tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66561373787328753062024-03-28T20:29:41.358-07:00Amish Horses A glimpse into my passion for Horses and experience with the Amish in a rural community.
Author Thomas NyeTips from the Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02787752000777574583noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-37934872115025009232023-10-01T06:16:00.000-07:002023-10-01T06:16:19.556-07:00Our New Home<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMto9ED92JwKSEUhepEKRl3ikcdkT7EHXwVDJiZfuPLqQwHz1OKIb6n7Aj1bLKBlSTTfgFV-ziO22G70wOnLxPrcG0nTM4-eiqit9QYXFTASJAeDkNEHW-5pnhiOfWnCCFF5riEepr3ho7iESo5lmO0aPBIXHR8iS9Ae_aM1-HrI_ycvsp0eWWPuPnyK4/s4032/IMG_9399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMto9ED92JwKSEUhepEKRl3ikcdkT7EHXwVDJiZfuPLqQwHz1OKIb6n7Aj1bLKBlSTTfgFV-ziO22G70wOnLxPrcG0nTM4-eiqit9QYXFTASJAeDkNEHW-5pnhiOfWnCCFF5riEepr3ho7iESo5lmO0aPBIXHR8iS9Ae_aM1-HrI_ycvsp0eWWPuPnyK4/w640-h480/IMG_9399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWZA098zkFTZ6Lb9c0cdKs8b7zHddlrOmUBGnTNePj1zgj3-B59M9JNMBGYM2GiiAjJx6G1xRcW8TpTrNoSdxgRtJwwEkzHb8Ay0o51U2T9_qkTNX-gspqczvRyBre4Pa8DPIO3H1iMFRKueIL9wPdqHCcul2wrg-Y53pXqUu_k8sKNBnYlMD3RuQlCM/s4032/IMG_8456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWZA098zkFTZ6Lb9c0cdKs8b7zHddlrOmUBGnTNePj1zgj3-B59M9JNMBGYM2GiiAjJx6G1xRcW8TpTrNoSdxgRtJwwEkzHb8Ay0o51U2T9_qkTNX-gspqczvRyBre4Pa8DPIO3H1iMFRKueIL9wPdqHCcul2wrg-Y53pXqUu_k8sKNBnYlMD3RuQlCM/w400-h300/IMG_8456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A pile of lumber arrived on Labor Day of 2022. I was surprised Menards delivered on a holiday. Our construction crew began working on our new home the next week, and we moved in on our 42nd anniversary in January 2023.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>I tossed in a photo of the project midway. Zook Builders were our contractors. We couldn't have been any more pleased with their work. They are in much demand in our Mennonite community, and we were super happy they agreed to take on our project. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFx8UjZXUcYZg2hwnKt05NHIYPGB0vQlSlPLzDmGzq0Or4GZPtyDNKhDTdVqWakt2av6lyAr-1NiaSPWi1DjRCXVJ5I9VBncJ9EwZZQFxTh_FcM-Dw5nhYK4rfReZAO06wAniqyCfhpwAS5_g-M_xzzE2Y5d_yMmEdZyGc2Y5EAQmgzQdiQHFkzBXZF8/s4032/IMG_8503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFx8UjZXUcYZg2hwnKt05NHIYPGB0vQlSlPLzDmGzq0Or4GZPtyDNKhDTdVqWakt2av6lyAr-1NiaSPWi1DjRCXVJ5I9VBncJ9EwZZQFxTh_FcM-Dw5nhYK4rfReZAO06wAniqyCfhpwAS5_g-M_xzzE2Y5d_yMmEdZyGc2Y5EAQmgzQdiQHFkzBXZF8/w640-h480/IMG_8503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-lCWztW5r22uUpK9Vz_RXn0iehA9yV76z2Vl6qWK9nI5f7nbTKcwwfZgaZqmbl3_Cfk5tUchOxqIaNE7hhk11sgyBgg-1KXq1XlyTclm9HKrwbysgrpWBzKRovtV17NrPRiUMFzlz7wKJKlqmLSMUP1Vx2OKLFwpgQg5lc3T3Uj8obiUMl9x1AzIrcQ/s4032/IMG_8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-lCWztW5r22uUpK9Vz_RXn0iehA9yV76z2Vl6qWK9nI5f7nbTKcwwfZgaZqmbl3_Cfk5tUchOxqIaNE7hhk11sgyBgg-1KXq1XlyTclm9HKrwbysgrpWBzKRovtV17NrPRiUMFzlz7wKJKlqmLSMUP1Vx2OKLFwpgQg5lc3T3Uj8obiUMl9x1AzIrcQ/w640-h480/IMG_8839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml6dr0FPc2JRoFztm-UqimKkKlqJ34hCqAax-JP6ewLcBgzD9DO3k5heRHJn5Yldn_-ZXcLWG1VWonR0FVJXklGc1XXqn8don6W4vwFrNBHjBGFsuzzNB1owmXTMvzDJzVhjsEZz0r1recINEgaQZRcibJOrS-z2oYAafalBLk4oa5nQGRYlo0wTQLis/s4032/IMG_9405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml6dr0FPc2JRoFztm-UqimKkKlqJ34hCqAax-JP6ewLcBgzD9DO3k5heRHJn5Yldn_-ZXcLWG1VWonR0FVJXklGc1XXqn8don6W4vwFrNBHjBGFsuzzNB1owmXTMvzDJzVhjsEZz0r1recINEgaQZRcibJOrS-z2oYAafalBLk4oa5nQGRYlo0wTQLis/w400-h300/IMG_9405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In the photo above, notice our old farmhouse with new construction only a few feet away. The old farmhouse was already standing when my wife's grandparents got married and moved here in 1916.<p></p><p>We bought this Amish-built bed from Midwest Woodworks, an Amish furniture store west of Kalona. The mattress is from an Amish-owned business in Indiana and is hand-stitched, almost like a quilt. As you can see, our little ornery dog, Wesley, thinks we built the home for him, and we merely stay here as his servants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoAWlVNRSVhifWFrvLe1DxUJ5bEcR5WEYRv0CCuaqknp3kPzhV2r4WUYG9P28J5sWC5O5pG84LuwIKNPcclQYhmU5BRH5b3xJgdE-zTAxSGBCs2fJKs3jONhB8O3iDafyfcKIMUk2s9-t87nNJ1wR2WKaR2Zs-E6Ktt9SLASYsvMlQrEBoV7Rw4E-93E/s4032/IMG_9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoAWlVNRSVhifWFrvLe1DxUJ5bEcR5WEYRv0CCuaqknp3kPzhV2r4WUYG9P28J5sWC5O5pG84LuwIKNPcclQYhmU5BRH5b3xJgdE-zTAxSGBCs2fJKs3jONhB8O3iDafyfcKIMUk2s9-t87nNJ1wR2WKaR2Zs-E6Ktt9SLASYsvMlQrEBoV7Rw4E-93E/w400-h300/IMG_9390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We took these pictures the day we moved in. We've had a chance to add a little decor to improve the ambiance since. If you want to see our Amish-built hickory cabinets a little closer, check out the builder's website.<p></p><p><a href="https://heritagekitchensiowa.com/kitchen-portfolio/#Heritage-Kitchens_Amish-Made_Kalona-IA_7.26.23_%C2%A92023-Jonathan-David-Sabin_InfinityPhotographic.com_All-Rights-Reserved-DSC03215">Heritage-Kitchens_Amish-Made_Kalona-IA_</a><br /></p><p>We feel quite at home here already. My wife and I have been talking about adding some cedar shudders to match the cedar posts. Notice the old windmill hovering over the house. My in-laws were still using the windmill to power their well until shortly before they moved to town in 2000. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jhH027CuKgDXOsrNZEfA2ZURG3mdCJq3sJQoGP2CjBPwg53wl3po-P9-yrqGmjoy4IELbPuP4NhR6vm4odwLq7oG6xWeq38ClbWrXb2SpDRvSWJy_es13WuMMHoXpOsl8C1OE0JgbM4GCo6EIidFI-fqZIStJpe3hBUlkFYiBnrNQipnbXxc6l32HK0/s4032/IMG_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jhH027CuKgDXOsrNZEfA2ZURG3mdCJq3sJQoGP2CjBPwg53wl3po-P9-yrqGmjoy4IELbPuP4NhR6vm4odwLq7oG6xWeq38ClbWrXb2SpDRvSWJy_es13WuMMHoXpOsl8C1OE0JgbM4GCo6EIidFI-fqZIStJpe3hBUlkFYiBnrNQipnbXxc6l32HK0/w640-h480/IMG_0659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyPbidoe1h4ePgJS8BH7piHQBnbgfEIzSIGUdfXmudaWyYdqOEPPS6vlGiVTad9POU0d6o-TWHyqHXlUF6uKkI8gp0u9Y7XuEYPP2Bxf3SqFdFpstQzrky5Y6xhVqsQj842uf7HyH0DBjcU5g7K-eIhPw6SaJYx2wjTGlz_zVPL4qhu7hKYiHzx_0I8U/s4032/IMG_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyPbidoe1h4ePgJS8BH7piHQBnbgfEIzSIGUdfXmudaWyYdqOEPPS6vlGiVTad9POU0d6o-TWHyqHXlUF6uKkI8gp0u9Y7XuEYPP2Bxf3SqFdFpstQzrky5Y6xhVqsQj842uf7HyH0DBjcU5g7K-eIhPw6SaJYx2wjTGlz_zVPL4qhu7hKYiHzx_0I8U/w400-h300/IMG_0361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our hickory theme spilled over onto the front porch with this bent-hickory porch swing and glider. You might notice our bar stools in the kitchen are also Amish-made bent-hickory.<div><br /></div><div>Hickory rocking chairs are a long-standing Amish/Mennonite tradition. We have two in our home. One is a family heirloom from my wife's Mennonite family. The other rocker was a wedding gift from my parents. We sat in a set of these rockers for our wedding ceremony. <div>Here is a link to a blog I wrote about our Amish-built, 20-foot-long table.</div><div><a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/2018/01/amish-built.html">Amish Built Table</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSpACa_-v901O3Z75HZyDTxNGNcoBI0BXOlmoO0Nxoq5UPkquaTKcVv7CvVtyQ5BbxZg5Xt8nrZ5gKzOKzLMFPnSPZ4EmfH76ODcGThBFnSWJlt7tW0mn_9kY2nFDgxgCGC0qZTTEy2n6TQnb5HHs4Z8zItKupVWSTlBHD8CFny0MLiTnYmaU1NYNP5o/s4032/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSpACa_-v901O3Z75HZyDTxNGNcoBI0BXOlmoO0Nxoq5UPkquaTKcVv7CvVtyQ5BbxZg5Xt8nrZ5gKzOKzLMFPnSPZ4EmfH76ODcGThBFnSWJlt7tW0mn_9kY2nFDgxgCGC0qZTTEy2n6TQnb5HHs4Z8zItKupVWSTlBHD8CFny0MLiTnYmaU1NYNP5o/w640-h480/IMG_0362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHch_hKLsVpAyaAbqAOXer8XBh5Jd85-t45TkZIW16gZ_V0PZ8Znj3ehPYQnmL1rczRKj9f8kL9POKpCqQvfTkAL2-NwM_-Pwb6Da3bJQjbN5amREKO8Nfy9z63wWsTPpPECfEq0FlBryRqU7O85l7IGPMcfsLsOiiSnGQgWBbFvzbs1Qx0wo7FUjQ7qw/s750/IMG-0749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="750" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHch_hKLsVpAyaAbqAOXer8XBh5Jd85-t45TkZIW16gZ_V0PZ8Znj3ehPYQnmL1rczRKj9f8kL9POKpCqQvfTkAL2-NwM_-Pwb6Da3bJQjbN5amREKO8Nfy9z63wWsTPpPECfEq0FlBryRqU7O85l7IGPMcfsLsOiiSnGQgWBbFvzbs1Qx0wo7FUjQ7qw/w400-h289/IMG-0749.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Our "finish carpenter" drove a buggy from his home to ours. He tied his horse in our barn. You can see my horses in the background eyeing the buggy. They seemed to enjoy having a horse visitor trot into the lane. </div><div>Coincidentally, our Amish carpenter grew up in the home where my wife's great-grandpa and grandma raised her grandma Katie. The same grandmother who moved to this place in 1916. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's our wedding photo. We headed to the Amana Colonies after our wedding. As you might know, I write Amish fiction, but my latest novel has an Amana Colony setting.</div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-Nye/author/B00LP6V9QW?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true">Novels by Thomas Nye</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1HabvzkGTjQS6pKp0F66C23rwuwYiag3CCkoPUywsnernnv4Ki10JSQFFxtdw1NasobhTKQIuYGaw7mTFxcVWYhoqaYmfFarQQAiZ_cLs1WkoBZ51OrySf4KXRM1qD1nOs9TlGG-3UjEkUweNcWU_FkqszIQNtKBfRQ_I8yW7c0ZuxIlUCnU3b_0jOk/s1078/IMG-9893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1078" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1HabvzkGTjQS6pKp0F66C23rwuwYiag3CCkoPUywsnernnv4Ki10JSQFFxtdw1NasobhTKQIuYGaw7mTFxcVWYhoqaYmfFarQQAiZ_cLs1WkoBZ51OrySf4KXRM1qD1nOs9TlGG-3UjEkUweNcWU_FkqszIQNtKBfRQ_I8yW7c0ZuxIlUCnU3b_0jOk/w640-h588/IMG-9893.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-70375828473423904632023-02-05T13:16:00.003-08:002023-02-05T16:39:28.381-08:00Remain True<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn13fPrk7w0i4J8F5Kz7W1PCSSXJ1_A36_N2ZtXcnW4ahVV-13DPFZd7M1iNwU0z0HFJY8UVVd8pah8q2g3qLMxzShPOV4XzE0HuKFcg6IhBZbthFhzDM0IF7HY9mjb3cuB9tBPhluycJ-xSHtbbY2YJ87qg-gWlVOf7sg9UH9MDkrv2grpg1s_zp/s749/IMG_E9425.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="749" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn13fPrk7w0i4J8F5Kz7W1PCSSXJ1_A36_N2ZtXcnW4ahVV-13DPFZd7M1iNwU0z0HFJY8UVVd8pah8q2g3qLMxzShPOV4XzE0HuKFcg6IhBZbthFhzDM0IF7HY9mjb3cuB9tBPhluycJ-xSHtbbY2YJ87qg-gWlVOf7sg9UH9MDkrv2grpg1s_zp/s320/IMG_E9425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remain True: Amana-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The newest by author Thomas Nye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL4yFrSul9XT6XMt99iwhomHIsHkJiPpuzRtDOG-ixIRWlZEDwVsSse5l_-PGPx1kOu0kkO7JwlB4iwMPk15iUyoYtBjF5m0T_1T1W9b6KWgD6LPxZNOQPtKAoHp361i_EyTXB3b0z_w3qkGP0-wvhJrVtHXVAgbuI4lpQXN1-mliKGe2tVb64Sc4/s1187/IMG_9425.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL4yFrSul9XT6XMt99iwhomHIsHkJiPpuzRtDOG-ixIRWlZEDwVsSse5l_-PGPx1kOu0kkO7JwlB4iwMPk15iUyoYtBjF5m0T_1T1W9b6KWgD6LPxZNOQPtKAoHp361i_EyTXB3b0z_w3qkGP0-wvhJrVtHXVAgbuI4lpQXN1-mliKGe2tVb64Sc4/s1187/IMG_9425.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL4yFrSul9XT6XMt99iwhomHIsHkJiPpuzRtDOG-ixIRWlZEDwVsSse5l_-PGPx1kOu0kkO7JwlB4iwMPk15iUyoYtBjF5m0T_1T1W9b6KWgD6LPxZNOQPtKAoHp361i_EyTXB3b0z_w3qkGP0-wvhJrVtHXVAgbuI4lpQXN1-mliKGe2tVb64Sc4/s1187/IMG_9425.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL4yFrSul9XT6XMt99iwhomHIsHkJiPpuzRtDOG-ixIRWlZEDwVsSse5l_-PGPx1kOu0kkO7JwlB4iwMPk15iUyoYtBjF5m0T_1T1W9b6KWgD6LPxZNOQPtKAoHp361i_EyTXB3b0z_w3qkGP0-wvhJrVtHXVAgbuI4lpQXN1-mliKGe2tVb64Sc4/s1187/IMG_9425.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL4yFrSul9XT6XMt99iwhomHIsHkJiPpuzRtDOG-ixIRWlZEDwVsSse5l_-PGPx1kOu0kkO7JwlB4iwMPk15iUyoYtBjF5m0T_1T1W9b6KWgD6LPxZNOQPtKAoHp361i_EyTXB3b0z_w3qkGP0-wvhJrVtHXVAgbuI4lpQXN1-mliKGe2tVb64Sc4/s1187/IMG_9425.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL4yFrSul9XT6XMt99iwhomHIsHkJiPpuzRtDOG-ixIRWlZEDwVsSse5l_-PGPx1kOu0kkO7JwlB4iwMPk15iUyoYtBjF5m0T_1T1W9b6KWgD6LPxZNOQPtKAoHp361i_EyTXB3b0z_w3qkGP0-wvhJrVtHXVAgbuI4lpQXN1-mliKGe2tVb64Sc4/w405-h640/IMG_9425.PNG" width="405" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remain True was released on January 31, 2023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQbsbb54YklDyRA_za-f4YXoAkHsNROIaek8pnQBOWUiIIPJmY0Oh_nKhPxTMvt-ac6jdpp510Ct53F69L9CM9MBPfrzEQY5A3a-Zh7UjttGbPxWoO5x3KcDCCsntyG8Xzwgoz-PerxeHYhCnmxFee3WCO6vTS6KhhXEp4KnQIP79tbDsJOCQPIwc/s527/IMG_E9424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="343" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQbsbb54YklDyRA_za-f4YXoAkHsNROIaek8pnQBOWUiIIPJmY0Oh_nKhPxTMvt-ac6jdpp510Ct53F69L9CM9MBPfrzEQY5A3a-Zh7UjttGbPxWoO5x3KcDCCsntyG8Xzwgoz-PerxeHYhCnmxFee3WCO6vTS6KhhXEp4KnQIP79tbDsJOCQPIwc/w416-h640/IMG_E9424.