Smicksburg Tales 1,2 & 3 (Amish Knitting Circle, Amish Friends Knitting Circle & Amish Knit Lit Cirlce ~ Complete Series: 888 pages for Granny Weaver Lovers and 30+ Amish Recipes

by Karen Anna Vogel

  When the buggy came to a halt, the horse neighed and tossed his sleek black mane to and fro. Hezekiah quickly got out of the buggy and took the reins, nuzzling the horse’s nose against his cheek. Such a caring, fine man; no wonder Colleen is so taken with him. But she’s not Amish…yet. As they ascended the porch steps, Granny sent up a prayer, knowing they didn’t come over to borrow sugar.

  Jeb met them at the door, one eyebrow cocked. “What brings yinz around? And Colleen, you in a buggy? Why not a car?”

  Colleen looked up at Hezekiah and beamed. “I’m practicing.”

  Jeb spun around and looked at Granny, as if needing help. No words came out of his mouth, but she knew that look. He needed her gentle ways to break the tension. “Come on in and have some soup. Jeb made enough for the whole settlement.”

  Hezekiah took off his straw hat and hung it on a peg on the wall. “Danki. But we just got done eating over at Emma’s.”

  Jeb motioned to the long oak table. “Then just have a seat while we eat. Deborah’s almost over the flu, but she’s still weak.” His eyes met hers. “You sit in your rocker, Love. No need to get up.”

  Granny nodded, thankful for the rocker in the kitchen. Always near the woodstove, nice and warm for winter. She just couldn’t peel her eyes off of Colleen’s glowing face. This girl, once so sad she couldn’t cry and cut herself instead, was having no problems showing her emotions now. She was as bright as a firefly at night. Hezekiah sat almost too close to her on the bench, as if they were a married couple.

  Jeb cleared his throat, twiddled his thumbs nervously on the table, and then met Hezekiah with a stern look. “What’s all this about? You’re Amish.”

  “And Colleen will be, too. It’s what we’ve come to discuss,” he said, unflinching. “Emma’s moving into the dawdyhaus, and is mighty lonely, being a widow and all. She’s real excited to have Colleen for company.”

  “And Iva and her kinner will be moving into the big farmhouse,” Colleen added. “She offered me a job, too, at the quilt shop and I’ll be doing farm chores and whatnot.”

  “Whatnot?” Granny asked. “You sound Amish, but do you know what ‘whatnot’ means?”

  “Yes, whatever needs to be done, I suppose.”

  “So cleaning a pig pen wouldn’t bother you?” Jeb asked with a snap. “How about shoveling horse manure from the horse stalls? Or –”

  “She understands, Jeb,” Hezekiah interrupted. “We’ve been working together over at Ella and Zach’s place. I can vouch that she actually likes farm chores.” He looked over at her fondly. “It’s the Amish in her.”

  Jeb quickly got up, mumbled something under his breath, and ladled soup into a bowl. He took the tray over to Granny. “Here now. You enjoy this.”

  Granny remembered the last time she was served on a tray. Ella had stayed with her while she was sick. How she’d miss that dear, sweet girl. “Danki, Jeb. But I can come to the table.”

  “Nee, sit tight. Garlic tea is coming up next.”

  She groaned. “Can’t you just make it all honey, with no garlic? It’s awful.”

  “Are you feeling any better, Granny?” Colleen asked. “We can come back. It’s not that important.”

  “I think it is,” Granny corrected. “If you move in with your oma, you’ll be out of the program at Forget-Me-Not.”

  “I know, and I’m thankful for all the Baptists have done, but I want an Amish life.”

  “And Aurora? Have you settled that part in your heart, too? Only going to eighth grade?”

  Colleen nodded enthusiastically. “Emma told me kids learn all there is to learn in eight grades, and she can be a life-long learner. Guess we’ll be like homeschoolers, once she’s out, always reading something, and learning from life experiences.” She put her hands on her heart. “I can’t say how much I feel Amish in here. Always have…”

  Jeb’s eyes softened. “Your actions tell me you’re sincere. Giving up the Baptist program and further education is admirable, from an Amish perspective. No disrespect for the Baptist and all, but being Amish is very different. “

  Silence filled the kitchen. The wind rustled outside, shaking the windows. Granny glanced out the window, seeing autumn leaves cascade from the heavens. Leaves that were once green, now yellow, crimson, and russet; nothing ever stayed the same, but it was God’s handiwork, so change was part of his plan as well.

