Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Last week, we drove to Ethridge, Tennessee, to the Amish community there.  They sell fruits and vegetables that are fresh, and Hub had a hankering for some raw peanuts. I have heard people who are fed up with our fast-paced society wish that they could live this kind of life.  Coincidentally, they are the same people who panic and can't function if the power goes off for more than fifteen minutes.  I love their work ethic and the fact they believe in strong families.  I have no desire to join their way of life. The peanuts are mighty tasty.

Just outside of Lancaster, Bird In Hand has a huge Farmer's Market.  I have never been in one so large and with so many various items for sale.  Items ranged from farm fresh meats, grains, baked items, spices, to all kinds of art and clothing. There was so many goodies there, it was hard to decide what to buy.  We were a long way from home with very little room left in the car. We settled on a huge peach fritter for $2.39 from a little Amish lady.  I'm sorry I didn't remember to take a photo of it. We devoured it in the car on the way to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and declared it was the best thing we had ever eaten.  It had pieces of fresh peaches throughout, and between bites, I studied it intensely, wondering how they were able to make something so awesome. I knew I had to try to make some when I got home.  So. . . . 

I have read about Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for years.  Authors from Beverly Lewis to James Mitchner have written about the Amish way of life there, making it sound so beautiful that we had to see it for ourselves.  Lancaster did not disappoint. I want to return here when I have more time to explore.  I loved everything about it! Anyone want to go with me?

Last week, my sis and her hub went with us to the Amish community near Stantonville, Tennessee.  It was a beautiful day, and we love driving to new places and finding new treasures.  We enjoy these mini-trips we take together, where we giggle a lot and get caught up on everything.  Also, the squirrels ate all our tomatoes, so we needed to find some to buy. You know the food you are buying is fresh when they bring it from the field while you are standing there waiting for it. Here is part of what we brought home, and it was all delicious. Stantonville is located in McNairy County, Tennessee, northwest of Shiloh National Military Park.