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving behind the crowds of Chicago and a failed relationship, author Timothy Hayes enters the Amana Colonies hoping to escape reality and find inspiration for a novel. Smalltown Iowa proves an epic failure with social distancing. Social awkwardness, however, is at an all-time high as a host of quirky neighbors crowd Tim's personal space. A beautiful photograph of an Amana woman becomes an inspiration for his writing. As he gazes into her eyes she seems to stir and come to life. Past and present collide when Elise steps out of the photograph and into Tim's life. What part of reality will <i>Remain True</i>? </div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Order today on Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Remain-True-Amana-Thomas-Nye/dp/1649497962/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1675628809&sr=8-1">Remain True: Amana</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or, order a signed copy directly through Thomas Nye: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/page/edit/6656137378732875306/4555221711413435725">How to order a book</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Copies ordered through Thomas Nye will be delayed until a book shipment comes in on or around February 16th) IF you can't wait to read Remain True: Amana - order through Amazon and it will arrive in a couple of days! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-71001942567632318142023-01-01T07:40:00.000-08:002023-01-01T07:40:17.228-08:00Winter's Short Days<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQVIJBweIY4SvJbFIpSjmKo9AOL3lxU4VRphZkiIvzIh0y4PPUApU8tgBXvVCBoFztm2Xoy7oBkFRwn8diL7-UY_Lie8o_uLzvbHAnJtIsPKVsw9ZL4JlWo_JoKFfHicXcczWd4OZ_XeucMfiaSvexcUF3Pd4gw7OCviV4ef99nVItnCU5fG3TvMM/s1744/IMG-8996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1744" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQVIJBweIY4SvJbFIpSjmKo9AOL3lxU4VRphZkiIvzIh0y4PPUApU8tgBXvVCBoFztm2Xoy7oBkFRwn8diL7-UY_Lie8o_uLzvbHAnJtIsPKVsw9ZL4JlWo_JoKFfHicXcczWd4OZ_XeucMfiaSvexcUF3Pd4gw7OCviV4ef99nVItnCU5fG3TvMM/w640-h500/IMG-8996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <br />Winter in the Midwest can be brutal. Amish families endure the elements in a way most modern Americans don't have to. Can you imagine hitching up a horse after dark on a cold winter's night just to go to your children's school function? How about when the temperatures are below zero, there is ice on the road, and you have no heater or defroster in your vehicle. Don't forget there won't be electricity in the barn or any turning on the lights quickly so you can see what you're doing while you hitch up the horse.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe47Y8c37AF1QIRXgsbNsIfbbPV0YGOMr3CJF4-EhPPYnAa_Wz1-CMDFm8cKixoeLDOzvIfDJk6AeGskVeKDCHfgK6C-YMmHAGY4V6ZnLuj_ecZbM16BRbbbGSL2gsC2eqse8C5V3DSk55USZ4hz_yqnkuuucyk3RU0daxv1zapJFrsNN91uwFottW/s1492/IMG-9249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1492" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe47Y8c37AF1QIRXgsbNsIfbbPV0YGOMr3CJF4-EhPPYnAa_Wz1-CMDFm8cKixoeLDOzvIfDJk6AeGskVeKDCHfgK6C-YMmHAGY4V6ZnLuj_ecZbM16BRbbbGSL2gsC2eqse8C5V3DSk55USZ4hz_yqnkuuucyk3RU0daxv1zapJFrsNN91uwFottW/w640-h436/IMG-9249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Horses, however, are tough creatures. They, like buffalo, can calmly nibble at grasses on a snowy field when the temperature is below zero. They willingly pull a buggy through a curtain of snow. The picture above was snapped during a moment when the wind chill was negative 20 degrees. If you pass a row of buggy horses waiting at the hitching rack they all have a nice warm blanket wrapped around them. No kidding, Amish folks are quite devoted to their horses' well-being. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2oa9J9VW2TU983jM3ykLbbPfNeJd_zEwJy_InPjWjNOAFJrgN_Q-LKR3iBqtVsffWopD_zx_SXKqvB9e4P4UDrCUlD7_4tA_bzyNgbR1KtU_0z1wm0cK9oHMZ2k_wmsxSqYOKD2B7YPhG_dhLmh0p77_w7-d0WWXnULUcO2LWCHwb_8jZcgqY1cd/s2048/Winter%20Buggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2oa9J9VW2TU983jM3ykLbbPfNeJd_zEwJy_InPjWjNOAFJrgN_Q-LKR3iBqtVsffWopD_zx_SXKqvB9e4P4UDrCUlD7_4tA_bzyNgbR1KtU_0z1wm0cK9oHMZ2k_wmsxSqYOKD2B7YPhG_dhLmh0p77_w7-d0WWXnULUcO2LWCHwb_8jZcgqY1cd/w640-h382/Winter%20Buggies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxlqMiyS-OXWyflSX5K04HxNb_sVqntTdP1JOW64Q_caQfa6m0O6nW28pryiwD7CPQl-tjoH1OEed89DEuAhc8PTZQlkOWZRQv_cFrzyURpmeXa9jOrS1AIYwRNLdIdCnOrtQnH3OyBXX-T6F-j62oDRQzi6gtPfa_5Dv7h6ExrN7F_UEqbi6ArpF/s750/IMG_E9224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="750" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxlqMiyS-OXWyflSX5K04HxNb_sVqntTdP1JOW64Q_caQfa6m0O6nW28pryiwD7CPQl-tjoH1OEed89DEuAhc8PTZQlkOWZRQv_cFrzyURpmeXa9jOrS1AIYwRNLdIdCnOrtQnH3OyBXX-T6F-j62oDRQzi6gtPfa_5Dv7h6ExrN7F_UEqbi6ArpF/w400-h366/IMG_E9224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amish Children find fun games to play outside during cold weather. This hand-held game connects the players, unlike most hand-held devices children are connected to these days.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUVjbiSGtw9w2pt6WwS9BrymDh7Xkf03qKErCvkHHLHa7SqU1VwverBUpcZLiFASVpsfOMrRkM-ZDW-bo-dQms2nu-QJz-VUDPwNCNtYNm-jNwkEbZPHkYdF6VetZkOeztccmumvnkYIT7PV8D7myzr4SiTTHOQb9XTEracNVmJLwsoa6uSnzAxT5/s3088/IMG_9210.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUVjbiSGtw9w2pt6WwS9BrymDh7Xkf03qKErCvkHHLHa7SqU1VwverBUpcZLiFASVpsfOMrRkM-ZDW-bo-dQms2nu-QJz-VUDPwNCNtYNm-jNwkEbZPHkYdF6VetZkOeztccmumvnkYIT7PV8D7myzr4SiTTHOQb9XTEracNVmJLwsoa6uSnzAxT5/w320-h240/IMG_9210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My wife and I enjoyed some hand-held outdoor fun a few weeks ago as we walked from shop to shop in the Amana Colonies to complete our Christmas shopping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winter days are short but the season can seem long while we wait for spring to bring new life to our fields and gardens. May I suggest a great pastime for those long winter evenings by the fire?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why not curl up with a good book and a hot cup of something delicious to drink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some links to learn more about my Amish novels:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/discription-of.html">Books by Thomas Nye</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-Nye/author/B00LP6V9QW?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true">Thomas Nye on Amazon</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Thomas%20Nye%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall">Barnes & Noble Thomas Nye page</a><br /></div></div><p></p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-38310526718146539782022-11-05T07:26:00.003-07:002022-11-05T07:28:08.164-07:00Amish Church/ Autumn <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNSQBwBqRdbY9YBDqUkMMA73dnA9oqSsajXW6Ja41BCzEghHzbqa08-JKlRn8YT5VuU-sehJRUpsTdHSxqHSdzGzZT9jVAWvVN2ExDzkeQxAq5BNhpZq3i50_k-7nPL-Z6jv8fIn_cYUkIxXiS-jAx-8Qoqd26QP09HrQRh5V9ow_r3TD3hZFxC-/s748/307891831_514552970287639_8840834573248217662_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="748" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNSQBwBqRdbY9YBDqUkMMA73dnA9oqSsajXW6Ja41BCzEghHzbqa08-JKlRn8YT5VuU-sehJRUpsTdHSxqHSdzGzZT9jVAWvVN2ExDzkeQxAq5BNhpZq3i50_k-7nPL-Z6jv8fIn_cYUkIxXiS-jAx-8Qoqd26QP09HrQRh5V9ow_r3TD3hZFxC-/w640-h444/307891831_514552970287639_8840834573248217662_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A perfect fall day for Amish Church.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My wife and I were on our way to our non-denominational church for Sunday services when we passed this picturesque Amish farm. Their service had already started and the farm appeared quiet and still. There were horses standing tied in a long line with their tails swinging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_j75cLZHZS8ZI54Kr8fQEeR3WGuKKAKR7ZWb2muRf6nABHawFSNNbZbOCmwn-a7DKwLUSte3hkqgnSDJBxwQRlXp8VzdnqybmtMGG4vMicHGwYhccpyANnqay_qPmOKCpfWhTmXcFBo1-KD0wjRbS_UWOSA8DJ7-inyeUY2O7ZdvRv6xIBWyXo1A/s750/311039233_1227061128140282_8395921049035851454_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="750" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_j75cLZHZS8ZI54Kr8fQEeR3WGuKKAKR7ZWb2muRf6nABHawFSNNbZbOCmwn-a7DKwLUSte3hkqgnSDJBxwQRlXp8VzdnqybmtMGG4vMicHGwYhccpyANnqay_qPmOKCpfWhTmXcFBo1-KD0wjRbS_UWOSA8DJ7-inyeUY2O7ZdvRv6xIBWyXo1A/w640-h528/311039233_1227061128140282_8395921049035851454_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The horses can almost be seen in this pic. They were close to the white shed, which happens to be where the Amish church service was being held. If a person listened carefully, you could hear the slow, scooping Amish-style singing filling the air.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO6fF37fRVx9i0hW7ZSlEjaWrjY3tDHPWWXCeeqFK51BhIWbK8hbMH5EP36IX2To0y1SqgUs5wamFLJzZCkIRCaRBiyJHCg0pEsmQB5MqTsq6EJI4qk-MZObke0NkVMdRaG-r5q3EbrZwf7Y1OA6kWl8FesIgWKFu9McZSGVqYDc2llQNmt9IkiNT/s750/307426062_3370197743309943_5812561174213085660_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="750" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO6fF37fRVx9i0hW7ZSlEjaWrjY3tDHPWWXCeeqFK51BhIWbK8hbMH5EP36IX2To0y1SqgUs5wamFLJzZCkIRCaRBiyJHCg0pEsmQB5MqTsq6EJI4qk-MZObke0NkVMdRaG-r5q3EbrZwf7Y1OA6kWl8FesIgWKFu9McZSGVqYDc2llQNmt9IkiNT/w640-h424/307426062_3370197743309943_5812561174213085660_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Slow-moving vehicle signs seemed to match the autumn leaves perfectly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44SqcHaCfGA-GsIeslTnwHzitQyB4TnRV9H3cG8zyZhyTyUFz63z_sTvbsxmetIdnoFWwEZkYS6kg9o8TT_-37jVYmCC5Gkpsh7NG7GnVihRpN3AzOQonPf6RSIa7WISYjkce_KLjeWvUts3DSHrHcVDLBXBqKTh5UmcJ5kaU2c7-bkIEqPfCGiEL/s750/307942050_625094092673658_3872715313279180405_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="750" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44SqcHaCfGA-GsIeslTnwHzitQyB4TnRV9H3cG8zyZhyTyUFz63z_sTvbsxmetIdnoFWwEZkYS6kg9o8TT_-37jVYmCC5Gkpsh7NG7GnVihRpN3AzOQonPf6RSIa7WISYjkce_KLjeWvUts3DSHrHcVDLBXBqKTh5UmcJ5kaU2c7-bkIEqPfCGiEL/w640-h464/307942050_625094092673658_3872715313279180405_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Here is another angle of the iconic Amish farm dressed in Sunday's best autumn attire.<p></p><p>This scene reminded me of a chapter in English River: Book III of my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/page/edit/6656137378732875306/8110709610826431181">Amish Horses Series</a>. In this novel, Lenny and Leah, attend a fall wedding on an Amish farm. The bride's dress matched the leaves. Amish do not use white material for a dress, including wedding dresses.</p><p>If you are ever visiting an Amish community on a Sunday morning. Drive along the country roads until you see a yard full of buggies. It is a delightful surprise.</p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-34942208214868643102022-09-05T09:37:00.000-07:002022-09-05T09:37:21.004-07:00Seven Villages <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCVDuvf7giuRzm42AfCnTzNmibC7IK2jox6P6qoZj1PywSZH_Hud0-9x0BWgcnh4kqBsziU9jGt4_2wTxZj3Q69IyXwCO4c077Y1DPEfdRqE7m7VQ-4pZg0t3qIRRAvBO3tkJwrFttyDRXdZf-1j8yFZzJywAH2p2QCZCmvqm0bdJwPigwe06IOJ5/s4032/IMG_7203%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCVDuvf7giuRzm42AfCnTzNmibC7IK2jox6P6qoZj1PywSZH_Hud0-9x0BWgcnh4kqBsziU9jGt4_2wTxZj3Q69IyXwCO4c077Y1DPEfdRqE7m7VQ-4pZg0t3qIRRAvBO3tkJwrFttyDRXdZf-1j8yFZzJywAH2p2QCZCmvqm0bdJwPigwe06IOJ5/w640-h480/IMG_7203%20(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Once upon a time, a group of people with strong religious convictions left their homeland of Germany and transplanted themselves onto American soil.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_O0EXzTVuCncV7raWcM-_7XpZ1GTo9nUEBmucn9kJZ8_2VUHH9iYRFhgimdwcsZhq8_JV1FHxGM8MMDvGHmMivw7273PzLYJMxjK10XQFaPCaViCbQ9D09kxYkMPlsuhRw9MAyITiHR2JViKbMYBUouSO1fNAIk7Sq0qIN-2sMA_t3rMZbqm0oEQ/s4032/IMG_7199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_O0EXzTVuCncV7raWcM-_7XpZ1GTo9nUEBmucn9kJZ8_2VUHH9iYRFhgimdwcsZhq8_JV1FHxGM8MMDvGHmMivw7273PzLYJMxjK10XQFaPCaViCbQ9D09kxYkMPlsuhRw9MAyITiHR2JViKbMYBUouSO1fNAIk7Sq0qIN-2sMA_t3rMZbqm0oEQ/w400-h300/IMG_7199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>They first began a community in New York state and later purchased a large tract of land in central Iowa. They surrendered themselves to a communal lifestyle and shared all their worldly goods. Families stayed intact, but they shared large communal homes and dining halls. