Plain Country March 30th, 2011

Our next issue of Plain Country is April 20. Deadline for submissions is Monday, April 4. Advertising deadline is Monday, April 11. 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. 4 March 30, 2011

Remembering Spring Cleaning at Grandma’sBy Sarah Miller

When we used to clean Grandma’s house, there were 2 sisters, 2 sisters-in-law and several nieces to help. Lots of talking and fun was had. Grandma always served her delicious 3-Bean Salad. There was also coffee, rolls or cookies. One year we had an exchange student stay with us for a week and she also got to help. The last job of the day was to scrape and lightly sand the living room floor and give it a coat of varnish.

Now, Grandma’s been gone for 10 years and there have been many changes. Grandpa moved in with us in 2004, He is 90 years old and still works in his little shop six days a week.

Ear ly Signs of SpringGarden StoryBy Jacquie Foote

My Mom was city born and bred, but my Dad came from rural Pennsylvania. His family moved to Cleveland during the depression to find work. It was there Dad met the woman he was to marry.

He, Mom and I lived in an apartment and, until, when I was 6 and the tenants in our building got together to turn the common backyard into a “Victory Garden”, Dad showed no interest in gardening.

When we married, my husband and I bought a house with a big yard and, armed with complete ignorance and no experience at all, I set out to make a vegetable garden.

We picked the place our garden would be (even I knew to pick a sunny spot for my vegetables) and my husband turned the soil. When my Dad came to visit, he helped prepare the soil, turning in the organic fertilizer (my mother-in-law who was a master gardener was devoted to organic fertilizer) and raking the soil smooth. We put in tomatoes, onions, beans, and lettuce. My husband helped when he could, my dad provided muscle power when needed, and I planned and happily grubbed about in the soil.

To my great surprise, things began to grow! My dad came to help me put up support for my pole beans. When we had finished, I came into the house to find my husband looking oddly at me. He wanted to know why my Dad and I had been doing a folk dance in the garden. (He had looked out of the window to see us stepping carefully through the garden holding aloft a fine wire fence.)

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Plain Country | March 30, 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

March 30 James e. Troyer (26)March 31 edna Mae R. Miller (16) March 31 Kaylie Yoder (1)March 31 Kristina M. Miller (15)March 31 Kaylie Anne Yoder (1)April 1 Clara Kurtz (44)April 1 Mrs. Wayne (Barbara Ann) Detweiler (44)April 2 Rhoda Mae Byler (35)April 2 Katherine W. Detweiler (11)April 3 John Mullet Jr.April 4 Matthew J. Byler (14)April 4 Christopher Hershberger (6)April 4 Christina Hershberger (6)April 4 Mrs. eli (Katherine) Byler (35)April 5 Andrew W. Detweiler (13)April 5 Mrs. Jonas (esther) Schmucker (67) April 5 Kathryn J. Yoder (17)April 5 Jonas P. Schlabach (12)April 5 Melvin Ray Shetler (50)April 6 Sawmill Joe (69)April 6 Lester J. Byler (49)April 6 Owen J. Byler (24)April 6 Katherine M. Yutzy (5)April 7 Mrs. John (elmina) Kurtz (60)April 7 Jacob A. Shetler (twin) (13)April 7 Jonathan A. Shetler (twin) (13)April 7 Richard J. Miller (40)April 7 Dorothy S. Yoder (2)April 7 Sheila BylerApril 7 Walter Gingerich (45)April 8 Mrs. Harvey (Alma) Byler (78) April 8 Michael N. Yutzy (22)April 8 Jonathan W. Miller (4)April 8 Jimmy Troyer (3)April 9 Robert C. Hershberger (46)April 9 Mrs. Rebecca Weaver (34)April 9 Robert W. Miller (17)

In This Issue ...Birthdays ............................................................02Bits and Pieces of the Yesterday ................07Bookmobile News ..........................................08Books in Review ..............................................08Children’s Immunization Clinics ................02From Our Schools ...........................................06Greetings from Garrettsville .......................07Greetings from the Plain Community .....05Hello from Amish Crossing Corner ...........06Hello from Huntsburg ...................................07Katherine’s Korner ..........................................06Letters to the editor .......................................02Lines From Linda ............................................07Mom’s Diary ......................................................05News from Windsor .......................................07Nutrient Dense Gardening ..........................06Obituary .............................................................02Parkman Pathways .........................................04Plain Community events ..............................02Plain Fun ............................................................09Recipes ...............................................................03Spotlight On Pinecraft Storage Barns .....04Wanted ...............................................................02

Happy Birthday!!

In MemoriamSaloma D. Detweiler, 39, of

Mesopotamia, entered eternal rest early Thursday morning, March 10, 2011 at her residence surrounded by family and friends.

She was born April 16, 1971, to Daniel M. and Sarah J. (Miller) Detweiler. Saloma was a lifelong resident of Mesopotamia and a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Saloma will be sadly missed by her loving parents; siblings, Susie Detweiler, Nancy (Andy) Miller, Katie (William) Miller, erwin (Marie) Detweiler, Joseph (Laura) Detweiler, Owen (Ada) Detweiler, Andrew (Sara) Detweiler, Rachel (Lester) Yoder, Raymond (Susie) Detweiler, Freeman (Anna) Detweiler all of Middlefield, Melvin (Rosemary) Detweiler, Henry (Susan) Detweiler, Daniel (Betty) Detweiler Jr., Rueben (Laura) Detweiler all of Windsor; and many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Melvin R. and Sarah (Byler) Detweiler; and maternal grandparents, Joe M. and Saloma (Byler) Miller.

