Sweet Boy and I recently visited Lancaster, PA and took A Buggy Ride Through the Amish Countryside with our cousins.
A Buggy Ride Through the Amish Countryside
Our driver was Mr. Minno, who I adored. He welcomed questions. We had several and were very respectful during our time together. After a while, he became quite comfortable with us and asked several questions of his own.
We rode by several farms and even stopped at a few to purchase homemade root beer and cookies.
We made sure that it was ok to take photos of the farms. It is only asking adults to pose for photos that they are uncomfortable with, as they strive to remain humble in all areas of their lives.
Everything was so well kept. I have to say that I felt very peaceful during my time here and began to think that the Amish have life figured out quite well.
A farm requires constant attention. There is always something that needs looking after. The Amish do it beautifully.
I adored the Amish clothesline. I would love to have a pulley strung line in my own backyard.
This little sweetie was 3 years old and followed us all over her farm. I would have liked to put her in my pocket and carried her home.
Mr. Foghorn
At one farm there was a rooster that at first I thought might cause I bit of trouble. He seemed quite taken with Sweet Boy who in the beginning paid him no mind. (Can Roosters see in color? I wondered if it the red shirt he was wearing.) Mr. Foghorn only had eyes for one.
Sweet Boy finally gave a tentative poke.
Then the heavens parted and the angels began to sing. It was a chicken flavored mutual admiration society.
Here is a joke that Mr. Minno said I was welcome to share: What do you call cows laying on the dirt? Ground beef. Hee Hee.
We passed by several people, men, women, and children, riding Amish scooters.
I WANT a scooter! The turquoise, please. Santa, you can find them here.
On our way out of town, we saw a sign for Grandma’s Attic. Skiiirrrttt~ had to flip a Huey Lewis (u-turn).
Grandma’s was a wonderful Victorian home chock full of goodies. It was surrounded by luscious flower gardens and darling birdhouses.
They had cute displays on the first floor of the house. The owner primarily lives on the second floor. I asked if there was an area filled with cobwebs and dirt where you had to dig for treasure. A little something like this:
Antique Ticking
There was. We were led to the outbuildings. Tara spied what I was looking for: a pile of vintage blue ticking. Three full-size mattress covers and a small grain sack that still featured the owner’s initials/ name tags. They were partially filled with feathers and straw. There was enough dirt embedded in the fabric to start a small garden. This was probably why they were still waiting for me.
I’ve been searching for vintage ticking since last Christmas to cover my wing chairs. My stalking Ebay has been to no avail. Prices for vintage ticking in any condition can get astronomical. The proprietor said I could have all of it for $10. You know the IKEA commercial where the woman runs out of the store yelling “Start the car!” Yep, that was me.
For that price, I didn’t even mind the rusty age spots. I mean, after all, I do have a few myself.
Once home I grabbed a few lemons and made some strong lemon juice.
A light spritzing onto the fabric and it was time for the fabric to get a gentle sun bleaching.
It works just like Esoterica but without harsh chemicals. See, the spots are already fading fast.
So come back on Friday to see the first of many things that I have been creating. Here’s a teaser. It’s a peachy project to be sure.
Have you ever had a “Start the car!” moment?
Laura
Oh, Laura, what a great project!!! I had no idea about mattress ticking and there is vintage ticking. WOW! I had some pants made of this print back in the early 1970's. (abt. 1972) They were hip-huggers and sort of belled at the legs. My sister and I shared them. I think she save them since they were so much a part of that time period … and frankly, neither of us thought we woud that small again. (And were we right!) The pants went with any color of solid stretchy material top. Loved them. Have always loved ticking. Now I know much more about it. Thanks!!
Karen
Ladybug Creek
oh how I love these scenes … we drive thru Amish country when we go to auction in Indiana …
a refreshing change isn't it?
Hi there! I quite accidentally ran upon your blog and had to let you know how much I love it…especially this post. As a teenager, I used lemon to spritz on my hair to speed up that sun drenched glow, but never thought to use this method to “clean up” material. Thanks so much for sharing this great piece of advice and for your fantastic blog! You have another fan!!!
