May 8, 2009

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  Aunt Marian

   

   

  Several weeks ago my Mother's oldest sister, Marian, called and asked if we could come that Sunday for dinner at her home. Oh my - with joy we would! After our phone conversation was over, my mind immediately went back to childhood days and I enjoyed reminiscing!  Aunts, Uncles, and cousins would gather together and have a wonderful time at mealtimes and visiting together! At that time they lived in a BIG farmhouse; the kitchen was very long and could seat 24 people. As their family grew, the overflow went into their dining room when guests were invited. This farm house had five bedrooms. Yes, it was large and plenty of life flowing from every nook and corner it seemed. After Nevin and I were married she would have us for a meal with other church friends. It's a place you always enjoyed going for fellowship and food! She was/is a wonderful cook!

  Marian's cooking skills go way, way back as they went to several markets for years. In time Earl and Marian build a home bakeshop there on the farm calling it Minnich's Bakeshop. They made and sold many wonderful items from rolls, soups, salads, cookies, cakes, and pies and more that I haven't mentioned! It was one busy place! (Before I was married I helped them to prepare food when they still made their food in the farm house!)

  Aunt Marian was diagnosed with macular degeneration which affected her eyesight in 2001. Earl began experiencing shortness of breath so they sold the farm and moved to a cottage at a retirement community. Earl went to be with Jesus in October 2004. Earl was such a blessing to Marian with her limited eyesight; she handles his loss so graciously and speaks of him lovingly. I marvel at Marian!! With her very limited eyesight she continues to cook for guests. There is a little "notch" made at the 350 degree spot on her oven so she can know where to find that starting point. I have never heard her complain. When I think how many things have changed for her, you would think she has a "right" to complain!! But she has a heart to serve and bless others with her cooking and hospitality - and that she surely does! I could say much more about her and Earl (and the growing up years with my cousins) but you would be reading for a long, long time then!!

  I really looked forward to this invitation as it is our first time to have a meal with Marian since she moved from the farm in 2002.

   

   

   

  

  I will introduce you to the guests Marian had today. Do you remember Jim and Faye? They are the grandparents of little Gavin who went to be with Jesus as you would have read on an earlier post in 2009. Jim is one of our ministers.

   

   

   

  

  John (my cousin) and Lois....John is one of Marian and Earl's sons - and one of our greatly appreciated Sunday School teachers.  Today they took Marian to church and when they returned, helped her in  the kitchen.

   

   

   

  

  Have you ever become frustrated with saran wrap?! That's like asking if you ever get tired! Jane is helping Marian to cover the homemade caramel pudding after our lunch is completed and we are putting things away. This pudding is soooo good - Mother taught us girls how to make it while growing up. It's easier to grab the cooked pudding today at the grocery store but it doesn't near match the flavor of this "gesture of love!!" Our other desserts were a fruit pudding, raspberry pie, lemon sponge pie, ice cream, and coffee!!!   This is how my Grandma cooked! (Marian made all these things!!) Then she passed pretzels and candy....as if we might have room for that!!

   

   

   

  

  The men are visiting while we ladies put the dishes away. This is Jane's husband, Carl.

   

   

   

  

  Lois (her daughter-in-law) is not just creative but very creative. A small sample of that is seen in this pin cushion she made and gave to Marian today.  

   

   

   

   

  I like this picture of Marian....she doesn't see much of this but can examine it with her hands. She's studying it.

  She's a remarkable lady. Just recently I found out that she spends time memorizing portions of scripture. She has a light table that magnifies letters for her.

  Well, I took you down memory lane for a bit. I thank the Lord for these precious memories! It was a blessing to spend time with Marian and her guests and our friends, today.

   

   

  ♥

  To my dear family and friends -

  Happy Mother's Day!

   

   

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