Funeral services were held on March 12 with Bishop Joe Bricker officiating. Saloma’s final resting place is in the Wilcox Road Cemetery in Mesopotamia. Arrangements were entrusted to Best Funeral Home, Middlefield, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.

Plain Community EventsBenefit Sale & Auction Friday, April 1, starting at 10 a.m.Silent Auction at 5 p.mMiddlefield Auction Barn(15848 Nauvoo Rd.)For eli and Alta Byler, for hospital bills. Lunch stand ... donations welcome. Call Crist Byler (632-1111) or Gid Miller (632-5719) for pick up of donations

Sawmill Lane School Benefit Pancake BreakfastFriday, April 1, starting at 5 a.m.Joe’s Window Shop – (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)Homemade donuts! Carryouts available.

Bloodmobile Monday, April 4, 2–7 p.m.Mespo Fire Hall –(8800 State Route 534)

Benefit Bar-B-Q Chicken Dinner Friday, April 8, dinner starting at 5:00 p.m.Carryouts starting at 3:30 p.m.Joe’s Window Shop – (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)For Ray F. Miller of Prentis Road.

Benefit Hay Stack Dinner Friday, April 15, dinner starting at 5:00 p.m.Carryouts starting at 3:30 p.m.Joe’s Window Shop –(Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)For a needy Family in John Coblentz District. Serving soft pretzels, ice cream and pie.

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

Wanted for Our Next IssuePlease write in and tell some . . .-Tips for making a successful Spring Garden-News from the schools (benefits, events, children’s works)-Birthdays and anniversaries-Recipes to celebrate the easter season-Memories of easter and of spring.-Stories from the past -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: April 4 to be in the next editionSend to: Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 . You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933.

Letter to the EditorDear editor,

I would like to know the “secret” of the beautiful petunia hanging baskets in the Middlefield Village. How do they keep them alive and thriving all summer? The ones I start or buy at greenhouses die after about two months.

Hoping you can help me. Thanks!A Reader (Name withheld as per request.)

Dear Reader,You wrote in a question I’m sure many

have wondered about! (I certainly have.)Carrie, at the Village Hall, said that the

Village buys its petunias from Urban Growers. Then, every third morning, they water the plants with a mixture of water and a fertilizer called “Triple 20”.

Thanks for the letter!Jacquie Foote

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April 10 Ruthie J. Yoder (15)April 10 Ruth Ann J. Miller (17)April 11 edna M. Miller (44)April 11 Mrs. Al (Verna) Byler (32)April 12 Mrs. Printer Bill (Ada) Byler (62)April 12 Sarah (Ray F. ) Miller (14)April 12 Mrs. Katie Ann Miller (49)April 12 Wayne H. Weaver (50)April 13 Carrie Lynn Troyer (1)April 15 Susan J. Miller (15)April 15 John e. Mullet (70)April 15 Martha MulletApril 15 Mary Sue DetweilerApril 17 William W. Miller Jr. (21)April 18 Mrs. Larry (Betty) Yoder (57) April 19 Dan C. Byler (82)April 19 Aden M. Miller (22)April 20 Linda R. Hershberger (20)April 21 Homer H. Yoder III (27)April 21 Lorena Miller (16)April 21 Lorene N. Miller

Happy Belated BirthdayFebruary 17 Wayne L. Hershberger (15)March 7 Nelson L. Miller (39)March 11 ervin Byler (65)March 12 Bobby Miller (20)March 18 Albert L. Miller (42)March 20 Barbara Ann Hershberger (17)March 21 Mrs. Crist (emma) Burkholder (60) March 27 Sarah Ann Miller (17)March 26 Mrs. (Dan) emma Shrock (92

Happy Anniversaryeli and Martha Hostetler, married on April 4, 1967!

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March 30, 2011 | Plain Country

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Pennsylvania Dutch ScrappleSubmitted by Rachel Miller

1 1/4 cup corn meal1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon white pepper6 cups pork or ham broth2 cups finely chopped cooked pork*1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage(*I like to buy picnic hams on sale for this.)

Slowly sprinkle corn meal into boiling broth and cook until a thick mush is formed.Blend in meat and seasonings. Pour into a loaf pan 9X5X3 inches.Cool, then chill.Unmold and cut into 1/4 inch slices.Fry slices in hot fat or oil until golden brown on both sides.Makes 8 servings.

Peanut Butter BarsSubmitted by Sarah Miller

Bars:1/2 cup butter1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 cup sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup brown sugar1 cup flour1 egg1 cup oatmeal1/3 cup peanut butter1 cup chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars.Add egg and peanut butter and mix well.Stir in soda, salt, flour and oatmealPress into a 9 X 13 inch pan.Sprinkle chocolate chips over top.Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and drizzle with icing.

Icing:1/2 cup powdered sugar2 tablespoons milk2 tablespoons peanut butterMix together and drizzle over bars

Sweet ChiliSubmitted by ellen Hershberger

1 pound ground beef1 pound bacon1 cup chopped onions2 31-ounce cans pork and beans1 pound can lima beans1 cup ketchup1/4 cup brown sugar1 tablespoon liquid smoke or hickory seasoning3 tablespoons vinegar1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon pepper1 quart tomato juice

Fry ground meat, bacon and onions, drain.Mix meats and onions with all the rest of ingredients in a large kettle and simmer for 1 hour.

