" . . . grateful for what we have"

This letter was written over 25 years ago but sure sounds familiar.

to Don, Lynn, and family

from Dad (Lou)

October 13, 1983

Lou canning in the kitchen at 39 Meadowbrook - 1983

"We really feel like we have been blessed to have all four of you boys working hard in the Church and all employed in these very difficult times.  The "Today Show" has been running a series on the "new poor" for the last week or so.  It showed and interviewed many people who are now living on the streets, in cars, parks, etc.  Also showed people who are now getting their food from the trash dumpsters behind the stores (and being run off by store employees), gleaning in the fields this fall for all left over crops, soup kitchens being overwhelmed by the numbers of people, and church groups and clubs trying to help, etc.

"So, this helps us to be especially grateful for what we have.  Speaking of what we have - Mother and I have canned lots of tomatoes, apples, peaches and pears this fall and should have canned a lot more, but at least we got started.

"We bought a neat gadget to make juice from tomatoes, grapes, etc and to make apple butter.  We also bought a steam canner which is a lot easier.  We made a lot of jelly and jam also.  You know how much I like them!  We should have plenty for fall this year without buying any."

And this is what Leona did following the canning!