Mon.-Day at home alone what with Susan in Kentucky with Makenzie and Michael down south with the Warren's. Had a lovely day, actually, catching up with Lindsay and Lisa on the phone, doing wash, canning salsa, unpacking, doing wash, sweeping floors, emptying trash, garbage, watering chickens, reading, listening to Christian radio, making four kinds of dried scented homemade laundry soap, making corn calls, etc. Wanted to make it down to the river but rested in bed with a book and peanut M&M's instead. Got a text from Danielle. Her grandpa Johnny is with Jesus now. Remembering the years in our twenties when we helped start a church in Downingtown with that precious man and his wife and about 30 others form the mother church, Hopewell. We experienced church in it's finest. Philip is rubbing my neck and shoulders while I'm writing this. He's been working out and getting quite muscular. He dictated the last two lines to me. Now he's laughing. What a dear son he is. "I try," he said, after he read this. "You don't have to try," I said. "You already are." "Oh, you're so kind," said he.
Tues.-Went to Amish Produce Auction and bought two boxes of beautiful peaches for 16.50 each, 2 boxes of yellow tomatoes to freeze to make chili look pretty-2 each, 2 bags of new potatoes for 6.50 each, and a box of bell peppers for Freeman for 7.50. Ate a fry pie for the first time and some homemade ice cream at the snack stand. Saw Miriam M. and Liz K. there. Otherwise I knew nobody there. The auctioneer was really good. Came home and finished a good book that Rosalee had given me and then got to work on the tomatoes. I mixed peppers, onions, garlic, and celery with them after chopping them up after scalding them to get the skins off. They are beautifully yellow but not ripe. I'm going to wait awhile on the next box. Heard some great news from the Banton's today. It's a boy!!!! Well, that means a whole new wardrobe for this baby. I was so sure he was a boy that I would have doubted myself forever if he was a girl. Well, maybe not forever. I would have just doubted my gut feelings about the gender of unseen Banton babies for a long time. Made a chicken for cold sandwiches this week and also browned sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes and used that as a base for a quiche for supper. Phil picked more corn for Kathy this eve. Philip's playing guitar. Mike and Susan are our of state. John Fisher's viewing and funeral is tomorrow at Calvary Chapel at 5-7 and 7:30 and on Friday it will be at Petra in Pa. Jesus, give the family your strength and peace, especially Lydia.
Wed.-Spent some time at Baine's with DDF and a cup of coffee and a blueberry scone. We sat at the little table at the top of the stairs and talked. Later, I went to John Fisher's viewing and got to see Wilma and Mary Jane and Lydia and other of his children and in laws and grand children. Then I went to Walmart and over to Judy's where I read 'Jesus Calling' for a precious half hour. No one was there but Him. Went back to Calvary Chapel where I met Phil for Johnny's Memorial Service. What a blessed time. What a legacy. It was so good to be with all the folks that we know from Pa. In spite of the different pathways we've all taken, we all come together when we are celebrating the life of a man who knew how to love us all unconditionally. He was friendly to everyone and he refused to worry. I think there is a connection between those two strengths. It is hard to be friendly when one is worried. And one is less inclined to worry when one has friends to confide in. My heart is full. I am inspired. Lord, give this dear family strength for the days ahead. They are traveling to Pa. for the services and burial that will take place there.
Thurs.-Finally got my desk somewhat cleaned off today. Also did wash, canned 3 pints of tomatoey things, froze the yellow tomato chili mixture I made yesterday, made chili, laughed with Beth and Lucy-Janelle's aunts, made coffee for Lucy, considered joining them at Holliday Lake, took care of chickens, burned the trash, cleaned the house, made supper, watched some Monk, overdosed on sweet corn, mapped out a plan for tomorrow, realized I have about 40 writings left to post and then I'll download all of the ones I've posted on face book into a chip and take them to the printers, missed Susan so much I cried, prayed for Michael, kissed Phil, and made Philip happy with chicken salad toasted bagel sandwiches for supper. The sky is beautifully gray and the trees foretell a coming storm. It's 7:07 and it's time for bed.
