The Lovina Eicher column this week opens on a warm October evening with temperatures still in the 60s. Sunshine all day meant fast-drying laundry while Benjamin, Joanna, and Verena cleared the yard by blowing and raking leaves, then burning the dry piles.
Verena cared for Loretta’s two little ones through the morning, and Denzel joined after school. He was eager to pitch in with the raking, answering every request with his signature, “Sure!”
Lovina Eicher column: Hunting milestones and venison preferences
Daniel Ray spent time butchering a doe he harvested during a Saturday bow hunt with son-in-law Tim, who also tagged a deer. He plans to turn part of his venison into jerky. While the family praises the steaks, Lovina says she prefers venison in dishes like Sloppy Joes or chili, noting that her father was also particular about the taste.
Youth season brought firsts for the grandsons. Timothy (TJ), 7, took a doe and an 8-point buck, and Isaiah, 7, harvested a doe. The boys were proud of their accomplishments. Little Ervin Jr., 2, was ready to “hunt” one evening in a life jacket, believing what keeps him safe in the water would do the same in the woods, providing the family with a good laugh.
Wedding dinner and fair weather on the way
The family plans to attend a 5 p.m. wedding dinner on Wednesday for Thomas and Kathy. It is the final invitation of their busy wedding season. The forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 70, fitting weather to celebrate.
Family Night, turkey on the grill, and a long board game
Friday’s monthly Family Night brought the entire group back under one roof. With guests supplying an array of dishes and the hosts providing ice cream, the evening turned to games like Rook, Cover Your Assets, and Piles.
Sunday stayed quiet. Joe grilled an 18-pound turkey from the freezer, served with mashed potatoes and gravy. With a smaller group at the table, there were plenty of leftovers. After lunch, they dove into a two-hour round of Life on the Farm. As the game wrapped up, Sister Emma arrived with nephew Steven, nephew Ben and Crystal, and their three children for a night of visiting.
Reader question on celery, and a weeknight recipe
A reader named Mary asked how to process celery for later use. Lovina notes she has not grown celery herself and is seeking advice from others who have experience. She recalls her mother and some sisters grew it, but her own garden always held other staples. As the household needs have reduced, she is planting less each year.
Recipe: Salsa Mac-n-Cheese
- 1 pound hamburger
- 16 ounces chunky salsa
- 1 3/4 cup water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 12 ounces processed cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Brown the meat in a large skillet, draining if needed. Add salsa and water and bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Add cheese and stir until melted. Enjoy.
Lovina Eicher is an Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Readers can write to her at PO Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091, with a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply, or email Questionsforlovina@gmail.com to have a message passed along.