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSROIyW8-TJwmmy5eo1pqBXbQERbtWn0M36RsHZIMeeZLGZyx22DGWMmMa0DTqU5LNiJHNhV6GLNE4N2_XqAn7sx8ZBGa08xvR4sY_2LVmGZGCX4G06y_9NCb46EBsXPT3r8P5mzxKqmTF5732HRrq3msv2mxoXx8mMXmzW2Qj_ilavpEURKOlFnc/s4032/IMG_7204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSROIyW8-TJwmmy5eo1pqBXbQERbtWn0M36RsHZIMeeZLGZyx22DGWMmMa0DTqU5LNiJHNhV6GLNE4N2_XqAn7sx8ZBGa08xvR4sY_2LVmGZGCX4G06y_9NCb46EBsXPT3r8P5mzxKqmTF5732HRrq3msv2mxoXx8mMXmzW2Qj_ilavpEURKOlFnc/w400-h300/IMG_7204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9hZEEIyThnBEF5O_te9adc88MgAYuXqP8JdKOZniGaVBVr7-65lUeuGm4QSsyWBOPBWyY8GtSKhDRssDnrc13tBZcVbur6_4lzrrjsENknSNrHlW7q99AkuYTNrhsSLHDYcMldbBULaM_c2Byq35QwiGSXbJ0nwhAzlH_SAXGtP4cX7gvLo11I3z/s4032/IMG_7220%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9hZEEIyThnBEF5O_te9adc88MgAYuXqP8JdKOZniGaVBVr7-65lUeuGm4QSsyWBOPBWyY8GtSKhDRssDnrc13tBZcVbur6_4lzrrjsENknSNrHlW7q99AkuYTNrhsSLHDYcMldbBULaM_c2Byq35QwiGSXbJ0nwhAzlH_SAXGtP4cX7gvLo11I3z/w300-h400/IMG_7220%20(1).JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Pictured on the left is the smokestack of the Amana Woolen Mill. The stream is manmade, designed to power the mill and as an avenue to float goods through the center of Amana's 26,000-acre farm. The Amana Society constructed six villages and later purchased the nearby hamlet of Homestead, Ia. Nowadays, seven beautiful villages are standing as relics of bygone days. There are numerous shops, restaurants, wineries, handcrafted furniture venues, butcher shops, museums, and more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My middle daughter and I love the "family style" breakfast served in Amana restaurants. Grandson Parker slept right through the meal, but I'm pretty sure his day of feasting with Grandpa is coming soon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAw0m2yU9km-PQrlMZNlUQUAPU4_6KjuMfKaCOOwtJH1QVmxOj_sTODQLhMgTCcY-F5SdxARbHgJAPn2nbBliteFteQoEbnJid5ewqY1O1ALE7Eb9NfPIQHQYqobSysMjRgR4HPvM-zqkl12uYZjSwbRQVBoAfLHaOvl_KHS9r1MrLjLstLKGhVCj/s4032/IMG_7290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAw0m2yU9km-PQrlMZNlUQUAPU4_6KjuMfKaCOOwtJH1QVmxOj_sTODQLhMgTCcY-F5SdxARbHgJAPn2nbBliteFteQoEbnJid5ewqY1O1ALE7Eb9NfPIQHQYqobSysMjRgR4HPvM-zqkl12uYZjSwbRQVBoAfLHaOvl_KHS9r1MrLjLstLKGhVCj/w640-h480/IMG_7290.JPG" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAw0m2yU9km-PQrlMZNlUQUAPU4_6KjuMfKaCOOwtJH1QVmxOj_sTODQLhMgTCcY-F5SdxARbHgJAPn2nbBliteFteQoEbnJid5ewqY1O1ALE7Eb9NfPIQHQYqobSysMjRgR4HPvM-zqkl12uYZjSwbRQVBoAfLHaOvl_KHS9r1MrLjLstLKGhVCj/s4032/IMG_7290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2-0YX4y2xEat4Hg-XI-Y2Olh4cXRaXps6OrS_56NjDprubbNjXC2BCfMAP886wBVDNOqlR_WarXqysf9zMUS0GNvhwRyBSEdTcKSMa6UoYL2HztBlZyOnf8UY-LnMJrxYPRan7cvORENaSKQB6OHC56S0XPrm26Fwab14U7rgfBZVQbNrE4mY_u3/s4032/IMG_7291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2-0YX4y2xEat4Hg-XI-Y2Olh4cXRaXps6OrS_56NjDprubbNjXC2BCfMAP886wBVDNOqlR_WarXqysf9zMUS0GNvhwRyBSEdTcKSMa6UoYL2HztBlZyOnf8UY-LnMJrxYPRan7cvORENaSKQB6OHC56S0XPrm26Fwab14U7rgfBZVQbNrE4mY_u3/w640-h480/IMG_7291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>My grandparents took my mother and father to the Amana Colonies for a family-style meal on their wedding day in June 1951, and my wife and I honeymooned here in January 1981.</div><div>There are many amazing sights, scents, and tastes in the colonies. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BbuvUA1Dqv3el__WfvBEbawTNacUmMHAeLXCaK44FkuKiAqtHQSxgUDdSECeaq_s3RGbr9djHh2zEEkQurgqAjbdxoaZ3_mdhWWVlG4a2pOG4-hs1IoKH3csmoxyfC5awVKPS5BrWVqp7Ht3qYmCARLxdiTWEjx_L-HWGq_mPCEuWLEHZcLcNVKG/s4032/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BbuvUA1Dqv3el__WfvBEbawTNacUmMHAeLXCaK44FkuKiAqtHQSxgUDdSECeaq_s3RGbr9djHh2zEEkQurgqAjbdxoaZ3_mdhWWVlG4a2pOG4-hs1IoKH3csmoxyfC5awVKPS5BrWVqp7Ht3qYmCARLxdiTWEjx_L-HWGq_mPCEuWLEHZcLcNVKG/w640-h480/IMG_7217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Many large homes, dining halls, churches, and factories were constructed of sandstone, brick, and wood. They are beautiful in structure and create a lovely ambiance. (I enjoy riding my bicycle throughout the seven colonies. Pictured above.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxLaOEU4OtAjLcwCFJhbyBECtC0SPd26ZLjj3Kxchm0jDAix106gVUiEIRNIeMXcQaIgBavt6890ySWEFwG2tRKV3OBW5JjTHU0n-4_GGA4vwfqJi3V0W7xWYxoTIvXN4dXIsoUGRxMp94TISrKo_Ofad6zlg8Dt6p6Jp4iZggtOJJs-dGdc5EJ9o/s4032/IMG_7206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxLaOEU4OtAjLcwCFJhbyBECtC0SPd26ZLjj3Kxchm0jDAix106gVUiEIRNIeMXcQaIgBavt6890ySWEFwG2tRKV3OBW5JjTHU0n-4_GGA4vwfqJi3V0W7xWYxoTIvXN4dXIsoUGRxMp94TISrKo_Ofad6zlg8Dt6p6Jp4iZggtOJJs-dGdc5EJ9o/w640-h480/IMG_7206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>These seven villages have been an integral part of my life here in Iowa. My love of Early American History draws my heart to Amish farms and the Amana Colonies. Those sentiments are the inspiration for my Amish novels and soon-to-be-released Amana novel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX4U989VcGzs4XIuZ8od_PgdsXOfckmNTjF4UZ2UKWST1U3aW9ZjdZTVGttnoIk68dM91AazXHrWZ8F78DHyKG2Fv5rjRlAKciCSJNY6xPDBJdM20o_chsI0oNTwmJnKPXeS7f0kRj9tWxRo9Q0Pn_fY3cMtLFdoZ4f0Ky4pDhXxeSAXQeF-CR8vX/s1068/IMG_7346.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="744" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX4U989VcGzs4XIuZ8od_PgdsXOfckmNTjF4UZ2UKWST1U3aW9ZjdZTVGttnoIk68dM91AazXHrWZ8F78DHyKG2Fv5rjRlAKciCSJNY6xPDBJdM20o_chsI0oNTwmJnKPXeS7f0kRj9tWxRo9Q0Pn_fY3cMtLFdoZ4f0Ky4pDhXxeSAXQeF-CR8vX/w446-h640/IMG_7346.PNG" width="446" /></a></div>(Above) I'm standing in front of the Amana church in a village called "Main Amana." If you are ever passing through Iowa on Interstate 80, take a break, stretch your legs with a scenic walk, sit down to a scrumptious meal, and enjoy browsing through a few shops. You will want to make this the destination instead of a stopping point on your next vacation. <div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll keep you posted as my Amana novel nears publication.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Be sure to follow this blog and/or my Facebook author page. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorThomasNye">Thomas Nye on Facebook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For a list of books written by Thomas Nye, check out my Amazon Page.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Nye/e/B00LP6V9QW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1662311610&sr=8-2">Thomas Nye on Amazon</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Or, more information through a tab in this blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/discription-of.html">Books by Thomas Nye</a><br /></div><p></p></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-70128506488067602232022-06-18T06:52:00.000-07:002022-06-18T06:52:11.393-07:00Where Donkeys Rule<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g_IINQsgs19jCdrGH211Mgd53tKZAC_CLKSkeZJ9dpAhtvnFhKyAdAFo8xavFvJcwBvNabm7pasNNQjpcPx9TifKRNXmMegtpK9aqj9BYxy1qsjn-CtJahmzuUAsUKISbP08aJt6BHeSlDoqCQkZ_ga9pBEfm53Pct_Z7LUQZfU_Z-yvL8uECut1/s4032/IMG-7483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g_IINQsgs19jCdrGH211Mgd53tKZAC_CLKSkeZJ9dpAhtvnFhKyAdAFo8xavFvJcwBvNabm7pasNNQjpcPx9TifKRNXmMegtpK9aqj9BYxy1qsjn-CtJahmzuUAsUKISbP08aJt6BHeSlDoqCQkZ_ga9pBEfm53Pct_Z7LUQZfU_Z-yvL8uECut1/w640-h480/IMG-7483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">There is a place in America where donkeys rule.</blockquote><p>In Cripple Creek, Colorado donkeys are free to roam the streets at their leisure, and they do. My wife and I recently spent a week in the mountains near Cripple Creek. We took a drive through the little mountain town and came across a herd of donkeys roaming the streets. My first thought was to let someone know their donkeys were out. I checked in with a local business person and she explained the phenomenon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2o7z1nb8xmv2X0ADeGNknYTzfVk-seQ9t-1acGEZKLHVxnwAuiw9SfJ38a_ULlMR7TXiPyZ77OB9k9XpF947T4MgrJGgZan6Rw6cb4I-NcfS8kqwfBPyvBK30ScayzqFJ8xJdNfwNJVuFK-LUPD-kBTe19hLuqV3zasure2iEMJcDkl4_RV-f26-q/s3557/IMG-7515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2471" data-original-width="3557" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2o7z1nb8xmv2X0ADeGNknYTzfVk-seQ9t-1acGEZKLHVxnwAuiw9SfJ38a_ULlMR7TXiPyZ77OB9k9XpF947T4MgrJGgZan6Rw6cb4I-NcfS8kqwfBPyvBK30ScayzqFJ8xJdNfwNJVuFK-LUPD-kBTe19hLuqV3zasure2iEMJcDkl4_RV-f26-q/w640-h445/IMG-7515.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Cripple Creek is an old mining town. Donkeys were an integral part of life here during the birth of this community and they remain a permanent fixture. In honor of all the donkeys who carried loaded packs, or worked in the mines, these donkeys are treated like royalty. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEGKUUmQ-2Y0W19rU4qO5nqb7rBMPo38gpLRzKgxh-0Xhb17mFB8UXEMLMAg7Tuu0FX4h65RAcQDEkT5InIvjmXRljtfAw4RqT09zI525Wf_nDDg7np2Q6NTuV8PAPU1fpebG9bDE8eU6tb5jSU60FPJ_F6RlFCxDJsfA6Wccdz4lb-izfAAp7FBM/s3088/67684451504--42CE5A9B-6242-4D41-BB64-DCEA1ED31845.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEGKUUmQ-2Y0W19rU4qO5nqb7rBMPo38gpLRzKgxh-0Xhb17mFB8UXEMLMAg7Tuu0FX4h65RAcQDEkT5InIvjmXRljtfAw4RqT09zI525Wf_nDDg7np2Q6NTuV8PAPU1fpebG9bDE8eU6tb5jSU60FPJ_F6RlFCxDJsfA6Wccdz4lb-izfAAp7FBM/w300-h400/67684451504--42CE5A9B-6242-4D41-BB64-DCEA1ED31845.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuEX_1ukVp165ahXRbB5JMqOvefVEfDTZ7Y7_kJ-dAq0NaetFD44YJU_G398aEzP7uYh5vEY9w_Ym6cgERl6bc0OpXSa6r-ECgeohI_xIiO4WU5sVlAK7mtZMjH9MGevvgpvhoJ0Jnbc8dWvBb_tCqoGi2uBguhmqDOUtR5tDf5nBL3SaLJ5zvUUp/s1279/IMG-7556%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1279" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuEX_1ukVp165ahXRbB5JMqOvefVEfDTZ7Y7_kJ-dAq0NaetFD44YJU_G398aEzP7uYh5vEY9w_Ym6cgERl6bc0OpXSa6r-ECgeohI_xIiO4WU5sVlAK7mtZMjH9MGevvgpvhoJ0Jnbc8dWvBb_tCqoGi2uBguhmqDOUtR5tDf5nBL3SaLJ5zvUUp/w640-h462/IMG-7556%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The donkeys have a support team known as the Two Mile High Club. The elevation of Cripple Creek is 9,495 feet above sea level, which is almost two miles up. I had to gasp for air when I strolled from shop to shop. Lol, not quite that bad, but it gave me an excuse to sit on a bench and take in the views. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I purchased this hat as a memento and to help support the donkeys. Local stores carry Two Mile High Club merchandise and a portion of the sales are used to maintain the donkey herd. There is a Facebook page and a website for these donkeys. You can click on the links at the bottom of this post and join the support team. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were lucky enough to take in the annual rodeo while we were in Cripple Creek. It is touted as the world's highest rodeo. I had to wonder if the horses noticed the low oxygen content of the mountain air.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTHg5d9UTIu5mK2vUl_UV2qYKf6lm7y-AJ_QHiKwW8PXxS7LoBiJ6Obc3woeX5WZWhM7ILuL6wT53caX40ObbZ9bX-n6ua6o48Cvey4K7HWC38UoE5GrfZgVns4QEk0tFi_M6yw7YCRVRV-teKxrGzr3G1ZciaB9aofVm8L1yAemJYAWSbA5-vos/s3165/IMG-7514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1764" data-original-width="3165" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTHg5d9UTIu5mK2vUl_UV2qYKf6lm7y-AJ_QHiKwW8PXxS7LoBiJ6Obc3woeX5WZWhM7ILuL6wT53caX40ObbZ9bX-n6ua6o48Cvey4K7HWC38UoE5GrfZgVns4QEk0tFi_M6yw7YCRVRV-teKxrGzr3G1ZciaB9aofVm8L1yAemJYAWSbA5-vos/w640-h356/IMG-7514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The locals seem to embrace these little darlings and allow them free access to roam, sit, eat, and poop wherever they so desire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ_i-P2ay9zd8E9nlTzydAlxokI88GDfZWSaAIv-tMnRaca9L7MZnjZdFMGtlP84P_Rq0yHHpu41aaH__4N5GwrJazgpPlPrTu2Cys5BuuP7CArEsmbWxJ60AfEKjyYeakKJKlAw0bowzZDBSkF2gWGTbAELeHfaNgqCfLOr-5Q22M182Scf0_4Zy/s2086/IMG-7513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="2086" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ_i-P2ay9zd8E9nlTzydAlxokI88GDfZWSaAIv-tMnRaca9L7MZnjZdFMGtlP84P_Rq0yHHpu41aaH__4N5GwrJazgpPlPrTu2Cys5BuuP7CArEsmbWxJ60AfEKjyYeakKJKlAw0bowzZDBSkF2gWGTbAELeHfaNgqCfLOr-5Q22M182Scf0_4Zy/w640-h574/IMG-7513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone loves to stop and feed and/or pet these "rulers of the mountains" but be sure to check about what food is acceptable before you toss them a treat. We want to keep these gentle spirits safe and honor the legacy of those valiant ancestors who faithfully served humankind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu5Vf-NwxjqdPuFJGWCVyJ8T-edD722A3HKa8-_V2solXlC9BY-x_mQZBmf4-VIVaOpydG1O8GWq6wcmAD43YwsstcyWYyxeGLwfXqQVz7hXvA8djHweeTs_5czrHhCkfr7JMuYOY7vM2AwVedbaIj9X_Fg8VlPfgBhdmGmK3rgQgIwX4x6YjAAPn/s3333/IMG-7485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2325" data-original-width="3333" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu5Vf-NwxjqdPuFJGWCVyJ8T-edD722A3HKa8-_V2solXlC9BY-x_mQZBmf4-VIVaOpydG1O8GWq6wcmAD43YwsstcyWYyxeGLwfXqQVz7hXvA8djHweeTs_5czrHhCkfr7JMuYOY7vM2AwVedbaIj9X_Fg8VlPfgBhdmGmK3rgQgIwX4x6YjAAPn/w640-h446/IMG-7485.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I took the photo below when I first witnessed a herd of donkeys roaming the streets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7CKw9wW7niz2pGHy81fpG7khttTPU2qEmh2lXndg18GYYYjIxIDWjFYfZVRPB8ZD-WAmPHSlgBgoaEVA7TOpl0InrWvlANgjYaeHWL_DXLqLui1PIiC1bbCPIhzmOGUIHDmbCzkm8NgbcR9oF6G33ErIeg-YMCO2gH96XwL3CG1Ql-p-FvrdnHI4/s2814/IMG-7480.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1931" data-original-width="2814" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7CKw9wW7niz2pGHy81fpG7khttTPU2qEmh2lXndg18GYYYjIxIDWjFYfZVRPB8ZD-WAmPHSlgBgoaEVA7TOpl0InrWvlANgjYaeHWL_DXLqLui1PIiC1bbCPIhzmOGUIHDmbCzkm8NgbcR9oF6G33ErIeg-YMCO2gH96XwL3CG1Ql-p-FvrdnHI4/w640-h440/IMG-7480.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was my first view of Cripple Creek (below) as my wife and I crossed the mountain pass heading into town. It was love at first sight for me, and I didn't even know about the Two Mile High Club yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghz8wsv_ian3fzARKaFALlxOa7gXU4eQiEa5FZ-w_lMdVSTRA9MVKEN885B-kIS5f9B5RF1_Ra7is2U-AffFppapGdAmoNjQrMwOCvEykg9iJqsbfU9z8C7Lg8DwcXLPZVngf7csu9g5YwdBM9YrAVI0mmdC_92PTrbyq4IZ44locHw5-X9KFSzCbw/s4032/IMG-7472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghz8wsv_ian3fzARKaFALlxOa7gXU4eQiEa5FZ-w_lMdVSTRA9MVKEN885B-kIS5f9B5RF1_Ra7is2U-AffFppapGdAmoNjQrMwOCvEykg9iJqsbfU9z8C7Lg8DwcXLPZVngf7csu9g5YwdBM9YrAVI0mmdC_92PTrbyq4IZ44locHw5-X9KFSzCbw/w640-h480/IMG-7472.