Another unbelievable move by the Federal government: A sting operation to crack down on Amish farmers selling raw milk. A stink operation?!? It is the Amish! This is, yet again, another example of government overreaching and waste. What did our ancestors do before pasteurization?? From what I am finding, pasteurization did not begin in the US until 1947. Not that long ago.
From this report, the customers are very pleased with their product and are up in arms with this government intrusion.
Our children were raised on raw milk. They all now lead productive, healthy adult lives. (I like to think that raw milk is not the only reason.) Once you've tasted fresh, raw milk the other stuff tastes like there has been water added to it.
With everything else going on in this country, why does the government feel the need to "control" raw milk to such an extreme? Big Food? Big Milk?
Showing posts with label Amish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amish. Show all posts
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, September 27, 2010
Amish Birthday
Saturday was my birthday. My dear husband said he would take me anywhere I wanted to go or do whatever (within reason) including shampooing the carpets. (To be honest, I did consider that one, but the dirty carpet can wait a bit longer.) While I thought about my options, I went to the Farmer's Market. It was a beautiful day and if I have a chance to get away, I'll go to my "happy place".
After unloading the apples I purchased at the market--it is applesauce time!!--I told my husband I wanted to go to New Wilmington and visit Lizzie and Sarah.
We had Chinese for lunch and then headed up to New Wilmington. Route 19 is a delightful, beautiful drive. There is not much traffic, thanks to I-79, and the farm land stretches out for miles with amazing views of hills and valleys. As we drove through Volant, it was easy to see that Christmas time is approaching...the little town was busy.
Of course, a trip to Lizzie or Sarah's unannounced contains a certain amount of risk. Being that it was a Saturday, I was hoping that Lizzie would be busy at home since she teaches at a one room school during the week. Sarah has a brand new baby boy so I figured she would be pretty close to home. The Outlets were our Plan B.
We traveled back the long lane to Lizzie's first to find the clothesline full and the whole family at home. They were hosting church at their house the next day, so she had already baked about a dozen pies or so along with two trays of moon pies. Lizzie and I had a great discussion while she braided her daughter's hair. It seems that we "english" are not always so different from the Amish. We laughed as we compared the two lifestyles in regard to the healthy feeding of children (Amish kids get fed junk just like our kids), nursing babies (they don't all nurse their babies either) and children with learning problems. It was a treat to help fold clothes (who thinks this is fun when it is your own stuff??!!) as she took them off her long clothesline. (I had to have a lesson in folding her husband's pants.) She offered us some home made bread and jam. The men joined the conversation and there was more laughter. Time to head off to Sarah's.
Knowing that it was nearing dinner time and that Sarah now has five young boys, we did not want to stay long. Sarah was having none of it! The boys had been playing at the neighbors, who own a boy magnet--a dirt pile. They were, as any boy worth his salt would be, filthy...and happy. Sarah allowed me to rock little Henry who has been a bit fussy. I wish I could say I put him to sleep, but at least he didn't cry. We had a tour of Sarah's new wash room/laundry room/summer kitchen area. She is thrilled to have a bathtub now and a place to store hot water. This new room is so handy for her. No more running up and down stairs. Sarah told me she had not accomplished much on Saturday--only several loaves of bread, a big batch of cookies and a huge pan of cinnamon rolls...with a NEW BABY!! Oh, and the laundry. It wears me out to think about it. She was happy to share a cinnamon roll with us. Oh, yeah, it was wonderful!
On the road home, we happened on a buggy that had broken the axle. Keith and some of the other "english" helped to get the man's buggy in a pickup truck. So, even those things break down.
It was a wonderful day and I am so thankful for these dear friends with whom I could spend a lovely Saturday. And grateful for a husband who thinks it is an enjoyable afternoon as well.
...Yet thou hast of they pleasure created life, and communicated
happiness;
Thou has made me what I am, and given me what I have;
In thee I live and move and have my being;...
an excerpt from God The Source Of All Good, from the Valley of Vision
After unloading the apples I purchased at the market--it is applesauce time!!--I told my husband I wanted to go to New Wilmington and visit Lizzie and Sarah.
We had Chinese for lunch and then headed up to New Wilmington. Route 19 is a delightful, beautiful drive. There is not much traffic, thanks to I-79, and the farm land stretches out for miles with amazing views of hills and valleys. As we drove through Volant, it was easy to see that Christmas time is approaching...the little town was busy.
