I got a tour of the new wood-frame house my Amish neighbors are building, it’s big and beautiful, on a hillside near the new barn. As usual, Moise and his crew did a fantastic job getting the walls up and a roof on before the first snow. There’s a lot of work to be done, but Moise is happy and proud, eager to show me the result.

Little Sarah gave a great tour, and we are both invited to go on a sleigh ride later this afternoon. One goat now comes along to lead the horses up the hill, and the kids are sleighing down the hill behind the house. I think Maria will go sledding there this afternoon. I might take a sleigh ride.

The house is two stories high and has a big attic and an enormous basement. The siding is up, and the roof. Insulation and windows and flooring come next. The family is very excited; they can’t wait to live in a house again.

I can take photos of the house’s exterior if I want, but I decided to leave the cameras home; a writer ought to write without photos. I put up a picture of their donuts instead. It feels liberating in a way; I like doing shots in words. And the camera is sometimes a barrier between the people I know and me.

I rarely am without a camera these days, but it felt fine; I don’t want to be like one of those people who can’t stay away from their technology. And I can focus on the people and talk to them. Lessons there. The camera can be a shield if I’m not careful. And this way, I don’t have to worry about what is okay and what isn’t.

Maria and I came for the tour; we saw the cellar, the kitchen, the mudroom, and a dirt floor root cellar for storing canned food and apples for the winter.

The house is more significant than I expected, it has a great view. Moise said that he plans to build a retirement house next door for him and Barbara when they get older in a couple of years. Some of his children and grandchildren will be right next door.

If they need help, they can go next door to the big house they are working on.

Moise was kidding me on my stiff and slow walk on the ice and snow. “Hey,  grandpa,” he said. I’m looking forward to physical therapy, which starts on Thursday for me.

I’m pleased about today’s boot news. We went over to the temporary house to get Delilah to try them on. They fit perfectly. It was challenging but gratifying.

Finally, the boot for Delilah (it took two months) and one of the boots I would return fit Barbara (younger Barbara); she also needs a new pair. I was thrilled. Now, everyone in the family has an excellent waterproof and sturdy boot for the winter. The girls wanted to pay me for the shoes, but I had to think about it. I can’t think of a better Christmas present for them.

The last boot was the hardest; I couldn’t find her size anywhere in the kind of boot the family wears. I lucked out last week. And with winter coming on, boots are essential. They are outside all day.

The boys are working outdoors and are up on the roof today in the bitter cold. I asked them if they still like to drink Mountain Dew in the winter, and they said sure. It was good to see the family so proud and happy and busy. They were radiant. They do not complain about the winter, as most locals do. They love it.