By Ivalien Reynolds

Labor Day in our county was jammed with traffic going to Hillsville for the huge flea market, and here there were yard sales everywhere.

I don’t need any more “stuff” but I did find some Amish books. I always enjoy the annual yard sale at the church of The Risen Lord. They have lots of books and prices are low.

It’s always good to go to Providence Methodist Church for the monthly country breakfast. It’s so good and I had good company to eat with Pastor Jim, Pastor Marion, Mike and Sue Hall. All of them are on my favorite persons list.

So sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Coy Tatum, a beloved citizen of Patrick Springs. Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family. Keep them in your prayers.

A very special lady in our community recently celebrated a birthday. Mae Clark turned 99 years old. She is a very sweet special lady.

The Simmons family was up for the weekend. I saw them at breakfast on Saturday morning and they were doing yard sales.

I found two Amish books at a yard sale, and I was so happy to have some good reading.

Thanks to all who have shared fresh produce with me. I’m eating well.

So sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Wesley Cauley, a well known business man in Patrick Springs. Mr. Cauley always had a great sense of humor. Love and sympathy goes out to the family, and keep them in your prayers.

Thanks to William and Linda Roberts for the nice bag of apples. I will enjoy them many different ways.

Miss Claudine said the last storm they had was scary. The rain came down hard and fast up on the mountain, like they had not seen before. Weather has changed a lot and we see lots of things happening over the world.

Thanks to G.C. Hylton for all the pretty fresh okra he brought the food ministry at church. We have been blessed with lots of pizzas and a pickup load of good bread. A big blessing from G.C. and the bread man.

Food for thought – To be remembered in prayer is to be lifted up to God in a special way. Is there someone God is bringing to our mind right now for prayer?

From an Amish cookbook:

Oat Bran banana raisin muffins

1 egg, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup 2 percent milk

1 cup mashed bananas

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup oat bran

In a bowl, combine egg, oil, sugar, milk, bananas and vanilla, mix well.

In another bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, oat bran and raisins. Stir into egg mixture only until combined. Spoon into 12 nonstick or paper lined muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until firm to the touch.

Variation – mix yogurt with onion soup. Try with assorted veggies, for example – radishes, mushrooms, green peppers, alfalfa sprouts.