WigglersSubmitted by Sarah Miller

9 slices bacon2 pounds spaghetti noodles, cooked3 pounds hamburger3 cups potatoes, cooked3 onions, chopped2 cans mushroom soup3 cups carrots, cooked1 pound Velveeta cheese2 cans peas1 cup celery, cut and cooked2 quarts tomato soup or pizza sauce

Fry bacon and remove from pan when done.Heat hamburger and onions in bacon grease until browned.Put in roaster pan.Add potatoes, carrots, peas, spaghetti and mushroom soup.Pour pizza sauce (or tomato soup) over all.Arrange cheese slices and bacon on top.Bake in moderate oven at 350 – 375 degrees for 1 hour.

Snowball DoughnutsSubmitted by Barbara Detweiler

2 eggs1 cup sugar1 cup milk1 teaspoon vanilla4 cups flour1 teaspoon salt3 teaspoons baking soda12 tablespoons melted oleoCooking oil (your choice)Confectioner’s sugar

Beat eggs.Add sugar, milk and vanilla.Stir in dry ingredients,Add oleo.Drop by teaspoons into hot oil.Drain on towels and roll in sugar.

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Plain Country | March 30, 2011

Pinecraft Storage

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Parkman PathwaysBy ellen HershbergerHello Everyone.

Sunday, Feb. 21: I had the privilege to be in services at the Dan Kuhns home.

Monday, Feb. 22 – Tuesday, Feb. 23: I was at my regular 2 day job. Tried my hand at making two black raspberry pies. We always look forward to getting those wonderful berries from the Bylers on Nauvoo Road. Tonight a group of us got together to sing.

Wednesday, Feb. 24 – Thursday, Feb. 25: I’m off these two days as my client passed away, so I did work around home. This p.m. sister and aunts edna and Sara visited Melvin and Fannie Yoder for a while.

Friday, Feb. 25: I just did my p.m. cooking job today.

Saturday, Feb. 26: I was in the mood to do some baking today. Also made oyster stew so it’s well flavored to take along tomorrow.

Sunday, Feb. 27: The Melvin Yoders, Bill Bylers, Joe Millers and I took lunch to the Bill Detweilers. Also there were eli and Laura Kurtz and their three youngest children.

This evening we received the devastating news of the tragic death of our 34 year old nephew.

Monday, Feb. 28: This is just a normal day at work, but we feel like we’re in a fog.

Tuesday, March 1: Well, if it’s March 1, spring is coming soon, although I’ve enjoyed the snow and the beautiful ice on everything.

Tonight after work our group gathered to sing at the home of Mrs. Barbara Hershberger.

Wednesday, March 2: The sunshine helps our grief as we muddle though this hard week. We lean hard on the LORD.

Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 8am-5pmSat. 8am-4pm • Closed Thurs. & Sun.

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Thursday, March 3: Today, I met some fiends for lunch.

Friday, March 4: I have an appointment in town, then, in the p.m. I go to a cooking job. Got an unexpected call to do a 12 hour overnight tonight. We drove back and forth in the rain and darkness, but finally found the place.

Saturday, March 5: I slept one hour in the a.m. and then helped my friend all afternoon. Then I enjoyed the supper she sent home with me.

I left the dirty dishes and popcorn strewn floor (from visitors the other night) and went to bed early.

Sunday, March 6: We attended church this morning and then, this afternoon, we went to our nephew’s memorial service.

Tuesday, March 8: After work, our singles group enjoyed an evening with Bill and ellen Detweiler. She is mostly bedfast and glad for visitors.

Thursday, March 10: I had an appointment in town, spent some time at the library, got groceries, then went home.

In the evening a brother and wife and I shared a supper of fried mush, hash browns, tomato gravy and eggs to top it off. Yum!

Friday, March 11: Had to do my laundry and, with the deep snow, I hung it in the basement. I heard the cardinals (thanking us for the filled bird feeder?).

Got out the old cast iron skillet and fried meat and bacon for the chili which I plan to finish tomorrow.

The men are having a good sugar year and have boiled lots of sap.

Time to go to my cooking job.

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On April 8 and 9, the Amish Small Business Home and Craft Show will be held on the grounds of Pinecraft Storage Barns, the new 6,000 sq. ft. shop that will house many businesses. Parking is free. If evenings are best for you, come Friday, April 8, from 4 p.m. till 7 p.m. If Saturdays are best, come April 9 from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m. There may be homemade donuts at the bake sale, so you can sip coffee and munch as you browse.

Pinecraft Storage Barns LLCBy Jacquie Foote

This will be the sixth year Paul and Marvin Wengerd opened their facility so the small businesses of Geauga County can showcase their products and services. The object, Paul Wengerd says, is to get folks in neighboring communities familiar with what the county has to offer. More than 30 of these businesses, mostly Amish, will take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their skills and wares. Some of the attractions will be alternative energy equipment, chainsaw carvings, power equipment, vinyl fencing, siding, shoes and boots, tools, craft items, outdoor furniture, gazebos, Coleman products and water conditioners. You will be able to speak directly with experts. Your will also be able to order replacement windows, hardwood floors, building products and water conditioners. Horsemen will be interested in the horse feed, health and grooming products, blankets and tack. And, as you know, vendors at events like this often have items at lower prices for sale. Of course, the Home and Craft Show will also showcase the fine storage barns, garages, sheds and playhouses made right there at Pinecraft. This a family event with “Something for everyone.” Paul has arranged free refreshments, an Amish bake sale, and a fishpond for the kids. Free drawings will be held for furniture and smaller items, as well as a raffle on an 8 X 12 building.

