Plain Country March 7th, 2012

Next issue Plain Country– March 28. Submission deadline–Monday, March 12. Advertising deadline–March 24. Please send the information to share to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062,

or call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year.

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}Vol. 4 No. 2 March 7, 2012

Hello! My name is Joni Bender, age 13. I’m the boy who lives in the big house by William Bender (grandfather) who writes from Huntsburg. My mom wanted me to write a story to go with this picture.

I can still faintly remember when we built our sugarhouse. 2004 was the first year we tapped and we had 200 taps. Last year we had 800 taps. We made 333 gallons of syrup.

The first five years we took the sap up with the sled and horses. But that took too long, so we got a 1,000 feet of 1-inch pipe and a tank and set it up back in the woods and we loaded it off there. Then Dad fired up the pump motor and they’d go get another load while I sat and watched the tank. When it was empty, I shut off the motor.

Meanwhile, someone in the sugarhouse fired the arch to cook the sap.

I told you how we do it. Now I have to tell you what happened already.

First I’m going to start with how cousin Robbie got a mud hole named after him. We were hauling wood for the sugarhouse with the sled and the ponies. Robbie was sitting on top of the load when they hit a bump. Robbie fell into the mud hole, the deepest one we have back there. A few other times somebody fell off the gathering sled, including Bill Bender.

When I wrote this (Feb. 13), we haven’t tapped yet this year. I think we might have 800 taps again. It will be our first year to use all the bags.

Old Time SugaringSubmitted by Linda Weaver

This literature was found amongst my father’s (Freeman Byler) belongings.

Making maple syrup in Geauga County has been going on a long time. Several articles were dated 1893 to 1894.

Sugaring - then and now

2

Plain Country | March 7, 2012

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}Publisher: the FONTANeLLe group inc

Editorial Coordinators: Jacquie Foote and Joe & Sarah MillerStaff Writers: Katherine M. Byler, Barbara Ann Detweiler and Donnie Miller

Contributing Writers: William Bender, Daniel Fisher, ellen Hershberger, Rachel Miller and Linda WeaverMailing Address: P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062

Phone: 440-632-0782 v 440-834-8900 v Fax: 440-834-8933Published every Three Weeks – Free of Charge

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year

In This Issue ...Anniversary ........................................................02Birthdays ..............................................................02Bits and Pieces of Yesterday ..........................06Bookmobile News ............................................08Books in Review ................................................08Children’s Immunization Clinics ..................02From Our Schools ...................................... ......07Greetings from Garrettsville .........................08Greetings from the Plain Community .......08Hello from Amish Crossing Corner .............06Hello from Huntsburg .....................................06Katherine’s Korner ............................................04Lines by Linda ....................................................07Mom’s Diary ........................................................05Nutrient Dense Gardening ...........................04Parkman Pathways ...........................................07Plain Concerns....................................................02Plain Country’s Community events ............02Plain Fun ..............................................................09Recipes .................................................................03Spotlight on Countryside Home Bakery .................................................... 04Tell Me a Story ...................................................06Wanted for Our Next Issue ............................02

Plain ConcernsThis is a list of organizations that help with low cost spay/neuter surgeries: Rescue Village 440-338-4819 Geauga Dog Warden 440-286-8135 Fix It in the Farmland 440-338-4819 extension 21 Angels for Animals 220-549-1111 Valley Save a Pet 440-232-9124

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 CLINICS Second Wednesday, March 14 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Third Thursday, March 15 from 3 to 6 p.m. Third Wednesday, March 21 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.Clinics will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield.NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINICWednesday, March 28 from 9 to 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 share some . . .-Favorite early Spring dinners - Home made cleaning, gardening, cooking products -Anything from the past others would be interested in.-Benefits after March 28 -News from the schools-Birthdays and anniversaries-Tell Us a Story–send in stories or tidbits from the past, stories with morals, or Bible based stories, stories you like to tell, or stories that have been told to you Information for next edition must be received by March 14 to be included.

Send to: Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 Pho: 440-632-0782 or Fax: 440-636-9842

Happy Birthday!!March 7 Marlin Yutzy (8)March 7 Robert Yutzy (6)March 7 Nelson L. Miller (40)March 9 Joseph C. Yoder (20)March 9 Sadie B. Miller (9)March 10 Mrs. (Marty) erma Miller (32)March 10 Mrs. (Sam) ellen Miller (24)March 10 Mrs. Allen (emma) Miller (45)March 10 Mrs. Katie Yoder (71)March 10 Karen W. Miller (9)March 10 Andy e. Miller (50)March 11 Jacob Mast (15)March 11 Lukas Mast (4)March 11 Mrs. (Wallace) Barbara Miller (58)March 11 Mary Lou Miller (16)March 11 Ada Druhot (70)March 12 Bobby Miller (21)March 12 Paul D. Miller (17)March 12 Barbie Frey (15)March 13 Mrs. Susan (Vernon) Hershberger (43) March 13 Mrs. Anna (Noah) Hershberger (69)March 13 John Mark Miller (John) (8)March 13 Andrew O. Yoder (9)March 14 Uria BenderMarch 15 Nora D. Kurtz (22)March 15 Mrs. (Wally) Ann Byler (57)March 16 Samuel e. Byler (14)March 17 Mary M. Miller (45)March 17 John W. Detweiler (18)March 18 Albert L. Miller (43)Mat. 18 Freeman A. Mullet (26)March 18 Mary Ann M. Miller (77)March 18 Lucinda Lynn Coblentz (13)March 20 Vernon L. Hershberger (45)March 20 Barbara Ann L. Hershberger (18)March 20 Martin R. MastMarch 20 Betty (Mrs. Bill) MillerMarch 21 Philip P. Miller Jr. (12)March 21 Mrs. (Crist) emma Burkholder (61) March 21 elizabeth D. Byler (28)March 22 Aden O. Miller (26)March 22 JoAnne e. Byler (4)March 22 Linda J. Yoder (19)March 23 Mrs. Rebecca Miller (26)

