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. Â 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!