Of course, a trip to Lizzie or Sarah's unannounced contains a certain amount of risk. Being that it was a Saturday, I was hoping that Lizzie would be busy at home since she teaches at a one room school during the week. Sarah has a brand new baby boy so I figured she would be pretty close to home. The Outlets were our Plan B.
We traveled back the long lane to Lizzie's first to find the clothesline full and the whole family at home. They were hosting church at their house the next day, so she had already baked about a dozen pies or so along with two trays of moon pies. Lizzie and I had a great discussion while she braided her daughter's hair. It seems that we "english" are not always so different from the Amish. We laughed as we compared the two lifestyles in regard to the healthy feeding of children (Amish kids get fed junk just like our kids), nursing babies (they don't all nurse their babies either) and children with learning problems. It was a treat to help fold clothes (who thinks this is fun when it is your own stuff??!!) as she took them off her long clothesline. (I had to have a lesson in folding her husband's pants.) She offered us some home made bread and jam. The men joined the conversation and there was more laughter. Time to head off to Sarah's.
Knowing that it was nearing dinner time and that Sarah now has five young boys, we did not want to stay long. Sarah was having none of it! The boys had been playing at the neighbors, who own a boy magnet--a dirt pile. They were, as any boy worth his salt would be, filthy...and happy. Sarah allowed me to rock little Henry who has been a bit fussy. I wish I could say I put him to sleep, but at least he didn't cry. We had a tour of Sarah's new wash room/laundry room/summer kitchen area. She is thrilled to have a bathtub now and a place to store hot water. This new room is so handy for her. No more running up and down stairs. Sarah told me she had not accomplished much on Saturday--only several loaves of bread, a big batch of cookies and a huge pan of cinnamon rolls...with a NEW BABY!! Oh, and the laundry. It wears me out to think about it. She was happy to share a cinnamon roll with us. Oh, yeah, it was wonderful!
On the road home, we happened on a buggy that had broken the axle. Keith and some of the other "english" helped to get the man's buggy in a pickup truck. So, even those things break down.
It was a wonderful day and I am so thankful for these dear friends with whom I could spend a lovely Saturday. And grateful for a husband who thinks it is an enjoyable afternoon as well.
...Yet thou hast of they pleasure created life, and communicated
happiness;
Thou has made me what I am, and given me what I have;
In thee I live and move and have my being;...
an excerpt from God The Source Of All Good, from the Valley of Vision
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Good Day
When life gives you lemons...go to New Wilmington--Amish country.
Going to visit Amish friends is a guessing game. Are they home?? Is it some special auction day?? They don't have phones so an impromptu trip 50 miles away is a big gamble. Saturday was just such a beautiful day and I have missed my friends. Knowing that my husband was gone until after dark, it seemed a perfect choice. I just prayed the entire way that Providence would provide that at least one of my friends would be home.
I arrived at Sarah's first. Clothes on the line, buggy out...all good signs. Of course the poor girl was horrified that her house was dirty--you know the usual stuff that happens when you have four little boys; dirty dishes and toys. My house has looked like that before (even post-kids). She was relieved it was me and not her mother-in-law. It was a great time to give her a hand cleaning up a bit, for which I counted it a privilege. (Who wouldn't want to say that they could do dishes in a dry sink!!?--OK, just me.) We had a wonderful visit. Next I was off to see if Lizzie was home.
At Lizzie's house I hit the jackpot because her mom was there, too! Church was to be held at David and Lizzie's so the crowd has just left from pie baking, moon pie making and cleaning EVERYTHING!! And I do mean EVERYTHING! (Sarah said that church will be at her house in four weeks and she needs to paint the kitchen!) I was able to pitch in drying dishes.
Lizzie's mom, Katie, is a delightful woman. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile. And she has had some rough times. We were able to sit for a bit and visit, but it was close to dinner time and the benches had to be set up for the morning service.
So, I was able to see them all! Everyone was home! And...this is what I was fortunate enough to do that day:
Sing (try to sing) hymns along Rt. 422 and 19 -- note to self: take the Trinity next time--you mess up the verses!
Feel the warmth of the sun in the car.
Wash dishes in the dry sink
Sweep the floor
Dry dishes
See that Lizzie's daughter, Martha, has grown so much!