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Be sure to notice the white-capped mountains off in the distance lining the horizon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the links I promised:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://facebook.com/CCDonkeys">Cripple Creek Donkeys on Facebook</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cripplecreekdonkeys.com/">cripplecreekdonkeys.com</a><br /></div><p></p></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-16639077805240467282022-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:002022-05-08T06:00:53.250-07:00First Horse Sale<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googhttps://www.blogger.com/blog/page/edit/6656137378732875306/8110709610826431181leusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhHXYhKm7mKX1Ot4ifzZ5BnfJs_NrLenQSH-AdQ31FQ0qeLG5k7TtRlw5tXCl3NNyS9RBqIRHifLdXlueijUlNNczgSWwVK7Rbd3buRCR4MtBpn0rolQsYTGeNsEBgpMjiPoWcJ7ha3nS5pYt96xDWaKRKoeBEvmuSq_EP2GnYQLhuLWioTue-eRo/s4032/IMG_7030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhHXYhKm7mKX1Ot4ifzZ5BnfJs_NrLenQSH-AdQ31FQ0qeLG5k7TtRlw5tXCl3NNyS9RBqIRHifLdXlueijUlNNczgSWwVK7Rbd3buRCR4MtBpn0rolQsYTGeNsEBgpMjiPoWcJ7ha3nS5pYt96xDWaKRKoeBEvmuSq_EP2GnYQLhuLWioTue-eRo/w640-h480/IMG_7030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandpa (Thomas Nye) and Grandma took our little 2-year-old Ruby to her first draft horse sale a few weeks ago. First, you need to understand, Ruby is horse-crazy just like her grandpa. When we stepped out onto this catwalk she literally shook with excitement. See how she is pointing in the photo below? She pointed at every horse in sight and squealed, "Horsey!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX1KW8vptQzwOdGajfEGSzglhgQn4twTQdKyORDvye2sSe-HB0gT7Fp2wS6aYoxDHyArLnMm01JfeiyZuUSUmf_0ASGBllx85b_yIF8bohS5ePVq0fvkJWCbSjJc1C9tg823Ky6mlm6zrBxTKYV7QkZbM3v8MCsfN8-GhHUHNjV-g1THoaa92bPbH/s4032/IMG_2776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX1KW8vptQzwOdGajfEGSzglhgQn4twTQdKyORDvye2sSe-HB0gT7Fp2wS6aYoxDHyArLnMm01JfeiyZuUSUmf_0ASGBllx85b_yIF8bohS5ePVq0fvkJWCbSjJc1C9tg823Ky6mlm6zrBxTKYV7QkZbM3v8MCsfN8-GhHUHNjV-g1THoaa92bPbH/w300-h400/IMG_2776.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went down among the horses. Ruby made a special point of saying a friendly, "Hello" to anyone who happened to be on horseback. She ignored people on foot. LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we headed outside she enjoyed watching buggies and horse-drawn wagons rolling past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i_jiWQVYml_kvbcuPN4MbU1t_cuy9OwH1eQCW4PwuCPejWv6XiMwm__gmo-0qVJ178s5HP8tUqSk6OqF1oPbQHUDeEzxaOfkTIL2U4Kjys_jj7_ng0C_FU5ghYBCd9OpSKkb0q9ME2AL4_2QovV_Bw2O0KwNAfA3KGjvSd4ntpzeNR1-CbWtkAFh/s2048/IMG_4593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i_jiWQVYml_kvbcuPN4MbU1t_cuy9OwH1eQCW4PwuCPejWv6XiMwm__gmo-0qVJ178s5HP8tUqSk6OqF1oPbQHUDeEzxaOfkTIL2U4Kjys_jj7_ng0C_FU5ghYBCd9OpSKkb0q9ME2AL4_2QovV_Bw2O0KwNAfA3KGjvSd4ntpzeNR1-CbWtkAFh/w640-h364/IMG_4593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ43pmDHSy6DhG5dZK-Zd-bYSGQz9b3g684TBOxKtESd5WxpHTO-rnbFlXEJXLJnpasVls6AyaoNpgfvX2O9O1s2a3vxn7VCVCqdlmW_XVdYN8W4ewDUdp4INunICzZ7raDdhvq_5tBWn4A783X5I2BMgqrx0JxfhLr5c3rAGsfGJdWmrQqOgJ3nr_/s2506/IMG_E7027.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2506" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ43pmDHSy6DhG5dZK-Zd-bYSGQz9b3g684TBOxKtESd5WxpHTO-rnbFlXEJXLJnpasVls6AyaoNpgfvX2O9O1s2a3vxn7VCVCqdlmW_XVdYN8W4ewDUdp4INunICzZ7raDdhvq_5tBWn4A783X5I2BMgqrx0JxfhLr5c3rAGsfGJdWmrQqOgJ3nr_/w400-h250/IMG_E7027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We ate in the Sale Barn diner where the cooks and waitresses are Amish or Plain Mennonite. Ruby smiled at everyone and cleaned up everything on her plate!<div><br /></div><div>We watched horses sell to the relaxing rhythmic sounds of an auctioneer. Horses are super pricy right now. A horse that would have sold for a thousand dollars five years ago would sell for three times that amount today.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa7bla2OaQsFskpZXE-SvuapNRKBJkywCcAY-AJdwMzzjYE97OWecAeQHKqcXY2g8bKD720Ub_1aCAmPGEv54DyHe5hOjDTRQBwnpnz6sNjk-ltJBXqjyr26Zf2SGEm_K0boyByFm59PkrR3ITRwgQgvCtJaN1dMi0ZUymqCVmcengPaTwuYxlGEI/s2048/IMG_0487.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="2048" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa7bla2OaQsFskpZXE-SvuapNRKBJkywCcAY-AJdwMzzjYE97OWecAeQHKqcXY2g8bKD720Ub_1aCAmPGEv54DyHe5hOjDTRQBwnpnz6sNjk-ltJBXqjyr26Zf2SGEm_K0boyByFm59PkrR3ITRwgQgvCtJaN1dMi0ZUymqCVmcengPaTwuYxlGEI/w400-h251/IMG_0487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Horse sales are a place where the Amish and non-Amish worlds come together. It probably feels to them like a day in the modern world. And to us, as if we stepped into the past.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOFVFC3GG1evGgw1l89gHU23OZ7278_kfe_an-IFdmog_-noiT3ZWWP9BOnYSKjgfMrd0U2CwYglBZz0qVo9areumUsGhJTEuIszizYfKpQQ9WjdN9htteC_Qd4G2qYRMV-zkzBV-qRn0-d8TLpJlSNchVY9KnHo1R1-EcQ6oM15aU3eNRjt1_IcN/s2602/Amish%20Novels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="2602" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOFVFC3GG1evGgw1l89gHU23OZ7278_kfe_an-IFdmog_-noiT3ZWWP9BOnYSKjgfMrd0U2CwYglBZz0qVo9areumUsGhJTEuIszizYfKpQQ9WjdN9htteC_Qd4G2qYRMV-zkzBV-qRn0-d8TLpJlSNchVY9KnHo1R1-EcQ6oM15aU3eNRjt1_IcN/w640-h356/Amish%20Novels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> If you love horses, the good-old-days, or if you're intrigued by Amish culture...<p></p></div><div>You need to give one of my novels a try. Click here for the list <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/page/edit/6656137378732875306/8110709610826431181">Amish Novels</a></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-45981141662571432412022-02-19T07:40:00.000-08:002022-02-19T07:40:36.700-08:00Early Impressions<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6i_9Bwcb_U58CGh-ozENJFayQi_BaCh7lfqyu8KzQy3VyuZkYE5dvnQcthNrkkjShsl_4zNHgWUT9mTQRDg6MirfDX_Ta-Gye0rSz3V0RVTdMKFaw89n7aSBYCBBE938ZMo8lp9wTrAbtCqPvALlMqkl1763Eu1bKSeJ9dkCjFS3rrjk048NE22lr=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6i_9Bwcb_U58CGh-ozENJFayQi_BaCh7lfqyu8KzQy3VyuZkYE5dvnQcthNrkkjShsl_4zNHgWUT9mTQRDg6MirfDX_Ta-Gye0rSz3V0RVTdMKFaw89n7aSBYCBBE938ZMo8lp9wTrAbtCqPvALlMqkl1763Eu1bKSeJ9dkCjFS3rrjk048NE22lr=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-8I5x40_eiiLZgRdQ5kFpa6pbCxya1BxSxvtZC9n-ewZm8BwlTzlM0nNROHjEMO1mmpvkTSVGeohul_JR21b27Ywyl1Xm86xXQEr-pTGqCDvfxXyjLrbewNNopoGcEpn11r7Y0yaapuUpi2eBuBr547IrEu8hF18CWajcwHI3Dn3J3n0Ml2w5Hb6H=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-8I5x40_eiiLZgRdQ5kFpa6pbCxya1BxSxvtZC9n-ewZm8BwlTzlM0nNROHjEMO1mmpvkTSVGeohul_JR21b27Ywyl1Xm86xXQEr-pTGqCDvfxXyjLrbewNNopoGcEpn11r7Y0yaapuUpi2eBuBr547IrEu8hF18CWajcwHI3Dn3J3n0Ml2w5Hb6H=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div>Plastic farm animals are awesome!<p></p><p>Some of my first memories are of setting up elaborate scenes with plastic farm toys. The natural next step was to encourage my children and grandchildren to do the same.</p><p>Grandma (my wife) and I found these wooden barn, corrals, and fences at our local favorite Amish store. Golden Delight Bakery will blow you away with the best baked goods you've ever tasted. They also sell these barns and fences, and plastic farm animals.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCdHK_d6rgIEKk-chRtJ6LxAFSj11JLWmiNQA4BQPShPHQAxbcnzuiT0gu0teX9Vw0ihDfBKRn6AuFssT-vFt02gRx2-CskH4RuxIEyLKILJGld2EvVK6klaMfztSxCKMwsKd_fd56K0dT73MiUHDnyExxh9Hlot1F7Vm2JONVPzo1NLSKeFUPFn-A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCdHK_d6rgIEKk-chRtJ6LxAFSj11JLWmiNQA4BQPShPHQAxbcnzuiT0gu0teX9Vw0ihDfBKRn6AuFssT-vFt02gRx2-CskH4RuxIEyLKILJGld2EvVK6klaMfztSxCKMwsKd_fd56K0dT73MiUHDnyExxh9Hlot1F7Vm2JONVPzo1NLSKeFUPFn-A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>Amish parents are very selective about what toys are allowed in their homes. Amish children love playing farm. There is something wholesome about this kind of play... instead of robotic super heroes with mega weapons of mass destruction. My grandsons and I spent hours setting up our display and having our human figurines do chores and move animals through shoots and into new lots. <p></p><p>We had to keep the peace at times because some of the bulls got into fights and some horses kicked each other.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGUiq4s7p2Z5oJzKefRgmuVpDw1s7gXALqdKDVLVsvc80haBvafEMPMXAe4B5Pcf2WaloniQTU_GEUg4yBBnkGSUOMJH4JK2K42JpE08j2gEBMMe46Api_iPitLdH6mcixa9qjvQJ8EIuSch4fqJflhCWCRZtXiwZ7AFXRRYy0VtwvRPDHXrYF_GBp=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGUiq4s7p2Z5oJzKefRgmuVpDw1s7gXALqdKDVLVsvc80haBvafEMPMXAe4B5Pcf2WaloniQTU_GEUg4yBBnkGSUOMJH4JK2K42JpE08j2gEBMMe46Api_iPitLdH6mcixa9qjvQJ8EIuSch4fqJflhCWCRZtXiwZ7AFXRRYy0VtwvRPDHXrYF_GBp=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>Things were going along smoothly until Isaac (the older of these brothers) noticed a huge storm brewing off in the distance. Leo (younger brother) suggested we get all the livestock inside the big barn for safety.<p></p><p>Our plastic livestock cooperated for the most part and they were quickly rushed inside and jammed together in close quarters as the storm approached.</p><p>You can only imagine the chaos of nervous farm animals riding out a storm inside a barn. A little Noah's Arkish. </p><p>This brought back a fun memory of mine. I was at a Farm Progress event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Hundreds if not thousands of Amish folks were at the event. A big storm came up and everyone ran for shelter. People around me were crowding into some tents but I thought they didn't look too secure. I ran for a huge barn about a football field away. The storm broke before I got there and I was soaked when I rushed inside. When my eyes adjusted to the darkness I realized I was the lone English (Non-Amish) person inside a barn packed with Amish men, women, and children. They were all silent and facing the doorway I just ran through. We all stood and watched a fierce wind blast across the fields before us. When the thunder, wind, and rain subsided, they we all ventured out together and friendly conversations resumed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwhucs6FZAxc9K6G6SlV0qF596_s0sFRWgJHm_0YAzBmJAFGp3OrzRAIf3e05dJ1H_qCfcvzhXAL53xjlIJN49X89hKy0WXhR5hrL6U-GFMDbH-5AhL59DdmgEj89mxe7vU4WmhEAT-KxE-gbo_LRXwbEnVbqWR23bLRe9BMQvHXsBU1-G_YzOeAcL=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwhucs6FZAxc9K6G6SlV0qF596_s0sFRWgJHm_0YAzBmJAFGp3OrzRAIf3e05dJ1H_qCfcvzhXAL53xjlIJN49X89hKy0WXhR5hrL6U-GFMDbH-5AhL59DdmgEj89mxe7vU4WmhEAT-KxE-gbo_LRXwbEnVbqWR23bLRe9BMQvHXsBU1-G_YzOeAcL=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was surprised at the creativity my grandsons showed when they came up with this reenactment of such a realistic and traumatic event. This type of play can help children work through their fears and work out solutions to lifelike problems.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWBtxdDMES1fKz_y51umWot63HzyMgTyqcnDpopAGJ9lrFQBaFlKPTHXvsKgQ4w_EhL5MntAn_5UlER9CDlk5a2PuzfrUHxCb6zC9h7odn_Z43-e7wl6dg9Fipscg6dDPwG4mRTjFD-VBUghqLjY806sfTO6AytWUeX-731dB3TE8vfGObB2zqMTsW=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWBtxdDMES1fKz_y51umWot63HzyMgTyqcnDpopAGJ9lrFQBaFlKPTHXvsKgQ4w_EhL5MntAn_5UlER9CDlk5a2PuzfrUHxCb6zC9h7odn_Z43-e7wl6dg9Fipscg6dDPwG4mRTjFD-VBUghqLjY806sfTO6AytWUeX-731dB3TE8vfGObB2zqMTsW=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>When the drama ended we decided it was an easy conclusion to our playtime because the animals all belonged inside the big barn for storage anyway. We picked up our fences and put everything away.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYPAckydYg6uLJ7qNAHGmH73BseyGoSHkdRNNJaLUO8e6WxeTetUqjPXFVCjN5yRgy10cIPj81_ecgqfqJ3BKGJy7GmDWKDWTbtllEZiFJh68iQrUXexiDYBBuU16UlEdYQzjuK1c5YWYfrjfZ6UpLdp8CTnS2Jofz_YN1e0g-fNNyZF4RVgvL4mOg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYPAckydYg6uLJ7qNAHGmH73BseyGoSHkdRNNJaLUO8e6WxeTetUqjPXFVCjN5yRgy10cIPj81_ecgqfqJ3BKGJy7GmDWKDWTbtllEZiFJh68iQrUXexiDYBBuU16UlEdYQzjuK1c5YWYfrjfZ6UpLdp8CTnS2Jofz_YN1e0g-fNNyZF4RVgvL4mOg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My little granddaughter (Ruby) is finding herself nurtured by grandpa in the same way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZU4664N-ZTDHmzFZ_OR-90nDgTtpQ6trRa1V-nxRwifHwp328ksC1cViuLK2hDZX9hpNq6YImT1sN9EzK9YvanWx5hiRtdh5XP-1C1Uw2MG3vLGjTm4n26wQ2cYyHkW2rOOk4liP08So2xUwt64CHl4A-1Ivb1KM--wDb6OGl65xEriTqyKO0vkmL=s1521" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZU4664N-ZTDHmzFZ_OR-90nDgTtpQ6trRa1V-nxRwifHwp328ksC1cViuLK2hDZX9hpNq6YImT1sN9EzK9YvanWx5hiRtdh5XP-1C1Uw2MG3vLGjTm4n26wQ2cYyHkW2rOOk4liP08So2xUwt64CHl4A-1Ivb1KM--wDb6OGl65xEriTqyKO0vkmL=w606-h640" width="606" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPC7ryXf8KFoBhYeHV1Pi9qLVAjk4YUkraIV_s_C45Pf0c2QUX58gYvo4TGvRRGY0eheYgSlG3G49q-2Opzcj6z50xHMmY-rE9PM6ybkIRkhVFs7mVqSC5MKx8CSqakMapNIuwDuigr7e9MSCCBLyAujB-yGxn-sX7uZZw4zYK8_mgFjm6UsbDegkD=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPC7ryXf8KFoBhYeHV1Pi9qLVAjk4YUkraIV_s_C45Pf0c2QUX58gYvo4TGvRRGY0eheYgSlG3G49q-2Opzcj6z50xHMmY-rE9PM6ybkIRkhVFs7mVqSC5MKx8CSqakMapNIuwDuigr7e9MSCCBLyAujB-yGxn-sX7uZZw4zYK8_mgFjm6UsbDegkD=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>When the toys are all cleaned up they love to go outside and see the real deal. There is nothing more therapeutic than connecting with a living, breathing, massive draft horse.