This is Lovina’s daughter Verena writing. It is such a beautiful Monday evening. The leaves are changing color more and more. It is always such a beautiful view once the leaves are changed to such pretty colors.

Fall used to be my favorite season and I would love to rake up the leaves. But with me being disabled, it became too much for me to handle as I grew older. I’m thankful I can now use a leaf blower and still go out there to help gather up the leaves. It is something I enjoy. I do not care for the stink bugs and ladybugs that also come with fall since the beans were cut across the road from us but so be it. That is a very small thing to worry about.

Summer became my favorite season once my muscles started to weaken more. I discovered it was easier to get around in the warmer weather. I still enjoy the snow, but I feel cooped up when I can’t go outside. Especially when there is a lot of snow on the ground, although it does look pretty. But I do look forward to putting together puzzles and sitting by the kitchen table sipping on hot chocolate while Daniel Ray sips on his coffee during the cold winter months. Sitting here writing this is just another reminder to myself that life is really what you make it.

I now have the laundry folded and ready to put away. Laundry is one of the jobs I am not thrilled about and one of the jobs that is neverending. Dishes are neverending, too, but washing the dishes is a job I do not mind. Many times Daniel Ray will fold the laundry for me but today was not one of those times. He had other jobs to attend once he was home from work. Daniel Ray is on three days as of right now at the RV factory. Thursday and Friday he works at the buggy shop for another Amish man in this community. As of right now, he is learning how to build open cruiser seats. He enjoys the work so far.

Daniel Ray and I butchered two deer on Saturday. Daniel Ray’s parents came to help us. We were so glad for their help. Daniel Ray’s siblings — Anna, 13, William, 8, and Alvin, 6 — came along as well. We canned 14 quarts of deer burger and got 14 half-quart bags of deer burger for the freezer. Daniel Ray wants to make deer jerky this week.

I’m hoping Daniel Ray or I will get another deer soon because I would like to can deer chunks. Sister Liz said that she canned them and put beef flavoring in; apparently, it tastes not far different from beef chunks that way. I’m excited to try it. We plan to go over to sister Liz and her husband Tim again this week sometime so I can try my luck at hunting again. So far, I haven’t had a chance at a deer but Daniel Ray shot two already out of sister Susan’s and her husband Ervin’s property.

We now have our buggy back; it was getting fixed. Daniel Ray was getting around on his bike and I was driving the EWheels. The EWheels is a bigger mobility scooter and more road ready. I have a small trailer I can hook behind it and put my scooter on. We got around like that a lot this summer. It makes it so nice for me because I can go with Daniel Ray when he goes on a bike ride. I know mine isn’t a bike, but it feels pretty close.

It was nice to have our buggy back to go to church on Sunday because it was chilly and very foggy. The buggy lights are much brighter than the EWheels or bike lights. We have a heater in our buggy and it makes it nice and cozy for a horse-and-buggy ride.

Well, you all take care and God’s blessings to you!!

VENISON CHILI

INGREDIENTS:

3 pounds lean venison

1 small onion, chopped

1 quart kidney beans, cooked

Brown sugar to taste if desired

1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder

1 quart pasta sauce

4 quarts tomato juice

1 quart water

DIRECTIONS:

Brown venison burger and onion. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. If desired this can be processed in a pressure cooker according to its directions. Makes 10-14 pints.

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Readers can write to Eicher at Lovina’s Amish Kitchen, PO Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email questionsforlovina@gmail.com and your message will be passed on to her to read.