Hear about how Lizzie loves teaching in a one room school!--and even being all-time pitcher for baseball at recess
See that Wallie just plowed the garden
Buy fresh eggs for $1
Get the good news that Sarah is expecting another baby later in the summer--#5
Get "take-out" moon pies
See Sarah & Wallie's newly designed laundry area--it even has a hot water tank and a bathtub!
Drive Katie home
Sit with dear friends
A very good day for which I am very thankful.
A Poem by John Newton:
1 I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow In faith, and love, and ev'ry grace, Might more of his salvation know, And seek more earnestly his face.
2 'Twas he who taught me thus to pray, And he, I trust has answer'd pray'r; But it has been in such a way, As almost drove me to despair.
3 I hop'd that in some favour'd hour, At once he'd answer my request: And by his love's constraining pow'r, Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
4 Instead of this. he made me feel The hidden evils of my heart; And let the angry pow'rs of hell Assault my soul in ev'ry part.
5 Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd Intent to aggravate my woe; Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd, Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
6 Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd, Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death? "'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd, "I answer pray'r for grace and faith.
7 "These inward trials I employ, "From self and pride to set thee free; "And break thy schemes of earthly joy, "That thou mayst seek thy all in me."
(thanks, Stephen)
Going to visit Amish friends is a guessing game. Are they home?? Is it some special auction day?? They don't have phones so an impromptu trip 50 miles away is a big gamble. Saturday was just such a beautiful day and I have missed my friends. Knowing that my husband was gone until after dark, it seemed a perfect choice. I just prayed the entire way that Providence would provide that at least one of my friends would be home.
I arrived at Sarah's first. Clothes on the line, buggy out...all good signs. Of course the poor girl was horrified that her house was dirty--you know the usual stuff that happens when you have four little boys; dirty dishes and toys. My house has looked like that before (even post-kids). She was relieved it was me and not her mother-in-law. It was a great time to give her a hand cleaning up a bit, for which I counted it a privilege. (Who wouldn't want to say that they could do dishes in a dry sink!!?--OK, just me.) We had a wonderful visit. Next I was off to see if Lizzie was home.
At Lizzie's house I hit the jackpot because her mom was there, too! Church was to be held at David and Lizzie's so the crowd has just left from pie baking, moon pie making and cleaning EVERYTHING!! And I do mean EVERYTHING! (Sarah said that church will be at her house in four weeks and she needs to paint the kitchen!) I was able to pitch in drying dishes.
Lizzie's mom, Katie, is a delightful woman. I don't think I've ever seen her without a smile. And she has had some rough times. We were able to sit for a bit and visit, but it was close to dinner time and the benches had to be set up for the morning service.
So, I was able to see them all! Everyone was home! And...this is what I was fortunate enough to do that day:
Sing (try to sing) hymns along Rt. 422 and 19 -- note to self: take the Trinity next time--you mess up the verses!
Feel the warmth of the sun in the car.
Wash dishes in the dry sink
Sweep the floor
Dry dishes
See that Lizzie's daughter, Martha, has grown so much!
Hear about how Lizzie loves teaching in a one room school!--and even being all-time pitcher for baseball at recess
See that Wallie just plowed the garden
Buy fresh eggs for $1
Get the good news that Sarah is expecting another baby later in the summer--#5
Get "take-out" moon pies
See Sarah & Wallie's newly designed laundry area--it even has a hot water tank and a bathtub!
Drive Katie home
Sit with dear friends
A very good day for which I am very thankful.
A Poem by John Newton:
1 I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow In faith, and love, and ev'ry grace, Might more of his salvation know, And seek more earnestly his face.
2 'Twas he who taught me thus to pray, And he, I trust has answer'd pray'r; But it has been in such a way, As almost drove me to despair.
3 I hop'd that in some favour'd hour, At once he'd answer my request: And by his love's constraining pow'r, Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
4 Instead of this. he made me feel The hidden evils of my heart; And let the angry pow'rs of hell Assault my soul in ev'ry part.
5 Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd Intent to aggravate my woe; Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd, Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
6 Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd, Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death? "'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd, "I answer pray'r for grace and faith.
7 "These inward trials I employ, "From self and pride to set thee free; "And break thy schemes of earthly joy, "That thou mayst seek thy all in me."
(thanks, Stephen)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Homemade Ice Cream with Pizza
What could be better than homemade ice cream with good friends?