Almost eight years ago, Paul and Marvin Wengerd decided that the competition in new home construction was too great in a market where home construction was declining, so they became the only local builders of sheds, storage barns and other out buildings. Not dealers, but actual builders. They can do complete custom work, be it a pole barn, a small cabin, a playhouse, a tree house, a

summer cottage, a riding arena or even just a deck. You can choose from the

many fine buildings on display at their site, browse through their

catalog or photo album, or talk with them to plan your own dream out-building. Log cabin? No problem. Barn or vinyl siding? No problem. Cupola? Treated flooring? Steel door? No problem. You can decide on having extra wide or extra high doors. With

their crew of six, they will build your structure on site or pre-

build it and have it delivered to you already done. They’ll even

paint it for you. In any case, you will have your structure two to three weeks

from the date of order. If it is pre-built, delivery is free within a radius of 20 miles.

Hope to see you at the Amish Small Business Home and Craft Show at Pinecraft Storage Barns. Here is your chance to attend something a friendlier and less stressful than big city “Home and Garden Shows,” without the pushy vendors and up-tight crowds. Come and enjoy yourself.

March 30, 2011 | Plain Country

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Mom’s Diary By Barbara Ann Detweiler

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Greetings from the Plain CommunityBy Donnie Miller

Another Friday snow storm, this one on March 11! I had an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic with my kidney doctor and also to receive my monthly anemic injection that day. The roads were snow covered and very slippery going in and I was wondering why I didn’t change my appointment. But we made it home, safe and sound.

While at the Clinic I met the David Kauffmans who were there with their son Danny who was getting scans. Danny is battling cancer and the harsh chemo treatments were taking a toll on his body. The doctors wanted to take those scans to see if they could back

Saturday, Feb. 19: Cold again. Wayne picked up some laying hens, so we have fresh eggs again.

We stayed busy today with cleaning, laundry and baking. I was more than ready to hit the sack tonight.

Sunday, Feb. 20: Rested most of the day, then neighbor Reubens came over for the evening.

Monday, Feb. 21: We awoke to a sparkling world. There’s ice all over the trees and bushes.

Tuesday, Feb. 22: The trees still look like crystal.

There was a special education meeting at our school tonight which Wayne and I attended.

Wednesday, Feb. 23: I’m planning on going to South Columbia, N.Y. with a load of women at 1 a.m. tomorrow. We want to visit with Joey and emma Miller and see their new baby. They used to live in Windsor.

Thursday, Feb. 24: I did not sleep one wink before leaving for New York this morning. I also could not sleep in the van. We arrived at 8:00 a.m. By afternoon we were a bunch of bleary-eyed women! We started for home at 4 p.m. and arrived home soon after 10:30 p.m. I was never so glad to take a shower and go to bed.

Friday, Feb. 25: A normal day. Wayne and I went to the benefit fish dinner for County Line School.

Saturday, Feb. 26: Wayne, John and Andrew went ice fishing and brought home 66 bluegills to clean. It took a while, but it’s worth it, for they’re “good eating”!

We were shocked to hear of the death of Chester Mullet. We heard he died of a heart attack.

Sunday, Feb. 27: We went to church, and then down to my parents for Dad’s birthday, which is March 1. Brother John and

family were there also. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cake, besides other goodies.

Monday, Feb. 28: It rained a lot during the night and this morning the basement had 5 or 6 inches of water! So we couldn’t get down to do laundry. Wayne opened it this afternoon with some kind of contraption, then we had a yucky mess to clean up.

We went to the viewing of Chester Mullet, then we got their daughter Martha and Marty’s two children for the night.

Tuesday, March 1: We had Marty’s two little children until 9:00 tonight. They were very good, but still ready to go home.

Wednesday, March 2: Rose edna did laundry for 4 hours! She washed all the winter clothes that got wet in the basement. Then, this afternoon they did Marty Martha’s laundry.

Thursday, March 3: Rose edna and Laura went to visit our school with some friends.

Friday, March 4: Norma had a toothache during the night and had slept only an hour by 5:30 this morning. So, of course, I didn’t get any sleep either. Then we both fell asleep at 5:30 a.m. and I slept till almost 8 a.m. Then I had to leap out of bed and get everyone moving and get Wayne and John a late breakfast. They usually eat at 6, so were probably very hungry! I did not feel very ambitious, but there was still work to be done.

Saturday, March 5: It rained all day. And on a Saturday, too! That means everyone was in the house and so there’s spats and arguments to break up quite often! My nerves were frayed by tonight.

At least the water didn’t back up into the basement again.

Sunday, March 6: It snowed during the night. Snow doesn’t appeal to me at all at this point, but I’ll take what comes and be thankful for each new day.

Monday, March 7: My weekly calendar is mostly empty for this week. Maybe I can get some extras done.

Tuesday, March 8: I went to stock up on groceries.

Wednesday, March 9: Wayne went to visit school and took Norma along, which was a treat for her. He then cooked sap into syrup for neighbor Reuben since Reuben and Laura went down to visit his sister Saloma who has cancer.

