Flashlights

Anna M.  commented on a post where I had shared how I used to read late into the night using a flashlight.

What was an Amish girl doing with a flashlight?

Since Amish people don't use electricity most of them have far more flashlights than average Americans.

We used to keep at least one in each room. Every bedroom had one on the nightstand next to the bed. Cheap disposable flashlights were tucked under our pillows when we were children where they would be easy to find if we needed them.

We each got a really good one when we turned sixteen and joined the youth. They were essential in helping us find our coats and boots in the dark after hymn singings were over and finding our way to the correct buggy. Boys needed them to see to hitch up horses on Sunday evenings.

Basically any Amish home you go to once it's dark you will see flashlights being used.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. In what ways do you indulge yourself?

The only way I have been able to indulge myself for longer than I care to think has been chocolate and even that hasn't been often.

2. Have you ever taken a cooking class? Any interest? What type of class would you most like to try?

I have never taken a cooking class but, I would love to. If I could I would really enjoy going to culinary school as well as learn more about cake decorating.

3. What does it mean to be a good citizen?

Good citizens obey laws, are good neighbors, and take care of their little corner of the earth.

4. 'Tis the season of the political advert...do these ads influence your vote?
No, all these political ads do not influence my vote but, they successfully annoy me. Signs planted in yards, bumper stickers, and long Facebook rants don't sway me either.

5. What's something you see today that makes you wish you were a kid again?
There seems to be moments everyday when I think it would be fun to be a child again. Seeing our children carefree, living in the moment, the things that they get to enjoy including sleeping longer and their boundless energy all make me wish I wouldn't have been in such a hurry to grow up.

6. What's your least favorite cliche?

There are quite a few but one that has always bugged me was when some says, "Let me put a bug in your ear." 

Eww, no thank-you. I prefer keeping my ears bug free.

Also where did, "at the crack of dawn" come from?  So far in my life dawn has always arrived very quietly.


7. What percentage of your Christmas shopping has been completed? How does that make you feel?
A big fat 0%  Most years I would be making plans already and have some shopping done but this year Christmas seems to be the last thing on our minds. With so much sorrow in the family Christmas seems to have lost some of its appeal. Hopefully once the snows come we'll get into the spirit.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

 

Buddy loves playing in the leaves when ever he has a chance.

 

Winter seems to be right around the corner though. It actually snowed very nicely on Monday with huge beautiful flakes. The ground was still warm enough that it melted almost immediately. I'm hoping for a few more weeks of autumn.

Winner

It's Monday morning and time to choose the winner for my giveaway.

 

With the help of the random generator the winner is.......

 

Comment # 106

 

Becky's Bouquet said ......

 

I shared on FB

Congratulations! Please send me an email with your address and I will get this mailed to you.

For all those still waiting for a copy of Life with Lily see sidebar for links where you can purchase it.

Showing we Care

     Anniversaries have a way of reminding us anew of big events we have experienced in our life and often allow us to relive the feelings of those days.

 

   Yesterday marked the one month anniversary that LV's brother Melvin died in a work related accident.  I called my sis-in-law and we visited for quite a while. In the course of conversation she mentioned how really hard life is with out Melvin. And how since the initial shock has worn off harsh reality seems to have settled in. Right now she is at the point where everyone else seems to have gone back to their normal life but, life for her and their eight children is anything except normal. Cards and letters have slowed to a trickle and she is feeling very alone.

 

    I'm turning to all of you today in hopes we can flood her mailbox with cards and words of encouragement. If  you are interested in sending her something send me an email at: ajoyfulnoise(at)live(dot)com and I will send her address to you. 

 

   Let's show her and the children we still care.

Sharing a few Favorites ~ Giveaway

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

 

 

 

In celebration that Life with Lily has officially released I am having a fun giveaway of a few of my favorite things.

Included in the giveaway is a signed copy of Life with Lily, my favorite white rug made by my Aunt Emma, a pint of maple syrup made by LV's cousin from the beautiful sugar maple trees on their farm, and a pint of locally made apple butter.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me the first thing you see when you look behind you right now.  I checked right now and there is nothing behind me except light mauve flowered wall paper.

For a second entry post a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook then come back and leave another comment telling me you did.

I will be choosing the winner with the help of random generator on Monday Oct. 8th.