FIGHT BANK FEES & WIN

Yikes. This afternoon I had an overdraft on my personal checking account. All weekend long, I checked the account and even deposited money in the account.  This morning, the account still showed that I had plenty of funds to cover both the debit/credit card and checks. 

Lo and behold, this afternoon, I had $5.72 left in my account.  I just could not tell where the overdraft occurred after searching everywhere on my online account. 

So, I marched over to the bank, where they know me. The manager went through the account.  It took him a while to find the culprit, which was a gas station and the way they debited the account.  He also credited back the debited fee to my account, which he didn't have to do.  He explained how I can avoid this in the future. 

I was very grateful. The point is, you can get reimbursed for fees.  Be polite. Make it clear you do not understand just how the fee occurred.  Be sure to go to the same bank and preferably the same teller all the time.

Let me know about your experience.

DETROIT FREEP DEAL OF THE WEEK

We were blessed to have been included in the Freep's Travel Section "Deal of the Week" by Ellen Creager in October.  Because of the "news" we have a total of 3 Christmas With The Amish trips scheduled.  Though she wrote about our Dec. 4th trip, we added a December 11 tour to handle the overflow. 

Here is what the article says ((((though I added the new date)))): 

"A motor coach day trip to Middlebury, IN, on Dec. 11 ($86) gives a rare glimpse into how the Amish people celebrate Christmas.  Visit homes of Amish people, have lunch, see cheese-making, candle-making and more.  This  is a trip that must be experienced in person, because no photographs are allowed in Amish homes.

"The trip is 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and leaves from  the Northwood Shopping Plaza at 13 Mile and Woodward in Royal Oak and from 7:00 a.m. from the Big Kmart, 12 Mile & John R., Madison Heights. Book the Step On Bus Tour at 222.steponbustours.com or call 248-619-6692." 

The power of publicity.

AMISH PIE RECIPE: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL & STORE BOUGHT

Have an Amish pie and chances are you'll want them again and again. 

Did you know that Amish pies are prayers? The life of an Amish person is about praising God in everything they do, speak and think.  Can you say that the pie you make is the result of a prayer? I sure can't, and, I buy them ready to serve.

Rebecca Bontrager has been preparing her pies for our three visits on Dec. 4,6 & 11. I call her the Ravishing Rebecca because she is sooo funny.  Apparently humor runs deep and long in the Bontrager family. Her work ethic is exemplary.

In only concentrating on pies, she repeatedly sifts flour until is is like an ultra soft pillow. Sure, European flours are available for a very high price. Real cream and butter are used throughout each recipe. She would never think of using a substitute such a margarine or a pre-whipped topping. Mock cream simply will not do. 

I did ask her for a recipe and here is what she gave me:

Amish Raisin Pie

1 3/4 cup of milk (we get it from our cow)

3 eggs separated (our hens lay big brown eggs)

1 package of vanilla pudding & pie filling mix

1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of ground Allspice

11/2 cups of Golden Raisins

1 - Nine inch pastry shell (we make our own pastry shells)

6 tbsp sugar

In a small saucepan combine milk and egg yolks Blend well and stir in pudding mix very very slowly.  She recommends sifting the mix. Stir until mixture comes to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and allspice  Blend well.

Fold in raisins -- carefully. Then, pour mixture into pastry shell that has been pre-made and probably flouted.  Chill thoroughly. Don't skip this step because the mixture has to gel.

In the meantime, beat egg whites until peaks form. Gradually add sugar. Spoon the meringue over the pie making sure that it touches the crust. Bake for 5-8 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned. Remove and let cool.

Serve with coffee.

THE REAL HORSE POWER

Real "horsepower" is the only mode of travel and working the fields for Amish. If you've ever been in Amish country, you will see horse-drawn buggies or teams plowing the fields. 

Horses are generally housed in barns along with buggy storage, tie-stalls and room for hay.  Generally the Plain People have two types of horses. The work horse, Belgium's, or draft horses pull heavy loads and always stand ready for the job.  Sorrels, Pintos, Morgans, Trotters, the so-called "skinny-legged" horses are used for pulling buggies. 

The work horses usually aren't shod, while the buggy ponies wear shoes which are changed regularly.  Work horses have thick legs and are very muscular. They are bred to work and thoroughly enjoy "field" work.



Fall Harvest in Centreville, MI    



As you can see in the photo, anywhere from two to six horses will march in unison while plowing the fields. An Amish farmer told me that nothing gives him more pleasure than to be in the field and behind the horses, "it is my way of praising God." Horses are trained to march in unison. They "drive" machinery or plows. There is no exhaust or belching engines, just the sound of hooves in the dirt. Sounds from a bygone era.

Amish shun modern conveniences and prefer to work the earth and live off the land. They farm the very old-fashioned way. When in Amish country, you will see horse and buggies, teams of horses during spring planting or fall harvesting. Truly, it's a marvelous experience and one that brings calm.  It's the back roads in Middlebury, IN where you will see the horses and be transported to a different time and place -- it's well worth the drive to see the real power of the horses.  

See how Amish horses can inspire you. As Winston Churchhill once said: There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. Find out.