For three or years our family has been trying to find a date that would suit our Amish friends to get together in the winter for homemade ice cream and a good visit. It has been difficult finding a day that would suit so many and not have the weather be an issue. Well, it finally happened on Friday.
My husband and I brought my mom, since she knows these folks, too. We all met at Sarah & Wallie's. There were five Amish families plus the three of us. One family from Ohio and another was from Punxsutawney. So there were folks we had not seen for quite some time. It seemed like hundreds of kids having a great time together. There were really 28 of us all together. It was unfortunate that none of my kids could be there. These folks were all anxious to meet our grandsons, but you can't plan for everything, and we didn't plan for a sick boy. Our youngest was away on business in Philly.
With so many mouths to feed, everyone pitched in. The Byler girls made pizza and the ice cream and mom and I brought pretzel salad, cake, pies and cookies. All of this washed down with the sweetest, coldest spring water I have ever tasted. So you can see that if you went hungry it was your own fault!
It seems that my eyes have been 'spoiled' by our lights. It was difficult for me to adjust to the lamp light. After awhile, it seemed a bit better, but I was wishing for one more light. (Could it be my age??? lol )
When we arrived, the men were gathered in one room, while the women were making preparations. The children all enjoyed playing in the room off the kitchen. When it was time to eat, the men were slow in getting to the food table in the kitchen, so, the kids were served first. then the men arrived, then the women. The men ate in the room where they were visiting and the women in the kitchen. The kids were everywhere in between.
When it was time to clean up, I was anxious to exercise my dry sink skills. Elizabeth, the matriarch of the family insisted that since I was a grandma, that I sit and let the girls do the clean up. So, I scraped a few plates and gathered silverware, but didn't get a chance to do dishes. How's that for strange--I wanted to do the dishes! The kids had left quite a few potato chip pieces on the floor, so I offered to sweep up a bit under the table. Well, I guess I can't talk and sweep at the same time because, it wasn't long before Elizabeth was laughing at me stepping in my pile of crumbs! Of course, I just couldn't see it! We all laughed and I finally managed to get the floor cleaned up.
The women talked about our gardens and babies and spring chores that were upcoming. Later on the girls showed me how they make little soft, handkerchief toys for their kids to play quietly with during their three hour church services. What a challenge keeping little ones entertained and quiet for three hours! I was able to learn how to make a 'mouse'. Lizzie showed me how to make a 'baby', a 'set of twins' and a 'bonnet' for the baby. It was so cute to see the little ones learning how to make them, too. A dear little five year old helped to teach me how to make the mouse.
Of course, the subject of chickens came up. I was even offered an entire flock and the hen house, with the manure included! But, I don't think we will be doing chickens any time soon. It seems that hubby is not interested in raising chickens. Oh, well. It's not like I don't have anything to do around here.
The group talked about having another get together in June when the strawberries are in. More ice cream and fresh strawberries! I am already anxious for June to come.
I always come away from an Amish visit wanting to slow down, light my oil lamps and enjoy the quiet. While they work hard and are busy, there is a relaxed way to the things they do. It was enjoyable to observe the women work together and know each other's kitchen so well. I watched, too, as the children played together and the young girls were eager to hold babies and be helpful.
The evening wore on as we visited and some of the young ones drifted off to sleep in the corner of the room. The warmth of the coal heat and the delight of friends made for such a relaxing evening. It was hard to leave.
I am so grateful to be able to spend a simple evening with wonderful friends who make our visit to Amish country a pure delight.
For three or years our family has been trying to find a date that would suit our Amish friends to get together in the winter for homemade ice cream and a good visit. It has been difficult finding a day that would suit so many and not have the weather be an issue. Well, it finally happened on Friday.
My husband and I brought my mom, since she knows these folks, too. We all met at Sarah & Wallie's. There were five Amish families plus the three of us. One family from Ohio and another was from Punxsutawney. So there were folks we had not seen for quite some time. It seemed like hundreds of kids having a great time together. There were really 28 of us all together. It was unfortunate that none of my kids could be there. These folks were all anxious to meet our grandsons, but you can't plan for everything, and we didn't plan for a sick boy. Our youngest was away on business in Philly.
With so many mouths to feed, everyone pitched in. The Byler girls made pizza and the ice cream and mom and I brought pretzel salad, cake, pies and cookies. All of this washed down with the sweetest, coldest spring water I have ever tasted. So you can see that if you went hungry it was your own fault!