March 23 eve Kristine Yutzy (2)March 23 Mrs. (Ray) Sara Miller March 23 Andy D.S. Miller (55)March 24 Lucinda Barkman (20)March 24 Kathryn J. Miller (21)March 24 Catherine Mae Miller (60)March 24 Robert F. Mullet (3)March 24 Norman G. Bender (6)March 25 Cindy Yutzy (10)March 25 Agnes SchmuckerMarch 25 Allen W. Byler (59)March 25 Ray D. Byler (58)March 26 Marty Miller (8)March 26 Sam Dan Miller (63)March 26 David J. S. Miller (57)March 26 eli D. Miller (78)March 26 Mrs. Barbara Mast (66)March 26 emma (Mrs. Dan) Shrock (93)March 27 Sarah Ann Miller (18)March 27 Melvin M. Yoder (85)March 27 Daniel U. Slabaugh (38)March 27 Stephan C. Yoder (34)March 27 Maribeth C, Hershberger (6)

Belated Happy Birthday Jan. 30 Rosa Beth Mast (12)Jan. 31 Jesse (Bob) Mast (5)Feb. 8 Marty (John) Troyer Feb. 10 Lorianne (Bob) Weaver (12)Feb. 17 Johnny Slabaugh IIIFeb. 18 Kathryn (John) SlabaughFeb. 19 esther (Mrs. John) SlabaughFeb. 19 erwin Gingerich IIIFeb. 26 Kaylene SlabaughFeb. 28 Leanne (Bob) Mast (3) March 3 Jacob R. Schlabach (25)March 3 Marvin J. Miller (38)March 4 Sara Jane MastMarch 5 Tillie Bender

Happy AnniversaryMart and Sarah Miller Feb. 12, 1959

In Memory of...Mrs. Mary Schlabach, born March 15Mrs. (Ray) emma Mast, born March 22

Plain Country’s Community

EvEntsnon profit amish benefits & events are published at no chargeSend to: Plain Country events, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 or call 440-834-8900 | fax 440-834-8933

Benefit Pancake Breakfast Sawmill SchoolFriday, March 9 from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.Joe’s Window Shop(Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)eat in or Take OutFresh Doughnuts available

Correction: In the Feb. 15 issue, “Katherine’s Korner”, it was printed that Mary Yoder’s Restaurant had a “Buy One Get One Free” deal on meals Thursdays in February. Actually it should have read that the “Buy One Get One Free” meal deal was on TUeSDAYS in February.

Apologies to Katherine and Mary Yoder’s Restaurant. 10040 Penniman Rd.•Orwell 44076

D&L FLOORING

– Installation Available –

440-685-4385Daniel E. Miller

• Linoleum• Carpeting• Laminate • Floor Mats

Great Flooring!Great Prices!

Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pmWe will be closed March 5th-19th

FlooringStarting atonly 89¢ sq.ft.

Benefit Auction Nauvoo Country SchoolFriday eve, March 23 atPinecraft Storage Barns13650 Madison Road, Middlefield

16860 Kinsman Rd. (Rt. 87) 1-1/2 miles East of Middlefield

Jams • Jellies • Lots of Crafts • Gifts • Baked GoodsQuilts • Wood Items • Centerpieces • Wallhangers Place Mats • Rugs • Baby Items • Hickory Rockers

Jonas Jr. & Emma Miller • 440-632-1888 (Let Ring)

Amish Home Craft & Bakery

Fresh Maple Cookies & Bread

made with local 2012 Maple Syrup!

Available During Maple Season–Store Open Daily 9am - 4:30pm–

Bakery Available Daily – Will Do Special Orders!

Come seewhy we’redifferent!

Nutritional Supplements

Expert Health Guidance

ONLY PURE, ALL NATURALQUALITY PRODUCTS

We carryHerbal Plus

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Healthy ChoicesWE DO MAIL ORDERS!

440-477-7977

17201 Farmington Rd.West Farmington, OH 44491

Open Monday - Saturday8-6pm

All-Natural Childcare ProductsIncluding Baby Formulas forSensitive Digestive Systems.

Chuckle A little fellow bragged to his parents one evening after school, “I got a hundred in school today!” He held up two papers, a grade of 50 per cent on each.

March 7, 2012 | Plain Country

3

Stop in and Visit our Museum, Video Viewing and Cheese Outlet.

15815 Nauvoo Rd., Middlefield (Corner of Rt. 608 & Nauvoo Road)440.632.5228 Ext. 6000 • 800-327-9477 Ext. 6000

www.middlefieldcheese.com • Open Mon-Sat 8:00-5:30

FREE SAMPLESMeat & Cheese Trays Gift Boxes • Worldwide ShippingTuesdays are Golden Buckeye Days

The Home of Award-winning, High Quality, Natural Swiss Cheese

Amish Church Orders

Mon-Sat 8-5:30 “Swiss Cheese Annie”

Great specials

each week!

Nauvoo Rd.

Rt. 87

Rt. 608

Rt. 528

16403 Nauvoo Rd(One Mile East of Rt. 608)

Middlefield440-632-0248

A Treasure Today...An Heirloom TomorrowOne-of-a-Kind Handcrafted ItemsOak, Cherry & Hickory Furniture

Living Rooms • Dining Rooms • Bedrooms • Curios Bookcases • Cedar Chests

Entertainment Centers Hickory Rockers

Children’s Furniture Computer Desks

And Much, Much More

Mon-Sat 8am-5pm; Fri ‘til 6pm; Closed Sunday

FISHER FLOORING

• LinoLeum - Armstrong & Congoleum• Laminate - Armstrong & Quick Step

• tiLe- Marazzi • VinyL- Konecto• Hardwood - Sheoga

• Carpet & VCt

Crist A. Fisher – 440-632-195716115 Nauvoo Rd. Middlefield

WE ARE ACOMPLETE

RETAIL FLOORING STORE

Come visit our showroom Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9-5; Sat 9-3

Quality Installation ~ Competitive Pricing

Recipesfrom the neighbors

Ritz Cracker S’moresSubmitted by Susan Kurtz

10 Ritz crackersPeanut butter as neededMarshmallow crème as neededSpread 5 Ritz crackers with peanut butter and another 5 with marshmallow crème. Put together for an unusual treat. Using a Tupperware container to place them in is not so messy as a baggy.Depending on the appetite, this makes enough for one.