  Granny looked over at Jeb, praying God would help him change with the times. More English than ever wanted to be Amish, and Jeb was always more guarded as to their motives. Being Amish meant faith in Jesus Christ, not just living without conveniences. But Colleen was a believer, and Granny felt deep in her heart she would make an outstanding Amish woman. That Hezekiah seemed to be choosing her above all others, was a testament to her character; many hoped Hezekiah would draw the lot, being a minister, admiring his devotion.

  Colleen broke the silence. “Don’t you want me in your church? Me having a child out of wedlock and all?”

  Jeb cocked his head forward. “Of course I do. I don’t judge the past if there’s repentance, and you’ve talked to Deborah enough for me to know your story. Nee, it’s just that being baptized is a life-long vow, to God and the community, much like a wedding vow. It can’t be broken, understand?”

  “I think of all people I would understand, since my own mother was shunned. I see the wisdom of living in community. Being out on your own, well, it’s like those nature shows: once an animal wonders from the pack, it gets picked off…eaten.”

  Jeb’s smiled softly. “I remember your mamm. It’s a pity what happened, and I have been praying for years that God would somehow redeem the situation for Emma.”

  Granny leaned forward. “Maybe this is an answer to prayer. Maybe Colleen will be to Emma what Maddie couldn’t be…a faithful Amish daughter.”

  Jeb looked evenly at Colleen. “You could be an answer to prayer, but you must take the baptismal classes very serious-like.”

  Colleen clasped her hands. “Then you’ll let me take the classes?”

  “Jah, after you’ve lived with Emma for a spell and with no car. And I promise to be extra hard on you, since all other baptismal candidates have been raised Amish, and know what they’re getting into. But you really don’t.” Jeb forced a wink. “I’ll give you an education.”

  “Danki, Jeb. I knew you’d be fair,” Hezekiah said. He looked over at Colleen, smiling his brilliant white smile.

  “Now, Hezekiah, you have no right courting a woman not Amish.”

  “Can’t court without kissing. Colleen said she won’t kiss me until we’re married.”

  Jeb’s jaw gaped. “Is that true, Colleen?”

  She nodded and poked Hezekiah in the side. “You’re going to have to keep an eye on him, more than me. He steals, and calls himself Amish.”

  Hezekiah laughed. “Only tried to steal a peck on the cheek.”

  Jeb’s eye met Granny’s. As he grinned, she knew what he was thinking. Young love. It’s so beautiful.

  ~*~

  Jeb slid the pumpkin whoopie pies out of the oven, and nailed his fists to his hips. “They’re burnt. Ach, how’d I do that?”

  Granny opened her eyes, having fallen asleep in her rocker. “What?”

  Jeb took the tray over to her and leaning down, displayed the now black pies. “How can you cook with wood? Too hard to know what temperature it is.”

  “Lots of practice…Old Man. Lots of practice.” She yawned and rubbed her eyes. “I dosed off and should have helped you more. I have lots of cookies to serve.”

  “Are you sure you’re up to having the circle? Why not cancel?”

  “Because people are living on the streets, and we made a commitment to the Baptists to help.” She held up the black socks in her lap. “They need warm feet.”

  Jeb bent down and kissed her cheek. “You’re an angel of mercy.”

  “I’m an agent of mercy.”

  “What?”

  “We’re God’s hands to a nee
dy world, jah? His agents?”

  Jeb put his hand on her cheek. “I do worry about you. We’re no spring chickens.”

  Granny knew Jeb meant well, but did he have to remind her of her age almost daily? “Well, speak for yourself…Old Man.” She looked up with a wry smile. “Now, the cookies are in a metal container under the bed. Can you fetch it?”

  Jeb shook his head as he headed toward their bedroom. “Under the bed. No wonder I can’t find any sweets…” he mumbled.

  Granny heard rumbling and Jack barking as she saw from the window a few buggies pulling up to the hitching posts. A van followed, and since it was coming at a slow pace, Granny knew Janice was driving, not Marge. She watched as Colleen ran from the van to Lavina, take her hand and whisper something in her ear, and then Lavina embraced her. Granny prayed Colleen didn’t get her hopes up too high. So few English who wanted to become Amish could handle it, but then again, Colleen had lived Amish while a kinner from time to time, when her mamm dropped her off at Emma’s.

