Lovina’s Family Barbecues 1,000 Pounds of Chicken for a Worthy Cause: Join Us for a Flavorful Benefit Event!

It’s a cool Monday evening, and autumn is near. The temperature has dropped to 60 degrees. It feels brisk in the house, reminding us of the seasonal changes ahead.

Today, I teamed up with my sister Verena to can 22 quarts of homemade vegetable juice. We blended a mix of peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions, and garlic until they were soft enough to strain. I usually add celery, but we were out this time. The ingredients we used created a rich flavor, and I tend to skip potatoes for my husband Joe, who is diabetic.

Saturday was eventful for the family. We rallied at my daughter Loretta and her partner Dustin’s place at 2 a.m. to grill a whopping thousand pounds of leg quarters. The chicken was marinated with a secret mix of seasonings and butter. Together, we set up thirteen grills and worked as a team. Within five hours, we finished cooking. By 7 a.m., others joined us to deliver the freshly grilled chicken around town. Thanks to our hard work, everything was sold out in just three hours, with the proceeds supporting my daughter Elizabeth and Tim.

Elizabeth and Tim had to create living quarters in their garage due to mold issues in their home. Tim’s son, TJ, struggled with respiratory problems that faded once they relocated. It highlights how damaging mold can be—like a silent threat that can affect health dramatically. Experts recommend being cautious, as mold can spread quickly within homes, sometimes returning even after thorough cleaning.

Tim’s family now uses air purifiers, and we have several dehumidifiers running on solar power to combat moisture, especially in our damp basement. High humidity increases the risk of mold, making it crucial to maintain a drier living environment.

Despite the challenges, we found joy in working together. A big thank you to Dustin and Loretta for organizing this fundraiser. We enjoyed coffee, donuts, and even grilled bacon afterward.

In more joyful news, sister Verena recently celebrated her 59th birthday. We wish her all the best! Congratulations to Lucas and Lena on their marriage!

Also, a warm welcome to my niece Emma and Menno’s fourth child, Michael Lee, born on August 14. Just two days later, we welcomed granddaughter Brooklyn Nyah. At first, she weighed 4 pounds and 15 ounces. Newborns often lose a bit of weight initially, but she’s expected to gain it back quickly with frequent feedings.

### Homemade Vegetable Juice Recipe

If you’d like to try making vegetable juice at home, here’s a simple recipe:

– 15 pounds tomatoes, cut into chunks
– 4 onions, diced
– 4 green bell peppers, seeded and diced
– 6 large jalapeños, diced
– 6 banana peppers, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 3 cucumbers, sliced
– 2-3 teaspoons garlic powder
– Salt or fresh garlic to taste

1. Combine all ingredients except salt in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Cook until soft enough to strain, about 30 minutes.
3. Strain and pack into sterilized quart jars, adding 1 teaspoon of salt to each jar.
4. Process per your canner’s instructions. This recipe yields about 14 quarts.

Life is full of ups and downs, but it’s the love and support from family that carries us through. God bless us all!



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