I have not seen such confidence and agility since I went to the circus and watched the trapeze artist.

In oppressive humidity and almost constant rain, Moise and his small army of Amish workers poured a ton of concrete onto the new barn floor.

They also began earnest construction of a banked wall on the West side of the barn.

The task today was to fill in the wall form with rocks tilled from the soil and concrete from a mixer. Nothing is ever wasted.

They build a scaffolding themselves as they do, pouring concrete into wheelbarrows with a kerosene-fueled concrete mixer., Everyone was carrying and lifting rocks or pushing wheelbarrows or dumping both into the wall mold.

It was almost like a ballet. Everyone knew the script, no orders were necessary. They all moved in sync, a kind of stream.

The kids were laughing and excited. It was a celebration, not a chore.

As the wall got filled in, they build new scaffolding in seconds with a hammer and some nails.

Everyone, young and old, big and small were tossing rocks up to people on the top of the wall; they were using it as filler along with the concrete.

It was hypnotic to watch the kids and the adults toss those big rocks 10 to 12 feet in the air.

Narrow wooden planks led from the rock pile and the mixer to the top of the wall.  The workers walked up and down the narrow plank, pushing concrete heavy wheelbarrows as if they were on a paved road.

Two big and beautiful draft horses stood in the shade, ready to go and help collect more bags of concrete mix or move a pile of lumber closer.

Work is a joy to the Amish, and you see the smiles on their faces and the laughter coming from them. The youngest people often break into song, singing Amish hymns.

They pause for nothing, other than water that they bring in canvas bags.  I saw no one leave to go to the bathroom, which is a nearby outhouse.

Moise rarely smiles, but he was very proud and eager to show me how the work had gone.

When I came earlier, he was on the way to lunch. I appreciate the honesty and openness in our friendship.

He couldn’t stop to talk, as he and the others were working on a tight schedule; he wouldn’t compromise that for small talk. I said he absolutely should walk away and go to lunch; this would free me to photograph the wall while they were eating.

We both laughed. Two bulls said Barbara, smiling.

I  wasn’t offended in any way, and he didn’t hesitate to wave and say hello and get to the other barn to eat. The other workers were already there.

I joked, saying that I might take a photo from the road; he said that was none of his business; people can do whatever they want on the road.

So, on the way out, far out of identifying range, I did. I took the one above.

While I was there, Moise came over to me to warn me a big concrete truck had come up the same hill I drove upon, and he was worried I would get my car stuck in the mud.

After work, he said, he would set up a plow and flatten the driveway so I could come and watch any time. He wanted to spare me having to walk up the hill.

I watched for two or three hours today, rain and sun and heat. It was a privilege to see this joyous work; I remain amazed at how much they get done in a day and how much energy and agility they have.

Two of the kids came running over to me to challenge me to a thumb-wresting match. The Amish thumbs are strong.

I eked out one win and three losses (even little Sarah beat me, and she doesn’t come up to my stomach., and I tried to win.  Jo, Moise’s youngest son,  isn’t much older, but I didn’t have a chance. They love to win.)

As the frame starts going up in a day or two, I’ll be able to take close-up photos of when the work crews leave and what the joints look like.

It’s all coming together, all of those rides and trips as Moise ordered everything he needed. I might take a long trip when it’s time to buy stuff for the house.

In the late afternoon, they were still going.

I went into town to a Stewart’s Convenience  Shop and bought one of the ice cream sundae party kits I often get for the Mansion residents and buy one for Moise and his family and fellow barn-raisers.

Fanny was nineteen today, and I guessed she would like an ice cream Sunday party. I’m never completely sure what is allowed and what isn’t, but I know if they don’t like or want something, they are not shy about saying so.

I wanted it to be a surprise, so I didn’t ask, which I usually do. The family has faithfully kept my secret about Moise’s surprise birthday present.

As it was, everyone flipped over the Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae and party kit. There would be enough for everyone in the family and everyone working.

I’m glad I bought two bags of ice cubes, they don’t have a freezer or refrigerator.

Barbara made a point of telling me that they loved ice cream, I should feel free to bring some whenever I wish.

And she offered to pay me for the sundae kit, of course.

I asked for eight pennies and got ten.

Moise thanked me for the ice cubes, he didn’t mention the ice cream. I notice the Amish often don’t”thank” people in the English sense. They always acknowledge the gift, which is apparent and Moise once explained that giving to others is sacred and honored, it’s what Jesus told people to do.

I learned that the Amish love ice cream.

I also wanted Moise to know I appreciate being able to watch this construction and see this iconic Amish ritual close up.

I think his birthday gift, a neat tool bag, is arriving tomorrow. He could sure use one.