05/29/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18oaEbh31v/ Good Friday
Diary of a Crazy Old Lady in a Little Appalachian Town, Green Spring, WV
Good Morning, diary…
I hope life is treating you well. Oh, diary — yesterday in Green Spring was a day of pure sunshine. The temperature hung around 70 degrees, and by late afternoon a gentle wind picked up. It was the kind of day you just had to get out and do, and honey, I did exactly that. It is May 29th, a Friday, 2026 at 5:30 a.m.
You know we’ve had at least a week of steady rain, and yesterday was literally the day after. And yes — if you were curious — the water finally did go over the bridge. Most rivers around here were low anyway, so it took a couple days of steady rain… which sweet Jesus, we got.
Compared to what other communities got from this bizarre weather, we were blessed. We had five days of gentle, steady rain. No crazy winds. No golf‑ball hail. No pounding storms to beat crops down. Just soft, soaking rain. Sure, a few thunderstorms rolled through, but they were mild compared to what these mountains can throw.
The Amish were grateful — we talked about it a couple of times. With the ground so dry and two late frosts this year, this growing season was looking rough. Then God delivered one of the nicest five‑day rains I’ve ever seen. For our spring to be so messed up, this whole rain event was a miracle — a blessing our farms desperately needed. We all feel it.
You know, diary… the more I work with these Amish farms, the more respect I have for what they manage to do. Farming will make you crazy. Depending on a temperamental Mother Nature is no easy way to live. Pray for all our farmers — so many across the U.S. are struggling right now. The world is richer when they’re thriving. It takes a strong back, a hard will, and pure determination to keep going with so much working against you. But when you get a good growing season… honey, there’s no better feeling. Maybe Christmas. Maybe your birthday. 😊
Did I tell you I had an issue with the new ice maker? Tuesday evening, while making ice, it started spraying water everywhere. I shut it down, hoping something had frozen up and would melt overnight. Oh diary… that didn’t happen.
Wednesday morning, I went to make ice — still spraying water all over the place. So much for my “it’ll melt and fix itself” idea. I went to Levi, my Amish friend. Levi and Joseph installed the ice maker last year, so I asked if he could come look at it. Levi came up and did what I call his Amish Magic.
All the Amish men I know can fix anything — and they’ll think outside the box to do it. I love watching them work. It amazes me how they do without electricity and still fix any machine you put in front of them. Running a sawmill and wood shop without electric takes real ingenuity. They’re clever people — they have to be, living the way they do. If you can think it, the Amish can build it or fix it.
Turns out the holes that let water drip over the ice molds were clogged with calcium deposits. That blockage caused the water to spray. We cleaned the tube, and Levi showed me how to take it apart and clean it. He said a few times, “This will happen again, Sue.” Yes — he calls me Sue.
It fascinated me how he taught me step by step. He was kind and gentle, and I wondered if he’d teach his wife the same way. Probably not — Amish women have their place, and I’m far from Amish. I didn’t ask. I was just grateful he shared his knowledge. I can do a lot on my own if someone takes the time to teach me. Knowing his culture, he could’ve just fixed it and left me out of it. The fact that he taught me how to fix it next time… that shows real friendship.
Much of Amish culture is strange to me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect it. I never know when I’m going to stick my "English " foot in my "English" mouth. One time — my first year working with them — I wanted to get them a Christmas gift for the whole community. We always talk about the weather, so I thought a crank radio with emergency weather alerts would be perfect. That way, if serious weather came, they’d know firsthand and not rely on community gossip.
I thought I picked the best gift. Oh diary… I didn’t. They gave it back. Levi sat me down, kindly, and explained they couldn’t accept it. I understood, but part of me wanted to show him how useful it was. Still, I left it alone.
Now, six years later, I get it. I’m still learning their ways. Watching how they live is humbling. I don’t understand their ways, and they don’t understand mine — but it’s not for either of us to change the other. It’s about helping each other grow through kindness.
I explained why I got the radio. Levi smiled. “Sue, that’s how the community communicates with the locals. Talking about the weather brings us together.” And then I understood. Something as simple as talking about the weather is a shared language. Giving him a radio took away the pleasure of communing with neighbors. With so many people glued to electronics, no one talks anymore. His point was clear — and he was right. I never offered a radio again. Lol.
Well diary, the sun is pushing through the morning haze. Looks like another beautiful day in Green Spring. It’s starting at a crisp 49 degrees, with a high of 80. I’ve got a full day ahead. Taking Buttercup for a spin down at the Rest Area is at the top of my list. :) Think Levi be proud.. I am sharing and talking weather.
I checked the place after delivering Food Pantry boxes last evening — still pretty wet. If it gets warm today, maybe it’ll dry enough to mow. I might wait until Saturday… but I don’t like mowing on weekends. I’ll play it by ear. With all this water and sunshine, you can practically watch the grass grow. Anyways I have no idea what this Friday will bring.
I’ve got plenty more grass to cut around my home too. Yesterday I got some mowing done before I hit the point of “no more.” By 7:30, I was in bed. The ice chest is full and ready for delivery. I’m halfway through pantry deliveries. And there’s a dozen other tasks waiting. Sometimes it feels like the list never ends.
Have a good day, diary… the dogs are staring me down.