After School SnackSubmitted by Sarah Miller

For a good after school snack, try sliced apples spread with peanut butter or celery stalks spread with peanut butter or with creamed cheese. Of course, a favorite is fresh baked cookies and plain or chocolate milk.

(One year, we had 10 lunches to pack each morning. That was when Joe and three boys worked out, two of the girls taught school and the other four went to school. That was in the mid 80s.)

Recipe from Cruise ShipMelting Chocolate CakeSubmitted by ellen Hershberger

8 ounces semi sweet chocolate8 ounces butter7 eggs1/3 cup sugar1/4 cup flourMelt chocolate and butter.Mix half the eggs and sugar. Whisk. Add flour, then rest of the eggs.Add egg mixture to the melted chocolate mixture.Pour into loaf pan and bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Snack MixSubmitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler

2 cups corn chex1 1/2 cups M & M’s1/3 cup peanut butter1/2 cup butter5 cups mini marshmallowsMix corn chex and M & M’s.Melt peanut butter and butter. Then, add marshmallows and pour over mix.

Yogurt Fruit DipSubmitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler

8 ounce package cream cheese1/4 cup XXX sugar1 cup cool whip1 cup strawberry yogurt2 teaspoons lemon juiceMix all ingredients and enjoy with any fruit.

No Bake CookiesSubmitted by Rachel Miller

2 tablespoons cocoa1 2/3 cups brown sugar1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup oleo1/3 cup flourCombine all and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add:1/2 cup peanut butter3 cups quick oats1 teaspoon vanillaMix well. Drop by teaspoonful on waxed paper.Chill until set.

7418 North Wiswell Rd. • Windsor 44099

Installation Available • Free estimates!Contact Dave C. Miller at (440) 272-5157

• Stairs • Boxed Newels • All Interior Trim Unfinished or Prefinished• Handscraped Flooring For That Aged Look

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Visit OurSHOWROOM !

• Hardwood Flooring• Hand Hewn Beams• Old Barn Siding

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17677 Reeves Rd., Middlefield440-548-2007

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pmSaturday 8:30am-3:00pm

Gluten Free FoodsOrganic & Natural Groceries

Vitamins & SupplementsNatural Food Colors

Beauty ProductsOrganic Body Care

Chemical-Free Cleaners

Naturals LLC

Next Plain Country Contest

will be in the March 28 issue. Think Spring!!!!

5195 Kinsman Rd. (Rte. 87)Bottom of Mespo Hill440-693-4232

Mon. - Sat. 7:00 - 5:00

We Stock:➯ Gr. 5 Hex Bolts & Gr. 2➯ Carriage Bolts @ $1.75 lb.➯ Gr. 8 Hex Bolts @ $2.75 lb.

All types of: Screws, Lags, Stainless Screws & Bolts, Cabinets, Carts & Shelving, Misc., Hardware, Swing Supplies, Flammable Cabinets, Bolt Bins, Plexiglas, Bar & Chain Oil, Mop Buckets, Many Hose & Sheet Rubber Cutoffs, BookcasesGift Certificates Available

Lots of New Inventory

We Carry INTERSTATE BATTERIES Daniel Miller,

Owner

Rt. 87

Rt. 5

34

Rt. 5

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BioBlocks are made from 100% recycled hardwood and contain no chemicals or artificial binders.

JS Stairs16118 Old State Rd., Middlefield

440-632-5680

Coleman Lanterns & Campstoves

H.C. and Lancaster LanternsParts & Repair Service

L.E.D. Lamps & FlashlightsBulk Food

William J.S. & Martha Miller16786 Madison Rd • Middlefield

440-548-5486

By Jacquie Foote

You’ll find Countryside Home Bakery on a quiet country road. Just turn in at their sign and proceed ahead to a neat white building beyond the house. Be sure to enter through the door to the bakery, not through the one with the sign GALF.

If you come on a baking day (Thursdays and Fridays in winter and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the rest of the year) you will be led by your nose to some of the best smelling baked goods imaginable!

There is a cozy sales room, one which offers free coffee (!) and has shelves filled with breads and rolls, pies, cookies and cinnamon rolls. You will also find Miller’s jellies, jams and barbecue sauce. There may be special things such as maple syrup, honey, cashew crunch, homemade tea concentrate, pickles and more!

The baking is done in a large immaculate room beyond the sales area. It houses two multi-doored wood burning ovens, stainless steel work tables, proper sinks and racks of delicious baked goods produced by the efficient, talented, smiling bakers.

This enterprise was started six years ago this December by Ivan and Nora Bender. (Ivan says it was really Nora’s idea.) Ivan was a schoolteacher at that time and as his young family grew, it was obvious they needed another source of income. Ivan’s mother had once run a small home bakery. Nora and her sister also had a small home bakery of their own. It was natural to think of starting a bakery and Ivan enthusiastically agreed.

At first, the bakery operated out of their home with Ivan doing the ordering and both Ivan and Nora doing the baking. Cora Miller soon joined them. Their business did well and, in 2008, they moved it to its present location in a separate Bake Shop. Ivan and Nora’s family grew, making it difficult for Nora to help as much in the bakery. Ivan took on duties with the Geauga Amish Loan Fund. Luckily, Cora was there to take over as manager. Now-a-days, Cora is joined by one to four others, depending on the season.

From the beginning, Countryside’s baking has been done in their wood-fired ovens, thus avoiding the taste that comes from using other kinds of fuel … a taste that some customers are sensitive to. Their commitment to using real butter and real sugar in their bakery came from their experience at the weekly Farmers’

Nutrient Dense GardeningBy Daniel Fisher

Here it is March already and we haven’t had much of a winter. Will we get it yet?

