It is fascinating to watch the Amish industry and energy and diplomacy, how the families support each other, the way they reach out to the community, the way they plan their sustenance and income.

Moise built his baked goods and vegetable stand in just a few days; his older daughters and sons staff it. They sell baked goods – pies, bread, cookies.

They have a great reputation for baking; cars already stop by the stand all day. It will be a lot busier in the summer; this is one highway to Lake George. Moise knew what he was doing when he bought his farm.

They have large families; they don’t need to hire people (except for rides and phone calls); they will accept small construction and cleaning and odd jobs.

They have no electric or heating bills, no car payments, no insurance payments, no health care payments.

Each family has 10 to 12 horses who graze on rich and wide pastures. They make their own cars and wagons, cut their own wood for fires.

They live frugally and work to create, grow or make everything they need. They make their own clothes and shoes and soap.

He has singlehandedly (with his horses) plowed eight acres of land to plant and sell vegetables at his stand. He is a miller and makes sheds of all kinds know for their durability and craftsmanship.

Moise has reached out to his neighbors and many merchants in town to say hello. The families take care of each other, help one another build their barns and houses, share food and help each other with laundry and supplies.

They shop in town for the few things they can’t make – dog food, paper plates, at the Dollar Store, the small independent grocery.

They show me that it is possible to live off the grid and be self-sufficient, even inexpensive and complex America. But it is hard work and long hours. It is not simple to live.