Lifestyle

Getting to know Verena and Daniel Ray

I am Lovina’s “English” friend Ruth, and since Lovina is busy with wedding preparations this week and recovering next week, I am filling in for her for the next two columns. This past Saturday the tables and benches were set up in the shed for next Friday’s wedding meals. Then the tablecloths, plates, silverware, cups, etc. were placed and are ready for the first meal serving after the morning wedding. The couple chose an ocean theme so the tablecloths are multicolors of blue which look like beautiful ocean water. Daniel’s family, Verena’s family, sisters Emma and Verena and all the children pitched and made quick work of getting the tables ready. I have known Lovina over 20 years and have attended weddings, funerals and church with her over the years and I am still impressed with how everyone pitches in and works together. If there is complaining I have not heard it. I hear laughter, teasing and even a bit of shenanigans.

Read MoreGetting to know Verena and Daniel Ray

Eicher family busy with wedding preparations

It is a nice sunny Sunday afternoon with a pleasant temperature of 75°. It is great porch sitting weather. We attended church services this morning hosted by our neighbors. My cousin Lovina, her husband Pete and some of their families were there. It was good to visit with her again. I was surprised to see her. Their daughter is getting married in July so we both are extra busy in our lives at the moment. I was surprised to hear this is the sixth of her children also getting married. She has eighteen grandchildren. I don’t know why I forget that while our family is growing, others also have children getting married and having children. It’s probably because we don’t often see each other that reality doesn’t sink in right away. Lovina’s Dad Chris was my mother’s only brother. We spent a lot of our childhood days together. We would help each other butcher hogs or cook apple butter in large quantities. Lovina and Pete live on Uncle Chris and Lizzie’s farm. Lots of memories of years gone by. Yesterday was a busy work day here. A lot of jobs were completed for the upcoming wedding of daughter Verena and Daniel Ray. Daniel Ray’s family and all of our family assisted us with our work. The house siding was power washed, the pole barn was washed out well, flower and garden beds weeded, and sidewalks, pavement, cement all power washed. Windows, doors, cabinets, and walls were cleaned in the pole barn as well. Basement and breezeway windows were also cleaned. The younger children scrubbed the porch railings as well. Trimming was done around the fence lines, etc. We sure appreciated all of their help. Joe grilled forty pounds of chicken for lunch. I made creamed potatoes and dinner rolls to go along with that. Desserts were brought in. 

Read MoreEicher family busy with wedding preparations

Wedding season is in full swing in the community

We have entered the month of June. Oh goodness I am actually getting nervous with the wedding of daughter Verena and Daniel Ray being in eighteen days. I have not done much grocery shopping yet. I am still working on my list. It takes a lot of brain work to figure out all the ingredients you need for making over one thousand meals for the wedding day. And of course it does not help being another year older. Haha

Read MoreWedding season is in full swing in the community

Lovina’s Diary for Monday, May 12, 2025

4:15 A.M. Alarm rings, I pack son Benjamin’s lunch. Benjamin had a long weekend. He went up to Cadillac, Michigan camping with his friend and family Friday morning to Sunday night. They went mushroom hunting but it was too early for the mushrooms in that area yet. We have a meal of mushrooms here that son-in-law Tim found. What a nice expensive gift with the price of mushrooms. 

Read MoreLovina’s Diary for Monday, May 12, 2025

LSO debuts all-new “Classical Yoga” experience

LIMA — This summer, the Lima Symphony Orchestra invites the community to experience something truly unique: “Classical Yoga” – a one-of-a-kind event that blends the calming power of classical music with the meditative movement of yoga. Set in the peaceful, open-air setting of the LSO Courtyard (formerly Jameson Manor) 1028 W. Market St. Lima, OH 45805, these hour-long, instructor-led classes will offer an immersive outdoor experience where live classical music and yoga meet in perfect harmony.

Read MoreLSO debuts all-new “Classical Yoga” experience