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It has been a rainy week thus far. I am hoping the rain will hold off just long enough to get my laundry dry. I washed it yesterday and then it started raining so I left it hanging and now it is all wet again.

Brother Albert, Sarah, and 10 children drove the 21 miles to our place on Friday evening. Their two oldest boys biked and the rest came in two buggies. Albert Jr. was driving Dad and Mom's open buggy that Albert bought at my parents' estate auction. Albert's family was here for the night and Saturday. Then Saturday evening they went to Jacob and Emma's for the night. We all had "brunch" at Jacob's on Sunday. Albert's family started the long ride home around 1 p.m.

Jacob's family and Verena and Susan also came here on Saturday to help. We were a total of 30. We enjoyed eating breakfast and dinner together. A lot more drywall was hung. We sure appreciated all their help; it is nice when family helps each other. Dad and Mom were always willing to lend a hand. May they have their heavenly reward.

Answers to reader questions:

• To Mark from Leipsic, Ohio on how to get hard-boiled eggs to peel easily: This even works with fresh eggs. It is important to be exact with minutes. Put eggs in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil for two minutes (uncovered). Turn off heat, cover pan and let set for 11 minutes. Then soak eggs in cold water for 3 to 5 minutes and peel. Good luck!

Also, about the cucumber salad: I slice cucumbers, dice in some onions and sprinkle with salt. Add dressing of your choice.

• To Dorothy from Kewadin, Mich.: This is how I do "fried corn" — I cut the kernels from fresh corn and fry in butter and season.

• To Shannon from Bourbon, Ind.: This I how I put up my jalapenos — pick jalapenos fresh, wash and slice or put whole in clean jars. Measure 3 cups white vinegar and 32 cups water and bring to a boil. Then add 1 cup sugar and 1/ 4 cup salt. Pour hot juice over peppers and tighten lid. The hot juice will make the lid seal. If you cold pack them, they'll turn soggy.

I have received quite a few requests for my salsa recipe, so I'll share it with you.

Thick and

chunky salsa

14 pounds tomatoes, scalded, peeled and cut up

5 cups chopped onions

10 green peppers, chopped

2 ounces jalapeno peppers, chopped

1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup salt

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp oregano flakes

3 tsps cumin

3 tsps chili powder

10 tablespoons Clear Jel

Mix all the above ingredients except Clear Jel. Cook 45 minutes. Stir Clear Jel in water until smooth before adding to the rest of ingredients. Cold pack 20 minutes.

Lovina Eicher lives in rural Michigan with her husband and eight children. Readers with questions for Lovina can send them to: Oasis Newsfeatures, P.O. Box 2144, Middletown, OH 45042.