Monday, October 5, 2009

Winter Evenings

I loved winter evenings. John and I used to hurry home from school and enjoy the snack that Mom would have waiting for us. Most of the time it was half of an apple with the center filled with peanut butter, but every once in awhile she would have a warm Raisin Oatmeal cookie waiting for us.

After we had eaten our snack we would hurry with our chores. The wood box had to be filled with enough wood to last until the next evening, and then I would have to peel potatoes while Mom got other things ready for supper.

Once we had eaten and the dishes were cleared away and any stray crumbs swept from the floor, Mom would start popping popcorn while John and I would go down in the basement with a flashlight and a bowl to get apples from the storage bin. We would all sit around the kitchen while Mom peeled apples and read stories to us.

After Mom had finished reading, she would work on her knitting or do hand sewing. I would work at cutting out patches for a nine patch quilt. Daddy would help John and David play. A little before 8 o'clock he would say "Time to get things in order." We would put our projects away, and turn our chairs making that if we knelt down we would be facing the east. Daddy would get his little black prayerbook and read the evening prayer.

Afterwards us children would race upstairs, calling out "Last one to bed is the green pig!" The upstairs was chilly as we hurriedly changed and jumped into bed. As I lay there I could hear the murmur of Daddy and Mom's voices, and the whistling of the pine trees around the house as the wind swept through them and piled the snowdrifts deeper. As I snuggled deeper under my covers I was sure winter would always be my favorite time of the year.

14 comments:

  1. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your site. I'm going to tell my mom about it, because I think that she will enjoy it too.

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  2. I love my own childhood memories, and yours are so interesting to read.

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  3. thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a message! I always appreciate messages!;0) I do not make the hats( I sell to many to keep up with them) , but I do make my flower bows, bows, and tutu's.

    I notices you have a great pyreneese dog(spelling?). We have 2. Daisy and Daphanie. They are the best dogs ever!!! I love that breed!

    blessings

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  4. such wonderful memories you share with us!

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  5. Your stories are amazing, arm & wonderful ... TY for sharing. Occasionally, I see small parts of our life in your upbrining.

    Have a great week. TTFN ~Marydon

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  6. What a great description of a family evening as it should be. Too many American households are dominated by television or video games. A few evenings a week of Zero electronics would be beneficial for all, I think.

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  7. You are such an amazing story-teller. It still CAN be like that (except I want lights ☺) - why do we fill our lives with unproductive things that make no memories and have no value?? I LOVE it here - it motivates me to simplify. Have a great day ~ ♥

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  8. I love winter evenings too, now as an adult. There is something so cozy and warm about family evenings, hot chocolate, and games.

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  9. I love hearing and even remembering about simpler things.
    Do you do some of this with your kids now?
    Sometimes our world just moves way too fast and I think it would be nice to have a night like this one.

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  10. This brings back similar memories of growing u as a little Amish girl.

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  11. What a perfect story for a chilly fall night, I love your memories and how you relate them to us...so wonderful how you tell your stories!
    XOXO
    Joni

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  12. There's an award for you on my blog. :)

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  13. That is a yummy snack and great idea for a place to hold the peanut butter.

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