We have more garden planted. My husband Joe and the boys put out another 50 pounds of red potatoes. Now we have 100 pounds of red potatoes planted and we want to put out 100 pounds of storage potatoes yet. We also planted green beans, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce, swiss chard, radishes, and peas. Our peas and radishes we planted a few weeks ago are really doing well so far. Also on our list to do is to make homemade horseradish. Our rhubarbs and strawberries are also coming up real well. I always like this time of year when everything starts growing and things are greening up. Dandelion greens are getting bigger and it doesn’t take long to collect some for a salad. I have seen a few yellow blossoms. The dandelion greens will be bitter after they bloom.

Sister Emma and husband Jacob and family stopped by here on the way home from church yesterday. We had council meeting so church services lasted longer than usual. (Editor’s note: “council” refers to the service in preparation for upcoming Communion) I told them I would make supper for them so they could eat before they went home. We made everything in the oven such as meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, and dressing. Joe, Jacob, and the boys played basketball outside while we prepared supper. It was a nice warm evening for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

I recently heard the news that my older sister Leah and Paul’s son Ben and Rosemarie are the parents of their second child, Amos. Ben is my deceased parent’s oldest grandchild and lives in Wisconsin. That would have made 9 great-grandchildren for my parents. This week also marks sister Leah and Paul’s 29th wedding anniversary. Where did all the years go to? I was in third grade when they were married and I still remember that day well.

Elizabeth has the water in the washing machine and has the clothes all gathered so I need to help her do laundry. It always makes it easier when we help each other do laundry. One of us can put the clothes through the wringer while the other hangs the clothes on the line.

Kevin, 4 seems extra bored this morning. After having the children home a week for spring break it seems too quiet for him. He put in some long days playing outside with the other boys. He likes to help them do the chores and always feels so proud to bring in the eggs he has gathered from the chicken pen. He still wants someone to go with him because he is scared of our main rooster.

Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups sugar

1-1/2 cups brown sugar

2 cups margarine

2 cups peanut butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 eggs

4 cups flour

2 cups oatmeal

4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

12 ounces of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Melt margarine and mix with sugars, peanut butter, and eggs. Then add in the dry ingredients. Mix until thoroughly blended. Then add chocolate chips. Roll into balls and bake at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes. Cookies will spread out and be golden brown the edges when they are done.