Wow!! That is one place I have always wanted to visit!!!! GORGEOUS photos Laura! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Oh Laura, what a fun trip and the farms are all so pretty. Love your ticking and the lemon to remove the rust stains, how clever is that. Can't wait to see your projects. Hugs, Marty
What a beautiful trip through Amish country you just took us on! My parents have life long friends that live in Pennsylvania and this brought back so many childhood memories! I haven't been back in over 20 years. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Looks like you guys had a wonderful trip.
I love the Amish and respect how they have preserved a simple way of life. People can be so critical of them. I read a study that showed the Amish children have a unbelievably low percentage of ADHD in their communities. Now what does that tell us??? Our young ones (and adults) are overstimulated and don't eat right!! Okay…off my soapbox! Thanks so much for sharing. I love it!
You are so lucky…I want to be there with you! I am writing an Ebook! I am so super excited about this! Fill you in later! Thanks for stopping by and looking at my client's home! It is a gorgeous home, huh? Hugs, Meme
I love the combination of that blue door with the white trim and the lovely ticking….I have always wanted to go for an Amish buggy ride, so I sort of did, today!
I always die laughing when I see that commercial – so funny. It looks like you hit the jackpot – good for you!!!
Laura,
I have a strong appreciation and history with the Amish community. Thank you for sharing your journey through their countryside. The photo of the little one in the barn doorway resembles one of my Nancy Noel paintings. I am adding Grandma's Attic to my list of places to go. The ticking was a wonderful find. Looking forward to seeing your newest creation. My “Start the car! Start the car!” moment was when I took my mother to visit my sister. (Yes, I jest.)
Your Friend,
Deborah
What a great trip, Laura! I found our stop over in Lancaster was not as relaxing as yours, although I still enjoyed mine and hubby's {we hit the outlet}. I love that first home you have pictures ~ what lovely garden beds, too. Great find on the ticking. LOL! I have had one of those “start the car” moments! They can have you laughing until your sides hurt.
I too have often thought the Amish have it all figured out. Also wonder if I could handle the life.
Now, I've never seen that commercial (TiVo – don't watch them anymore). It is so funny I'm still laughing. Seriously. My husband is going to go nuts over it because I have been that lady before – usually coming from an estate sale. So flippin' funny!
To say I am envious is a serious understatement. How gorgeous….
I love this part of the country, and Shaker style and Amish style rock!
xo xo
Laura,
You took me from a wistful reverie to laughing with tears in my eyes! Thank you! 🙂
xo!
The Amish people certainly do have life right! I remember all the beautiful quilts I saw on my visit there & I can still taste the Shoo Fly Pie! Thanks for the memories…and Congrats on finding your ticking! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
You know, I have never been an IDOL fan… because I couldn't stand how Simon treated people! LOL!! But now that STEVEN is gonna be on it….you KNOW I have to WATCH!! LOL :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
How fun! I have several good friends that are Amish and I've been in their buggies several times. It's such a sweet way of life. WE own a couple of those scooters that I bought once when we were visiting those same friends. My kids love them! You definitely need one. Lisa~
Come back for the corn maze later this fall. Lancaster does have a beauty. We love sitting on our front porch looking at fields and silos.
Linda @ bushel and a pickle
http:/omega57.wordpress.com
Gorgeous pictures and visit you had, Laura! I love Lancaster, PA and have been there but not in a long time. I grew up sort of nearby in Frederick, MD. Did you enjoy a meal in an Amish restaurant too? I loved their food. My daughter Katie was fascinated by their white butter! I agree, they do seem to have life figured out with their simplicity! Suzie
Looks like sooo much fun Laura!! Thanx for stopping by earlier! Blogger must be messin up cause I had to go to my email to see ya stopped by. It was not showing up on my follower count. Blogger drive me nutso at times. The other day it would not let me leave comments anywhere I stopped and visited.
Anyways, thanx again for stopping by and I look forward to visiting your wonderful blog as well!
I so love your blog…you have me laughing on the floor…Start the car…
Laura, the Amish country is one of my favorite places. It is so beautiful there! Loved your pictures. And what a find!! Your ticking is awesome. Love & blessings from NC!
Hi Laura
I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through your blog. Your photos are lovely. And you share so much wonderful information. I especially enjoyed this post…traveling through the Amish country around Lancaster. I used to live in West Chester, PA and often drove through here. The farms are a feast for the eyes. And the people we met, although reserved, were welcoming and friendly. This is one of the few parts of our time in the “cold north” that I miss. I hope to return one day…for a visit.
Jane (Artfully graced)