Homemade Ice Cream with Pizza

What could be better than homemade ice cream with good friends?

For three or years our family has been trying to find a date that would suit our Amish friends to get together in the winter for homemade ice cream and a good visit. It has been difficult finding a day that would suit so many and not have the weather be an issue. Well, it finally happened on Friday.

My husband and I brought my mom, since she knows these folks, too. We all met at Sarah & Wallie's. There were five Amish families plus the three of us. One family from Ohio and another was from Punxsutawney. So there were folks we had not seen for quite some time. It seemed like hundreds of kids having a great time together. There were really 28 of us all together. It was unfortunate that none of my kids could be there. These folks were all anxious to meet our grandsons, but you can't plan for everything, and we didn't plan for a sick boy. Our youngest was away on business in Philly.

With so many mouths to feed, everyone pitched in. The Byler girls made pizza and the ice cream and mom and I brought pretzel salad, cake, pies and cookies. All of this washed down with the sweetest, coldest spring water I have ever tasted. So you can see that if you went hungry it was your own fault!

It seems that my eyes have been 'spoiled' by our lights. It was difficult for me to adjust to the lamp light. After awhile, it seemed a bit better, but I was wishing for one more light. (Could it be my age??? lol )

When we arrived, the men were gathered in one room, while the women were making preparations. The children all enjoyed playing in the room off the kitchen. When it was time to eat, the men were slow in getting to the food table in the kitchen, so, the kids were served first. then the men arrived, then the women. The men ate in the room where they were visiting and the women in the kitchen. The kids were everywhere in between.

When it was time to clean up, I was anxious to exercise my dry sink skills. Elizabeth, the matriarch of the family insisted that since I was a grandma, that I sit and let the girls do the clean up. So, I scraped a few plates and gathered silverware, but didn't get a chance to do dishes. How's that for strange--I wanted to do the dishes! The kids had left quite a few potato chip pieces on the floor, so I offered to sweep up a bit under the table. Well, I guess I can't talk and sweep at the same time because, it wasn't long before Elizabeth was laughing at me stepping in my pile of crumbs! Of course, I just couldn't see it! We all laughed and I finally managed to get the floor cleaned up.

The women talked about our gardens and babies and spring chores that were upcoming. Later on the girls showed me how they make little soft, handkerchief toys for their kids to play quietly with during their three hour church services. What a challenge keeping little ones entertained and quiet for three hours! I was able to learn how to make a 'mouse'. Lizzie showed me how to make a 'baby', a 'set of twins' and a 'bonnet' for the baby. It was so cute to see the little ones learning how to make them, too. A dear little five year old helped to teach me how to make the mouse.

Of course, the subject of chickens came up. I was even offered an entire flock and the hen house, with the manure included! But, I don't think we will be doing chickens any time soon. It seems that hubby is not interested in raising chickens. Oh, well. It's not like I don't have anything to do around here.

The group talked about having another get together in June when the strawberries are in. More ice cream and fresh strawberries! I am already anxious for June to come.

I always come away from an Amish visit wanting to slow down, light my oil lamps and enjoy the quiet. While they work hard and are busy, there is a relaxed way to the things they do. It was enjoyable to observe the women work together and know each other's kitchen so well. I watched, too, as the children played together and the young girls were eager to hold babies and be helpful.

The evening wore on as we visited and some of the young ones drifted off to sleep in the corner of the room. The warmth of the coal heat and the delight of friends made for such a relaxing evening. It was hard to leave.

I am so grateful to be able to spend a simple evening with wonderful friends who make our visit to Amish country a pure delight.