Fri.-Went to Beckley, WVA. and walked around Tamarack Artisans Center for about an hour, then met Susan and the Kissicks at the motel. A hard good bye. Made it home in good time.
Sat.-made healthy jam with peaches-Susan did it. Mixed 2 cups peaches, 2 Tablespoons chia seeds, and a dropper full of stevia. Blend and refrigerate. Also canned 6 quart of Tomato juice, 5 pints of sweet peppers, and froze 7 quarts of yellow tomatoes. Durell, Adriane, and Arlen Stoltzfus stopped in for a visit.The twins are both working with YWAM. One in Holland, the other Australia. Such a pleasure to see them. Susan mowed our entire property. Jonathan, Wendy, and Jr. stopped in for a visit and to pick up some corn.
Sun.-Great church service. Went to Williamsburg to meet Eldon, Sandy, and Kera Stoltzfus. Julie and Susan came with us. Nolte met us for dinner at the Inn. Had a pleasant time walking around Colonial Williamsburg, getting ideas for a house. Eldon is an architect. Fun ride home. Stopped for ice cream at Mcd's. Julie's spending the night.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Hertzler Doings~July 22-28, 2013
Mon.-Susan took off for King's Dominion around 8 this morning. She went to Jenny's and Hannah C's dad, Mike, took the three of them plus Claire and Jody to KD and is picking them up later. They met up with some other friends out there and are having a happy dad. Alli came over around 8 and we started making bread and butter pickles. She finished them on her own (8qt) and also canned 12 quart of their own homegrown potatoes. I'm proud of her. Michael studied all day. I went to Farmville around noon and went to Bailey's with my trunk full of corn where I met up with some who had responded to my face book message. My car was inspected without a hitch but they said something about the tie-rod becoming frayed and we decided to get it fixed and they had the part and the time to do it. I had lunch at Riverside while waiting for the inspection and when we decided to fix it, Dianna came and picked me up and we went to Starbucks to get a hot/cold caramel coffee and visited at 90 mph. She took me to Judy's where I relaxed and at Sweet Shop chocolates and smiled at Dane. I saw the news for the first time in ages as well. Judy and I talked uninterrupted for a good hour which was a real gift. Laurel came and picked me up and took me back to Bailey's and I headed for Walmart and saw Julie and Kathy and I was so glad Julie was unhurt and alive after Sat.'s accident and had to hug her a couple of times. Life. Never take it for granted. I am still overwhelmed from Sunday's worship service from the rhema word that God makes all things new. It directs my prayers and praise about everything. I feel new. Shopped a bit and came home and Alli was still here, bless her heart. I told her I'd take out the jars from the pressure cooker and she was glad to head home. She had cleaned up and the house looked nice. I put groceries away, tried to make phone calls but the phone wasn't working, walked around with Lucy, picked some tomatoes, ate a creamscicle, collected mugs from the boy's bathroom, drew a bathtub full of water, and played sleuth on face book. Phil worked all day and came home and mowed hay and picked corn. It's dark now and he is still out there. Lord, let him know you're with him, joying in the harvest of corn and and souls.
Tues.-Busy day with lots of weed whacking going on (Susan), tomato picking, pulling weeds, and I forget what else!(Not sure what happened to Wed.)
Thurs.-Made some pizza sauce with lots of little tomatoes pureed in my nutribullet along with onions, peppers, garlic, and basil. Poured each mixture into a large crockpot. Turned it on high and kept lid off and cooked it down while I cleaned the house, did some washing and packing, and partied at Ron and Kathy's with some dear old friends. Dave and Krista Stoltzfus, who are missionary friends in Hong Kong, visited with some of the Hopewell Gang Locals over supper and then later, showed a video and shared about their work. It was a lovely evening and it was great to see the Martins, Gridleys, Stoltzfus's and Rancks. We always say that we should get together more often. It is so relaxing and easy. Homemade ice cream was incredible. Came home and canned 5 pints of pizza sauce and got ready for breakfast tomorrow with David and Krista, Conrad, Anthony, and Seth. They are excited about having homemade scrapple. D said that he doesn't think his boys have ever had it. We'll have homemade sausage and homemade eggs as well.