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdMV27gmsfpZly8Wa7b0UhMDfdWs9O2t3stsZwPJYoFNGb1g6ZZxFaAlucKqbWonKCfBimz9vgzZYDiy35DeuIfUBws6-PHbGt26XkwIlkZY4l2jPohBAHzc4POXaQsbXJ198ItKkoR7vWqVVwrlRTNQVBL5zlky38BZ5S9NUGTvtNnXYN_Q8KKqIF=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdMV27gmsfpZly8Wa7b0UhMDfdWs9O2t3stsZwPJYoFNGb1g6ZZxFaAlucKqbWonKCfBimz9vgzZYDiy35DeuIfUBws6-PHbGt26XkwIlkZY4l2jPohBAHzc4POXaQsbXJ198ItKkoR7vWqVVwrlRTNQVBL5zlky38BZ5S9NUGTvtNnXYN_Q8KKqIF=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-69239096515916535972021-12-05T18:23:00.003-08:002021-12-05T18:32:28.045-08:00Amish Christmas Collection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBpiOWZ0awFMI5h9O1cnysjvNcdT-1kIGyfOpUSBnFq25mNnK9FBFgkQhM4tnLkSNASo5xuWbmI2PVDXRkhOhhCnoVfeDDiS9G7LY0I3uGO5_mhzFJBpy2NfA4hT0fggq04_daOgKNPmc7VGdjoznqdu4ekzKaWdH6FBphizOwdAxGwzl8S3fTL2M7=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBpiOWZ0awFMI5h9O1cnysjvNcdT-1kIGyfOpUSBnFq25mNnK9FBFgkQhM4tnLkSNASo5xuWbmI2PVDXRkhOhhCnoVfeDDiS9G7LY0I3uGO5_mhzFJBpy2NfA4hT0fggq04_daOgKNPmc7VGdjoznqdu4ekzKaWdH6FBphizOwdAxGwzl8S3fTL2M7=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How about some Christmas stories?</div><div style="text-align: center;">The men of Amish fiction would love to take you on a Christmas adventure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtUNzXzayNdoFDFET0IiDzJmg55rizrYBUFxKRP_0tD9FF2_-YERC_m1GVz3KhOsp1ebFRoleyM8ioLZ5iFZaaGTBdnE4FE0jLXRmBtK3QUwr18srLXfpjnj3VV1KbjTb89vQOv9BimI/s2048/IMG_2453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtUNzXzayNdoFDFET0IiDzJmg55rizrYBUFxKRP_0tD9FF2_-YERC_m1GVz3KhOsp1ebFRoleyM8ioLZ5iFZaaGTBdnE4FE0jLXRmBtK3QUwr18srLXfpjnj3VV1KbjTb89vQOv9BimI/w640-h480/IMG_2453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My own horses have a set of Christmas lights on their barn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH8g8BSal3feM7ErqkkKXYwNF4PNslyXjkNxPJdZsL5VmiUhZC3gxw0jLhyxMB2cPVbLbK45nltm4dtyW1ahyphenhyphenqZ7lSJtb6DOmfnXIttu1fMAKSHy9MOSWimEpDb1kDzaNmuHz8j31Bxk/s2048/IMG_0137.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="2048" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH8g8BSal3feM7ErqkkKXYwNF4PNslyXjkNxPJdZsL5VmiUhZC3gxw0jLhyxMB2cPVbLbK45nltm4dtyW1ahyphenhyphenqZ7lSJtb6DOmfnXIttu1fMAKSHy9MOSWimEpDb1kDzaNmuHz8j31Bxk/w640-h352/IMG_0137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thomas Nye's Christmas story takes place on a farm like this one. The Holiday Harness Shop shares the happenings in an Amish harness shop during the week leading up to Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQWn7gTpLZkmvIVBWCc1rOFIeZ6Iw3byDeZkJi7Ybex7DQ0PymWLVbasHja7GKPNgaoGopPsE1TzPit_jZrW9EWfrP7f0BvQl600eXE71YBtumiNnCf_EABWvEoxAh0ElD5R1oPSG410/s2048/IMG_0138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2048" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQWn7gTpLZkmvIVBWCc1rOFIeZ6Iw3byDeZkJi7Ybex7DQ0PymWLVbasHja7GKPNgaoGopPsE1TzPit_jZrW9EWfrP7f0BvQl600eXE71YBtumiNnCf_EABWvEoxAh0ElD5R1oPSG410/w640-h354/IMG_0138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter in Amish country is picturesque. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwnRIk1MOu_0Lq_IuMkFWvlisTO53IXPB6CrRRs2Tknruzckgm4GauewCTQSqQwJKvnO5JLQDBQ1M0Ann5TWGGom685YWVWMCTikQ_Q61QLebmjMMTHWbdoVagnhfW590KPqVUWKasCU/s2048/IMG_0141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="2048" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwnRIk1MOu_0Lq_IuMkFWvlisTO53IXPB6CrRRs2Tknruzckgm4GauewCTQSqQwJKvnO5JLQDBQ1M0Ann5TWGGom685YWVWMCTikQ_Q61QLebmjMMTHWbdoVagnhfW590KPqVUWKasCU/w640-h368/IMG_0141.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Action and adventure on an Amish farm don't slow down because of a little snow or cold.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSYOyLwYzpHcrqyKNIq1cxPou1x63hHsJkAzy3VPxj-m_J6ULjCNYwGy8IGce4V_LlomZSIdUCHsPCTl9raYebnpKbf_ZNpy2Pq8GBV9ii2-XOJe3Mv3_cXlz0MfCEx0sZPHi9hr2QoU/s2048/IMG_0139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSYOyLwYzpHcrqyKNIq1cxPou1x63hHsJkAzy3VPxj-m_J6ULjCNYwGy8IGce4V_LlomZSIdUCHsPCTl9raYebnpKbf_ZNpy2Pq8GBV9ii2-XOJe3Mv3_cXlz0MfCEx0sZPHi9hr2QoU/w640-h398/IMG_0139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cozy up with a cup of cocoa, a blanket, and an Amish Christmas Collection this holiday season.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Fiction-Present-Christmas-Collection/dp/1649490984/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3EZ67ILGCQSE4&keywords=the+men+of+amish+fiction&qid=1638757232&sprefix=The+Men+of+Amish+F%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-2">Amazon Link</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Or, to order directly from the author with a check</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_26.html">Ordering Instructions</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-42649982069573504412021-11-28T06:21:00.001-08:002021-11-28T06:29:39.355-08:00The Continuing Saga of Karla and Mushka<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhuE042zXVioeGwxbKPTKXJDH1C5NoLaBvB1sAmvbXFLLNu2vbxZQQ4nzTCPr3TKB_UTsE2-6rkE961q9cibE7gpjZOq31QcdUdohHVz8-pvUWuKrS4HwM7MQ-ZmLOLQB4pBe53fpAgc/s2048/IMG_E6356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhuE042zXVioeGwxbKPTKXJDH1C5NoLaBvB1sAmvbXFLLNu2vbxZQQ4nzTCPr3TKB_UTsE2-6rkE961q9cibE7gpjZOq31QcdUdohHVz8-pvUWuKrS4HwM7MQ-ZmLOLQB4pBe53fpAgc/w640-h404/IMG_E6356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2SUfY_IxABPp5PNLfQaT_7a2U9fH39dwUe34wG2jz-2QCurtWmPd6wFxVY7c-Tbw5UZqZVlxvycA0guM7FOTmN11wUtpF5K9btxI4sBDRe6RSkiFVfyyHMSTuP2_TcyEax1EJym9mDA/s2048/IMG_E6221.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="2048" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2SUfY_IxABPp5PNLfQaT_7a2U9fH39dwUe34wG2jz-2QCurtWmPd6wFxVY7c-Tbw5UZqZVlxvycA0guM7FOTmN11wUtpF5K9btxI4sBDRe6RSkiFVfyyHMSTuP2_TcyEax1EJym9mDA/w400-h243/IMG_E6221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hello Friends-<p></p><p>If you follow this blog, you are probably wondering how Karla and Mushka are getting along.</p><p>We had the normal issues horses have with deciding dominance. It should not be understood the same way as humans working out a relationship. Horses have their own way. It involves a pecking order that must be established.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_ItU8jaJmWBr6feB8-EYPMUTUSkQGC97_83pm2J8AlzB_cePLpUO65CsyJKDhj5wAA3fNajQBsDoXVTY3yJUqa6nTHp7pMzDFGbg-DnhM7G7iV5WRKSNOxfLyjfgUL6EJYemc7Il0E0/s2048/IMG_6264.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_ItU8jaJmWBr6feB8-EYPMUTUSkQGC97_83pm2J8AlzB_cePLpUO65CsyJKDhj5wAA3fNajQBsDoXVTY3yJUqa6nTHp7pMzDFGbg-DnhM7G7iV5WRKSNOxfLyjfgUL6EJYemc7Il0E0/w400-h300/IMG_6264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once this is decided (Karla is one up in the order) they then have to decide if they like each other. Karla and Mushka are getting along great.<p></p><p>I let this play out before I even tried hitching them up. Many a "Cowboy" or Amish person would have hitched them the first day. I'm not that brave.</p><p>My personal strategy is to do like the horses and work out my place as a kind leader. If you work with horses they should see you as someone they can trust and turn to for leadership.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseoUA88efVf7IwOZvkRebQLEsSfdbVmqnbR45i9F60PNqD9vN3NDCoRscpBz4h33y7ZWaQkqr8YwALkfcb9dHGmvqMd1wCHhigd9jxixXOPqlTOxzH84G8uIKwgmvVE1SFq6rfQrE6fU/s2048/IMG_E6275.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="2048" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseoUA88efVf7IwOZvkRebQLEsSfdbVmqnbR45i9F60PNqD9vN3NDCoRscpBz4h33y7ZWaQkqr8YwALkfcb9dHGmvqMd1wCHhigd9jxixXOPqlTOxzH84G8uIKwgmvVE1SFq6rfQrE6fU/w640-h504/IMG_E6275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After we established Tom as a friend and leader, we moved to getting harnessed up and finally hitched.<p></p><p>Mushka pushed her head through the collar when I held it in front of her, revealing she was not afraid of it and in fact, extremely comfortable with a collar.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbvxH4QFgM9H6IN1L4u7t6vH1OqZ7_GvrRFHaTCttF6uAKHUGv_bAbQnkrFbmrK7JWEbJmiGB6iTjXMJlHifJpgGB6fxAzJbHjhlzUzI4ZGxcDUhKcPOqFPJnc10mnhYZkHffkvdNtrY/s2048/IMG_E6276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbvxH4QFgM9H6IN1L4u7t6vH1OqZ7_GvrRFHaTCttF6uAKHUGv_bAbQnkrFbmrK7JWEbJmiGB6iTjXMJlHifJpgGB6fxAzJbHjhlzUzI4ZGxcDUhKcPOqFPJnc10mnhYZkHffkvdNtrY/w640-h468/IMG_E6276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>We had a few snags along the way. The first struggle is that I know nothing about Mushka and her past experience. She seems kind and calm. I found out she hates to have fly spray near her head. Unfortunately, I got brave because she didn't seem to mind being spayed until I got near her head and she went ballistic. She hauled back and tried to break free of her tie rope. This is not a good sign! This caused me to lose confidence in her. What if she tries to haul back while in the harness with Karla?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNouBiPD3GPh-Z80_yGzEUZzRiM5VkOUz5OgPqVaEDPyZMIJkjgdReeBI8FVJ7W4cPB-W7lXVdOE72NQoRX5Xdqs958hGNirzytbxpF2l__T1g8yMrqLzH9P61T2h3toji37j9tCO9jM/s2048/IMG_6217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNouBiPD3GPh-Z80_yGzEUZzRiM5VkOUz5OgPqVaEDPyZMIJkjgdReeBI8FVJ7W4cPB-W7lXVdOE72NQoRX5Xdqs958hGNirzytbxpF2l__T1g8yMrqLzH9P61T2h3toji37j9tCO9jM/w640-h480/IMG_6217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the end, everything has gone smoothly. Mushka does seem a little prone to haul back on her halter. This is an extremely bad habit for a horse and can be quite dangerous. When we were finally hitched to my flat sled, everything seemed calm. I will say, Mushka acted a little confused. My guess is that her experience is as a single horse pulling a cart. She did not panic or resist being hitched at all, but she did not seem comfortable with a wagon tongue. She did not show fear, just a little confused by it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, I'm satisfied. It's not the same without Karma, but we will have a lot of fun with Mushka.</div><p></p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-89359527391714919612021-10-24T06:38:00.001-07:002021-10-24T06:39:22.797-07:00Mushka<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q62bCo2HIQL-X5BOBeV8kp9IqjW6DGJB3lTzq8_ORaIzwEP3jcmqUpKvoEVc5Zm9CZfeoi8DqxJ6bWZ1zwfR6jhE0sK6_0N9uKaOHP3AH9wZkjoSOPhANCetOJxJ_I0EQOum5LXlfHY/s2048/IMG_E6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="2048" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q62bCo2HIQL-X5BOBeV8kp9IqjW6DGJB3lTzq8_ORaIzwEP3jcmqUpKvoEVc5Zm9CZfeoi8DqxJ6bWZ1zwfR6jhE0sK6_0N9uKaOHP3AH9wZkjoSOPhANCetOJxJ_I0EQOum5LXlfHY/w640-h520/IMG_E6215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meet Mushka.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have been following the Amish Horses Blog, you know I lost my horse named Karma a few months ago. Karma's full-sister Karla grazed our pasture alone most of the summer. I visited quite a few Amish farms in my area looking for a new horse, but it wasn't meant to be. My Amish neighbors let me know that good horses are in short supply at this time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy9PYjyni6Yya_bcVxHqkDPBc6fyzd1wyxAQDSJvkCGUPdS_naXK8Z6YzmC4wMAUq30mFN7GtW3Rf7TxyItHIpNhIAsaeNaPwea_ZM5Q5gBYtChoiv2rwCMEb3HpOUqp1-JLYJwf7z80/s2048/IMG_6154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy9PYjyni6Yya_bcVxHqkDPBc6fyzd1wyxAQDSJvkCGUPdS_naXK8Z6YzmC4wMAUq30mFN7GtW3Rf7TxyItHIpNhIAsaeNaPwea_ZM5Q5gBYtChoiv2rwCMEb3HpOUqp1-JLYJwf7z80/w480-h640/IMG_6154.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know much about this beautiful white horse. The man who brought her from Wisconsin to the Kalona Sale Barn gave some vague information about her. First of all, when I asked about her name, he just said, "I call her Girl or Babe, whatever is easiest." Apparently, she has had a number of homes and her name got lost along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He mentioned that she spent some of her fifteen years on an Amish farm, and had been used as a "Produce Horse." He asked, "Do you know what that means?" He then explained that Amish girls had used her to pull a walking plow in their large garden. He also thought that on some occasions one sister would ride the horse holding a bag while another handed produce up.