If you didn’t get a cover crop in last fall, you should consider a frost seed in March. If you want to raise nutrient dense crops we have to build humus. How do we do that? Roots - Roots - Roots and more Roots. And the bigger the diversity of cover crops the better.

Then end of May we can till the cover crop into the soil and, by using enough biologicals, we convert the roots and plants into humus and plant food for our crop. Also by using correct biologicals we can make more nutrients in the soil available to plants.

Until next time.Daniel C. Fisher is proprietor of D & S

Farm & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-693-4632 for more information.

Market held at Cleveland Clinic. Transfats, preservatives and many kinds of sugar substitutes were a “no-no” there, so Countryside stepped back to good old fashioned baking, switching to all butter and no sugar substitutes. (Preservatives were never an issue.) Customers love it! Bakery tastes as it should! (Of course, another ingredient is needed to produce baked goods this delicious. When asked what makes their bakery so tasty, the bakers chuckle and say, “Hard Work!”)

Countryside is committed to baking from “scratch”. They do not buy commercially canned pie fillings; they can their own. Baked goods start with flour and whatever other ingredients are called for … not from “instant” mixes. And you just can’t beat the taste!

In addition to the breads … wheat, white, oatmeal, whole wheat and corn bread … the pies … apple, blueberry, cherry, peach, pecan, rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb … and the cookies … chocolate

chip, molasses, peanut butter, Illinois, oatmeal raisin and white sugar … and whoopee pies are their own specialties. Where else would you find raisin puff cookies, cinnamon rolls with caramel frosting or caramel pecan rolls with caramel glaze like theirs?

Besides buying from their shop, you can order from their forms (5% discount on orders of $100 and over). You can also make custom orders; a day’s notice is appreciated.

Yes, they do wedding orders. They also welcome new recipes.

Countryside Home Bakery participates in three weekly Farmers’ Markets. Willoughby’s and South Russell’s are from May to October and Cleveland Clinic’s is from June to October.

Looking to the future, Ivan plans a year round Market. This will be in a 27,000 sq. foot building in Boardman, Ohio. There will be room for 50 Amish vendors, selling everything from handcrafted furniture to homemade ice cream. Opening is planned in about a year.

But, don’t worry, when the Market in Boardman opens, you won’t lose the cozy Countryside Bakery on Mumford Road! All those delicious treats will still be there waiting for you. Don’t forget to ask for your Frequent Buyer Discount Card!

KornerBy Katherine M. Byler

Kat

heri

ne’s

Well, there seems to be a stranger in our midst. When does it happen? I’m finding long white hairs in the sink, on the floor. It can’t be hubby’s or son’s; they’re much too long. Must be on the watch; keep my doors locked.

The Bag Lady was given another bag. And a pretty one at that. Thanks, Mary ellen B. A friend and I were going to each count our bags to see who has the most, but didn’t start counting yet. Peg M. says I’m the only person she knows who carries bags along already filled when she goes shopping. It just so happens that there are grandchildren on my way to the store and can dump whatnots off on them!

My belief is we have gotten enough address labels in the mail since Christmas for next year’s Christmas cards. And I am not talking lightly! There, I’ve said that word again! TWICe!

A lot of people, including the managers of Mary Yoder’s Restaurant, were shook up when they read in my last article that Thursdays in February were Buy One Get One Free. It should have said “Tuesdays”.

Sing to your heart’s content, just not in public. Willis Weaver knows that; he once tried it. Others were about ready to give him oxygen, he thinks. His wife is doctoring for her heart; evidently that was why her face looked sort of pale. It wasn’t Willis singing after all! Whew!

There’s hope. It was reported that because this is an election year, the roads will probably be worked on to more of an extent than before. That’s great, because we have a new buggy coming. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Sure wouldn’t want that ruined right away. And a new horse was needed to go with it. Hubby undertook to bid on it at the latest horse auction. Time will tell if it’s a match with our needs.

“Atrocious: of very poor quality or savagely brutal”. Do you understand now emma F.? I was describing my handwriting in the eighth grade and it wasn’t clear what I meant!

And her daughter reports her husband picked her a bouquet of 18 dandelions for their eighteenth anniversary. Then, he didn’t feel quite right and said he’d take her out to dinner. Am not sure if she got herself dolled up or not, but they went out … to the picnic table!

Someone said you can’t buy happiness, but I noticed someone ordered something to place on her wall. It was HAPPINeSS!

Granddaughter Laura D. walked down here on a recent Saturday afternoon. She stayed overnight and her folks drove down Sunday afternoon.

Those spending a recent evening with Crist and Maryalice Miller and ervin and Barbara were Crist and Barbara Ann Miller, Wallace and Barbara Miller, Dan and esther Hostetler (Hayes Road) and yours truly and hubby. Very pleasurable, as was the evening spent with Freeman and Mat Kuhns and Mary Ann. The visitors were C. and B. Miller, Yogi and Mary Ann, and Mrs. Ida Troyer and son Freeman. Then, the day after that, Yogi and Mary Ann headed for Florida for a week’s stay.

CouNtRYSiDe HoMe BAkeRY

Ivan and Nora Bender, owners

Open Fri & Sat 8 - 5You’ll Taste

the Difference17075 Mumford Road

Burton 440-834-0776

spotlight On...Countryside Home Bakery


5

Our

cabin

ets a

re a

wor

k of

art!

Since 1977

440-834-1540 17090 Jug St., Burton, OH 44021

Mon.-Fri. 7:00am to 4:30pm, Sat. by appointment only.

By Barbara Ann Detweiler

Balusters Sizes: 1-1/4” and 1-3/4” Lengths: 31”– 48” Designs: Square & Pin Top Species: White Oak, Mahogany, Hickory, Poplar, Maple, and Paintedstair Parts • Newels • spiNdles Variety of Species and Painted

andy troyer, owner16201 Pioneer rd.

Middlefield 440.636.5577

fax: 440.632.1823

WROUGHT IRON now

available

Free in-home hearing evaluations

for our Amish neighbors is our specialty!

Call to schedule your appointment today.