Fri.-Breakfast with Dave and Krista, Conrad, Anthony, and Seth. They visited Philip's pigs after breakfast to thank them for the sausage and scrapple. Walker Covington's funeral was at 11 at Walker's Presbyterian. Washed, cleaned, packed, and left at 5. Spent the night at a pet motel in Beckley. Lucy restless. Susan took her into bathroom and confined her until she fell asleep and then carried her back into the main room.
Sat.-Stopped at a Walmart in Beckley. Biggest and best one I've ever seen. A lot of good economy in the area with the coal mines. Walked into the men's bathroom and things didn't look quite right and I made an embarrassed beeline out the door just as a young man was going in. 'Wrong door?' he queried with a smile. Later, he found us in the parking lot and made friends with Lucy while we put her cage together. He has several boxers at home. We hurriedly moved things around because it began to rain huge drops. Stopped at Sheetz for breakfast coffee and fruit. Later, at a rest stop, we visited with two couples who owned two cherry red corvettes. They had been at a corvette convention and were headed back to Chicago. They made friends with us through Lucy. Later, we passed them, and the women were driving the cars. Been having trouble with my cell phone. Can't make or receive calls. They gave my number to someone else who has been receiving my calls. New programming crashed their system. Got to Makenzie's by noon. Couldn't stop crying when I saw her. She's 16. Phil and I went out later to have the Pasquali experience of Ranch Cheese Fries. We brought several orders back to the K's. Phil took a nap and I helped get ready for her party that evening. Highlight was singing with Phil, Tim, and Sam playing the guitar. Mimi, Kathy, and I, sang with them and they regaled us with their early years as travelling musicians and the days when they were the starting band for Alan Jackson. Slept overnight in the basement.
Sun.-On our way by 8:30. Lucy didn't know what to think as we pulled away. Susan is spending the week and I'll pick meet her halfway in a few days. Read from a book about Psalm 23 to Phil as he drove. We talked about worship and what it the word 'new' may mean in light of worship, relationships, and life. Stopped at Cabela's in Charleston and bought a big sieve stirrer for making scrapple. Also bought a queen sized camouflage comforter set for half price and a camouflage jacket for me. We used cabela points and with the great sales, we hardly paid a thing. Stopped at Sam's Club for a pizza lunch. Traveled until Beckley where we visited the Tamarack Artisan Center/Local crafts, etc. Were happy to get home. Phil picked corn and we had a supper while we finished the last tenth of The Sting. We've been trying to see the end of it for over a week. Michael left today to go with Sarah's family for a week of vacation down south. Philip was at Holliday Lake with friends. Missing my kiddos. Heard that church was great and that Freeman was hysterical-playing the part of Pastor Alvin for his farewell roast. Saw pictures and didn't even know it was him.
Tues.-Busy day with lots of weed whacking going on (Susan), tomato picking, pulling weeds, and I forget what else!(Not sure what happened to Wed.)
Thurs.-Made some pizza sauce with lots of little tomatoes pureed in my nutribullet along with onions, peppers, garlic, and basil. Poured each mixture into a large crockpot. Turned it on high and kept lid off and cooked it down while I cleaned the house, did some washing and packing, and partied at Ron and Kathy's with some dear old friends. Dave and Krista Stoltzfus, who are missionary friends in Hong Kong, visited with some of the Hopewell Gang Locals over supper and then later, showed a video and shared about their work. It was a lovely evening and it was great to see the Martins, Gridleys, Stoltzfus's and Rancks. We always say that we should get together more often. It is so relaxing and easy. Homemade ice cream was incredible. Came home and canned 5 pints of pizza sauce and got ready for breakfast tomorrow with David and Krista, Conrad, Anthony, and Seth. They are excited about having homemade scrapple. D said that he doesn't think his boys have ever had it. We'll have homemade sausage and homemade eggs as well.