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDoHXV23CLTsQ112vDRfFLFFAr21QxGY3ZPSuBBZh5EJRaHUvhseJPx8Cab6EWjAVYItXUDboRV5b0T3upKsvszozLVfVcAagxqZS_D__jznKaIpEqRqBq1qtR9DLs3ZzWbzmfE7iDYQ/s2048/IMG_6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDoHXV23CLTsQ112vDRfFLFFAr21QxGY3ZPSuBBZh5EJRaHUvhseJPx8Cab6EWjAVYItXUDboRV5b0T3upKsvszozLVfVcAagxqZS_D__jznKaIpEqRqBq1qtR9DLs3ZzWbzmfE7iDYQ/w640-h480/IMG_6161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXKE5rlhZT_Vuk4BvAKtkwtIkzIyhi8N-7QWiQUVz-lLnccUKLMAHYAd01frRKv8k0tqr6dGXMvtE2FLuKj92vYGK57magzb_HksIgZTBz8OHrFv3oKd28X3BZUdpDEFY-DxnUNOoSM8/s2048/IMG_6169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXKE5rlhZT_Vuk4BvAKtkwtIkzIyhi8N-7QWiQUVz-lLnccUKLMAHYAd01frRKv8k0tqr6dGXMvtE2FLuKj92vYGK57magzb_HksIgZTBz8OHrFv3oKd28X3BZUdpDEFY-DxnUNOoSM8/w400-h300/IMG_6169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>You can see ears pinned back. Horses communicate with body language. Karla is making sure this new horse knows that she owns the barn. They are warming up to each other slowly. <div><br /></div><div>Whenever a horse comes through a sale barn without much history it makes the buyer wonder why. Maybe someone reading this blog will recognize her and contact me with more information. In the meantime, I chose to buy her because she seemed absolutely gentle and friendly. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qlMFuvuCOlfMuu_dm2OGBXOg70432hgLFnw9DlTfIsyXF88rBWYEhAfO4ZpW5mQekdvT7_wPZHVMLaKBiZWSX7Crov3ZDBEij3_zvay-SKX2Eid8_e8am9CWb_7NzRWOc0AwsBZOKOU/s2048/IMG_6217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qlMFuvuCOlfMuu_dm2OGBXOg70432hgLFnw9DlTfIsyXF88rBWYEhAfO4ZpW5mQekdvT7_wPZHVMLaKBiZWSX7Crov3ZDBEij3_zvay-SKX2Eid8_e8am9CWb_7NzRWOc0AwsBZOKOU/w640-h480/IMG_6217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>We decided to give her the name Mushka. (Pronounced with a moo) We have a family friend from Bosnia with that name and we always thought it sounded beautiful. Our friend spells her name Musca but I felt people would likely mispronounce it. My little granddaughter approves of Mushka. She has enjoyed petting her many times already.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCpwJGUoymKap_wp759_inrgYX1wWJEthgg8jTKT74cp5XIDk5c4w23c3lEIAAA7YoLfwtKFyj0vwW0EHiGn48zjtWVzrbPIJ9yN_7SKjHQIYiHRmPyon8vGvptJ8XDfD8A-31107MgI/s2048/IMG_6148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCpwJGUoymKap_wp759_inrgYX1wWJEthgg8jTKT74cp5XIDk5c4w23c3lEIAAA7YoLfwtKFyj0vwW0EHiGn48zjtWVzrbPIJ9yN_7SKjHQIYiHRmPyon8vGvptJ8XDfD8A-31107MgI/w640-h480/IMG_6148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Mushka photographs well. I was looking for a black horse to match Karla, but when I met this white beauty I couldn't resist bringing her home. I personally feel they look attractive together.</div><div style="text-align: center;">At one time, I calculated how many horses I've owned in my lifetime, I need to do it again. I think Mushka is number 35.</div><p></p></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-17710653706296792922021-08-20T11:49:00.002-07:002021-09-21T08:47:24.281-07:00Samson and Amish Delilah<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJXinosHysfBVSlC-eOQVzkUiMZXhfiu1jZbsJvseNkqa8ByzPQiEySlc8aqtmvbFBJuLxbH3uojPumcIMu7gMTy_cfufjEf07eUivY_hcyguE1rc-E9yjPkmHJ8SMr4y8sStup7tp1Y/s1002/Samson+Cover.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJXinosHysfBVSlC-eOQVzkUiMZXhfiu1jZbsJvseNkqa8ByzPQiEySlc8aqtmvbFBJuLxbH3uojPumcIMu7gMTy_cfufjEf07eUivY_hcyguE1rc-E9yjPkmHJ8SMr4y8sStup7tp1Y/w434-h640/Samson+Cover.JPG" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Interesting Title?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Listen to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorThomasNye/?ref=pages_you_manage">Thomas Nye</a> on the Buggy Talk Podcast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86LfrUXQ1DFkNClFAsrRbAv2kEDZqXZ9LWOFjMNs3RFrxSoJpxD2ps3JdzAOmKBonEW0YoiKzfDJd_rU4PAkidDt7gjkW3qcOoIN7Yk2hixD32ndDPP5KJuQhvWfMRue5YEmcfhGhrGM/s1400/BUGGYTALK-COVER-SamsonDelilah.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1400" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86LfrUXQ1DFkNClFAsrRbAv2kEDZqXZ9LWOFjMNs3RFrxSoJpxD2ps3JdzAOmKBonEW0YoiKzfDJd_rU4PAkidDt7gjkW3qcOoIN7Yk2hixD32ndDPP5KJuQhvWfMRue5YEmcfhGhrGM/w400-h284/BUGGYTALK-COVER-SamsonDelilah.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmFjeWZyZWRyeWNob3dza2kuY29tL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdA/episode/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmFjeWZyZWRyeWNob3dza2kuY29tLz9wb3N0X3R5cGU9cG9kY2FzdCZwPTEzMDQw?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiora6bmcDyAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEw&hl=en">Click Here to Listen to Podcast</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amish Fiction Author Tracy Fredrychowski interviews Thomas Nye about his writing career, interest in horses (especially draft horses), his novel Samson and Amish Delilah and so much more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click on the link above to give it a listen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are interested in reading this or any of Thomas Nye's books click on the link below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Nye/e/B00LP6V9QW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5&qid=1629484957&sr=8-5">Thomas Nye on Amazon</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh35PFJ_qCPXoVAlehLRNzM3cqHx0DfsBu8hcbJNzLRdaXgxbThPF7Fjt1HC6Ebz12rL88c1l1Ep8UDP0wf9Ep6dDzJ8ng2itPTINJ1GgkiteEdOtBAhi54ghobsjRxwGnZKqcxTisaVs/s1003/IMG_E0590.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="727" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh35PFJ_qCPXoVAlehLRNzM3cqHx0DfsBu8hcbJNzLRdaXgxbThPF7Fjt1HC6Ebz12rL88c1l1Ep8UDP0wf9Ep6dDzJ8ng2itPTINJ1GgkiteEdOtBAhi54ghobsjRxwGnZKqcxTisaVs/w464-h640/IMG_E0590.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To purchase a signed copy directly from the author</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">click here: <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_26.html">Order a Book </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-62246446023981855382021-07-25T07:04:00.005-07:002021-07-25T07:04:50.336-07:00Church- 1921 or 2021?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzBelA55s5IsI5Ss_UC-lQxFal-sMd-K1TFksuIz9jWMlh7eY3vJYEoDhYJ5CjdD5AZrA-bUq7yMGr6WOu2deCHZMCZbyp3SQ9WQ0dV4_BWDiPT9YduYkLj5bMUFgtyKWAiQsUcdonPo/s2048/IMG_5576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzBelA55s5IsI5Ss_UC-lQxFal-sMd-K1TFksuIz9jWMlh7eY3vJYEoDhYJ5CjdD5AZrA-bUq7yMGr6WOu2deCHZMCZbyp3SQ9WQ0dV4_BWDiPT9YduYkLj5bMUFgtyKWAiQsUcdonPo/w640-h426/IMG_5576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amish Church hasn't changed much in the past 100 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, there are some changes. In 1921 the meeting would have been held inside the farmhouse. In this photo, taken on 7/18/21 the service is being held inside the white pole building just beyond the buggies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you notice, a strip of tin siding has been removed for the purpose of letting air move through the building. This is important for a crowd of people meeting on a hot July day in Iowa. Keep in mind, no air-conditioning, no fans. </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtncUMSeeSSD7rbNVk7bN5g99sIL63FiU0xX3OfO1WzAokfx5Z_7Yprn3rLG9hlEKBNLDwN-Mq-iyi89WmvlaqHhz_63TazyEICiSXB630t7EFZaoEiKEVKqMDIhP_M8Zi3ipeklNq140/s2048/IMG_E5578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtncUMSeeSSD7rbNVk7bN5g99sIL63FiU0xX3OfO1WzAokfx5Z_7Yprn3rLG9hlEKBNLDwN-Mq-iyi89WmvlaqHhz_63TazyEICiSXB630t7EFZaoEiKEVKqMDIhP_M8Zi3ipeklNq140/w640-h438/IMG_E5578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The gathering happens around 9:30. Buggies pull into the driveway and women and children are dropped off near the house. Dad or an older brother drives the buggy out to a green pasture and they unhitch the horse or horses. (Large families come in double buggies which have two rows of seats and require two horses to pull the larger load.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The men gather in a circle near the barn or under a shade tree until it seems everyone has arrived. They head inside the building, single file, in order of age, eldest first. Once the men and boys have all been seated on the men's side. The women and girls begin to file in and take seats on the women's side in order of age.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSPnQKyLyoCaDRQ1c_KpRP5MaSc6v9AFScfpvM6CZ3JeymrF_ZyCUrClwsZF5MUYjX63Uj0m2kdgY8F7qUE990KIS7BMw0Mb-QrJOquIb74jMoUDHXVUp3GPg_CTeXOV_LxO4gflHQAs/s1687/IMG_E5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSPnQKyLyoCaDRQ1c_KpRP5MaSc6v9AFScfpvM6CZ3JeymrF_ZyCUrClwsZF5MUYjX63Uj0m2kdgY8F7qUE990KIS7BMw0Mb-QrJOquIb74jMoUDHXVUp3GPg_CTeXOV_LxO4gflHQAs/s1687/IMG_E5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJDEz9_dHHMNxRpXeqER27mO2wKpzhsnKyx-N91LvWoJlwxcz8g71_csiERCCQ0S4fYltk5Id_O5Bv95g-z6uJo0nIa0bOKPaA1JNNVwJwVHTlKmm_G_YZyCToAvbSrRcywuDRrIPUzg/s1975/IMG_E5574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1975" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJDEz9_dHHMNxRpXeqER27mO2wKpzhsnKyx-N91LvWoJlwxcz8g71_csiERCCQ0S4fYltk5Id_O5Bv95g-z6uJo0nIa0bOKPaA1JNNVwJwVHTlKmm_G_YZyCToAvbSrRcywuDRrIPUzg/w640-h444/IMG_E5574.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSPnQKyLyoCaDRQ1c_KpRP5MaSc6v9AFScfpvM6CZ3JeymrF_ZyCUrClwsZF5MUYjX63Uj0m2kdgY8F7qUE990KIS7BMw0Mb-QrJOquIb74jMoUDHXVUp3GPg_CTeXOV_LxO4gflHQAs/s1687/IMG_E5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1687" height="573" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSPnQKyLyoCaDRQ1c_KpRP5MaSc6v9AFScfpvM6CZ3JeymrF_ZyCUrClwsZF5MUYjX63Uj0m2kdgY8F7qUE990KIS7BMw0Mb-QrJOquIb74jMoUDHXVUp3GPg_CTeXOV_LxO4gflHQAs/w640-h573/IMG_E5577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /> <p></p><div>Services will last until around noon. Everyone will file out in reverse order. The men will gather in their circle and visit quietly. Older boys will form a circle of their own and compare notes from last week's adventures on their own farms. Little boys might step inside the barn to look at a newborn calf or colt.</div><div><br /></div><div>The women will help the host housewife bring out the meal into the pole barn which the young men have converted into a cafeteria after the morning service ended.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything is done in a very orderly and peaceful way. The men return inside and take seats for the meal. Plenty of pickles and cheese are likely. Homemade bread and with the Amish specialty Peanut Butter with Karo syrup mixed into a perfectly creamy consistency. After the meal, the men and older boys gather their family horses and hitch them to the buggy. They stop by and pick up the women and little children and return to their own farms for a quiet Sunday afternoon. Chore time will come soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-26150346539339304532021-05-30T11:42:00.003-07:002021-05-30T14:27:50.166-07:00A Tribute to Karma<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8fHh6wIvv9jbyRJJKT-nYZYgiGguo0APGlhdrHtlOAuDFRjAb-jdu6zt4eK5e67CuXgeGjunHLotucs8FLJZ96EDRgi-bLhs4TU8PBZjVpcZywPBjlJh6Q6EG5EnNXUeM_iLig7Sbsg/s2048/IMG_1858.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8fHh6wIvv9jbyRJJKT-nYZYgiGguo0APGlhdrHtlOAuDFRjAb-jdu6zt4eK5e67CuXgeGjunHLotucs8FLJZ96EDRgi-bLhs4TU8PBZjVpcZywPBjlJh6Q6EG5EnNXUeM_iLig7Sbsg/w640-h480/IMG_1858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaRQ55te1cHdy-LhyphenhyphenQSQDXtidE3onQgYSHRb1iTv1grjj5j3aB01Et-AOyzr8YgMaB0nSkQB6uBlJzxHRrylBdNC0Jw6V6tOoiwAY9L5xIxVuM7Cpwk2rbcjOLsxyCZeH4syMPF4rBXk/s2048/IMG_3380.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaRQ55te1cHdy-LhyphenhyphenQSQDXtidE3onQgYSHRb1iTv1grjj5j3aB01Et-AOyzr8YgMaB0nSkQB6uBlJzxHRrylBdNC0Jw6V6tOoiwAY9L5xIxVuM7Cpwk2rbcjOLsxyCZeH4syMPF4rBXk/s320/IMG_3380.JPG" /></a></div>Once in a lifetime, a special friend comes along that you'll never forget. Karma touched my life that way. Our Karma happened to weigh in close to one ton. (2000 lbs) She could pull a plow like a tank and share a tender moment with a child. Some horses are sassy and some are skittish. Karma was a rock. She wasn't a needy horse, not begging for attention, yet she seemed to understand that humans enjoyed being in her presence. Almost as if she understood that her immense size combined with her soft muzzle and gentle disposition brought something special into the life of us much smaller humans. As though she knew people long to connect with large beasts, yet fear what damage they could do to us. She was there as an open door for that kind of interaction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVfx9ZCyNFS9u1llKfML53sPIiqzT20JYZMyr02YNPqRTHzzHokG6eJ8AX8UePxIXRvCDsMaGgTF3rRhyt2Z2l30If_SPyGMT45-axuPpvFtcgaiNoMlcL2YiZXKbCvpFxA6ihixuhyphenhyphenM/s682/IMG_3410.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVfx9ZCyNFS9u1llKfML53sPIiqzT20JYZMyr02YNPqRTHzzHokG6eJ8AX8UePxIXRvCDsMaGgTF3rRhyt2Z2l30If_SPyGMT45-axuPpvFtcgaiNoMlcL2YiZXKbCvpFxA6ihixuhyphenhyphenM/s320/IMG_3410.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Karma was born in 2000 on an Amish farm about 5 miles from my place. She came to live here in 2007 with another mare named, Coke. Coke was Karma's niece. She gave birth twice but both foals died mysteriously within a few days. Afterward, she tried to adopt foals away from other mares.