One night recently when a storm came up it was thundering and lightning really badly. It scared some of the children so they went down to the basement where they feel safer. Four-year-old Kevin told the children to “let go and let God.” We thought that sounded so cute. We need reminders like that sometimes

Daughter Verena still seems to be doing OK. She gets tired very easily and gets headaches a lot. Otherwise she doesn’t seem to have any lingering side effects from the brain concussion she experienced on June 2. We are so thankful that she has regained back so much of her health. We still need to be aware that she may still experience some post-concussion relapses in the weeks ahead. I am so thankful for readers sharing some of their own stories about brain injuries. It makes us feel fortunate compared to what others have dealt with. Verena also wants me to thank all the readers who sent cards, gifts, and nice notes. She enjoys receiving them and reading all the good wishes. She has physical therapy only once this week and we hope she will soon be able to do most of it here at home. The therapist says she still shows a bit of weakness on her one side. (Editor’s note: The column’s editor, with Lovina’s permission, has posted a photo of Verena openi ng some of the many cards she has received from readers at www.amishcookonline.com/special

In accordance with custom, Verena’s face is not visible)

Daughters Elizabeth, 16, and Susan, 14, are going to start corn-detasseling soon, maybe next week. I will miss their good help here at home. Meanwhile, daughter Loretta is counting the days until her 10th birthday which is July 1. Her and Benjamin will both be 10-years old for two weeks before Benjamin turns 11 on July 14.

We have cucumbers and zucchini ready in the garden. It is beginning to make mealtime easier with all of the garden goodies being ready. I also noticed I had a small green pepper hanging on one of my plants. I love this time of the year when you can go out to the garden and harvest all kinds of vegetables. Down the road from us a big field of seedless watermelon are planted. It is something different for once. I need to go help the girls with the laundry so until next week God’s blessings.

A reader in Traverse City requested the zucchini casserole.

Homemade Zucchini Casserole

3 cups grated zucchini

1 cup Bisquick

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup shredded Valveeta cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

small onion, diced

IPreheat oven to 350. In a large mixing bowl, mix everything together in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the zucchini is thoroughly coated and mixed in. Pour into 2 quart casserole and bake at 350 for 45 to 60 minutes. Delicious!