Black hats. Black dresses. Black buggies. Beards. Bonnets. Horses.
No electric wires to the house. Clotheslines. Black clothes flapping in the wind.
Simple, quiet, family-oriented folks.
Hard work. Home churches. We have a number of Amish families in our rural area. They are keep to themselves, but they attend local auctions looking for bargains. And they set up sales stations, selling homemade baked goods and baskets. When a family needs a new barn, they are there in droves. Many buggies, more men, women preparing the food to feed the crews. I can't imagine getting up before dawn to hitch up the horse and buggy to travel hours to go shopping. My grandma did it; I've gotten spoiled with "modern-day" conveniences...like cars and electricity and facebook. But, who's to say whose life is more serene?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Maple
Did you know it takes 43 gallons of maple sap to make One Gallon of maple syrup?
Did you know that the real maple syrup has to be boiled down until that almost-water thickens to syrup, using wood or fuel oil as heat?
Did you know that "reverse osmosis" can speed up the process, but the machines to do so are very expensive?
Can you guess where I went yesterday?
Yes, a friend and I visited several maple operations, to learn and to sample.
And, of course, to support the local product.
Our only disappointment was not finding a "pancake and real syrup" breakfast to feed our hunger.
But we were able to purchase maple sugar and syrup and soap and chapstick.
Oh, and "local" pancake mix, so we can reproduce the breakfast event.
Hope your day was as fun and interesting!
Did you know that the real maple syrup has to be boiled down until that almost-water thickens to syrup, using wood or fuel oil as heat?
Did you know that "reverse osmosis" can speed up the process, but the machines to do so are very expensive?
Can you guess where I went yesterday?
Yes, a friend and I visited several maple operations, to learn and to sample.
And, of course, to support the local product.
Our only disappointment was not finding a "pancake and real syrup" breakfast to feed our hunger.
But we were able to purchase maple sugar and syrup and soap and chapstick.
Oh, and "local" pancake mix, so we can reproduce the breakfast event.
Hope your day was as fun and interesting!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Next....
OK, basketball is officially over for the season in my book.
(In case you weren't watching, Syracuse lost to Butler.)
So, next on the calendar in my world is Palm Sunday and Easter/Resurrection Day.
I love these events, because they tell such an important story.
And, because they coincidentally relate to Spring, my most favorite season.
My focus has never been on the Old Testament events of Passover and related holidays, because of my parents' background and religion.
I find these also Very Important in the great scheme of things, but not in mine.
Palm Sunday, on the other hand, gives the narrative of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a young donkey and his being praised and honored.
The following week, throughout the ages, has been called "Passion Week" because of the many conflicting emotions and events.
Jesus is arrested, scourged and mocked, and crucified for no good reason.
His accusers, the religious leaders, pride themselves on their coup.
But, eventually, He wins.
He rises from the tomb they have sealed...and they can't catch up with Him.
They bribe the soldiers to say that His body was stolen.
His disciples see Him at various times and places.
He Is Risen!
Becuase He triumphed over death and sin, we mortals have the opportunity to allow His sufferings and triumphs to become ours.
It's all in His Book.
(In case you weren't watching, Syracuse lost to Butler.)
So, next on the calendar in my world is Palm Sunday and Easter/Resurrection Day.
I love these events, because they tell such an important story.
And, because they coincidentally relate to Spring, my most favorite season.
My focus has never been on the Old Testament events of Passover and related holidays, because of my parents' background and religion.
I find these also Very Important in the great scheme of things, but not in mine.
Palm Sunday, on the other hand, gives the narrative of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a young donkey and his being praised and honored.
The following week, throughout the ages, has been called "Passion Week" because of the many conflicting emotions and events.
Jesus is arrested, scourged and mocked, and crucified for no good reason.
His accusers, the religious leaders, pride themselves on their coup.
But, eventually, He wins.
He rises from the tomb they have sealed...and they can't catch up with Him.
They bribe the soldiers to say that His body was stolen.
His disciples see Him at various times and places.
He Is Risen!
Becuase He triumphed over death and sin, we mortals have the opportunity to allow His sufferings and triumphs to become ours.
It's all in His Book.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sweet Sixteen
Ah, yes, I remember it well.
My grandma had reminisced on her young life and the fact that she was "sweet sixteen and never been kissed".
I vowed to be able to make the same commitment, even though I was sure that living in the 1950's would make this non-event more difficult to achieve than it was in the early 1900's.
I'm not sure that it was, but I did achieve my goal, despite the side-tracking of a surprise 15th birthday party and playing "Post Office".
The guy who was to collect a kiss from me, I'm sure, was not gratified in any way.
My lips were sealed and my mind was on other things.
I didn't "count" that one; I doubt that he did either!
Of course, as soon as I arrived at the number 16, I expected beaus to be lining up on the front steps.
I was also disappointed.
I think I was 16 years and some months before being properly "kissed".
My greatest memory of that event was chocolate ice cream, which the "kissee" had consumed before "The Kiss".