Laura was reading a poem with the words “mother”, “sister” and “brother” in it. For fun, she was saying “motha”. “sista” and “brotha”. Betty and Norma got a kick out of that and were repeating it all evening.

I got some sewing done!Thursday, March 10: This morning,

Norma wanted something and called me “motha” without thinking. What will she think of next!?

We got word this morning that Saloma Detweiler died. She is also Wayne’s cousin. So tonight we all went down to the viewing, then Wayne cooked sap again.

Friday, March 11: We had another snowstorm during the night. I went to the viewing again this afternoon and took some pies for the funeral.

Wayne cooked more sap.Saturday, March 12: Wayne and I

went to the funeral of Saloma Detweiler. On the way home, our horse shied at a fluttering sign and took us into a fairly deep ditch where we tipped sideways and the wheel lodged behind some big rocks. All the memories of my accident last July came back and I could not get off that buggy fast enough. We had to unhitch the horse and back the buggy out. Thankfully, nothing broke and, so, we were on our way home again.

off on the treatments. Let’s keep Danny in our thoughts and prayers.

Saturday, March 12, was the funeral of Saloma Detweiler, daughter of Dan and Sarah. Saloma was a single girl, 39 years old, and had battled cancer for a long time.

Daniel A. Miller had back surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Cleveland the week of March 14. We wish him pain free days.

Roy A. Yoder traveled to a spine Clinic in Tampa, Fla. Seeking relief from his back pain. While he was there, it was discovered that the pain came from a bad hip joint. I understand the next option is a hip replacement.

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There are many small babies hospitalized with the virus RSV*. Reports are that Rainbow Hospital in Cleveland is full and babies are being admitted to Metro on Cleveland’s west side and also to Akron Babies’ and Children’s Hospital.

With all our moisture and snow, our maple syrup producers are having a good year. We are glad for them, as last year was not a good year with its low yields. We have received pints from two different samples and must say that first run syrup has a special favor.

(* RSV is Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is contagious and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of one.)

A Moral LessonA mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, Ryan, 3. The boys began to

argue over who would get the first pancake.Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He

would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.’”Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!”

6

Plain Country | March 30, 2011

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

Chuckle________One evening a second grade boy was doing

his homework and asked his mother,

“Mom, how do you spell maid?”

“M-A-D-e,” she replied.“No,” he said,

“I mean maid – like a wife.”

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Guess we are in a rainy season. It is WeT! They say April showers bring May flowers … but this is only March!

Saturday, March 12 was the funeral of Saloma Detweiler, 39, of Mespo. A single girl, daughter of Dan and Sarah, she died of cancer. Our sympathy to the family.

Our thoughts go to Mrs. Saloma Miller of Madison Road after hearing she fell, breaking her arm in three places between the elbow and shoulder. Ouch! Mail will reach her at 15478 Madison Rd, Middlefield, 44062.

Mrs. Joe Weaver of Tavern Road spent several days in the hospital with low potassium and the flu.

Visiting Albert J. Mast at Burton Health Care on Thursday, March 10, were John J. Miler and brother Jonas.

Going to Fredericktown, Ohio on Saturday, March 12 were Roman and Ada Schlabach. They visited his brother Jake and family.

The blood drive Saturday, March 12 at Joe’s Window Shop brought in 94 donors.

A big Thank you to all who took time to come. There is always a shortage

of blood, so we urge all who can … donate.

Son Richard J. Miller of Shedd Road is setting up his new business which will be making horse and stable blankets and all harness pads, etc. He bought out a business from Lancaster Pa. They unloaded a 53 foot tractor-

trailer of equipment and all inventory on Saturday, March 12.

They hope to be in business soon.Well, it is time to think Spring

Cleaning. Before the yard and garden work begins. But, with the fires still going,

it’s a little touchy.Born to Mark and Fan Miller Tuesday,

March 15, a daughter, Sara Beth. The only grandparents are Joe and Sara Miller. Mark live on Parkman-Mespo.

Nutrient Dense GardeningBy Daniel Fisher

Why Soil Health MattersYou have more at stake than this or next

year’s yield. We believe a healthy soil is the firm foundation needed for a healthy food system. Healthy soil produces healthy crops, healthy livestock and, ultimately, healthy people. Notice I didn’t write older people. Some people seem to think when we say healthy foods = healthy people we’re saying, “living longer”. That’s not the case. What we’re saying is “less disease, aches and pain”. We believe we all have a time to be born, a short time here on earth, and a time to die.

OK, back on track. Some common characteristics of healthy soils are: 1. They drain and warm up quickly in the spring. 2. They don’t crust after planting. 3. They soak up heavy rains with little run off.4. They store moisture for dry spells.5. They resist erosion and nutrient loss. 6. They support teeming populations of microbes.7. They don’t require increasing fertilizer rates to maintain good yields. 8. They produce healthy, high quality 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 food element in the least supply. This means being concerned with what is missing from the soil as well as with 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 Rd, Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-693-4632 for more information.

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about this past winter. He’s from Georgia Road and had to take it easy healthwise, not by choice.

We lost a dear friend, Saloma Detweiler, age 39, of 8240 S.R. 534, Middlefiield mailing address (although it’s in Mespo.). She had cancer, found it out last August. Her parents, Dan and Sarah, and sister Susie are still at that address.

With nicer weather coming on at this writing (March 17), we want to feel good enough to go outside and kick up our heels.

