We're Eatin Crappie Fish!

Oh, I just had to write that title. Bunny is always saying that this thing or that thing is really "crappy" when it's something she doesn't like. But everytime she says it, I honestly have to think for a minute as to whether or not she means "fishy"!

Jacob and his brothers Levi and Glen David went ice fishing this past weekend. Jacob has a Mennonite Cousin, Fritzie who drives them up to Michigan each winter for some ice fishing. Mostly, they just bring home panfish, like Crappies or Bluegills. This year, they went to a different spot than usual. This is a little farther north to a place called Portage Lake.

Well they must have more species of fish or something there, because not only did they bring back crappie and bluegill, but Jacob and Levi both each got a big Northern Pike! They said Fritzie was fixin to catch himself a Walleye, but it never did happen.

Levi said the whole way home Fritzie was pouting a little, kept saying things like, "Boy those Pike sure are beauties! You boys sure got lucky!" Levi said it was about all he could do to hold his tongue and not say, "Luck has nothing to do with it!" Jacob laughed when they retold the story, and Glen David said, "Yeah, but you knew better. You didn't want to walk all the way home!"

I guess fishing trip for men is about as close to a hen party they will ever get. I am sure glad they had fun, and it looks like we'll be having some fish for supper!


God Bless,
Rebekah

July 4th

A few years ago, when the farm was doing much better, Jacob and his brother, Levi, each went and bought a 2 bedroom cottage on Lake Wawasee. The cottages are right next to each other too. Oh sure, when some of the other Amish in our church heard that we bought a cottage, there were several tongues clucking. One man even told Jacob he was becoming too much of the world by purchasing a vacation home. But Jacob isn't one to listen too much to what other people think. Trust me, these are not fancy by any means. They are very basic cottages; like park model homes, but they suit us. We like to go up there each 4th of July with the kids. The kids love swimming and fishing and most of all they love watching the fireworks over the lake.

The first year, it seemed we were the only Amish out there on the lake. But now I've noticed a few more here and there. Last year we decided to do what Levi does and rent out the cottage. Mostly, we just rent it out by word of mouth, and mostly just to other Amish, since we don't keep electric in the cottages. That money, in addition to the money we make from the Flea Market, has been a big blessing to us as it has been enough to make up where the farm has suffered this year. I feel like Jacob and Levi were truly inspired to buy when they did.

There are a few weeks we don't rent out, and the week of the 4th is one of them. We like to keep that open just for our family. The kids have loved it and look forward to it.

This year we got our choring done early and headed to the lake. We had a weenie roast with Levi, Etta-Sue and their five children. Of course they all spent the day in the water as well. After cleaning up supper, we let the kids roast marshmallows while waiting for the fireworks show. They oohed and ahhed and even the little ones managed to stay awake this year.

Even though it was a lot of work, I feel well-rested. I guess it has been a while since Etta-Sue and I got together. We just laughed and laughed. I'm thankful to the Lord for such a wonderful country, such a wonderful family, and for such a wonderful weekend.

I hope you each had a wonderful 4th of July as well.

God Bless,
Rebekah