A LOCAL WOMAN OFFERS A LOOK AT HISTORY IN MICHIGAN AND BEYOND WITH ...

STEP ON BUS TOURS

By Amanda Braniecki

Grand Blanc View

December 15, 2011

As an avid history buff, Rose Szwed is setting her sights on increasing people's knowledge of Michigan from the roads they travel to the unseens regions of the state through her very own tourism company.

Szwed, of Goodrich, has been leading tours for the last 30 years whith her first taking place at the former Dearborn Inn.

"I was a director of public relations and the Dearborn Inn was my account," Szwed recalled. "I learned everything I could about it and I started leading the media around and then interestedpeople started following me. That really started it all."

As word of her services spread and picked up momentum with even major bus companies calling upon her tours, Szwed said she had a client living in Three Rivers, MI, that really pushed her to branch out on her own and take up guiding tours full time.

"At that time I was leading tours on my own through Szwed Communications Public Relations and my client in Three Rivers told me to just name a tour company so I did," she said.

By 2000, Szwed had started her own tourism company known as Step On Bus Tours traveling all around Michigan and beyond specializing in historical, Amish and Catholic tours.

"I don't lead casino tours and I don't go to Shipshewana because anyone can go there," Szwed said. "My tourists are people who just want to do something different and I like to deliver mystery, intrigue and entertainment."

"Typically hosting day trips or overnight tours a month, Szwed said she is often sought out by senior centers, homeschooled children, study groups, clubs and organizations to either step on a bus and lead a tour or if her clients prefer she can make the arrangements to secure a bus.

With each tour, she is focussed on making the trips both fun and educational for her clients by providing DVDs, pictures, guest speakers, games and hands on experiences to keep the excitement going all day.

Szwed said her favorite tours to lead are those that really grasp the historical significance of a spot.

She offers tours such as the Farmers, Fugitives and Felons and Quilts, Quakers and Questors that are both seped with history of the Underground Railroad. In addition, Szwed showcases tours that highight Detroit's role durig prohibition the Eastern Market, historical cemeteries and religious and cultural groups. Szwed said she is also able to gain access to buildings tht are closed to the public.

For the rest of the story:

CHRISTMAS EVE EXTRAVANZA TOUR

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING UNUSUAL TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS EVE?

Whether single, newly alone or for just something off the beaten path, why not celebrate Christmas Eve with Step On Bus Tours?

That's right.

From 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM take our Dec. 24th holiday tour for $65 per person -- includes an exquisite meal, the round trip motorcoach ride and even a White Elephant gift giving if so desired.

The goal is to experience Christmas Eve in a warm and unique way in a location that is very fun and probably one that tour-goers would not visit on their own. You may even see the ghosts of the Christmas Past, Present and Future.

"This holiday tour is so much better than sitting by yourself. I don't have anyone and this is ideal for me. I just stay home every Christmas Eve. I am not sad, but I don't have any family," said Carol Gancer, Royal Oak, MI. "I need help in getting around and this tour is perfect for me."

In our 6 hour time frame we will view holiday lights and decorations on various avenues, boulevards and major thoroughfares. There will also be caroling on and off the bus. Once we get into the Holiday City we will walk about 2 blocks before settling down for dinner. There is so much to explore.

The meal is delicious and prepared by professional chefs. Tour-goers will be pampered and not rushed at this gourmet dinner.

There is a lot to experience. Please join us for this one-of-a-kind Christmas Eve sure to warm the cockells of your heart. Call to make your reservations: 248.619.6692

MIRACLES AT OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION

A favorite place to explore is the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, OH. The campus is quite unusual because it is open all year long.

In November, a small group of us went to mass and Marian Devotions at the Shrine. If you are Catholic and decide to go, plan on staying for the mass and devotions on Sunday. This is the type of place that you really want to spend time at -- to contemplate, to mediate, to pray.

First, go to the website: http://www.olcshrine.com/ Check it out. Be sure to know where you are going. Don't depend on the map site or the GPS because both will take you miles out of your way.

Second, if you have a prayer request, go to the main church on the right side and you will see the statue of Our Lady of Consolation holding the young Jesus. Both are clothed in fabric garments made by grateful pilgrims. Make sure that you have your request in writing so you know exactly what you are praying for.

Notice the wet plaster paintings on the ceiling, posts and behind the altar. Stunning artwork. Reverant. This is the place to reconnect. Give your prayer request full thought.

Third, on Sundays, there are Marian devotions. For me, the most unusual thing about these prayers is that the Conventual Fransican Friars will pray with you. They will summarize your request. Often they will say the things you cannot communicate but you thought about. The way the Friars came out of the back and stood infront of the altar was powerful, much like prayer soldiers, which was fine with me because I needed all of the help I could get.

Something wonderful happened to me at the Shrine this past Sunday. I felt like I had been totally forgiven of all my sins. On the Sunday I went, I was overcome. Tears flowed freely and non stop. I could no longer hold "it" together but gave myself to the arms of Mary, the Mother of all -- so material, so understanding.

The person who traveled with me explained that Mary had graced me with the gift of Absolution. I haven't felt this light. In a state of Grace. Even. Happy. Content. In control.

This is the place I plan on visiting quarterly. The place where I renewed my faith. O Happy Day.