Fri.-Breakfast with Dave and Krista, Conrad, Anthony, and Seth. They visited Philip's pigs after breakfast to thank them for the sausage and scrapple. Walker Covington's funeral was at 11 at Walker's Presbyterian. Washed, cleaned, packed, and left at 5. Spent the night at a pet motel in Beckley. Lucy restless. Susan took her into bathroom and confined her until she fell asleep and then carried her back into the main room.
Sat.-Stopped at a Walmart in Beckley. Biggest and best one I've ever seen. A lot of good economy in the area with the coal mines. Walked into the men's bathroom and things didn't look quite right and I made an embarrassed beeline out the door just as a young man was going in. 'Wrong door?' he queried with a smile. Later, he found us in the parking lot and made friends with Lucy while we put her cage together. He has several boxers at home. We hurriedly moved things around because it began to rain huge drops. Stopped at Sheetz for breakfast coffee and fruit. Later, at a rest stop, we visited with two couples who owned two cherry red corvettes. They had been at a corvette convention and were headed back to Chicago. They made friends with us through Lucy. Later, we passed them, and the women were driving the cars. Been having trouble with my cell phone. Can't make or receive calls. They gave my number to someone else who has been receiving my calls. New programming crashed their system. Got to Makenzie's by noon. Couldn't stop crying when I saw her. She's 16. Phil and I went out later to have the Pasquali experience of Ranch Cheese Fries. We brought several orders back to the K's. Phil took a nap and I helped get ready for her party that evening. Highlight was singing with Phil, Tim, and Sam playing the guitar. Mimi, Kathy, and I, sang with them and they regaled us with their early years as travelling musicians and the days when they were the starting band for Alan Jackson. Slept overnight in the basement.
Sun.-On our way by 8:30. Lucy didn't know what to think as we pulled away. Susan is spending the week and I'll pick meet her halfway in a few days. Read from a book about Psalm 23 to Phil as he drove. We talked about worship and what it the word 'new' may mean in light of worship, relationships, and life. Stopped at Cabela's in Charleston and bought a big sieve stirrer for making scrapple. Also bought a queen sized camouflage comforter set for half price and a camouflage jacket for me. We used cabela points and with the great sales, we hardly paid a thing. Stopped at Sam's Club for a pizza lunch. Traveled until Beckley where we visited the Tamarack Artisan Center/Local crafts, etc. Were happy to get home. Phil picked corn and we had a supper while we finished the last tenth of The Sting. We've been trying to see the end of it for over a week. Michael left today to go with Sarah's family for a week of vacation down south. Philip was at Holliday Lake with friends. Missing my kiddos. Heard that church was great and that Freeman was hysterical-playing the part of Pastor Alvin for his farewell roast. Saw pictures and didn't even know it was him.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Hertzler Doings~July 15-21, 2013
Mon.-Hot week in the forecast. Picked some beans. Went to be with DDF and family for a few hours in the afternoon. To lose a son at the age of 22 can never be right. Why, God? Why?
Tues.-Freeman hurt his back yesterday but after a visit with DF he is doing much better. He'll take it easy this week. Alli took off work to play nursefriend. Brought Lucy in out of the heat. Worked on taking notes on a writing project with LB. Called DDF and her eye is much better. Made a salad for supper. Had several really good talks on the phone. With my heart aching for the Hoffmans, I find it hard to focus. It doesn't seem fair for life to go on. I just want to be with them. Am missing Susan too. And I'm much more organized when she is here.
Wed.-Freeman spent the day here in the AC, resting his back. I ran errands in Appomattox and got back home right after Susan got back from Girl's Retreat. She's worn out but had a nice time. Alli and Freeman stayed for supper- BCLT sandwich-bacon, chicken, lettuce, tomato....Watched some Duck Dynasty for the first time. Interesting...entertaining...and feels slightly familiar for some reason.
