Since February, I’ve seen an occasional horse and buggy trot by my window as  I work. The dogs always bark in advance to give me a warning,  but I never tire of the image.

I wondered where they lived. I didn’t know I could throw a rock up the road and hit their farm. I just rarely drove in that direction.

In early Spring, the horse and buggies became more frequent and came by more regularly, and sometimes, on and off all day.

I then learned that the Amish family riding in them lived just a few doors away from me. I went to their farm to meet them, and my life changed considerably.

So did my work, at least temporarily.

My workday begins and ends with the clip-clop sounds of the buggies. My work has been controversial but also much appreciated (I thank many of you for that.)

I’ve never received so much response to anything I’ve written on the blog.

I haven’t seen the people Maria now calls “my other family,” I think it’s been four or five days. I wish Moise a happy birthday on Saturday in a very brief visit, and the present I got him will be arriving later in the week.

I hope he likes it, as I said, it is not easy buying a present for a man who has nothing and wants even less.

The time off was peaceful and gave me perspective on what I see as an extraordinary occurrence. I’ve learned a lot about them, and I will continue to share my observations and experiences.

I  especially like my riding with Moise series.

Just as the horses and buggies are a symbol of Amish faith and identity, so they are a symbol of their presence here, in my town, in my life.

How fortunate I to have a view like this out my study window.