Huntsburg • 440-636-5300

HOME MADE BAKED GOODSbaked FRESH in our woodburning ovens

Made “from scratch”, with no preservatives,we use only real butter and real sugar

for a really Good Flavor!

BREADS • ROLLS • COFFEE CAKES PIES • COOKIES • CUSTOM BAKING

Stop in and check out our new products

440-834-0776 • 17075 Mumford Rd., BurtonApprox. 2.25 miles north of Rt 422, 1.25 miles south of Rt. 168

Ivan and Nora Bender, proprietors

We take orders.Open Friday &

Saturday 8am - 5pm

NOWOPEN! MILLER’S

TOP SHOP

Specializing in CountertopsLaminate Top with Undermount Sinks

and will also do Solid Surface Countertops

18960 Nelson Rd, Garrettsville 44231

440-548-5872 (let ring)

Saturday, Feb. 4: A dreary, cool day! I did odds and ends besides cooking for the family. Andrew cooked down some more sap. He got enough for Katherine, Betty and Norma to each have a taste, and they decided it was very good. I must say it appears to look better each time. Laura walked down to my parents to stay the night. It is eight miles and it took her a little over two hours. Rose edna had a bad day. First, she got nipped by a neighbor’s dog which tore a hole in her coat. Then, later, she was holding our hitched up horse for Wayne when he stepped on his rein and acted up which hurt her hands and shoulder.

Sunday, Feb. 5: We went to visit brother Johns and family. It’s always enjoyable to get together with them.

Monday, Feb. 6: A nice sunny day! I did the laundry and hung ‘em outside, which made me a little bit proud of myself! They all dried – yay! I gave Andrew some spelling words tonight. He does pretty well if he stops and thinks before he starts spelling. The Spelling Bee will be this Friday.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: Norma came home from school sick again! This is the third time and it’s that stomach bug once again. Rose edna baked cookies and did the morning work while I did laundry. We babysat little Nathan, 1 year old, from next door. It’s always a treat to have babies here.

Wednesday, Feb. 8: Norma missed school today. Andrew went to Teacher Wilma’s house to spell tonight.

Thursday, Feb. 9: I gave Andrew lots of words to prepare for the big day tomorrow.

Friday, Feb. 10: Andrew didn’t win any prizes today, but he did well. He went down on “important”, giving it two “r’s”.

Saturday, Feb. 11: We got up to snow this morning! Andrew gave the little girls sled rides behind the pony, which they loved! I made a meal today for neighbors who are hosting church services tomorrow.

Sunday, Feb. 12: We had a nice surprise at church today. Wayne’s sister

Laura and hubby Andy were there and we had a nice visit after services. Andrew went skiing with some neighbor boys. This snow we have is being thoroughly enjoyed.

Monday, Feb. 13: A skunk sprayed our dog! Wayne and Andrew gave him three scrubbings, first with tomato juice, then dish soap, and finally dog shampoo.

Tuesday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day! The school children came home with bags of candy from their teachers. Rose

edna wanted to make supper, so I tried to keep my nose in another room! She made ham casserole and it was very good.

Wednesday, Feb. 15: I went to visit sister elizabeth in Carroll County. Rose edna got another chance to make supper. It was spaghetti.

Thursday. Feb. 16: John drove Rose edna and me down to Mom’s. We went to visit Great Aunt Mary for a while.Andrew made more syrup. It looked nice and light, so I dared to take a sip! The little girls finished it up.

Friday, Feb. 17: The men were gone today and Rose edna was at work, so I was alone. I enjoyed it to the fullest!

Saturday, Feb. 18: This morning, I went down to start the hot water heater and was bent down to put wood in when something snapped in my lower back. It hurt badly and I couldn’t stand up straight. I struggled upstairs and was on the blink until this evening when I could finally walk around a bit. Rose edna and Laura were on the way down with the pony to help Wayne’s Mom clean when they had a minor mishap. The pony shied; the seat tipped; Rose edna fell off and the pony took off. Laura jumped off then. The pony ran off down a dead end road and finally stopped at the other end. They somehow fixed everything up and drove home again. They never did get down to Grandma’s, but by then I needed their help!

Sunday, Feb. 19: My back felt better this morning. But I can still feel it. I don’t think I could run a race! It’s almost worse to sit than to walk around.

Monday, Feb. 20: I could do my work today! My back aches, but it’s not unbearable. I went to the Special ed School meeting with Laura. Andrew’s still cooking. He’s cooked a couple pints altogether.

Tuesday, Feb. 21: We mothers took a hot lunch to school … casseroles, salads, pudding, etc. Then, this afternoon, an Ashtabula County Sheriff came to the school and gave a talk, mostly about his dog and how he finds drugs. He demonstrated in the schoolhouse and had some drugs hidden in the room, which the dog promptly found. It made for an interesting day for the children.

Wednesday, Feb. 22: I made a dress for myself! That’s a rare occurrence! Usually it’s always someone else getting new clothes!

Thursday, Feb. 23: Wayne had to go to Middlefield on some errands, so the five girls and I went along to the library. They could hardly stop checking books out, so they’ll have to do some fast reading for the next three weeks.

Friday, Feb. 24: Dreary and wet. It rained hard late last night, so I expect the school children will come home with muddy clothes. We want to go to a fundraiser tonight for Orchard Knob School. They’re having a Chinese auction benefit.

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6


By Sarah Miller

Feb. 21, 2012 … Tuesday morning and it’s one of those days you’d want to curl up on a chair with a good book and a cup of coffee. But, duties call.

My, what different winter weather we’re having. Will we pay for it this spring?

It’s also a different year for the maple syrup folks. Neighbor “farmer” Joe has tapped and is boiling sap. So, we will be able to get syrup for our annual pancake breakfast. Marvin Miller of Tavern Road usually supplies us with syrup.

Jones S. Yoder of Tavern Road has been having quite a time with an injured finger, having to be in the hospital for surgery to remove infection twice. We hope it is healing by now.

Many women were missing in church Sunday due to sick children. Son Ray also had strep throat.