Daughter Barbara Ann and her girls not in school and daughter-in-law Mary Jane and her girls plus Jonathan, 5, visited three

Kath

erin

e’s Korner

By Katherine M. BylerTwo mornings in a row, I killed

a fly; what does THAT mean? They don’t usually wake up until it’s very warm out!

It HAS been a LONG winter. One fellow said if Laura Ingalls Wilder were alive, she’d have written her book entitled “The Long Winter”

schools today. We saw some of the scholars enjoying jumping the farthest at recess. Teacher said Alvin Ray Miller made it to 13 feet one day.

This has been a very good year for maple syrup farmers, I hear. But, oh, the work involved is very hard, with long hours. I asked a young fellow how much syrup they’d made. They had to travel quite a way to get all their say, but had 1200 gallons, and weren’t done yet.

Be precise when sending your husband to town for groceries. For Clorox 2, he might get 2 containers of Clorox. Or for cream of tartar (powder), he might look in the soup section by “cream of chicken” and “cream of mushroom”.

Some cousins from Mercer Pa. were in Ohio to spend the day recently, at Mr. and Mrs. Dan P. Hostetler’s house. Uncles Jake and Dan were there as well, in addition to some of their families. Carpenter enos Detweiler is enlarging the Hostetler house, so he came for lunch, too.

Mrs. Crist J. S. Miller (Barbara) is suffering from knee problems and is keeping close to home at present.

Some Ohioans are tripping to Florida these few weeks. It’s nice here, now but perhaps, not for long.

Geauga County Raccoon HuntersMeetings are held at

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

PKC HuntApril 16th

Trade Days – coming JuneCall Kent @ 440- 479-1522

for more information

FROM

OUR SCHOOLS

Maple Grove SchoolSubmitted by Rachel Miller

On Thursday, March 10, teachers, parents and eighth graders went to visit other schools. Substitute teachers took over in the other grades at Maple Grove so no school time was lost.

March 30, 2011 | Plain Country

7

Hello from Huntsburg By William Bender

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Greetings from Garrettsville By Rachel Miller

March 9, 2011 … it was raining all morning and it’s still raining this evening. We drove to Garrettsville to the bank and I washed some winter coats at the laundry mat. We picked up Barbara’s prescription refill at the drug store and a couple sale items at the IGA Store. We are going shopping tomorrow evening in Ravenna at Marcs and, then, at Wal-Mart in Streetsboro. Ivan wasn’t too happy driving in the cold rain today. He said the horse was cold, too, but we had the blanket on him, so he didn’t have Spring Fever today!

On March 3, I went with a load of relatives to Lewisville, Ohio, to the funeral of Rueben Yoder. He was married to my cousin. He died of cancer. He had no children.

St. Patrick’s Day always means I sow lettuce and start my tomato seeds.

The 15 month old son of the John Mark Millers is still in the hospital in Intensive Care on machines. He has a bad case of RSV. It was two weeks today that he went in.

The red winged blackbirds are here, a sign of spring. We had a raccoon and squirrels too in our bird feeder, the one by the window. So Ivan put flashing around the post. Hopefully they can’t get up now. We have lots of birds there, even cardinals.

I see the moles are still in the yard. Chewing gum doesn’t help, so what else can we try?

It’s greening up since the snow is gone and we got a lot of rain. The ely Road families had water in their basements; others did too. One family had three feet!

Lines by LindaBy Linda WeaverMarch 11, 2011Hello Friends!

Greetings from Georgia Road. We hope everyone is feeling well! All that rain saturated the earth and the snow March 11 made things pretty mushy out here. The roads were snow covered, as were trees, bushes and fence posts.

We, along with daughter Sara Jane and her son Lukas, and John and Barb Mast had planned to go to Joe’s Window Shop for the pancake breakfast on March 11. Unbeknown to us, it had been canceled. So we ended up at Dutch Family where they also serve an excellent breakfast. We got to visit after all. Then we made a quick detour to pick up some delicious donuts made by Crist Mattie Slabaugh. MMMMM, they melt in your mouth.

John and Mary Slabaugh along with Jake and I visited with Harvey and Alma Byler March 9. We sure had an enjoyable evening. Alma is a triplet; her brother, Alvin Troyer, and sister, Alta Miller, passed away some time ago. Alma is a cancer patient in remission and feels well. For a while she couldn’t see, but had cataract surgery and is able to read again, which she is so thankful for. We were sorry Les and Ruth Mullet couldn’t join us, but they had company.

Harveys are blessed with three children, but only one lives in this community; one lives in Pennsylvania and one in Kentucky. Alma uses a walker and can do her own cooking and cleaning. Harvey helps her too! Alma came from a family of 19. Several died in infancy, so there weren’t that many growing up. The ones who are left come visit often. Her folks were eli and Mary Troyer.

Our family is getting together tomorrow night for the March birthdays. There are four, all in one family. Grandsons Jacob and Lukas’ birthday is today (March 11), daughter Sara Jane’s was March 4 and her husband Marty’s was March 20, all Masts.

News from WindsorBy Barbara Ann Detweiler

A son, Nathan, born to Atlee and Catherine Miller. Grandparents are Mel Millers and Mel Bylers.

A daughter, Mindy, born to Steven and Laura Hostetler. Grandparents are eli Hostetlers and ervin Millers.

