By Kevin Williams
I was in Wayne County, Indiana's Amish community yesterday and all around were signs of spring, now less than a week away. Greenhouses were coming to live, buds were beginning to awaken, horse-drawn buggies were out and about. The Amish produce auction season kicks off on April 15.
For newcomers to this site, Wayne County, Indiana's sprawling Amish settlement is unusual in the Midwest in that it is a "Lancaster County, Pennslyvania" Amish settlement smack in the middle of the Hoosier state. The distinctive cultural traits of the Lancaster County group are on evident display. These include: gray buggies, using scooters instead of bikes, the distinctive double-peaked kapps worn by women, and even the clothing colors. You go north 20 miles and visit some of the "Swiss Amish" in neighboring Henry County, you'll find a completely different set of characteristics: different clothing colors, open buggies, and even beards that are trimmed a little differently. Interestingly, these two Amish groups don't interact much at all.
Soak in some late winter scenes with me:
The Amish produce auction kicks off its season on April 15. Turn in your taxes and go buy some fresh early season lettuce!
A gray-topped buggy driven by an Amish young person clatters down the road
An Amish school-house after the students are home for the day. A couple more months and it will begin its summer slumber.
No buggies in the bikepath! The Cardinal Greenway bike path parallels busy US 35 between Muncie and Richmond and makes a tempting alternate route for buggies.
Carolyn
Keven
Thank you for the great pictures. I am always happy to see anything Amish. I was looking at your weight chart. It seems you are holding at about the same number, ma-by a pound or two higher or lower. I do not know what your weight should be for your height etc. You really do not look overweight to me, I guess ma-by your feeling a little uncomfortable with your currant weight. Summer is approaching it is much easier lose weight during summer months. I suppose because we are more active, although you seem quite active. Good luck with your effort dear. Keep your chin up, and relax.
Kevin
Thanks, Carolyn, yes, I am hoping summer melts off a few more pounds...No, I am not terribly overweight...I just haven't ever been in the "230s" until the past year or two and I know if I don't fight it now, the 240s will be next and then what? So trying to fight it now!