Happy Valley Pride: September 9, 2009

A month ago, my nephew's girlfriend, Christina, gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread. It takes 10 days to make the bread.

The first day you receive the starter, you do nothing. For the next four days, you just mush the bag. On day six, you add to the bag 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk, then mush the bag. For the next three days, you mush the bag. On the 10th day, you make the bread.

In the process, you will set aside four new bags of starter, one to keep and three to pass along to friends.

Only the Amish people know how to create the starter, so if you give all four starter bags away, you will have to wait until someone gives you one back.

I did keep two starters for myself, so every 10 days, I can give six people a starter package.

Now, when people stop by my berry patch, I give them a prize of a starter.

It is a good way to launch new friendships or to welcome new people into the neighborhood.

Want a starter? As long as I make the bread, I will have fresh starters to give away, and I will be glad to share. What is so wonderful about this bread is I can make so many variations. This week, for example, I will be making pistachio- and butterscotch-flavored breads.

Don't forget the clean-up of our roads on Saturday, Sept. 19. We gather at 8 a.m. for coffee and sweet rolls at the Happy Valley Community Center. After every volunteer signs in and receives the Treasure Hunt rules, the first 30 people will receive a Pride Day T-shirt.

Don't forget to bring gloves, sturdy walking shoes, water and a hat.

At noon, we will have a potluck luncheon, so bring your favorite dish of salad, dessert or side dish to share. Country market is donating the barbecue chicken.

This all takes place at the community center. If you have any questions, call me at 357-2416.

Also remember that at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, we will have the Happy Valley Farm Trail meeting and potluck. Our subject of discussion this month is, "How to Eat from Your Garden All Year Round." Everyone is welcome.

The thought for this week is, "Parents have the obligation to show their children the way of stewardship through their words and actions."

Be a good steward. Volunteer, recycle and give God the glory.