Thurs.-Met Danielle at the house down the road to go over housekeeping for the Hoffman's guests coming in this weekend. Took a trip to Farmville. Millers, Gas, Bank, Amish Originals to pick up jars Sarah left there for me, (she responded to my request for jars on face book), hair cut by Mac, muscle therapy, visit with a friend, and Walmart. Susan mowed both places-9 hours worth of mowing. Got burned. Philip and Michael went to worship practice. Not sure if Freeman was able to go because of his back. I went with Phil to Jennifer's to get a haircut. Played with her three beautiful children. Phil and I ate our own corn on the cob for dinner when we got back. Susan went to bed early.
Fri.-Busy day. Met Lisa and Paul and her brother and family at the Weidman's house. Had a time of it getting the air to work but Paul figured it out once they got there. I can't think what else happened this day. Phil and Michael picked corn in the eve., Philip prepared for his Frisbee golf tournament tomorrow, and Susan went out to First Friday Movie night. Julie came and spent the night.
Sat.-Got up early. Had a nice morning freezing corn. Peter and Ivona came and we taught them how to blanch, cut off, and freeze corn. They were such a help. She washed all the dishes and swept the floor. Julie and Susan helped too. I went over to Hoffman's to receive food. Came back home. Went to funeral. Packed and overflowing. So meaningful. Paul and Lisa both shared. The college boys shared too. On the way home, we called Philip back because our phones had been turned off. He said that J. had an accident. We were soon there. So thankful she was ok. Car is totaled. Phil took me to H's and then took Susan home and came back. So many wonderful people came to bless Paul and Lisa and Desi. I feel buoyed up by all the show of love and support for them. Met extended family and enjoyed them so much and Karen and John, their neighbors. We want to do a six-um sometime soon.
Sun.- We stopped in at Piedmont to give arnica to J. and it wasn't long afterwards that she texted Susan and said it was already working. Church was...wow. A blessing from start to finish. During one of the songs, I realized that nothing is more impossible than death. It's so final. And Jesus has conquered death. Therefore, nothing else is impossible for Him to conquer if He has already conquered the worse possible thing. Also, it was either in a song or a prayer, but the revelation that He makes all things new overwhelmed me. He's not just about restoring or redeeming what was. He is all about making something out of nothing. Making something that wasn't there before. Making something new. Alleluia! He will do that for us. I am sure. I also appreciate the prayers for those in Michael's and Susan's age group. The prayers and prophecy's and hope and courage. Thank you God. We connected with several people after church to give them corn. Sara gave me 48 canning jars and Audrey also gave me a box. Just ask on face book and people will respond! Got 3 dozen earlier this week for Alli and Freeman. Came home and Phil picked corn for us and we were beginning to eat it when Will and Amanda stopped in and visited for several hours. Philip also brought Harvest and Savannah back with him and Jordan and Hayley came over and they went swimming in the lake in the midst of the storm. They came back and played Apples to Apples and then went back out into the pond. Later, after pizza, etc, they played it some more in the mancave. Philip took S and H back home shortly after 8:30. I really enjoyed all of the hubbub today. Lindsay said on face book that Adi said that 10 or her 49 kids are going to live with us. At least until she gets her third house built. I am honored that she wants to entrust 10 of her kids to me. I wrote back and said, 'Aww....only 10..." etc. Oh, Josh G. brought his dad and sis out here to shoot their guns. That was going on during the thunderstorm. They were under cover. It is a mess back there. I care but I would rather have people here in our mess than wait until we have no mess to have people here because then, they'd never be welcome to come.
Tues.-Freeman hurt his back yesterday but after a visit with DF he is doing much better. He'll take it easy this week. Alli took off work to play nursefriend. Brought Lucy in out of the heat. Worked on taking notes on a writing project with LB. Called DDF and her eye is much better. Made a salad for supper. Had several really good talks on the phone. With my heart aching for the Hoffmans, I find it hard to focus. It doesn't seem fair for life to go on. I just want to be with them. Am missing Susan too. And I'm much more organized when she is here.