A daughter, Ruthie, born to Davis and Christina Miller. Grandparents are Dave Millers and Robert H. Millers.

Bits and Pieces of YesterdaySubmitted by Sarah Miller

Middlefield OhioFeb. 9, 1893

Good sledding at present.R. e. Miller returned last Saturday from

Holmes County where he had been visiting friends.

M. Smucker who was visiting in this community returned home on Monday.

Moses Wengerd returned home on Saturday from a visit in Holmes County.

Burton, OhioFeb. 12, 1893

We have had good sledding for about 8 weeks until last week when we had pure ice and those who did not have their horses shod were obliged to leave them in the stable. Today it began to thaw and is very pleasant.

Time to get something on paper. It’s March 14 and the sugar season is in full swing. The family here spent quite a few hours in the sugarhouse. They have 800 taps this year. They’ve made 150 gallons so far and are still in the sugarhouse. Anna and I just came back. Anna baby-sits for Susan so she can help gather sap. Some of our builders were there. They brought pizza out for supper. They like to come out every year.

The crew’s been working in Painesville at the Steele Mansion. It was built in 1863 and, on Jan. 4, 2001, they were trying to get rid of some ice on the roof and they did get rid of it as they used torches and started a fire. Now, ten years later, they want to restore it and build apartments. You can find out about this on the internet.

Once more the clocks show an hour later then it is. Hopefully, I will get used to it before we turn the clocks back.

My sisters and the nieces all want to go to Albert Millers for sister Agnes eighteenth birthday. They told her to be ready, as she should be picked up. The party was the next drive. She had a nice surprise.

On the eighteenth, it will be forty years for us. Where did all the years go?

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8

Plain Country | March 30, 2011

Books in ReviewBy Jacquie Foote

“Justin Morgan Had a Horse” by Marguerite Henry was originally published by Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, New York, and copyrighted in 1945. It is available in paperback, published by Aladdin Paperbacks, New York, copyright. 2006. The illustrator is Wesley Dennis. This book is a Newbury Honor Book and is the fictionalized biography of the foundation stallion of the Morgan Horse breed.

Marguerite Henry surely knows how to grab and hold the interest of the young reader who has a soft spot for horses. The story she weaves gives a clear and largely correct picture of the lot of a horse in late 1700s through the first quarter of the 1800s. The main facts of book are correct. A reddish foal of uncertain parentage was born in southern New england in 1789. He came to be owned by Justin Morgan and, as was the custom in that part of the country at that time, he was known as “Justin Morgan horse”. The foal grew to be small of stature. (He is thought to have stood about 14 hands high and to have weighed about 950 pounds.) He was intelligent, loved people and tried his best to please. These characteristics as well as his compact, muscular body and stylish way of moving impressed many of the pioneer farmers and settlers, as did his strength, speed and endurance. His ability to produce sons and daughters bearing his distinctive looks, conformation, temperament, and athleticism turned out to be the beginning of a new breed of horse. His fortunes changed for better and worse several times during his life. He was leased for $15 a year to clear logs. Less than a year later, he raced against two New York Thoroughbreds, Sweepstakes and Silvertail and won handily. He once carried a President of the United States in a parade and he was once nearly worked to death hauling freight.

As in all fictionalized biographies, the author took some liberty with facts. The reddish colt called “Little Bub” in the story was really named “Figure”. He did belong to someone named Joel Gross from 1811 to 1817. But the special friendship with Joel from the first year of his life on is fiction. The author uses the device of a boy and his concern for a very special horse to draw the reader deeper into the story. And she does this very well.

This is a book well worth reading and will be enjoyed by children in the middle grades up. It should act as a springboard for learning more about the interesting life of “Figure”, the Justin Morgan Horse.

This and other books about horses are available at S & E Country Store on Newcomb Road.

Growing up in the city did not leave much space for gardening. My grandmother did the best with what little area she had. I remember her beautiful flower garden with large and colorful Dahlias that framed the edges. every fall she would dig up the bulbs so she could replant them the following year. Grandfather had a very small space where he planted one plant each, kohlrabi, tomato, beet and a few radishes.

I was fortunate that my elementary school had a special summer gardening program for students. A small area of land (which was not easy to come by in the city) was donated for use each year. Once a week students would meet at the garden to plant, weed and tend to a variety of vegetables. Our teachers taught us more than just gardening. We learned summer songs, made craft projects using garden materials, and were taught that worms were good for the soil (and I just thought they were to be pulled out of the ground and used for bait when I went fishing with grandfather!) Overall it was

an interesting way to meet with your friends, have fun and be educated at the same time.

With the planting season almost upon us, I am reminded of these past times in my life fondly. I still tend a small garden at my little home with just enough vegetables and flowers to give me a sense of achievement and something tasty to eat!

Be sure to check out our special display of gardening books on the bookmobile. We have books on fruits, vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, organic gardening and square foot gardening just to name a few. You will also find “Ohio Bird Books” as now is the time nesting is beginning. The book, “Backyard Birdsong Guide: Western North America: a Guide to Listening” by Donald Kroodsma. It has seventy-five actual bird sounds you can listen to so you will be able to identify the birds that come to your home.

Think Spring and Happy Reading from the Bookmobile!

Fun! And the Winners Are …

Thank you for the many entries in our Complete and Color Drawing Contest.It was a harder contest than most and there were no entries in the 5 - 8 age group. The eleven

and older group had many, many excellent entries! Since we did not have a winner in the 5 – 8 group, we decided to name 4 winners in the eleven and older group. There were 6 more entries that were so good we put them into an Honorable Mention group!

