We are having a break from the heat this week. The mornings are so nice and cool. Hmmm…now what excuse should I use since my garden is still full of weeds?

Last week was just too hot to work in it. We do have to get to it this week though.

The recent storm took a few big branches from the big maple tree at sister Verena’s house. Verena was afraid another storm would take the rest. Last night our sons-in-law tackled the tree, and it is all down now and cleaned up. The only way to land the big tree was across the road, but they did fast work getting the road open right away. They did a good job and Verena sure appreciated the help.

Joe, son Kevin and I went down to join them for supper at Verena’s house. This made her night go faster. It was a nice cool evening and we ate out on her deck.

Daniel Ray and Verena came back Sunday around 11 p.m. from Colorado. We were happy to see them again! Daniel Ray is off from the RV factory this week and so are three of our other sons-in-law. They had a nice time, but Verena had to go see an eye doctor due to her eye getting a cornea erosion. The doctor put in a medicated contact. She just left to go see her eye doctor now. The eye doctor was used to this in the area because of the dry air that can cause it.

Daniel Ray mowed our grass yesterday. We had a lot of nice rain after the heat so the grass still grew. The garden is doing really well and we are enjoying the fruits of our labor. Our radishes are over now, but we have hot peppers, green peppers, lettuce, onions and zucchini. Green tomatoes are loaded on the plants and weather permitting look like they could be a bountiful crop.

Joe trimmed all the leaves off the bottom of the tomato plants to make healthier plants and prevent disease. Leaves touching the ground easily catch blights and rots. Pruning them keeps the plant clean and improves airflow. This is the first year he tried this. He was talking with some men at church that told him about this. I’m glad he’s patient enough to sit there and trim them because I know I wouldn’t take time to do it. Our plants are in raised beds so he can do it sitting using a mobility scooter. His back wouldn’t let him stand to do it.

I have grandsons Denzel and Byron and granddaughter Kylie here right now. I’m getting a little of this column written a little at a time. I need to make them lunch soon. Joe will join us for lunch. He’s back from his appointment now. He has three or four herniated discs which are causing his lower back pain.

The children helped me water the hanging flowers on the porch. We discovered a bird nest with three eggs in it. In another flower there were little birds. I’m not sure but I think they are finches. This whole time I was watering the plants and didn’t realize there were nests in there. My hanging flowers are still doing OK even with the hot, humid week we had last week. My goal is to keep them blooming all summer. I love seeing them on my porch. And now it gives the finches a place to call home.

It’s now almost 8 p.m. It is just Joe and me home. Daughter Elizabeth, Tim and family came for a visit, also son Joseph and Grace, and daughter Lovina and Daniel and Brooklyn stopped in a while. Daniel Ray and Verena, Ben and Joanna and Kevin are out on the lake with the pontoon fishing. We are out of fish so hopefully they catch some.

I want to wish daughter Loretta (July 1) and son-in-law Daniel Ray (June 29) both a happy birthday. They were both on vacation for their birthdays. Wishing them many more!

I have this recipe in one of my cookbooks, “The Essential Amish Cookbook.” God’s blessings!

Pea and cheeses salad

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed, or an equivalent amount fresh peas, cooked until just tender

1 cup celery, chopped

2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

1 cup Colby cheese, cubed

½ cup radishes, sliced

¼ cup green onion, chopped

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine the peas, celery, eggs, cheese, radishes and green onion. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar and salt. Pour mayonnaise mixture over the vegetable mixture and mix well.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Make sure the peas are well drained or the salad will be watery.

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.