Wed.-Freeman spent the day here in the AC, resting his back. I ran errands in Appomattox and got back home right after Susan got back from Girl's Retreat. She's worn out but had a nice time. Alli and Freeman stayed for supper- BCLT sandwich-bacon, chicken, lettuce, tomato....Watched some Duck Dynasty for the first time. Interesting...entertaining...and feels slightly familiar for some reason.
Thurs.-Met Danielle at the house down the road to go over housekeeping for the Hoffman's guests coming in this weekend. Took a trip to Farmville. Millers, Gas, Bank, Amish Originals to pick up jars Sarah left there for me, (she responded to my request for jars on face book), hair cut by Mac, muscle therapy, visit with a friend, and Walmart. Susan mowed both places-9 hours worth of mowing. Got burned. Philip and Michael went to worship practice. Not sure if Freeman was able to go because of his back. I went with Phil to Jennifer's to get a haircut. Played with her three beautiful children. Phil and I ate our own corn on the cob for dinner when we got back. Susan went to bed early.
Fri.-Busy day. Met Lisa and Paul and her brother and family at the Weidman's house. Had a time of it getting the air to work but Paul figured it out once they got there. I can't think what else happened this day. Phil and Michael picked corn in the eve., Philip prepared for his Frisbee golf tournament tomorrow, and Susan went out to First Friday Movie night. Julie came and spent the night.
Sat.-Got up early. Had a nice morning freezing corn. Peter and Ivona came and we taught them how to blanch, cut off, and freeze corn. They were such a help. She washed all the dishes and swept the floor. Julie and Susan helped too. I went over to Hoffman's to receive food. Came back home. Went to funeral. Packed and overflowing. So meaningful. Paul and Lisa both shared. The college boys shared too. On the way home, we called Philip back because our phones had been turned off. He said that J. had an accident. We were soon there. So thankful she was ok. Car is totaled. Phil took me to H's and then took Susan home and came back. So many wonderful people came to bless Paul and Lisa and Desi. I feel buoyed up by all the show of love and support for them. Met extended family and enjoyed them so much and Karen and John, their neighbors. We want to do a six-um sometime soon.
Sun.- We stopped in at Piedmont to give arnica to J. and it wasn't long afterwards that she texted Susan and said it was already working. Church was...wow. A blessing from start to finish. During one of the songs, I realized that nothing is more impossible than death. It's so final. And Jesus has conquered death. Therefore, nothing else is impossible for Him to conquer if He has already conquered the worse possible thing. Also, it was either in a song or a prayer, but the revelation that He makes all things new overwhelmed me. He's not just about restoring or redeeming what was. He is all about making something out of nothing. Making something that wasn't there before. Making something new. Alleluia! He will do that for us. I am sure. I also appreciate the prayers for those in Michael's and Susan's age group. The prayers and prophecy's and hope and courage. Thank you God. We connected with several people after church to give them corn. Sara gave me 48 canning jars and Audrey also gave me a box. Just ask on face book and people will respond! Got 3 dozen earlier this week for Alli and Freeman. Came home and Phil picked corn for us and we were beginning to eat it when Will and Amanda stopped in and visited for several hours. Philip also brought Harvest and Savannah back with him and Jordan and Hayley came over and they went swimming in the lake in the midst of the storm. They came back and played Apples to Apples and then went back out into the pond. Later, after pizza, etc, they played it some more in the mancave. Philip took S and H back home shortly after 8:30. I really enjoyed all of the hubbub today. Lindsay said on face book that Adi said that 10 or her 49 kids are going to live with us. At least until she gets her third house built. I am honored that she wants to entrust 10 of her kids to me. I wrote back and said, 'Aww....only 10..." etc. Oh, Josh G. brought his dad and sis out here to shoot their guns. That was going on during the thunderstorm. They were under cover. It is a mess back there. I care but I would rather have people here in our mess than wait until we have no mess to have people here because then, they'd never be welcome to come.
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