This ingenious and impressive Amish greenhouse was not there when I last visited the farm a couple of days ago. Maria and I drove up there today to drop off some bottles Barbara needs for making jam. Moise was in town buying some supplies this afternoon.
We were invited inside and saw two gorgeous black stoves where the baked goods – donuts, cookies, pies – are baked.
The Amish I know love to work with wood, and some of the families are selling raised wood gardens (I wish I had known they were going to do that, theirs are a lot cheaper than the one I bought and just as nice.)
I see many of the young men are especially well trained in woodworking. The greenhouse was pretty special.
I also brought some Boxcar books, a big hit with the children there. I was so impressed by the Greenhouse that I drove back later and found Barbara inside planting some seeds.
There is a warm sealed wood stove inside the greenhouse for keeping the seeds warm. Barbara invited me in and listed all of the things they are planting this summer, a score of vegetables and corn.
Hundreds of seeds were already sprouting.
A thin wisp of smoke came out of the stove chimney.
Their food and vegetable stand-out front is going to be pretty busy.
I sat inside with Barbara for a few minutes and fantasized about having Joshua and Joe build one of those (a smaller version) for us next year, but the truth is we have no good place to put it.
Barbara said she loves seeding out in the Greenhouse; it was cozy and quiet in there. She is opening up more to Maria, and to me, we’ve each had some delightful fun talks with her. She has a quick and ready smile and is happy to answer questions.
I have to say I can’t get over the energy and ingenuity of that family; they do things overnight that would take me (or the people I would have to hire) many months to do.
I like seeing them so content and busy. They really do love to work.
It’s always busy there; every minute of daylight is taken up with work. I gather there is talk, singing, and reading when it gets dark. They get up at 5 a.m. and go to bed between 8 and 9. p.m.
I am comfortable there on their farm, and they are comfortable with me. I wander around, looking at things, taking photos when I can, and asking questions. I never get tired of being there.
The boys were out with the horses testing a new tilling machine. Getting close to planting time.
Very curious what the layout is inside the greenhouse if you can ask them to take photos inside and on all sides. Just clear plastic covering? Does it stay on blocks? Is greenhouse permanent building?
There is something very satisfying in a regular work routine especially regular, enjoyable hard physical work. We felt it so much this past year, relegated to computers and vulgar daytime tv which felt feels so chaotic. i am starting to agree with that philosophy professir who says young people should also learn a physical skill.
Physical work like that appears to be satisfying…I don’t care to analyze their construction techniques, maybe later…it feels a bit intrusive to me..
Understandable
Jon – I enjoy your posts about your Amish friends. You are writing about your experiences with them, which have been positive. There is abuse in every religion and culture, as we are all aware. You can only report on what you are witnessing. If some readers think writing about your lovely interactions with your Amish friends means you support puppy mills, etc., this is faulty logic. I have Catholic friends, does this mean I condone pedophile priests? Things are not black and white – there are many gray areas.
Thanks Jean, wise….
Did they move into an existing farmhouse or are they living in that white barnlike building for now?
They are planning to build a home next year..
Great idea writing about the amish. A truly respectable organization who in turns grow their fruit and vegetables and have the heart for long laborious work days. If I could move in w these people I would.