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MY AMISH HOME: What the cat drug in and what the dog won't eat

C.Chen2 hr ago

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such turn withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. For they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith." – 1 Timothy 6: 5-10

A beautiful Monday afternoon. I don't know how much I'll get written. The outdoors calls to me and yet, I don't know what I'd do outside. Clean up the barn, maybe. Or maybe work on my flowerbeds.

The one has an overgrowth of irises and I'd like to just get rid of all of them, build up the soil, put edging around it and fill it with tulips and later perennials. Maybe next spring?

Anyway, for now, our schedule, such as it was, has taken another turn.

Because of hubby's falling episode, he didn't go to work all last week. He wasn't going to anyway on Friday as we had planned to go to the workshop boss's wedding.

But sometime Thursday morning I got this niggling feeling all is not well with me. I crammed the feeling down... I am not sick! No way! But by noon, I gave up and gave in...I was sick.

I called our caretaker for the wedding and said we can't go. By evening I had a severe case of stomach flu. And Erwin was starting with sore throat, sniffles, sneezing, all that miserable stuff. Feeling like something the cats drug in and the dogs won't eat.

By Friday I felt better but Erwin didn't. I got out my arsenal of pills and potions and started administering those to him, taking some myself.

Erwin lost his strength. Thursday evening/night, early Friday morning in the wee hours, we had Lloyd up here helping three times. Friday afternoon we had to call for help again. This time grandson Richard came to our aid.

By Saturday evening I was getting sick all over again — sneezing, congested, it was hard to breathe. So I slathered Unker's and went to bed. I did feel much better Sunday morning. Erwin is better but his strength hasn't returned as of yet. He is in the wheelchair.

We had to rig up something to give him his shower. He can't get in the tub or stand in the shower.

Lloyd got a showerhead to put on the hose by the washing machine in the utility room. We have a tub bench Erwin can sit on while I scrub him.

We weren't sure how everything was going to work, but I got things ready, had him all situated, ready for the scrubbing. I turned on the water, and the hose came off the connector. And dowsed Erwin good with cold water. He was not impressed. And not a happy camper. I actually found it hilarious, but then it wasn't me that got a cold shower.

Anyway, I shut off the water, called Lloyd, he came and put a clamp on the hose. So now, it works OK, not ideal, but doable.

Yes, last week was quite the week. Friday, Nov. 8, marked our 16th anniversary of living here on this little commune. Lots of changes, lots of water under the bridge. My dad only lived here two years before he passed away.

Three of our grandchildren next door got married. And now we have great-grands that come trotting up the path to visit us. That's always a day-brightener.

In closing, you cannot repent too soon, because you know not how soon will be too late.

Are you craving chocolate? Try these.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Frosting:

Additional miniature peanut butter cups

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, peanut butter, oil and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for two minutes or until smooth.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups half-full. Place a peanut butter cup in the center of each cupcake. Cover each with 1 Tblsp. batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Stir in peanut butter. Cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature or until mixture reaches a spreading consistency, about 10 minutes. Spread over cupcakes; immediately sprinkle with additional peanut butter cups. Let stand until set.

Photos: Union Pacific 'Big Boy' 4014 steam locomotive visits region