It seems that my eyes have been 'spoiled' by our lights. It was difficult for me to adjust to the lamp light. After awhile, it seemed a bit better, but I was wishing for one more light. (Could it be my age??? lol )
When we arrived, the men were gathered in one room, while the women were making preparations. The children all enjoyed playing in the room off the kitchen. When it was time to eat, the men were slow in getting to the food table in the kitchen, so, the kids were served first. then the men arrived, then the women. The men ate in the room where they were visiting and the women in the kitchen. The kids were everywhere in between.
When it was time to clean up, I was anxious to exercise my dry sink skills. Elizabeth, the matriarch of the family insisted that since I was a grandma, that I sit and let the girls do the clean up. So, I scraped a few plates and gathered silverware, but didn't get a chance to do dishes. How's that for strange--I wanted to do the dishes! The kids had left quite a few potato chip pieces on the floor, so I offered to sweep up a bit under the table. Well, I guess I can't talk and sweep at the same time because, it wasn't long before Elizabeth was laughing at me stepping in my pile of crumbs! Of course, I just couldn't see it! We all laughed and I finally managed to get the floor cleaned up.
The women talked about our gardens and babies and spring chores that were upcoming. Later on the girls showed me how they make little soft, handkerchief toys for their kids to play quietly with during their three hour church services. What a challenge keeping little ones entertained and quiet for three hours! I was able to learn how to make a 'mouse'. Lizzie showed me how to make a 'baby', a 'set of twins' and a 'bonnet' for the baby. It was so cute to see the little ones learning how to make them, too. A dear little five year old helped to teach me how to make the mouse.
Of course, the subject of chickens came up. I was even offered an entire flock and the hen house, with the manure included! But, I don't think we will be doing chickens any time soon. It seems that hubby is not interested in raising chickens. Oh, well. It's not like I don't have anything to do around here.
The group talked about having another get together in June when the strawberries are in. More ice cream and fresh strawberries! I am already anxious for June to come.
I always come away from an Amish visit wanting to slow down, light my oil lamps and enjoy the quiet. While they work hard and are busy, there is a relaxed way to the things they do. It was enjoyable to observe the women work together and know each other's kitchen so well. I watched, too, as the children played together and the young girls were eager to hold babies and be helpful.
The evening wore on as we visited and some of the young ones drifted off to sleep in the corner of the room. The warmth of the coal heat and the delight of friends made for such a relaxing evening. It was hard to leave.
I am so grateful to be able to spend a simple evening with wonderful friends who make our visit to Amish country a pure delight.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
An Afternoon With the Amish
Since gas prices have fallen, I wanted to get in a visit to some of our Amish friends in New Wilmington. This was to be a short afternoon visit since my daughter-in-love and grandson were going along.
When I know an Amish visit is on the horizon, I am like a kid at Christmas! It is a big event for me to get to visit them. A very special day.
There are two young women that I visit with, Lizzie and Sarah. They are a closer age to my daughter, but we really seem to click. Maybe its because they know so much more than I do. I love learning how they do things. They laugh at me because I volunteer to do the dishes. For me it is an accomplishment to say that I can do dishes in a dry sink. Lizzie has also shared with me about what she grows in her garden, berries she grows and different things that she has canned. Today's visit was primarily a fact finding mission on chickens.
Lizzie greeted us at the door and the smell of wood burning in her cook stove was the first delight. The house was warm and cozy--a bit warmer than what I'm used to--but warm with friendship, too. After a bit of a visit, she heated up some venison chili that she had recently canned. Of course, it was wonderful. When Sarah and her boys arrived, we laughed about the time I was with Lizzie to get peaches this summer and I saw the Amish women dressing chickens and she allowed me to de-gut one...much to the shock of even Lizzie. I couldn't let down all my 'english' sisters by gagging! Sarah couldn't believe I actually did it. We all enjoyed Lizzie's retelling and had a great laugh.
