First of all, let’s continue to keep all the people in our prayers that were affected by the storms and floods. Patrick County did a great job of collecting supplies and donations of money. The young people worked hard also.

Put Belinda Barnes on your prayer list.  She was involved in a bad auto accident last week. Belinda is the manager of the Jesus House Clothing Ministry. Her faith in the Lord is very strong.

Recently I had a memorable experience, thanks to my neighbors Larry and Teresa Martin. It was an early birthday gift and a wonderful surprise—a trip to the Amish community in Pennsylvania and it was a beautiful place—so neat and clean—not a bit of trash on the roadside. In three days we only saw two small bits of paper on the roadside and I told Larry I bet that was thrown out by a tourists.

A memorable experience for me would be if I was able to go into an Amish home and sit and talk to them, and that came true. I sat at their table and talked to them. The father was repairing farm machinery , but the mother welcomed us. We also met the six lovely children, and soon there will be a seventh child. My dreams came true, and I will have some more things to mention later.

Thanks to Dorothy Vipperman for the eggs and the strawberry preserves. She also sent Linda Roberts some strawberry preserves.

Fresh veggies continue to thrive in our community. My peppers are doing well. Thanks to everyone who has shared with me.

I had a nice note from Beverly Woody the other day. She’s busy with teaching school right now.  She tells me that there will be a reunion Saturday, September 23 from noon until, for the descendants of Rock Castle residents. It will be at Slate Mountain Presbyterian Church. I have been thinking about going. Beverly said she would pick me up.  Beverly, that was a good drawing you did of Jack the dog.

I had a nice letter from Pauline Martin of Rocky Mount, N.C. She’s my flower friend across the miles. We keep in touch often by letters.

It surely was nice to be back at Elizabeth’s Pizza on a rainy day and have time to chat a bit.

I was thrilled to hear from Gertrude Vipperman up on the mountain.  She says that blue Dawn dishwashing liquid works for the ants.

Remember, the only lasting love and help is that which comes from the Lord.

Hot dog hint: Before heading out for a picnic, place hot dogs in a thermos and cover them with boiling water. When it’s time to eat , the hot dogs are piping hot and ready to eat. Don’t forget the buns.

BLACK MAGIC CAKE

(from Amish Cookbook)

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup cocoa

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup black coffee

1 cup milk

1/2 cup salad oil

2 tsp vanilla

Sift dry ingredients together, add eggs and liquids. Stir until batter is smooth (batter will be thin). Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until done. (Note this very moist cake can be made ahead of time because it actually becomes moist the second day).

Food for Thought

The only excuse we have for not praising the Lord is to praise him until we run out of breath, for the Lord said “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”  (This came from my Amish cookbook)