Old Order Mennonite Memoirs

The loud whine of my husband’s portable grinder filled my ears as he worked to make the 62 rusted bolts and nuts loosen their grip on our two-seated swing. After many rains and snows, our swing was ready for a face lift, especially since I anticipated sitting on it with my grandchildren on Sunday.

Painting the swing, (boards in a russet shade and the steel frame with black Rustoleum) before we added shiny new carriage bolts and nuts, was only one of the things on my list of things to do before June 16, when all the children were invited for a mid-day picnic.

My husband licked up the last...