Poor little Daniel had a rough day. His poor mom, probably more so. Not being used to so many HOT things around, Daniel was constantly being followed by his mom or I so as not to touch one of the stoves. He did manage to touch one. Thankfully, it was not that hot and he didn't get burned badly. Needless to say, it was not a relaxing visit for his mom. It was so cute--we should have had a camera--to see Daniel sitting with his new little Amish friends on the sofa looking at books together. What a picture. The boys seemed to think Daniel was dressed a bit strangely, though. LOL
Lizzie took me on a guided tour of her very roomy and insulated hen house. It was very nice. Although I have only been in two of them in my life. Hers would be considered a 'high end/upscale hen house in my book. She raises Golden Comets. They are very lovely birds! A soft golden, light to medium brown that lay brown eggs. I learned that I need a hen house of some sort, a feeder and something for water, that saw dust is good for the floor, that vinegar in their water when they are molting seems to help and that I should get about 5 birds. Quite frankly, I'm not sure I'm ready for chickens. Keith is very sure he's not. While I did de-gut one chicken, I didn't kill it or strip the feathers off. (I was happy to learn that my friends can't kill their birds either, their husbands do it.) We would need to do a bit of work to prepare a place for them. I guess I'm afraid of trying. It all seems a bit scary. If I had someone around to make sure I was doing things right, I would feel more confident.
As always, our visit seemed so short. There is so much I want to learn from these ladies. They are a delight and a visit there is always fun and relaxing. I come away feeling energized and loved. (They are always working hard and put me to shame.)
On the way home, we talked about whether we would make 'good Amish' or not. My daughter-in-law said she wants to keep her flush toilet--I want my hot shower. If I could figure out a way to have one foot in each world, maybe I could make a go of it. :-)
Perhaps we can make another visit after the holidays and I can get another Amish 'fix' to get me through the winter.
When I know an Amish visit is on the horizon, I am like a kid at Christmas! It is a big event for me to get to visit them. A very special day.
There are two young women that I visit with, Lizzie and Sarah. They are a closer age to my daughter, but we really seem to click. Maybe its because they know so much more than I do. I love learning how they do things. They laugh at me because I volunteer to do the dishes. For me it is an accomplishment to say that I can do dishes in a dry sink. Lizzie has also shared with me about what she grows in her garden, berries she grows and different things that she has canned. Today's visit was primarily a fact finding mission on chickens.
Lizzie greeted us at the door and the smell of wood burning in her cook stove was the first delight. The house was warm and cozy--a bit warmer than what I'm used to--but warm with friendship, too. After a bit of a visit, she heated up some venison chili that she had recently canned. Of course, it was wonderful. When Sarah and her boys arrived, we laughed about the time I was with Lizzie to get peaches this summer and I saw the Amish women dressing chickens and she allowed me to de-gut one...much to the shock of even Lizzie. I couldn't let down all my 'english' sisters by gagging! Sarah couldn't believe I actually did it. We all enjoyed Lizzie's retelling and had a great laugh.
Poor little Daniel had a rough day. His poor mom, probably more so. Not being used to so many HOT things around, Daniel was constantly being followed by his mom or I so as not to touch one of the stoves. He did manage to touch one. Thankfully, it was not that hot and he didn't get burned badly. Needless to say, it was not a relaxing visit for his mom. It was so cute--we should have had a camera--to see Daniel sitting with his new little Amish friends on the sofa looking at books together. What a picture. The boys seemed to think Daniel was dressed a bit strangely, though. LOL
Lizzie took me on a guided tour of her very roomy and insulated hen house. It was very nice. Although I have only been in two of them in my life. Hers would be considered a 'high end/upscale hen house in my book. She raises Golden Comets. They are very lovely birds! A soft golden, light to medium brown that lay brown eggs. I learned that I need a hen house of some sort, a feeder and something for water, that saw dust is good for the floor, that vinegar in their water when they are molting seems to help and that I should get about 5 birds. Quite frankly, I'm not sure I'm ready for chickens. Keith is very sure he's not. While I did de-gut one chicken, I didn't kill it or strip the feathers off. (I was happy to learn that my friends can't kill their birds either, their husbands do it.) We would need to do a bit of work to prepare a place for them. I guess I'm afraid of trying. It all seems a bit scary. If I had someone around to make sure I was doing things right, I would feel more confident.
As always, our visit seemed so short. There is so much I want to learn from these ladies. They are a delight and a visit there is always fun and relaxing. I come away feeling energized and loved. (They are always working hard and put me to shame.)
On the way home, we talked about whether we would make 'good Amish' or not. My daughter-in-law said she wants to keep her flush toilet--I want my hot shower. If I could figure out a way to have one foot in each world, maybe I could make a go of it. :-)
Perhaps we can make another visit after the holidays and I can get another Amish 'fix' to get me through the winter.
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