I have a standing rule when it comes to taking money from my Amish friends and neighbors. I’ll make money in repayment for anything they ask me to buy, but I won’t accept payment for anything I decide to buy for them on my own.
The Millers are not poor by any means, but I sometimes bring them things I can’t use anymore or thought they might like.
Today I brought a half-full back of mash for their chicks; ours don’t need it anymore. Delilah thanked me and said she could use it.
Could she repay me, she asked as she always does?
I said no, no charge – she and I have a standing joke about this – and she asked me, as she always does when I bring books or gifts – “are you sure?”
The Amish are meticulous about paying their debts promptly. I decided to have a bit of fun and said, “okay, you can give me three cents,” thinking she would laugh.
Delilah, who has a wicked sense of humor, did laugh. She said goodbye, but as I was getting into the car, she ran out and handed me three cents, smiling all the time.
I hesitated and decided to take the money. I heard her laughing from inside the kitchen as I pulled away. She finally got me to take money from them.
Tomorrow, Delilah and two of her sisters come to the farm to help Maria skirt wool (pick it clean by hand) from the last sheep shearing. I’m going to pick them up after lunch.
I’m keeping the three cents in a tiny bowl on my desk. I smile every time I see it.
Wish you could do a video of them skirting the wool, just their hands so no one will actually be seen except hands. I didn’t know what skirting was until the end of the blog.
Yes, cant do that though, a photo might be possible from a distance..
A bit off topic maybe, bit do you think you might be able to get any barn biding pics from a distance? I imagine that would be fascinating to watch.
Such great and restorative writings Jon.
Helps put some stability in our world.
I can do it from a distance, but since many strangers will be there, I think I won’t do it until the builders are gone. Some Amish resent being photographed; some don’t. Rather than risk offense, I only do it when I have permission. Legally, no one can stop me from shooting from the road, but I don’t want to do it legally. I always ask Moise if it’s okay; most of the time, it is, some of the time, it isn’t. I follow his l lede.