Saturday, March 29, 2014

Random Bits

Ever since my parents opened their store Christmas always meant a big box filled with goodies they randomly picked from the shelves to send to us.

Last Christmas I knew that usual box would not be coming, since they were still in the process of rebuilding their store after the fire.

Yesterday, much to my surprise we received a big box stuffed to the brim.


A big block of my favorite cheese, assorted yummy snacks, a stack of books, and some other fun things for the children.

~~~~~

Some Amish schools have a schedule where families in the community takes turns bringing a hot lunch to school once a week as a nice break from packed lunches.

Often the family bringing the lunch to school will stay for noon recess and help the children play.

Recently it was my uncle's, who also happens to be a bishop, turn to furnish lunch. After everyone was done eating they went outside to play softball with my uncle being pitcher for both teams. As he pitched for one of the upper grade girls, she swung the bat with grim determination, her efforts paid off as her bat met the ball with a satisfying "crack". Unfortunately the ball went flying straight into my uncles face, knocking him out.

He was taken to the hospital, where they took care of his cut cheek, broken nose, and gave him advice on taking it easy for a while.

I feel sorry for the girl though, she will always be known as the girl who knocked out the bishop.

~~~~~

Maple sugaring season is under way and our usual quiet little town is overflowing with thousands of tourists that descend every year to sample, watch, and buy.

I'm staying at home until the craziness is over.

15 comments:

  1. Dear me! What a shock that must have been for your uncle!! What a lovely tradition it is for the families of the community to take hot lunch to the school children. Yippee for care packages that come in the mail...what a blessing your parents sent you all that yumminess. :) As for the maple sugaring...I have always wanted to be able to visit a maple farm and see the goings on at this time of year. However, I do understand your desire to stay home. We mostly did that when the Winter Olympics came to town. :) Many blessings, Camille

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  2. That poor little girl. She'll always remember that. It was just an accident and I hope they are helping her to realize it was not her fault.
    What a treat... the cheese and snack-filled box. Whenever we get over into Indiana, I get several cheeses. And the Amish butter is so delicious. Nothing like the stuff we have in the grocery stores.

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  3. What a wonderful surprise to get in the mail!! The cheese sounds wonderful. I love cheese, and wonder where that kind would be marketed? Probably only in the Amish communities. I'm not sure if we have an Amish community in Florida. Will have to do some research!

    What a shame about the softball incident!! For both your uncle and the young girl!!

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  4. Yum. What a delicious looking package. I have never heard of butter cheese.
    Your poor Uncle. I hope his pain subsides soon.

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  5. I love hearing about how lunches are provided by the families once a week. I remember going home for lunch and eating with my Mom when I was in grade school. Those days are over, no one goes home for lunch anymore. But families bringing lunch and then playing with the kids keep the families so involved an active in the children's education. That poor girl. I'll pray for your uncles's healing and her to realize that it was just an accident.

    Your box of treats looks delicious. I've never heard of that cheese but it sounds wonderful.

    Blessings,

    Betsy

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  6. I've never tried the butter cheese, but we love the Guggisberg Baby Swiss.What a fun box to get!

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  7. Upstate NY is sugaring too (which I am sure you well know) and I am dreaming of pancakes and real maple syrup.

    That honey comb reminds me of you once mentioning Wixons. I think all the Barrel People are gone now too. So sad.

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  8. Your poor uncle! I'm so sorry that basebill hit him that hard. I also feel sorry for the girl. I hope that your uncle recovers quickly from his injuries.

    I work in the deli department of my local grocery store. We carry several of the Guggisberg cheeses, but not the Amish butter cheese. What other cheese does it taste like? For instance, does it taste anything like Farmer's cheese? I ask because our store might be interested in carrying it.

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  9. OMG! I hope the girl who knocked out the Bishop will always be on speaking terms. I laughed but seriously I feel sorry for the poor girl.

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  10. I think that happens more than you think. My friend's daughter wears a mask when she pitches fast pitch softball! Sweet surprise from your parents...sure that made your day!

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  11. That's a really good step by the schools in engaging the nearby families, bringing fresh lunch for the students at least once a week...Wow
    but that accident episode makes me feel sorry for both; the victim and the attacker...

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  12. My first thought was for the girl....she must have felt terible....bless her heart,and your uncle's as well. How wonderful to recieve a Christmas box of goodies in the Spring....bet,that was exciting for your family,especialy the children. Blessings Mary Ann

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  13. Our neighbor girl (amish) came over to pop popcorn in our microwave, she told me this was her first year teaching and was so happy when the students surprised her with a hot lunch last week.

    Do Amish children have homework? We plan to homeschool because I can not imagine my 6 year old at school all day then doing 1.5 hours of homework on top of that :(

    We are also making syrup here - this next week looks great!

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  14. Our neighbor girl (amish) came over to pop popcorn in our microwave, she told me this was her first year teaching and was so happy when the students surprised her with a hot lunch last week.

    Do Amish children have homework? We plan to homeschool because I can not imagine my 6 year old at school all day then doing 1.5 hours of homework on top of that :(

    We are also making syrup here - this next week looks great!

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.