things I enjoy doing at this time of year is evaluating my weekly routine. What day(s) I plan our meals for the week, grocery shop, clean, go to the library, etc. This year I'm also looking forward to trying out a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group with my good friend Lisa. I have a whole list in my head of what I want to accomplish before Baby Adam arrives, not to mention the holiday shopping and baking I hope to do before I'm as big as a barn and can't move. :o)
In all of it, I want the Lord to lead and guide me...for I know my lists often need His tailoring and modification. God, please guard my heart. I can quickly rush ahead with my "good" plans while neglecting to consider what His "best" for me looks like.
And in this season when the air is cooling, the smells of harvest float through the windows, and the sound of school buses and wagons in the field are the background music of our days, I want to take time to enjoy the sensory delights God has sprinkled all around. The gradual change of leaves turning colors, chilly walks through the woods with the ground crunching beneath our feet, cups of hot cocoa, and the smoky scent of woodstoves. Snuggling close to my hubby at a local football game, buying pumpkins, gourds and mums, making pumpkin bread, and wearing jeans.
For all of you F A L L lovers out there, what are your favorite parts of this time of year?
To quote one of my favorite movies, "You've Got Mail", I'd send you all a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils! :o)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Poppyseed Chicken
Pete's not a big fan of casseroles, and well...I'm from Lancaster County so I practically grew up on them. BUT, we both really enjoy the following recipe. It's super easy, and perfect for those nights when you don't have a lot of time.
***I always have cooked chicken pieces in my freezer so that is one step done ahead of time that makes this so easy for me. I freeze it in 2 c. portions which is what this recipe calls for.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POPPYSEED CHICKEN
2 c. pre-cooked chicken pieces, (OR 3 boneless, skinless breasts slowly cooked, then chopped)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
4 TBsp. butter, melted
1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed
1 TBsp. poppyseed
***Serve with pasta (I typically use medium egg noodles)
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cover bottom of greased 8 x 8 casserole dish with chicken.
3. Combine soup and sour cream then spread over chicken.
4. In separate bowl, melt butter in microwave, then add crackers and poppyseed. (I gently smash the crackers right in their sleeve.)
5. Spread cracker mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve over pasta.
***Pete likes this dish really moist, so I usually add about a 1/4 c. milk to the soup and sour cream mixture.
***I always have cooked chicken pieces in my freezer so that is one step done ahead of time that makes this so easy for me. I freeze it in 2 c. portions which is what this recipe calls for.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POPPYSEED CHICKEN
2 c. pre-cooked chicken pieces, (OR 3 boneless, skinless breasts slowly cooked, then chopped)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
4 TBsp. butter, melted
1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed
1 TBsp. poppyseed
***Serve with pasta (I typically use medium egg noodles)
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cover bottom of greased 8 x 8 casserole dish with chicken.
3. Combine soup and sour cream then spread over chicken.
4. In separate bowl, melt butter in microwave, then add crackers and poppyseed. (I gently smash the crackers right in their sleeve.)
5. Spread cracker mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve over pasta.
***Pete likes this dish really moist, so I usually add about a 1/4 c. milk to the soup and sour cream mixture.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Musical Meme
I saw this on two other friends' blogs and decided to join in on the fun.
Rules of the game: Choose a singer/band/group-- Answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group
U2
1. Are you male or female?
~Right now I feel like the "Lady With The Spinning Head". These crazy hormones!
2. Describe yourself.
~"Dancing Barefoot [and pregnant]"
3. How do people feel when they’re around you?
~"Do You Feel Loved?" (I hope so!)
4. How would you describe your previous relationships?
~"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
5. Describe your current relationship.
~It's "The Sweetest Thing"
6. Something you want to say to your significant other?
~"All I Want Is You"
7. How do you feel about love?
~It's like "Wild Honey"
8. What’s your life like?
~Full of "Grace" and "Mercy"
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
~"Peace On Earth" (found in "Yahweh")
10. Say something wise.
~ Life is about "Surrender"--"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" (I'd leave out the word "sometimes".)
Rules of the game: Choose a singer/band/group-- Answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group
U2
1. Are you male or female?
~Right now I feel like the "Lady With The Spinning Head". These crazy hormones!
2. Describe yourself.
~"Dancing Barefoot [and pregnant]"
3. How do people feel when they’re around you?
~"Do You Feel Loved?" (I hope so!)
4. How would you describe your previous relationships?
~"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
5. Describe your current relationship.
~It's "The Sweetest Thing"
6. Something you want to say to your significant other?
~"All I Want Is You"
7. How do you feel about love?
~It's like "Wild Honey"
8. What’s your life like?
~Full of "Grace" and "Mercy"
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
~"Peace On Earth" (found in "Yahweh")
10. Say something wise.
~ Life is about "Surrender"--"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" (I'd leave out the word "sometimes".)
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