Grandpa John’s widower friends visited with Jonas Hershberger of Patch Road one evening last week. Jonas is 93 years old and has not been feeling the best with several bouts of pneumonia. Jonas is the third oldest Amish man in our community. First is Val Troyer who is 95, second is “Tinner” John H. Miller who is 94 and fourth is Grandpa John who will be 92 in June.

We finally have some birds at the feeders. Woodpeckers, finches, titmice, and of course, sparrows. even they are

welcome! We also see bluebirds around. Spring flowers are peeping through, but I’m afraid they will get frozen back yet.

Going to Jasper, N.Y. for the wedding of nephew Andy Byler, “widower” and Sadie Kauffman were Joe and I plus sister edna and Bill Byler and more of their family. Andy is the son of Bill and edna. We left Wednesday morning, Feb. 15, spending the night with sister emma and Andy Weaver, along with sister Clara and eli Kauffman and

sister Sylvia and Albert Miller of Milo, Mich. We attended the wedding on Thursday, Feb. 16, returning home at 1, Friday morning. Tired, but a very worthwhile day.

Leaving for the “Sunny South” by Pioneer Trails on Monday,

Feb. 20, were sister Sylvia and Albert and niece Betsy and

Joey Miller of Mio, Mich., joining more in Indiana. If plans hold out, I also plan to leave for Florida next Monday to visit a dear friend of mine. She lives two hours

away from Sarasota, Fla. I intend to visit with

her several days, and then she will drive me on down

to Sarasota where I plan to visit friends elmer and Rachel Stolsfus.

They are from Lancaster, Pa. This trip was a Christmas gift from our children. They will also be bringing meals in for Joe and grandpa while I’m gone. The bus will return on Monday, March 5.

Mrs. Mary Slabaugh of Burton Windsor Road spent five days in the hospital having had a stroke. She is at home now and last reports are she’s improving. Her son John and wife had been with her when she fell. Johns had also been there visiting her father, Levi e. Miller, who had a leg amputated a week ago. Johns live in Kentucky.

You all have a good week.Wow! It’s starting to snow …

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From Grandma’s DiarySubmitted by Rachel Miller

Friday, Feb. 21, 194118 degrees at 7:10 a.m. 22 degrees at 10 a.m. Dr. Barton is here

to give Pa a treatment, also Anna Mary. He stayed for dinner.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 194110 degrees at 5:30 a.m. Dan Redfeat

Baughman, the fertilizer man, and Milo were here this a.m.

26 degrees at 2:30 p.m. Sun is shining. Irvin was here this afternoon. eli hauled a load of coal. elis were to Dr. Marshall this evening.

tell Me a StoryBy Rachel Miller

eli and Amelia Troyer stayed with Grandpa and Grandma until Amelia was 21. It was the custom that daughters had to stay home until they were 21. Amelia was the youngest in the family and was 20 when she got married to eli. My Mother was a couple years older than Amelia. She also got married at 20 years old and she and my Father had to live with Grandpa and Grandma until she was 21.

Middlefield, ohio, Geauga County, ohio, Feb. 21 1900Submitted by Sarah Miller

Nice weather with a little snow on the ground. Cutting saw logs and stove wood is the order of the day.

Some of the farmers are getting ready to open their sugar bushes, while others have tapped.

John I. Troyer of Holmes County is here to rent a farm.

Peter J. Gingerich of Iowa and Isaac and eli e. Gingerich of Illinois were here to visit their many friends, but on Tuesday morning, they bid us farewell and started on their trip home. We wish them a safe journey.

John B. Detweiler made a flying trip to Lawrence County, Pa. this week.

Yours truly, Daniel D. Gingerich

Hello from Huntsburg By William Bender

Feb. 21, 2012The boys are out in the sugar bush. I

didn’t stick my nose in the sugarhouse so far.

Anna is still in the wheelchair. I did have her at Allen’s daughter Lizzie. They buried twin girls Feb. 12. Sadie, 13 ounces, lived half an hour and Susie, 17 ounces, lived an hour and a half.

Dan J. Yoder had a hip replacement and is doing really well. Doesn’t have much pain.

Andy Mary had an overnight stay in the hospital with a mini stroke. Sime Matt also spent some time in the hospital with dizzy spells.

I made a fast trip to Richfield Springs, N. Y. as cousin Sam Byler passed away. He went to Huntsburg School when they lived on Huntley Road on what later was known as the Pete Dan Farm. Then, they moved to Delaware for a few years. Then they came back on the McNish Farm where Sime’s Dans live. After that, they moved back to Delaware. A lot of the old timers remember Andy R. Byler.

When I was a kid, I remember going with brother Reuben to Hal Stanton to trade a gun. Now Hal had a lot of guns, and some he wouldn’t sell or trade; it seems to me he even had guns used in the Civil War. I might be wrong, as I was just a little chap. Whatever happened to all them guns?

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Lines by LindaBy Linda Weaver

Oh what a beautiful morning! The sun is shining and the birds are singing; it feels like spring is in the air.

The men who are making maple syrup are smiling as the season is turning out well … or at least better than it seemed it would. Gingerich Family Sugarbush has close to 800 gallons of syrup already.

Church was here yesterday for our renters, Roy and Karin Burkholder. Roy’s parents Roy Srs. and his brother Melvins and sons were here plus Bishop Marvin M., Yoder. All very welcome. On March 4, it will be here again, this time for Jake and me.

We have been invited to my nephew widower Marvin Byler’s wedding to Amanda Yoder in Kentucky on March 16. We would like to attend. Marvin’s first wife was killed in a tractor accident a year ago January, leaving him with six children ages 1 to 16, five boys and one girl.

A flu bug is making its rounds and attacked this writer last week. It is pretty wide spread.

Par

km

an Pathways

By ellen Hershberger

Wednesday, Feb. 15: We arrived in Florida and took a really fast small boat ride down a long river. We saw alligators sunning themselves on the riverbanks and even cattle grazing.

Thursday, Feb. 16: Our main thing to do on the island today is to be on the glass bottom boat. The fish are beautiful, and I remember Dad and Mom being in one

long ago.Friday, Feb. 17: Today we took an

interesting bus tour. The driver told us how they build their houses to withstand hurricanes. They’re not rich and it takes up to eight years to complete as they build as they have the money.