  She noticed Suzy carrying Molly’s bed from the van. Poor little dog. Granny gasped when she saw Mona get out of a buggy with Fannie. Praise be. Knitting was sure to cure Mona’s ailing heart. As the girls came into the house, Granny couldn’t help but sorely miss Ella. She was probably selling pumpkins and gourds at her stand, putting every penny away for their trip to New York.

  “Hello, Deborah,” Janice said as she walked over to Granny. “You sure you’re up to this?”

  “Jah, and we’ll have it in the living room. Getting nippy outside.”

  “Let me help you up then.”

  Granny grimaced. She wasn’t an invalid, but let Janice take her by the elbow to the other room, while Lavina followed with her rocker. “Danki, but I’m much better.” She took her place in the rocker, and Lavina grabbed a lap quilt from the long bench. “Here, you need to keep warm.”

  Granny had to admit, she was touched by all the pampering. As they all took their seats, knitting in hand, everyone looked at Suzy.

  “Well, I see we have a new member. Fannie, do you want to introduce your mother?”

  Fannie furrowed her eyebrows. “Everyone knows her, jah? Janice and Colleen, you met my mamm outside.”

  Suzy snickered. “I’m sorry. I’ve taught so many classes, when I see a new face, I always want to introduce. Anyhow, welcome to our knitting circle, Mona. Some call us ‘Knit Pickers’ because we knit and pick each other up.”

  Mona’s expression was lifeless. Granny couldn’t tell if she was sad or glad. She quickly said a silent prayer for Mona and Fannie. What Fannie must deal with, being pregnant, newly married, and having no real support from her mamm. She also prayed that Fannie’s sister, Eliza, would get medical help for her post-partum depression. There was always too much put on Fannie.

  Suzy’s voice cut into her thoughts. She was instructing them again on how to decrease, and many had made mistakes in their socks. Suzy walked around the circle, fixing or instructing, while the others knit.

  Jeb appeared out of the kitchen. “I whipped up these cookies in my spare time.” He laughed. “If you want one, come and get it. I’m putting them on the kitchen table.”

  A round of thank you mixed with danki filled the room, and the women looked at each other and laughed. Granny heard Colleen say ‘danki’ and noticed Janice glare at her. Did Janice know Colleen planned to drop out of the program at Forget-Me-Not?

  Granny looked over at Lizzie who was knitting quickly, almost as fast as Suzy. “How was Amish Camp today?”

  Lizzie slowed her knitting pace. “It’s getting better, but Daed thinks the English ask such odd questions. And he so tired after they leave.”

  “What odd questions?” Janice asked. “I find them all educational.”

  “Well, they seem to stare at everything around them, and then ask about carved pumpkins. He just never knows what to expect.”

  “He’s doing fine,” Janice said, picking up the ball of yarn that fell from her lap. “I do know there are plenty of differences between the English and Amish, though.” She looked evenly at Colleen, and stared.

  A hush fell over the women, as Janice’s tone wasn’t too pleasant. Colleen looked around the circle. “Janice is upset that I’m moving in with Emma. I dropped out of the program.”

  Suzy sat down in an empty spot. “Colleen. How could you? You were making such progress.”

  All eyes ascended on Suzy. She cupped her mouth. “I’m sorry. Not that being Amish is…not progressing.” She shook her head. “I’m just shocked, I guess.”

  The door flew open and Marge appeared. “So sorry I’m late! But I’m tired a lot lately.” She beamed at all the women in the circle. “Can anyone guess why?”

  “Living off-the-grid is harder than you thought,” Ruth offered.

  “I’m pregnant!” Marge twirled around and clapped her hands. “Can you believe it?”

  Granny relished the scene. Marge and Joe had changed so much since living among the Amish. First, Joe’s faith in God, and then him warming up to children. She wondered if it all started with Jenny. And a little child shall lead them.

  Lizzie quickly congratulated Marge, and then got up, saying she needed to check something at home. What on earth could be wrong? Did she see tears in Lizzie’s eyes? How she longed to get pregnant, and this must have upset her.