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In 2017 I traded Coke for Karma's sister Karla. If you want to learn why I made that move, click on this link: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6656137378732875306/5086617969776094520">Why Trade Horses</a> and the sequel post <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6656137378732875306/3676892701061494896">Part 2 of the Trade</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One good friend of ours came to visit in a wheelchair. Karla (Karma's sister) seemed nervous about the unusual wheeled vehicle. Karma came close and leaned her soft muzzle close to our wheelchair-bound friend allowing for a sweet moment of connection between them.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQpqqXzatZTByMkQpbQp9plPvMA90MTakPI67QxxRXnRzMx0tUiVKrLtuK2Vi_UB8BUEN9S6f-o1UzWiij2TuL6AQQ0uZm0DoUydxddfPwqViY3CVVibIYAeH4u0T3sC5F6VBslxaNf4/s534/One+Horse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="431" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQpqqXzatZTByMkQpbQp9plPvMA90MTakPI67QxxRXnRzMx0tUiVKrLtuK2Vi_UB8BUEN9S6f-o1UzWiij2TuL6AQQ0uZm0DoUydxddfPwqViY3CVVibIYAeH4u0T3sC5F6VBslxaNf4/w516-h640/One+Horse.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good Karma</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It may surprise you to know that an Amish family named their horse Karma. I don't think they had the religious term in mind. All of their horses have names starting with the K sound. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my friends heard that my Karma passed away. He said, "We can't afford to lose any good karma these days."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgTrUe2TmwoCn5i4Kc3MiQV_AthNnGKkTuXPN1nICUmz4C-rgfmVo0RpmjRf6MKWMVuHhxnB-7C58CpKDYx4JJBuFeG8TGjzi3HLRbrE8MifsBjVkAyKsBNGTj1UqP2-6EHP1kNweFKs/s2048/IMG_4030+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="2048" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgTrUe2TmwoCn5i4Kc3MiQV_AthNnGKkTuXPN1nICUmz4C-rgfmVo0RpmjRf6MKWMVuHhxnB-7C58CpKDYx4JJBuFeG8TGjzi3HLRbrE8MifsBjVkAyKsBNGTj1UqP2-6EHP1kNweFKs/w640-h500/IMG_4030+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VOmwS0gUiEzf9jQxC629l6rm5Iud58jEDKFwMoswjxUq481tXjBtHsSq0EnExGtUpsExhyl6y_YR2g-vNDgSfesUpX1rYsoWDzNm9DDhktcWk9W0b2T8hB6U5lULD6SK7W5XQHRy3Bc/s2048/IMG_0540.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VOmwS0gUiEzf9jQxC629l6rm5Iud58jEDKFwMoswjxUq481tXjBtHsSq0EnExGtUpsExhyl6y_YR2g-vNDgSfesUpX1rYsoWDzNm9DDhktcWk9W0b2T8hB6U5lULD6SK7W5XQHRy3Bc/w400-h299/IMG_0540.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've posted hundreds of pictures of Karma online. She has been the heart of my Amish Horses Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmishHorses">Amish Horses on Facebook</a> and of this blog: Amish Horses. The Amish Horses Blog has been viewed by individuals in almost every country of the world and has over 250,000 views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6rO3shvJ15oTG5KTg6MvO4Vt4URyabrcop6JDelLloHS-RU9sKuqBwlgjFi7nc2k7qxI76Y4hazduTPY1rESrmM4Iatovz0bkdaoA-DC5oxsD_FvBdzfn9zNn7d8A8tlXoiHBJCJWmM/s2048/THE+FINAL+TITLE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6rO3shvJ15oTG5KTg6MvO4Vt4URyabrcop6JDelLloHS-RU9sKuqBwlgjFi7nc2k7qxI76Y4hazduTPY1rESrmM4Iatovz0bkdaoA-DC5oxsD_FvBdzfn9zNn7d8A8tlXoiHBJCJWmM/w426-h640/THE+FINAL+TITLE.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></div>Karma donned the covers of 4 books. These books have been read on 3 continents. Books with Karma on the cover are in homes all over America in almost every state. Karma also appeared in a TV show, Rural Heritage. The show aired twice on national television and has over 30,000 views on Youtube. Here is a link if you want to watch: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DcRnLa1mOM&list=RDCMUC93XbruU8P1pxZy5Vo1kjfA&start_radio=1">Amish Horses in Print</a> She, Karma, has never traveled over 10 miles from the Amish farm where she was born. However, without leaving the farm, she brought joy to people the world over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wTo3bkGBeuy_bKda7mWTaxvi1KdwZwCtoTVPTQ-uq9z-jcydmTAi6DeuAhlSGF4EfCITveS3mxf0xWJNaefCP4iiQBh37iDQw6nEwwIAFeyTGlr2OG3MG0ni0jNmw6TUjTZYykq3ubU/s765/Capture.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wTo3bkGBeuy_bKda7mWTaxvi1KdwZwCtoTVPTQ-uq9z-jcydmTAi6DeuAhlSGF4EfCITveS3mxf0xWJNaefCP4iiQBh37iDQw6nEwwIAFeyTGlr2OG3MG0ni0jNmw6TUjTZYykq3ubU/s320/Capture.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNirSYVnz0CmLYQxdsNlXeZRFrAGYOrT2GJbJ8rh6FvUnlgHFBDFVwvhKPyftQYORJydkDRLypQorJ0x_PUi86tuyrYbAX0SXaowUXQEe_8dCG7ym78VpC3E44s9-IG0sAeJDXOCxXBmY/s2048/EnglishRiverLargeFront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNirSYVnz0CmLYQxdsNlXeZRFrAGYOrT2GJbJ8rh6FvUnlgHFBDFVwvhKPyftQYORJydkDRLypQorJ0x_PUi86tuyrYbAX0SXaowUXQEe_8dCG7ym78VpC3E44s9-IG0sAeJDXOCxXBmY/s320/EnglishRiverLargeFront.jpg" /></a></div><br />Karma and Karla (her sister) are the inspiration behind the horses in my novels. I've had the pleasure of having many horses over the years, but Karma wins the blue ribbon for personality, good looks, and being the best in harness.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt1JnMy-j0hmTLw0AF3aa4kIAfK5Zufzs-A1zHHvjqH0FTyqtvpdXyjeOdaGPFruFtNG_Mn07rldxvhh_GPa2G6JjB9mRIrHwbKcqZRF1QNVfeC0DHtlZTGYxB_gvVI28zJPEZFKmyJc/s2048/Book+cover+with+title.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt1JnMy-j0hmTLw0AF3aa4kIAfK5Zufzs-A1zHHvjqH0FTyqtvpdXyjeOdaGPFruFtNG_Mn07rldxvhh_GPa2G6JjB9mRIrHwbKcqZRF1QNVfeC0DHtlZTGYxB_gvVI28zJPEZFKmyJc/w426-h640/Book+cover+with+title.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My granddaughters were quite willing to dress like little Amish girls for this cover pic. They were very comfortable sitting on the horses anyway. In fact, the little girls begged me to set them up on horseback every chance they got.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not only did Karma and her teammates appear on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, they appeared with some incredibly scenic skies. That is me with Karma and Karla under some heavenly skies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7QjL8DW3rGjiNGnhSGKaeOy3_NhCdsyhyphenhyphen2oOKoXTAuUuSL7HFuzLOZwSkYEr-crdgI3W5i6-HcsFbdx-JFg25ywn1VEWsmJtPLIRfK5FVX1AL21WSolXUiQso43RCxTYKaBTOT5veXE/s2048/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+27+24+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7QjL8DW3rGjiNGnhSGKaeOy3_NhCdsyhyphenhyphen2oOKoXTAuUuSL7HFuzLOZwSkYEr-crdgI3W5i6-HcsFbdx-JFg25ywn1VEWsmJtPLIRfK5FVX1AL21WSolXUiQso43RCxTYKaBTOT5veXE/w640-h480/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+27+24+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP28QKdUyUnHY2edhyphenhyphen2BGIahRaoBWZ1uLElhDpp2LcnweR7FW58hl1PtTNEIU3gMjIUymOwB6C0jhxCP7aqEYGQDNv9XHRUglS6HqrjHqNKbbTBYOf-uUV-kf_DdrqpDS_xDH5PzLZkaM/s2048/IMG_0623.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP28QKdUyUnHY2edhyphenhyphen2BGIahRaoBWZ1uLElhDpp2LcnweR7FW58hl1PtTNEIU3gMjIUymOwB6C0jhxCP7aqEYGQDNv9XHRUglS6HqrjHqNKbbTBYOf-uUV-kf_DdrqpDS_xDH5PzLZkaM/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My grandchildren developed a wonderful bond with Karma and her sister Karla. They love sitting on and giving big hugs to both horses.<div><br /></div><div>They also spent hours braiding Karm and Karla's manes. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVwarIkw2dYZ5W7-YJcVS_0QOEdrSd7hQo2nhWhb653nr_KMIe0Ep200tWk5PaIITzFueYzNuwvIYu7816Qvh080PH5gbm7Sspe8HsxpBLmQONNi2uz4B1nM4rasQ9XVsv3Wwr9qPg7I/s2048/IMG_1047.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVwarIkw2dYZ5W7-YJcVS_0QOEdrSd7hQo2nhWhb653nr_KMIe0Ep200tWk5PaIITzFueYzNuwvIYu7816Qvh080PH5gbm7Sspe8HsxpBLmQONNi2uz4B1nM4rasQ9XVsv3Wwr9qPg7I/s320/IMG_1047.JPG" /></a></div>Karma and Karla gave many wagon rides to family and friends. The horses even enjoyed a few picnics with our family. Karma showed great patience with all children visitors and she had many. She even seemed to take special care to keep them safely on board. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Karma seemed to enjoy all of the attention she got from children. Not only could more than one child sit on her at a time, but the children could also crawl all over her back.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jmgdSaCOrcvyD5KU-e8uX5urzQzfxH2f3SJzBkldOnST4G0ijUbtLgk1RMSrjiYJj45UKnh60XbJ4Z1MX2bj6IM6mW0dG8qhmbN4sMk00IsSlLTOFxl8zFa6YsDq_BhJ_ni4BHa27oQ/s2048/IMG_0626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jmgdSaCOrcvyD5KU-e8uX5urzQzfxH2f3SJzBkldOnST4G0ijUbtLgk1RMSrjiYJj45UKnh60XbJ4Z1MX2bj6IM6mW0dG8qhmbN4sMk00IsSlLTOFxl8zFa6YsDq_BhJ_ni4BHa27oQ/w640-h390/IMG_0626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wrote a short story about how I came to own the team of horses, Karma and Coke. If you are interested in reading it for free, click on this link: <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">Back in Time</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I must say goodbye to my dear friend Karma for now. However, I fully expect to see her grazing the green grasses of heaven someday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jmgdSaCOrcvyD5KU-e8uX5urzQzfxH2f3SJzBkldOnST4G0ijUbtLgk1RMSrjiYJj45UKnh60XbJ4Z1MX2bj6IM6mW0dG8qhmbN4sMk00IsSlLTOFxl8zFa6YsDq_BhJ_ni4BHa27oQ/s2048/IMG_0626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmMEWpv_xdOTANhjr2PmgYYaDaNMoFTEbOc9pgg-GN1ffo1dTTO-2p05MLyx136zOluSZUo9v5sbJ1fScoLK5_ImnkUN1lNKvtcQEKqWgE93vT-krE4ASxvIicD9f6I_4GQqk99l83Xg/s1600/2013-05-21+18.09.16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmMEWpv_xdOTANhjr2PmgYYaDaNMoFTEbOc9pgg-GN1ffo1dTTO-2p05MLyx136zOluSZUo9v5sbJ1fScoLK5_ImnkUN1lNKvtcQEKqWgE93vT-krE4ASxvIicD9f6I_4GQqk99l83Xg/w640-h480/2013-05-21+18.09.16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /> <p></p></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-13504376526227591972021-04-11T11:34:00.002-07:002021-04-11T11:44:59.705-07:00Early Spring Amish Style<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMfHc7wk5aoRy6m7hNTkhYT4pG-D4grUAy-MLgRHmt7cO020lQOopstUyL1Or_hkhy32qhHrOsE-5daN1WFGJY59ob2_gcfkO_jU0j_IuAZe-bbLpWqOVZhEZeqHaAAvjRJgvaZM_bW8/s1000/IMG_E4928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1000" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMfHc7wk5aoRy6m7hNTkhYT4pG-D4grUAy-MLgRHmt7cO020lQOopstUyL1Or_hkhy32qhHrOsE-5daN1WFGJY59ob2_gcfkO_jU0j_IuAZe-bbLpWqOVZhEZeqHaAAvjRJgvaZM_bW8/w640-h440/IMG_E4928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spring in Amish country is a picture of hope and new life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winter is a time for endurance. Livestock hide inside the barn waiting for the snow to melt and uncover fresh green pastures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyiggwIMFeAKQoxTYU3jWiqkn99JgVYfjdTGShmoi6vGWR1ndO8L1VHphp0h9hVnpfTtA12UbQOlCaSQM4f6ClZUnDhS6ISc68lF4xsB5RKo5Joz5C1YXwEcRpaLQ40rBlZEtxk0MR-g/s1674/IMG_E4906.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1674" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyiggwIMFeAKQoxTYU3jWiqkn99JgVYfjdTGShmoi6vGWR1ndO8L1VHphp0h9hVnpfTtA12UbQOlCaSQM4f6ClZUnDhS6ISc68lF4xsB5RKo5Joz5C1YXwEcRpaLQ40rBlZEtxk0MR-g/w640-h467/IMG_E4906.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the first hint of warmer weather, Amish families prune their fruit trees and plant seedlings inside or under a glass-protected sprouting box. The young women pictured above are working together to cut excess limbs from their apple trees. This process keeps the trees from growing too tall. Shorter trees are easier to gather all the apples out of and pruning actually increases fruit production. Many apple trees in town are left unpruned and even the small amount of fruit they produce is left to rot on the limbs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not much is ever waisted on an Amish farm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBsB5VKe6xY2-tl376TqwkTz115hfF0o0LQdJ-THeiFtLNY2OAfFuoZJnVAe4DBRFmgrnssiEKTO5URxxo9cWfhuoI4610PeeFe9RGLd2Xc3652H5F-cKAurdsR9tH0Sg1i5zzaxI4Z4/s1781/IMG_E4933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="1781" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBsB5VKe6xY2-tl376TqwkTz115hfF0o0LQdJ-THeiFtLNY2OAfFuoZJnVAe4DBRFmgrnssiEKTO5URxxo9cWfhuoI4610PeeFe9RGLd2Xc3652H5F-cKAurdsR9tH0Sg1i5zzaxI4Z4/w640-h502/IMG_E4933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you look closely at the photo above, you will see chickens coming out of the coup in the center. Many large egg producers keep their hens inside. On an Amish farm, they are free to roam the yard and peck insects and spilled grain from under the storage bins and around feed bunks used by larger animals. In this way, even spilled or undigested grain is given an opportunity to be useful, and not wasted. Every evening the chicken are shut inside to keep them safe from foxes and opossums.