Dear Reader-Friend,

Happy springtime! In Lancaster County Amish country, farmers have already plowed their fields and seeded clover and alfalfa. The annual spring airing of quilts and blankets is finished, and houses have been cleaned from top to bottom, ready for the warm, sunny days and mild evenings soon to come. This year spring has arrived early, just as it has in many locales around the country.

My Dear Reader-Friend,

In thinking ahead to the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, I've embraced the idea of simplifying the many trappings of our family celebrations. A conversation with one of my Amish consultants just this morning reminded me again of the joy of simplicity—of paring down the extraneous in order to focus on the meaning of these special times set aside for faith and family and friends.

My Dear Reader-Friend,

I can still feel the sun's warmth from my brisk walk this beautiful Colorado summer morning. This time of year always stirs wonderful memories--memories of picnic tables laden with delicious food, sipping sweet lemonade in the shade with my family, conversations and laughter carrying us through glowing afternoons. Yet the breath of fall comes gently on the wind, and I am reminded that there is a season for everything.

My Dear Reader-Friend,

Happy Mother's Day to you who are mothers and grandmothers! May the day be very special and joyful.

I have sweet memories of my mother who cooked from scratch (does anyone cook like that anymore?) and played beautiful music at the piano and organ. She had a special way with Plain people, because she was raised with Anabaptist values and seemed to understand their sometimes curious ways.