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founding
Jan 20, 2023Liked by Mary Swander

Thank you for another fun column to read. Reading this brought back many memories of the party line and the anticipation that was on everyone’s face when the lid came off of the pressure cooker. I had never equated these constants in my childhood to the idea of emotional release. That idea, while it seems obvious, has me smiling when I think of all of the times I saw the smile on my mom’s face and the relief in her eyes when the lid came off and nothing ended up on the ceiling-so to speak!!

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Jan 19, 2023Liked by Mary Swander

Wonderful! I’m not Amish but the column brought back my own memories of pressure cooking canned goods, talking to our dairy cows and living on a party line and to a present life of living with an activist columnist. Thanks, Mary!

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Inspiring and wise!

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Your columns are a pure delight.

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Hello Mary... don't know you, but have heard good things of your writing. I stumbled on your post today online. I see why so many folks have appreciated your writing. Over many years, I've driven out in the country around Kalona area, and bought fresh produce during the growing season, baked goods and spices all year long. It's been my joy over many yrs to develop some friendships in that area; with some families that happen to be Amish. Enough so, that it's lovely driving around as a reason for going to this area; as much as the purchases at Stringtown, Golden Delight, Community Discount and other places. I enjoyed reading your post about the whole "no please and thank you". I'd not thought of the reasoning behind this. Anyway, hope that you have a good day!

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