Amish country
My family and I minus hubby made a road trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania yesterday. My parents had never been to that part of the country, so they were interested in learning more about the Amish and Mennonite communities, especially after seeing some of the more recent TV shows like “Amish Mafia”. We arrived just after lunch and went to “Plain and Fancy” Farm where we watched a short film on Amish life. After that, we took a 90-minute tour of Amish farms and stores as our driver told us in more detail about their way of life. That was followed by a buggy ride with “Uncle Tom” (our new Mennonite friend). Uncle Tom had told us he would give us the VIP tour since we had to wait for him to change the rubber on one of the wheels. Once we finally got moving, the rubber came off again on a different wheel. I thought we were going to be stranded on one of the farms, but he kept driving on the metal! After that event, we ate a quick dinner at a local restaurant that we all found truthfully disgusting. I couldn’t even finish my meal, and it was not cheaply priced. We ended our evening watching the show “Noah” at Sight and Sound Theater. I was disappointed in the show. I had heard great reviews of Noah, but I found the writing of the script to be on the weaker side. The set, however, was amazing.
The highlight of the road trip was by far learning more about the Amish and Mennonite communities. I am absolutely fascinated with their cultures and would love to spend time immersed in their environment. I’ve seen on VRBO where you and your family can rent a stay on one of the farms and actually help them work with the animals and vegetation. My husband laughs at the idea, because he sees as it as sort of a scam, but I’m not so sure. Something to consider for the future. I did wonder during our trip how much money was being made off of the Amish environment, and who was actually making the money. I would imagine some of these families are depositing quite a chunk of change into the bank because of tourists such as ourselves. I did learn that these cultures are exempt from paying certain taxes like social security based on a Supreme Court’s decision. I was told they don’t want to depend on the government for money, so they don’t have to pay these taxes. Hmmmmmmm….Maybe I should convert? I love those black and white cows, too! They are so fashionable.
We observed the many one-room schoolhouses, and I, of course, smiled because I can relate at least to that idea. I wonder if they would hire me to teach:)
A thought I left with while learning about their education. The Amish culture teaches the 5 R’s, not just the 3 R’s like we do. They are:
Reading
(w)Riting
(a)Rithmetic
Respect
Responsibility
I LOVE that motto and plan to adopt it in my home this year. Good stuff..I could be Amish.
Nachos at 1:00 A.M.
Today our nation celebrated Memorial Day. My kids did not have the day off from academics. Instead, we discussed the meaning of the holiday as they colored their coloring pages. My second son somewhat argued with me that they should have the day off, but I argued that the people who’ve fought for our country would want to see them grow in their education so as to keep our country moving forward-can’t debate an Eagle Mother:)
Along with an extensive day of academics (math at 10:00 P.M.) we worked and played out in the yard. The youngest kids enjoyed making a collection of worms that they found in the mulch beds I was cleaning out. Our night ended with a viewing of “Toy Story 3” and me on the elliptical. Of course, as I’m typing to you it’s 1:00 A.M., and I’m eating nachos. So much for the elliptical. Sometimes fake food really tastes good.
Fatigue finally setting in…
How did you spend it?
My Mother’s Day summary:
Slept until 9:30, played hookie from church (horrible traffic), ate Big Breakfast that hubby made along with presentation of homemade cards by the kids (tear-jerker), 2 afternoon soccer games, worked in children’s garden weeding and planting, ate left-overs from Big Breakfast. I’ll let the pictures say the rest..
Now back to the reality of academics..Game on.
A bit of Native American history
We spent our last day of vacation touring the Natchez Trace Parkway (after eating at Cracker Barrel, of course). The local park ranger showed us a video on the history of the parkway before we set out to hike a few trails and see the mounds. I could have spent a long time reading on the history of the area, but my kids’ ages and attention spans limited that experience. They were just thrilled to run through the woods. Oh, well. Hopefully, the day will plant a lasting memory in their minds when it comes to our country’s history and what our ancestors went through.
Loving Maine with Robert Mccloskey
Exploring Maine with the family…loved seeing classic children’s literature in the hotel lobby.
Ivy League Homeschooling 