  Marge took Lizzie’s spot, and quickly took out her knitting. “I’ll be making booties now. Crocheting them, since it looks lacier.”

  Suzy turned, and gasped. “You can make knitting look lacey, too.”

  Marge chuckled. “I just wanted to get a reaction out of you. Crocheting and knitting are both wunderbar, I mean, wonderful.”

  All the women laughed, except Mona. Fannie’s shoulders seemed to sink lower and lower. Suzy went over to Mona, telling her she cast on beautifully and showed her a knit stitch. Again, there was no emotion on Mona’s pale face. The mousy brown hair that peaked out from her kapp only added to her lifeless face, making her green eyes seem out of place. Granny’s met Fannie’s gaze and she tried to give her an encouraging look.

  Lavina whispered something to Colleen, and she gasped. “Really?”

  Janice shook her head. “It’s not polite to tell secrets while in a group.”

  Lavina had light shining from her eyes ever since she’d walked in. “Lavina, do you have goot news? Making plans to visit Ohio? Ruth asked.”

  Lavina lowered her eyes to knit. “I can’t say.”

  Colleen giggled, and Fannie and Ruth’s heads shot up. “A secret? We know what that means,” Fannie blurted. “Who is it? Hezekiah?” I’ve seen yinz working over at Ella’s.”

  “Nee, it’s not Hezekiah.”

  Fannie wrinkled her nose up, deep in thought. Ruth clucked her tongue. “It must be the new family in our Gmay. Their son is your age, jah?”

  Lavina put a hand up. “I said it’s a secret, so let’s keep it that way.” She looked over at Granny who knew full-well it was Nathan. He’d told her this morning, and Granny was just thrilled at the news. But being sick and so fatigued took some of the joy out of the news. And now as she sat, trying to just keep her attention on the conversations going around the circle, she felt her headache coming back. Was it the flu or concern over Lizzie…or Janice’s coolness toward Colleen? All she knew was she needed to lay down.

  She motioned for Fannie to come over. “Can you help me over to my bedroom? I’m worn out.”

  Granny heard the concerned voices from the circle, but took hold of Fannie’s arm as she led her toward her bedroom. How she loved this circle of friends, but just couldn’t stay awake. She bid them all goodbye, apologizing for not being a good hostess. The women one by one got up to kiss her cheek or embrace her. She hoped the doctor was right: not contagious after being on antibiotics for twenty-four hours. She had three pregnant women in her house.

  ~*~

  That night, Granny tossed and turned. Jeb put his hand on her forehead to check for a fever, but she didn’t
have one. Though weak, she made her way to her rocker by the window. Jeb would be up half the night if she kept disturbing him. She never got tired of looking up at the moon. Tonight it was a half-moon. How appropriate, she pondered. The knitting circle was half Amish, half English, and they were as different as night and day at times. Why was Janice so angry? Was it so awful that Colleen wanted to be Amish? Did Janice think deep down that their way of living was odd? Why not be happy for Colleen? She was. And Marge was moving for sure. Didn’t she want her boppli living off-the-grid? Joe said the English spoiled their kinner too much. Would they do that, too, always following English ways when they knew it wasn’t right?

  Her mind turned to Lizzie. She’d seen through her bedroom window Roman walking with her, hand-in-hand, down to the pumpkin patch while the other women were knitting. Or was she dreaming? She was awfully tired. Had she dozed off in this rocker? Or did Marge’s announcement affect Lizzie that much?

  Granny closed her eyes and prayed.

  Lord,

  I love my Amish life. Always have and always will. Danki for it. Long ago, when people thought us odd, I cherished it. Now, we’re such a curiosity, outsiders pay to learn our ways. But why is Janice upset? And why isn’t Marge raising her boppli on the best spot on earth? Ach, Jenny could be a wunderbar influence on the child, and could even be of help to Marge. She and Joe didn’t seem to have much family. And…neither did Janice. Is that why she’s so upset? Is her church, and the girls at Forget-Me-Not, like her own kin? If so, that would make the English more similar to the Amish than I thought. Fannie is like my own…

  Fannie…Lord, help her. Help Mona and bring healing to their relationship. I know Fannie feels cheated in life, having no mamm really there for her. And then there’s Lizzie, who longs so much to be a mamm, not only to the girls, but her own boppli. Having so many women pregnant at the circle upset her so. Touch her heart.