Saturday, Feb. 18: We’re ready to head home and get back to work and a normal life.

Monday, Feb. 20 – Tuesday, Feb. 21: It’s good to be back working my shifts, after unpacking and putting things back in place.

Wednesday, Feb. 22: After our trek into Warren and a walk, I believe I’m getting way too lazy on my days off.

We were pleasantly surprised when an old time dinner friend came knocking at sister’s door. So, we had an hour of catching up before I headed out to my shift.

Thursday, Feb. 23: We are saddened at the news of our brother Melvin’s serious lung disorder. Doctors sent him home, saying there is nothing they can do for him.

This was a good day at work.Friday, Feb. 24: This is a nice day

off with time to catch up. Also, we’re contemplating where to eat fish tonight. There is a benefit at Joe’s Window Shop, but also at other places on my way north to work. Adios.

Friday, Feb. 3: We made our usual trek to Warren, and then I went to my 24 hour shift. There are always new challenges with work.

Saturday, Feb. 4: A good day of working, then friends picked me up and we stopped for supper.

Sunday, Feb. 5: Brrr, it’s COLD. We attended church at the John M. Troyer home. In the evening we all had a family birthday supper with plenty of good eats.

Monday, Feb. 6: Another normal 24 hour shift, then I’m off for two days.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: This is a dreary, cloudy day, but we need these, too. I’m packing for my upcoming trip next week. This afternoon, I took a long walk to get me out of the doldrums.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Thursday, Feb. 9: This was just a normal day here, doing the dailies and then going off to my shift.

Friday, Feb. 10: Well, we can tell we live and work in the Snow Belt. It looks beautiful! I do one more shift before the trip.

Saturday, Feb. 11: I finished packing. My friend from Pennsylvania wants a traveling partner, so she paid for all my expenses. She’s 87 and thinks this may be her last trip as her health is not good,

Monday, Feb. 13: After being bussed to Baltimore, Md., we’re on a ship going south. The fresh fruits on the ship are extra sweet and delicious.

Tuesday, Feb. 14: Our cabin is on the eighth floor and we have a tiny balcony, but it is too chilly to sit out there. I feel sorry for all the young crewmembers who are mostly from other countries and are homesick for their families.

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Many schools had their spelldowns in mid-February. Second place in english was taken by Raymond Hochstetler of Georgia Road School! Congratulations!

By Barbara Ann Detweiler

The annual Spelldown was held at Dorson’s Corner School.The winners were:

German Spelling:emma Kempf … First PlaceSylvia Miller … Second PlaceMaureen Wengerd … Third Placeenglish Spelling:emma Kempf … First PlaceMaureen Wengerd … Second PlaceMartha Mae Miller … Third Place

Three views of Guests at Windsor Mills School …

The policeman was here to show us what they do at the police office. His name was Sgt. Kimberly and his police dog‘s name was Cain.

This is what the police dog does … well, in this schoolroom he found drugs wrapped in a blue t-shirt. Also, the Sgt. Kimberly had a button or something on his belt. Then, if someone was fighting him, he could push the button and the police dog would come out of the car if he was in the car. He would bite the man fighting Sgt. Kimberly until the policeman handcuffs the one fighting him and tells the dog to let go.

The policeman said the Cain is not safe outside because he is used to bite people. The man said the dog doesn’t even like his wife and children. Cain obeys Sgt. Kimberly but not his wife and children.

Sgt. Kimberly has had the dog from 2005. The dog is just 5; he gets 6 in March. Sgt. Kimberly had an older dog before Cain. The old dog is 13 years old. He gets 14 this year.

When Cain finds drugs, he may play with a ball. Malinda Byler, grade 4

The man was a very kind man. His dog could follow a man through many places and could find him. The man’s name was Sgt. Kimberly. His dog’s name was Cain.

His dog was 5 years old. It took seven weeks to train him, working from 3:40 in the morning till 11 in the evening.

In back of his car is a big box for Cain and the seats are all out in the back. Sgt. Kimberly has a button on his vest and, if he is in trouble, he can press the button and the sheriff’s car opens and the dog knows he is supposed to go help him.

The dog does not pay any attention to anyone except the sheriff. He had another police dog before this. The sheriff was already been a policeman for 25 years. Sarah Byler, grade 6

Today a policeman came to our school to show us how police dogs do their work. He hid a shirt with drugs hidden inside for the dog to find. His name was Sgt. Kimberly and his dog’s name was Cain.

His dog was large and black and gray. He had a big tail that he waved a lot. He was trained in Amish.

The man said that they patrol 27 townships, from Pennsylvania to Lake erie and Geneva, He told us how his dog protects him and that he obeys no one else. He also told us about a button on his belt that opens the door of the car and lets the dog out. Then the dog comes to find him and help him if he is in trouble.

When he went outside, he blew the siren and waved as he went.

It was very interesting and we all clapped for him. emma Kempf, grade 8

PoemBy Katherine Detweiler

I’d like to be a teacher,Oh, what fun!I’d like to be a teacher,Now, wouldn’t everyone?

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Bookmobile NewsBy Jane Attina

Greetings from the bookmobile!There is a new cowboy in town! Lucky

Luke the comic book is now available on the bookmobile. Set in the American Old West, it stars the character, Lucky Luke, the cowboy known to shoot faster than his shadow.

Lucky Luke comics have been translated into 23 languages, including many european languages, and some African and Asian languages. Throughout his adventures, Luke meets many historical Western figures like Calamity Jane, Billy the Kid, Judge Roy Bean and Jesse James’ gang. He also takes part in events such as the guarding of Wells Fargo stagecoaches, the Pony express, the building of the first transcontinental telegraph, and the Rush into the Unassigned Lands of Oklahoma. Lucky Luke has been around since 1946; check out a copy or two the next time you visit the bookmobile. (The Middlefield library had requests for this comic and ordered extra copies for the bookmobile.)

