It is a warm windy day with the temperature at 82 degrees, although it feels warmer in the sun. I just brought in the laundry off the lines. It was a challenge hanging bed blankets and sheets, but once again the Polygrip clothespins really helped.

Daughter Loretta and her three little ones came over for a while. She said the boys wouldn’t quit begging to come over so she decided to bring them here. When they left Denzel said, “We come back again.” Byron spotted the bananas on my counter and said, “Me want monkey.”

Every time I give him a banana I call him a monkey so he probably thinks that’s what they are called. They are such precious little innocent sweeties.

Loretta said Denzel’s imagination when he plays outside reminds her of Kevin when he was young.

On Friday evening, our family had the monthly “Family night” at son Joseph and Grace’s house. It was our turn to take meat or sandwiches. Since Joe didn’t have to work, he grilled 20 pounds of chicken to take along.

Daughter Susan, Ervin and family couldn’t be there as they had a few sick children. We missed them.

On Saturday, son Benjamin took them over some leftover chicken. Being a busy mother and always cooking for a family of nine makes some readymade food a welcome sight. I know I always enjoyed the break from cooking and still do when I get out of making a meal.

Thursday was Ascension Day (the ascent of Jesus Christ into Heaven on the 40th day after his resurrection) so we had Fast and Prayer Day in the morning. The afternoon was spent resting. We welcomed a break.

It was a quiet day for us.

Daughter Verena and Daniel Ray spent the day with his parents. Two of his younger siblings spent the night with them Wednesday night. They enjoy going to their only married sibling’s place for the night.

On Wednesday night, granddaughters Abigail and Allison came here off the bus from school and stayed until daughter Elizabeth, Tim, TJ and Andrea picked them up around 9:30 p.m. They had been to Tim’s nephew’s wedding all day. I made biscuits and gravy and fried eggs for our supper. Allison said it was one of her favorite meals.

Joe, Kevin and I played a game with them where we took turns hiding several small objects and the others had to find it. We would tell them they were hot if they came close to finding it and if they were far from it we would tell them they were cold. They also colored before supper.

On Saturday, Daniel Ray, Verena, Joe and I planted the rest of our garden beds. Daniel Ray tilled up a small garden for the potatoes, zucchini and cabbage as we ran out of room in the garden beds. We want to plant some corn too.

On Sunday, Joe and I attended church at niece Emma and Menno’s house.

They are living in their new barndominium. They had a really small house before so I’m sure they are really excited for the space with four children.

They are in the same church district as daughters Elizabeth and Susan, so I had some of my little grandchildren sit with me.

Sister Verena is still at sister Liz and Levi’s house, but has plans to come when Menno and Emma have church again in two weeks.

Monday, May 18, was daughter Lovina’s 22nd birthday. I went to town with Verena to her eye appointment in the morning.

I bought Lovina a hanging flower while in town and took it over to her along with her birthday gift and card.

I stayed a little to cuddle sweet little 9-month-old Brooklyn. I didn’t stay too long as it was thundering and I wanted to be home before the rain.

I did get a few sprinkles on me but it felt good with the heat from the 80-degree weather.

Friday, May 22, made me another year older. I am 55 years young. In all seriousness, I do feel all of those 55 years some days.

I can’t complain though, I have been blessed with good health and have so much to be thankful for.

May God bless each of you!

Sausage gravy

Ingredients:

1 pound bulk pork sausage or 1-pint canned sausage

2/3 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

5 cups milk

Directions:

Brown sausage. Add flour and salt; blend. Add milk gradually, stirring often. Cook until it comes to a boil then turn off the heat.

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife and mother of eight. Her three cookbooks, “The Cherished Table,” “The Essential Amish Cookbook” and “Amish Family Recipes,” are available wherever books are sold. 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. She does not personally respond to emails.