This evening we went to visit the Amish country.   I have always admired Amish craftsmanship, so we have furniture made by the Amish here and in Ohio.  I found that the Amish produce top quality products when I was here in this area years ago.  Since Ron had not ever been here,  I thought he would enjoy seeing the farms and shops of the Amish---not to mention eating some of the food.

 

 

 

We drove into Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand before coming to our motel.  The name “Intercourse” is thought to have evolved either from the old racecourse “Entercourse” which is just outside of town or from the joining or intercourse of the Old Kings Highway and the Wilmington-Erie Road.   As interesting as the name is, the people and their way of life is even more interesting.  It is fascinating  to see people live, farm, and produce products as our grandparents did.  They don’t have to worry about the power going out since they do not use electricity.  Their clothes are plain, handmade and have no buttons (considered decorations), and their colors are all earth colors.  They work the fields with mules and use horses for their carriages.  They do not want their pictures taken as they consider this “graven images”.  Their homes are decorated with homemade items, but are colorful in earth tones.  Their barns are  “Swiss-Air” style, and their fields are neat, orderly and carefully groomed.  Their food is wonderful.

Tonight we dined on Amish style food.  It is much like what we had growing up: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, salad (bean and green), sausages, beef, beans, etc.  The best part is always dessert.  The Shoo Fly Pie, various apple pies, cakes, and ice cream are yummy.  We had sweetened iced tea for the first time in weeks and coffee with dessert.  Would you believe that we ate too much?