It has been a little dark on the bookmobile for several days this month. Our generator that give us lights and heat was removed from the vehicle to be worked on. It was running very loudly and shaking the bus so badly even our patrons were wondering what was happening. Our back-up systems allowed us to be on the road with enough power to run the computers and the engine provided us with some heat on those chilly days. The lighting, however, was very dim as we only had small ceiling lights. We were just happy to be on the road and patrons didn’t seem to mind as they still found plenty of materials to check out. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but such is life on the bookmobile.

Spring is in the air and we have filled our shelves with new and interesting books for the upcoming gardening season. Some non-fiction titles include: “The Complete Gardener’s Guide,” “Everyday Garden Solutions,” “Civil War Quilts,” “The Complete Fishing Manual,” and “The National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs.”

New books about the Titanic will soon be available as we are coming up on the 100th year anniversary of the sinking of the famous luxury liner.

Happy Reading from the bookmobile!

Books in ReviewBy Jacquie Foote

Greetings from Garrettsville By Rachel Miller

Feb. 14, 2012 Today is Ivan’s sister Ada’s birthday. I

want to send a card yet.It’s snowing out now and 34 degrees at

4 p.m. It has snowed on and off all day, but no accumulation.

Daughter Sadie and son James were here today. She was doing some cutting and sewing, and I patched some pants. Of course, we did a lot of visiting, too!

Sunday: we spent the day resting and watching the birds. In the afternoon, Marvin Kurtzs came. We had planned to go to son Ivan Jrs. Saturday evening, then our taxi didn’t come. We had a blizzard for a while, so it was a good idea to stay home.

We’ve had such nice weather, the tulips and daffodils are up about 2 to 3 inches; the pussy willow buds are out, too.

Did anyone notice the moon

Wednesday night (Feb. 15)? It was big and red and had red around it. Awesome! God gave us light all night. Tuesday had been full moon.

Tomorrow is our Sisters’ Day at sister Clara’s (the Mose Millers). I hope sister Anna Mary (Mrs. Mel Detweiler) can come from Atlantic, Pa. I have three sisters and one sister-in-law and it’s always precious if they all can come. My oldest sister Martha (Mrs. Dan J. Byler) passed away of cancer in 1979. She was 41 years old and they had six children. Monday, Feb. 20 will be 33 years she died.

Ivan has gone to get our horse shod this evening. Barbara is cleaning upstairs. I want to put together Missouri salad to take along tomorrow, and I need to sew a button on Barbara’s coat.

Greetings from the Plain Community

By Donnie MillerFeb. 21, 2012Time for another letter for the Plain

Country. Maple syrup producers are busy in the

sugar woods. Turns out to be a good season so far. When growing up on a farm, most of our farmers had a small sugar woods. The income from maple syrup paid for the seed and fertilizer.

Traveling to South Colombia, N.Y. over the weekend, leaving Saturday morning and arriving back home Sunday evening, were eli Katie Yoder, Mark Hershberger’s, eli Ray Bylers, Levi S. and Crist S. Yoders, Nancy and I and daughter Susan. We overnighted at son Nelsons and all attended church services at David Yoders.

Friday, Feb. 17, son Danies of Indiana spent the day in the community visiting greenhouses and the organic growers in our community. Our niece, David Yoder Kathy, came along to visit her aunt Ada Byler. Dinner was served before they left for home.

Grandson Mark Hershberger who had shoulder surgery is counting the days until his doctor appointment in hopes he can get rid of his sling.

Barbara Kauffman had cataracts removed and implants put in. She is wondering why she waited so long to have this done.

Pancake breakfasts with new maple syrup have begun throughout the community. But they are most all on Sunday mornings, so guess we’ll make our own. We picked up some maple syrup from the Gingerich Family Sugarbush and shared with our two sons who live out of state, plus kept a little for ourselves.

We look forward to warmer weather and springtime. We almost had a case of cabin fever even though we had a mild winter so far. I’ve read five or so books since Christmas, but can read only so much!

Hope everyone stays well until next time!

“Wild and Humorous Horse Stories” published by Joe Byler, Sugar Grove, Pa, is a compilation of horse stories sent in to Mr. Byler.

The stories are printed as written, so the reader gets a sense of hearing from real people about their real horses. Although some of the horses in the book are intelligent, sensible, well meaning … and therefore well loved … most have quirks that live on in their owners’ minds. It is of such quirks and how they were dealt with that good stories are made.

It seems that two of the most often recurring horsy bad habits are running away and balking. As far as runaways are concerned, you will read of a horse that showed up at Dan Miller’s place in Middlefield wearing part of his harness. That horse proceeded to run through barbed wire fence, volleyball net and more wire fence. He finally got caught between a fence and a tree, landing on his back, unable to go further. Then there is the story about a team of young Belgians who ended up being a fine team … but not before taking out about a hundred yards of fence and knocking a good size chunk out of the barn wall! Then, there is Joe, normally a good buggy horse, who just happened to decide to take himself and his empty buggy for a jaunt. Of course, when a horse decides to run away, he gives no thought to what he might be pulling. This sort of thing leads to stories like the one about the horse that took off with the binder, eventually straddling a corner post and sending pieces of binder high into the air.

The other side of the coin is the “balker”, the horse that just won’t go! There are stories about such horses (like Mabel who got into a routine and, when the routine was violated, just stopped).

These stories are about the people who have and deal with horses as well, including some young people in the “tricky” time of life. One such, Andy Byler of Marion, Ky., trained one of the family horses, Barney, to take off ”like a bat out of a straw sack” when he heard his name whispered a certain way. One time, Andy used Barney’s trick to enliven his Dad’s trip when he was going visiting.

The stories are short and interesting. Some contain suggestions (good, bad, and good/bad) for dealing with a horse’s poor behavior. The illustrations, line drawings done by cartoonist Noah Wengerd, are as full of adventure and humor as the stories themselves.

“Wild and Humorous Horse Stories” can be read and enjoyed by sixth graders and older. Younger children will enjoy having some of the tales read to them.

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Documents

Plain Country March 7th, 2012