My grandma had reminisced on her young life and the fact that she was "sweet sixteen and never been kissed".
I vowed to be able to make the same commitment, even though I was sure that living in the 1950's would make this non-event more difficult to achieve than it was in the early 1900's.
I'm not sure that it was, but I did achieve my goal, despite the side-tracking of a surprise 15th birthday party and playing "Post Office".
The guy who was to collect a kiss from me, I'm sure, was not gratified in any way.
My lips were sealed and my mind was on other things.
I didn't "count" that one; I doubt that he did either!
Of course, as soon as I arrived at the number 16, I expected beaus to be lining up on the front steps.
I was also disappointed.
I think I was 16 years and some months before being properly "kissed".
My greatest memory of that event was chocolate ice cream, which the "kissee" had consumed before "The Kiss".
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Go Orange!
Go Blue! I was a cheerleader for dear old alma mater, so I cheered for those colors for all of my high school years. We rarely made it as far as winning in sectionals when I was there....maybe they hadn't developed that end-of-the-season last gasp. I was on the Jr. Varsity Cheerleading squad and then, eventually, the Varsity squad. Back then the cheerleaders rode on the same bus as the players did, so there was incentive. Nowadays, I guess they take gender-specific transport. Not near as fun...but probably better morally, considering the combination of youthful passions and present moral codes.
Anyway, I'm still rooting for the orange and blue. Syracuse advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen" in the NCAA dance. At least they looked like they wanted this. Hopefully they will continue to want to advance, and they won't let down their guard against Gonzaga.
Go Orange!
Anyway, I'm still rooting for the orange and blue. Syracuse advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen" in the NCAA dance. At least they looked like they wanted this. Hopefully they will continue to want to advance, and they won't let down their guard against Gonzaga.
Go Orange!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Madness of March
Supporting KY tonight, but cheering for SYRACUSE tomorrow.
The Great Recuperator and I took another walk this afternoon.
We went 1/4 mile the other way, so it added up to 1/2 again.
Of course, he's already gone to the shop and helped a neighbor with his car.
He has permission from his doctor to take a shower tonight....and take the bandages off...and not replace them. I'm thinking that that will give him more comfort, but we'll see. Obviously the incisions are expected to be healed well enough by now.
I wonder why they still hurt.
The Great Recuperator and I took another walk this afternoon.
We went 1/4 mile the other way, so it added up to 1/2 again.
Of course, he's already gone to the shop and helped a neighbor with his car.
He has permission from his doctor to take a shower tonight....and take the bandages off...and not replace them. I'm thinking that that will give him more comfort, but we'll see. Obviously the incisions are expected to be healed well enough by now.
I wonder why they still hurt.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Walk in the Country
Today being St. Patrick's Day, I feel I must use green.
Of course, it also applies to our walk in the country, even though most of the green is still below ground.
I had already raked the debris from the flower garden, so I did see green shoots of daffodils, tulips, iris, chives, and a few red beginnings of peonies. Funny how they start out red, while everything else follows the green rule.
My husband and I walked to the shop and cut a ski pole a little shorter so he could use it as a walking stick. I even got to do the cutting with a hand saw!
He is recuperating from Monday's surgery, so his back is very tender.
He says it feels like someone stabbing him with a knife, or the sensation one gets when one puts a hand on a hot stove.
Obviously, it's not a comfortable feeling.
We walked past the mailbox and turned right down the road to the top of the hill.
He pointed out to me the big tree that is a marker for the end of our property.
We stopped at the gun club to see who was shooting.
It appeared to be either the Coast Guard or the Homeland Security officials.
They all have to qualify regularly, and our local club is a good place to do that.
On our way home we stopped in the grove where, in the summer, there are bees plying their trade of making honey.
Presently there are no bees; they've gone on their winter vacation to the south.
I think these are taken to South Carolina.
They will be back when the flowers start blooming around here, probably in May.
Getting back home was good, and we had walked a total of one-half mile.
I know that doesn't sound like much, but it wasn't bad for a first time out with the Recuperator.
Maybe tomorrow we'll make a mile!
Of course, it also applies to our walk in the country, even though most of the green is still below ground.
I had already raked the debris from the flower garden, so I did see green shoots of daffodils, tulips, iris, chives, and a few red beginnings of peonies. Funny how they start out red, while everything else follows the green rule.
My husband and I walked to the shop and cut a ski pole a little shorter so he could use it as a walking stick. I even got to do the cutting with a hand saw!
He is recuperating from Monday's surgery, so his back is very tender.
He says it feels like someone stabbing him with a knife, or the sensation one gets when one puts a hand on a hot stove.
Obviously, it's not a comfortable feeling.
We walked past the mailbox and turned right down the road to the top of the hill.
He pointed out to me the big tree that is a marker for the end of our property.
We stopped at the gun club to see who was shooting.
It appeared to be either the Coast Guard or the Homeland Security officials.
They all have to qualify regularly, and our local club is a good place to do that.
On our way home we stopped in the grove where, in the summer, there are bees plying their trade of making honey.
