Even though I drive 40 minutes to go to church (I still go to my home church), the small churches around my house are slowly growing again. They may only have 20 people, but it was still nice to go there for Christmas Eve and enjoy the close community. Especially since one of the local Pastor lost 4 of his step children the week before in a car accident. It was a very meaningful service this year.
I enjoy reading all of your posts and can tell you that the ham ball never made its way to this midwesterner. I shall also incorporate layered lettuce into my vocabulary.
I love your writing and am so glad one of my favorite authors, Barbara O’Neal, shared your newsletter. It’s been a good find! I’m in Minnesota, born and raised, but lived in NE Iowa for four years in the 1990s. I have never heard of ham balls! Or layered lettuce or apricot salad that is jello with cheddar cheese on top. One thing we have carried over from our time in your home state is what we call “Iowa sizes” for dessert—namely, 4 inch square slices of cake or bars. 😂 Only in Iowa have I seen dessert served in such large slices. Iowans are such good people!
Even though I drive 40 minutes to go to church (I still go to my home church), the small churches around my house are slowly growing again. They may only have 20 people, but it was still nice to go there for Christmas Eve and enjoy the close community. Especially since one of the local Pastor lost 4 of his step children the week before in a car accident. It was a very meaningful service this year.
Ham balls are definitely being made in 2024!!
I met someone who makes ham balls...she is in Iowa.
Loved this piercing post with my whole being. Ghost churches in ghost towns and one light....beautiful.
I enjoy reading all of your posts and can tell you that the ham ball never made its way to this midwesterner. I shall also incorporate layered lettuce into my vocabulary.
I love your writing and am so glad one of my favorite authors, Barbara O’Neal, shared your newsletter. It’s been a good find! I’m in Minnesota, born and raised, but lived in NE Iowa for four years in the 1990s. I have never heard of ham balls! Or layered lettuce or apricot salad that is jello with cheddar cheese on top. One thing we have carried over from our time in your home state is what we call “Iowa sizes” for dessert—namely, 4 inch square slices of cake or bars. 😂 Only in Iowa have I seen dessert served in such large slices. Iowans are such good people!