Ages 8 – 10: Allen Byler (Bridge Road) Allen Ray Yoder (Reeves Road)Ages 11 & up: elma Miller (Bundysburg Road) Melvin F. Miller (Burton Windsor Road) Robert A. Miller (Hayes Road) David Weaver (Nauvoo Road)

Honorable Mention: Marty Bricker (Parkman-Mespo Road) Irene Miller (Wilcox Road) Marty Miller (Kinsman Road) Mary ellen Miller (Hayes Road) Raymond Miller (Laird Road) Nancy Schmucker (Patch Road)

The winners should have already received notice by mail.

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

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A Wonderful Evening at the Miller’s

Grandparents Jacob and Kathleen Kaufman came from their home in Kentucky to visit and to enjoy the sugaring season, Geauga style. Their stay was coming to an end and the nine children of the David Millers wanted to do something special for them as well as for Grandpa Daniel and Grandma Ruth Miller who lived in the Dowdy Haus on the Miller farm. Dad and Mom agreed that the children could plan and cook dinner and plan activities and make snacks for the evening. each Miller child had two tasks to do and, working together, they put on a wonderful evening for both their parents and grandparents.

Use the clues below to decide what each child did. On a separate piece of paper write which two children made the invitations, which three children cleaned the house, which child cleaned the kitchen twice, which child baked pies, which child cooked dinner, which two children made place mats, which child picked up the Kaufman grandparents in the family buggy, which child made a chocolate covered popcorn snack, which child got Grampa Dan to tell his funny stories, which child sang songs, which child made three word searches, which child led a spelldown, and which two children gave up their room so the Kaufman grandparents could stay the night? Be SURe TO PUT THe NAMe(S) AND ADDReSS OF THe PeRSON(S) eNTeRING THIS LOGIC PUZZLe CONTeST. HAVe FUN!

It’s a Logic Puzzle Contest! Back by popular request! This is a Puzzler about an evening honoring grandparents held by the children of the Miller family. Use the clues to tell who did what for the evening.

Rules:q You can work out the puzzler alone or as many members of your household who want to can work together.q Print your answers clearly.q Only 1 prize will be awarded to each household which wins, so sending in more than one entry per household won’t help. q The entries are due to the Middlefield Post on or before April 4. (You’ll have to work fast.) The prize of a packet of stickers will be awarded to the first twenty correct entries we receive.

1. Simon (3) loved to join his mother’s singing group and had started to sing a long. 2. Jonas (15) worked at his uncle Bobby’s blacksmith shop. 3. Although only 6, Marie had the best printing of all the Miller children. 4. Mary Rose (17) and Rachel (16) both worked at Yoder’s Restaurant. Mary Rose wished she had Rachel’s job working in the dessert kitchen. 5. Paul (13) loved helping in the kitchen;he was always the one to work the popcorn popper. 6. Noah (5) won a box of 120 crayons in a coloring contest in the Plain Country. 7. Robert (8) loved anything to do with reading and words, but he never had won a spelldown as Jonas had. 8. Matthew (11) loved drawing pictures of the farm and its animals. 9. Grandma Ruth said she’d like Mary Rose’s chicken recipe.

10. The eldest was the only who didn’t share a bedroom.11. Simon and Noah shared a tiny room next to their parents.12. The 5 year old was tall enough to dust the lower parts of the furniture.13. The three girls thought it was funny that three of the boys took on the job of cleaning for the special evening.14. The youngest really knew how to get someone to tell a story.15. Two girls shared a room.16. One girl did most of the cooking. Another girl baked pies for dessert.17. The 4 oldest boys shared a room in the attic.18. The one who did most of the cooking could not stand a messy kitchen and was never happy when Paul made candy and toppings.

Good Luck!

Remember:A goal is a dream with a deadline.

Bookmobile NewsBy Jane Attina

March 30, 2011 | Plain Country

9

6th Annual AMISH SMALL BUSINeSS

April 8th H 4pm - 7pmApril 9th H 8am - 3pm

H Dealers Welcome H Bring the Family H enjoy the Day!

H Something for everyone

Held on the grounds at PinecrAft storAge bArns

13650 Madison Rd H Middlefield H 440-632-0174

Win 10x14 building! raffle tickets

only $10

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q Detweiler’s Furniture Poly Outdoor Furniture

q Door Works Garage Doors, New /Repair

q Dominion Energy

Alternative Energyq D.S. Natural Products Water Conditioning, Seeds, Fertilizer

q Geauga Builders Supply

q Hershbergers Housewares

q J & J Cabinet Milling, Siding & Flooring

q Ma-N-Pa’s Gift Shop Chainsaw Carvings, Etc

q Mespo Vinyl Vinyl & Splitrail Fencing/Railings

q M & M Rustic Furniture

q Mullet’s Footwear

Shoes & Boots, Etc

q Nash Rd Saw Shop

q O.A.R. Vinyl Windows &

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q Meadow Shene Feeds

q Pinecraft Storage Bulidings

Sheds, Garages & Playhouses

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q River Valley Coleman

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A sampling of our Vendors:q Windsor Flooring Linoleum, Hardwood, Tile, Etc

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q Yoder’s Battery Repair

q Yoder’s Coleman Camping Supplies, Lamps & Irons

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