Presently there are no bees; they've gone on their winter vacation to the south.
I think these are taken to South Carolina.
They will be back when the flowers start blooming around here, probably in May.
Getting back home was good, and we had walked a total of one-half mile.
I know that doesn't sound like much, but it wasn't bad for a first time out with the Recuperator.
Maybe tomorrow we'll make a mile!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Past LIfe
Have you noticed how the years keep advancing (1989--1997--2005), but your mind and thought processes kinda stay the same? I put 2010 on my checks because it's the thing to do, but I really don't have an idea about a year of that name.
Anyway, I've been cleaning out a file cabinet. (I don't do closets or rooms or anything like that. Just a file cabinet.) Well, in this piece of gaudy furniture (it is orange and I got it at a rummage sale way long ago...probably even before 1989) were notebooks of various studies I have been acquainted with.
There is the whole BIG notebook of Bill Gothard's "Institute for Basic Youth Conflicts", along with many yearly updates. There are books and articles relating to clowning, as well as a pair of pants I obviously thought would be an addition to that activity. There are single Bible study books; a counseling notebook; my HIBA book from high school(!); my grandmother's diaries from 1935-1944. The only things I'm keeping are the diaries...THEY are family history!
So, who do I bless with this stuff? It's way too good and useful to throw away. I don't know if the Salvation Army would like it. I will ask around. If you feel the need, just let me know which and what. :-)
Anyway, I've been cleaning out a file cabinet. (I don't do closets or rooms or anything like that. Just a file cabinet.) Well, in this piece of gaudy furniture (it is orange and I got it at a rummage sale way long ago...probably even before 1989) were notebooks of various studies I have been acquainted with.
There is the whole BIG notebook of Bill Gothard's "Institute for Basic Youth Conflicts", along with many yearly updates. There are books and articles relating to clowning, as well as a pair of pants I obviously thought would be an addition to that activity. There are single Bible study books; a counseling notebook; my HIBA book from high school(!); my grandmother's diaries from 1935-1944. The only things I'm keeping are the diaries...THEY are family history!
So, who do I bless with this stuff? It's way too good and useful to throw away. I don't know if the Salvation Army would like it. I will ask around. If you feel the need, just let me know which and what. :-)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
New Day
New Activity...We spent the night in a motel after we treated our daughter to dinner at Smokey Bones in Syracuse. Then a friend and I went shopping at the Carousel Mall in Syracuse, NY. (Sometime maybe possibly to be "DestiNY") Since it is called "Carousel Mall", you might think there might be a merry-go-round there. And you would be right. It was built in 1909, so it is older even than my dad, who would have been 100 this year. It moved around a lot during its lifetime, and then was resotred for about 2 years before coming to its present home. For only $1, mall-goers can ride on it. So we did. May have looked a little out of the usual for a couple of senior citizens to be riding on the ponies, but it brought back lots of memories...and it was fun.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Definition, Please
I got on the elevator to go back to the parking garage to get my husband's book so he could entertain himself while waiting for his surgical pre-op.
It's a regular elevator; I'd just gotten off it a few minutes earlier.
This time I was all alone.
Now, you have to understand that I was brought up on a farm back in the day when elevators were not a regular part of life.
So, my personal relationship with elevators is not large nor intimate.
Nevertheless, I have been on a number of different elevators in my time, and I always managed to come out on top....or the bottom...wherever I was planning to come out.
This time, however....
Well, I'm needing you to identify the situation according to current terminology and psychological thought.
As I said, I got on the elevator.
No problem.
The door closed.
No problem.
It was at "6", and I wanted to go to "9".
Would you believe I punched that "9" over and over again...and the number over the door still stayed at "6"?
Would you believe I did it again?
And again?
Would you think my brain is addled or my age has finally caught up with me or the spirits of the elevator were against me?
Would you please try to define for me what occurred in that irritating space of time between my furious punching and my final light-bulb moment when I lightly touched the round white button BESIDE the "9"?
I'm counting on your objective thoughts!!
It's a regular elevator; I'd just gotten off it a few minutes earlier.
This time I was all alone.
Now, you have to understand that I was brought up on a farm back in the day when elevators were not a regular part of life.
So, my personal relationship with elevators is not large nor intimate.
Nevertheless, I have been on a number of different elevators in my time, and I always managed to come out on top....or the bottom...wherever I was planning to come out.
This time, however....
Well, I'm needing you to identify the situation according to current terminology and psychological thought.
As I said, I got on the elevator.
No problem.
The door closed.
No problem.
It was at "6", and I wanted to go to "9".
Would you believe I punched that "9" over and over again...and the number over the door still stayed at "6"?
Would you believe I did it again?
And again?
Would you think my brain is addled or my age has finally caught up with me or the spirits of the elevator were against me?
Would you please try to define for me what occurred in that irritating space of time between my furious punching and my final light-bulb moment when I lightly touched the round white button BESIDE the "9"?
I'm counting on your objective thoughts!!
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