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd5qAG_KOFfhsqBtqh-frZzQYA1JgxLI-ojQdaz0I04fkKJLYwaYih731vhjUibhqaSwbdB00fjqybTA2zOGwGy83A0laYWHc4b5h5hki1zvlxmgc_WVVgMdM1R0SvyjVRyt6tBLQvXE/s1760/IMG_E4932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1760" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd5qAG_KOFfhsqBtqh-frZzQYA1JgxLI-ojQdaz0I04fkKJLYwaYih731vhjUibhqaSwbdB00fjqybTA2zOGwGy83A0laYWHc4b5h5hki1zvlxmgc_WVVgMdM1R0SvyjVRyt6tBLQvXE/w640-h464/IMG_E4932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Amish people walk a lot. It is a big job to hitch up a horse, unlike turning a key in a car inside a heated garage. If the destination is not more than a mile, walking is an easier choice, and good for a person. As you can see, these young women have a distance to the nearest possible destination. <div><div style="text-align: center;">They gave a friendly wave as I passed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">No point in offering a ride, they wouldn't take one unless they know you well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFXm1DFgIpRBgoQ0ipg4UGeTWthAL5KoiQZSoQ_GfdXtryIZEeHAihe3sYUTjX5HfcJ94fzZ2_ezndX1SY_F6eCyqISrHUstqnZHs4kNGKfQMHrqlN73jyOK62ljp7Knjg0SweuUBJ50/s1064/IMG_E4992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1064" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFXm1DFgIpRBgoQ0ipg4UGeTWthAL5KoiQZSoQ_GfdXtryIZEeHAihe3sYUTjX5HfcJ94fzZ2_ezndX1SY_F6eCyqISrHUstqnZHs4kNGKfQMHrqlN73jyOK62ljp7Knjg0SweuUBJ50/w640-h466/IMG_E4992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spring brings rainy days. Many Amish in our area cover open carts with clear plastic. This holds in a little heat and keeps the snow and rain off your lap. A light two-wheeled cart, such as this one by the stop sign, is much easier for a horse to pull. This means your horse can travel faster than in a covered top-buggy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPulQV0RhHdDnfDDl_kvX20kY7Gl0Dd3hm1_j6vygJDtY_RRdXyBdFaTksXbWqqk2viWU7GnQ2u-neM53IMPD11IdwX8_ZUTLJedO4Y68VSGm4_lI3EWiQI22wRwS9faQCpdt2TlMTH1A/s1748/IMG_E5016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1748" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPulQV0RhHdDnfDDl_kvX20kY7Gl0Dd3hm1_j6vygJDtY_RRdXyBdFaTksXbWqqk2viWU7GnQ2u-neM53IMPD11IdwX8_ZUTLJedO4Y68VSGm4_lI3EWiQI22wRwS9faQCpdt2TlMTH1A/w640-h484/IMG_E5016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the grass grows greener, cattle, horses, and sheep give birth to new life. Good farmers use animal husbandry practices to encourage calves, foals, and lambs to begin their life after snow melts and pastures green-up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ21qh5JXCtF4cJl5NRfBn8IQeVAmW2VLJiE2wwb6ksMKGQrjBQ2bENoDg8D3MZ0-yTDx-L1HMlMRmrADXPbofx9l9auXSC70Bl6IIFlJB-34y4BAf2O52vXXFTjVDr1jbtD28koLmdsI/s2048/IMG_E5029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ21qh5JXCtF4cJl5NRfBn8IQeVAmW2VLJiE2wwb6ksMKGQrjBQ2bENoDg8D3MZ0-yTDx-L1HMlMRmrADXPbofx9l9auXSC70Bl6IIFlJB-34y4BAf2O52vXXFTjVDr1jbtD28koLmdsI/w640-h420/IMG_E5029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Horses, sheep, and cattle ofter share a pasture. Sunny days warm the soil and "green up" the grass. Trees begin to bud. Cloudy days water the earth and lightning adds nitrogen to the soil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Creation is designed to reproduce life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3ep4EXwJDTCRT15A2ms5n49BRU1s3OHk41ys-48GjsmJe8l1BHgJfpRcQfxPMGAuuHLdkKnOIjrP7XXLd-55QzpczOBYBLZelDOI072PbWkAhtI6hOfCIMnVYHjdr1BSTVJwMmqKnIQ/s2048/IMG_E5044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1996" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3ep4EXwJDTCRT15A2ms5n49BRU1s3OHk41ys-48GjsmJe8l1BHgJfpRcQfxPMGAuuHLdkKnOIjrP7XXLd-55QzpczOBYBLZelDOI072PbWkAhtI6hOfCIMnVYHjdr1BSTVJwMmqKnIQ/w624-h640/IMG_E5044.JPG" width="624" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the church wagon in the photo above. The wagon is drawn by horses from farm to farm bringing church benches, songbooks, and tableware for a Sunday gathering, or weddings and funerals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDcX15mP7J81plYkv9-x-DwNikpAOmN1Pa6QBIZiPUSJeJsVL59yjcTykFOUuae-60AITlF5888ieOlzpBp3jYEyXeNqNCd6pf1za7LpqQ7m_eLKDKjLIFIbYkIqxxFIP_1DWuMG8tcg/s2048/IMG_E5046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="2048" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDcX15mP7J81plYkv9-x-DwNikpAOmN1Pa6QBIZiPUSJeJsVL59yjcTykFOUuae-60AITlF5888ieOlzpBp3jYEyXeNqNCd6pf1za7LpqQ7m_eLKDKjLIFIbYkIqxxFIP_1DWuMG8tcg/w640-h524/IMG_E5046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each spring brings new life.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-21417229533087603112021-02-15T19:41:00.000-08:002021-02-15T19:41:03.470-08:00Cold Cold Cold<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA3aezgsH7m6p4dzScZG7ilRGlHcAYpOVMKMVNDqesWqvczYVTXdmKAHhDc0926zphI6UZgdu248fuUHyea7pVSfmbZs84uh3819Rqi26j0-C_OaGZ_4kBCV9s9ss9Y3Oahpnyhyphenhyphen32OU/s2048/IMG_E4775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA3aezgsH7m6p4dzScZG7ilRGlHcAYpOVMKMVNDqesWqvczYVTXdmKAHhDc0926zphI6UZgdu248fuUHyea7pVSfmbZs84uh3819Rqi26j0-C_OaGZ_4kBCV9s9ss9Y3Oahpnyhyphenhyphen32OU/w640-h390/IMG_E4775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Unbelievable cold gripped the U.S.A.</span></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nobody felt it more than livestock and Amish farm families.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1801" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5XCr7smT_mCB8mzysQzXMZKjyMu9Z1ykD6K3xIAAUOogF04CPjDYAJw51w45EtURGeLKUMf34Fc0xQNpCAxtHEohYEilPvkD7gXWh1MdfK0WHjWqZpOxs30r8CMJRefzDDtGKBs9P_I/w640-h548/IMG_E4720.JPG" width="640" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Life must go on.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jobs are to be done. Cattle and horses need to be fed. School continues. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xoQQ6WZvwUwv0ZN2uKU-diPIlZ2pBSBiXXkUAlT1okA7Xa0-Aewa9EqkhNUeZeCx4tru0H323S6MS1D65GjwYDv_Pzx2bUKLrVggbeD05GdbE-Z11JvXZ1wi6HAjbiq8mB4EtN80qEw/s761/IMG_E4718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="761" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xoQQ6WZvwUwv0ZN2uKU-diPIlZ2pBSBiXXkUAlT1okA7Xa0-Aewa9EqkhNUeZeCx4tru0H323S6MS1D65GjwYDv_Pzx2bUKLrVggbeD05GdbE-Z11JvXZ1wi6HAjbiq8mB4EtN80qEw/w400-h288/IMG_E4718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Laundry washed and dried.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIKWdzQAc3w8NuQmoTFjYBvvwLsMqaWhvUG7igMz03FzvlKBXp0H5d5719hLFqE9RLgmHdCIS-Sx99FqIbOhopiKBE-91AUDXCfsdBxThKVn_OTDZtmfIJrGgW-DBQ2Lp6soALWYCkUw/s1620/IMG_E4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1620" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIKWdzQAc3w8NuQmoTFjYBvvwLsMqaWhvUG7igMz03FzvlKBXp0H5d5719hLFqE9RLgmHdCIS-Sx99FqIbOhopiKBE-91AUDXCfsdBxThKVn_OTDZtmfIJrGgW-DBQ2Lp6soALWYCkUw/w640-h358/IMG_E4722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even fun and games and building snowmen are part of winter life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc3X3BErYcycOJjfyB-N1PjcmNquMPu5CimkI2Ci3DtYUBwnjbFBzoBWtdAU7xLKwhngBl9ZkG5NdWmtyKL99xjWI0KYBKY0Oq1GSD_h369GY4xACxmBv1-UVeW5TL8iCJwD31DZ1leE/s2048/IMG_E4723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc3X3BErYcycOJjfyB-N1PjcmNquMPu5CimkI2Ci3DtYUBwnjbFBzoBWtdAU7xLKwhngBl9ZkG5NdWmtyKL99xjWI0KYBKY0Oq1GSD_h369GY4xACxmBv1-UVeW5TL8iCJwD31DZ1leE/w640-h494/IMG_E4723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some people love the cold... especially snowmen!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmc3QE0ex-k3jAMmwMctSulyOwZVr9ZfNzvrr4Y25U26yQqZtcMPIsM6GVaUx9n4D_bl0hfo9NcxCw6Ix3ocHlheoLMR_tsu2qO2j5XY7zKX_qBGaqGjVZtXkfVT711l6xBJ-bzJ3pUI/s2048/IMG_E4727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="2048" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmc3QE0ex-k3jAMmwMctSulyOwZVr9ZfNzvrr4Y25U26yQqZtcMPIsM6GVaUx9n4D_bl0hfo9NcxCw6Ix3ocHlheoLMR_tsu2qO2j5XY7zKX_qBGaqGjVZtXkfVT711l6xBJ-bzJ3pUI/w640-h454/IMG_E4727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Windmills use sub-zero breezes the same as any other</span>.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqN04qjhx2-N47R1szzqCySEDMpLbf1FBkkFfVzn8vM4Yan9_fCPbjWAOD2-I6Hue2vvuWiISPu6WxcXwnpWl09IyOhEqFHM2ASAlzHxqWZzc2RDKsnbNSVu8B2mIsMegkiX4b2h1mnB4/s1592/IMG_E4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1592" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqN04qjhx2-N47R1szzqCySEDMpLbf1FBkkFfVzn8vM4Yan9_fCPbjWAOD2-I6Hue2vvuWiISPu6WxcXwnpWl09IyOhEqFHM2ASAlzHxqWZzc2RDKsnbNSVu8B2mIsMegkiX4b2h1mnB4/w640-h420/IMG_E4733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Errands must be run. The only heat in a buggy is body heat or a heated brick underfoot, or a potato in the pocket. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5j1CySG91ielROkPp7JMK4myDkL0cQSEH9sN1dqMtYynaUgFYw1-htmS-2Ewz5dlQgYtHtAmLFZp4mW2914jySAYiI-6LXiAoIGpw9G0t096HE_3hJfBa1YIKVdq8RPTbki1qEoDkRA/s2048/IMG_E4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5j1CySG91ielROkPp7JMK4myDkL0cQSEH9sN1dqMtYynaUgFYw1-htmS-2Ewz5dlQgYtHtAmLFZp4mW2914jySAYiI-6LXiAoIGpw9G0t096HE_3hJfBa1YIKVdq8RPTbki1qEoDkRA/w640-h406/IMG_E4736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Spring will come. Hopefully, soon!</span></div><p></p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-62904083848975774662020-11-15T07:07:00.000-08:002020-11-15T07:07:43.019-08:00Late Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time to pick the last few rows of corn, clear off the garden and brace ourselves for an icy blast.<div><br /></div><div>Early fall is bright and cheery with colorful leaves and pumpkins. Late fall has another type of beauty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Iowa turns various shades of browns and tans during this season. Some call those "earth tones." There is a certain beauty in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amish children romp and play outside in all weather.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnH5pmP_COrI5vGUHyizGcXPb6oxEh7wto_aUOYsIgGXMl0wTkQUeRG8d3bddpI0aIe6OOyi5OXPkzCtDxJfabsMe95i7y8a3MB6xRomwXQde0LjtUNq2fupEvYKxrNp4CzK4IdL9RQA/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnH5pmP_COrI5vGUHyizGcXPb6oxEh7wto_aUOYsIgGXMl0wTkQUeRG8d3bddpI0aIe6OOyi5OXPkzCtDxJfabsMe95i7y8a3MB6xRomwXQde0LjtUNq2fupEvYKxrNp4CzK4IdL9RQA/w400-h268/IMG_0073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Amish horses get a long break during winter months. There isn't as much fieldwork to do. Although, during winter months manure hauling gets into full swing.</div><div><br /></div><div>With crops out of the fields, it's time to pour on nature's best fertilizer. Not to mention, the barn is full of livestock keeping warm and dry. That means more manure needs to be hauled out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amish like to quote this verse:</div><div>"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The idea is that life might seem simple if you don't have to clean out the barn. But, life is more productive if you are willing to put in the work.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPcABiY9-lesEIpjJ1pS3Vt-oBq-dxY7jiSr2WSvVK9NQ4feUCzsCQDBMVrju5aHSybe34pgzhbQJUEpjXh1-IWxS_u9vqcfODwRLKAzkoGxzluOhNmXle-9tM3_eI1Vsk075w-HjrZs/s669/2014-04-25+17.17.13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="669" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPcABiY9-lesEIpjJ1pS3Vt-oBq-dxY7jiSr2WSvVK9NQ4feUCzsCQDBMVrju5aHSybe34pgzhbQJUEpjXh1-IWxS_u9vqcfODwRLKAzkoGxzluOhNmXle-9tM3_eI1Vsk075w-HjrZs/w400-h345/2014-04-25+17.17.13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhtBqLMWj2jsCeBexZZJzNGUh4TEvoH3TArxD1MGxYRW-G_ZLx88flGV_UP31Nnz3LpRj6YYF-lgydpO67kLFt2K0wuqfxjqcsB0WsPmO1wgA7558sUXXqHTzE7aqXW-bFTyXrH4vQYw/s1600/1020131727b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhtBqLMWj2jsCeBexZZJzNGUh4TEvoH3TArxD1MGxYRW-G_ZLx88flGV_UP31Nnz3LpRj6YYF-lgydpO67kLFt2K0wuqfxjqcsB0WsPmO1wgA7558sUXXqHTzE7aqXW-bFTyXrH4vQYw/s320/1020131727b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc7deCkORulERnccHamkWNwKG16kp44F6igEulK2gvVL3ra38iloUkY2y6Adh9kmQY1bV9fKa7SqhmSy2XS5BF60eMb4DVCwT5hXlnYuwzzaEbk_uWDT6oQb-hmh9AcY6fTgVDM8OQJE/s2048/IMG_5799.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc7deCkORulERnccHamkWNwKG16kp44F6igEulK2gvVL3ra38iloUkY2y6Adh9kmQY1bV9fKa7SqhmSy2XS5BF60eMb4DVCwT5hXlnYuwzzaEbk_uWDT6oQb-hmh9AcY6fTgVDM8OQJE/s320/IMG_5799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Fall is also Pie Season! Pick up the last of the apples that fell because you couldn't reach the highest bow. If they are too bruised for pie, toss them to the hogs or horses.<div><br /></div><div>What could be more pleasant than stepping out of blustery cold winds into a warm kitchen with pies sizzling in the oven? Cinnamon sugary filling oozing out of the edges and wafting out their perfect aroma.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbHDmd1MEMhvMXUelp3XC0hRIPHyG1MR07McPnTgoINhLpYDuEOqL40O8BINveVRTdczwDiznoVjaRyft8i8EfbZHrcbndTn9qirJGHBcyoymHdsbEK_9zhbuA4ngZCuRks9DdXZrHEI/s2048/IMG_6560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbHDmd1MEMhvMXUelp3XC0hRIPHyG1MR07McPnTgoINhLpYDuEOqL40O8BINveVRTdczwDiznoVjaRyft8i8EfbZHrcbndTn9qirJGHBcyoymHdsbEK_9zhbuA4ngZCuRks9DdXZrHEI/w640-h400/IMG_6560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another pleasant treat is stepping inside a warm barn to be greeted by livestock. They nicker or bawl for their evening meal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_L1HZJpsVHa3Av2DgM_Op8LWewE0EjJXMxz8TiLGtovZvjqnUVcO1UgdIhn8l_qZPR5D3P3anjfGwt5n5uxFF6PPL-zsQeSC5FCCyyEvcRhQz92rr1fDuB2cm2xVOmRRHW0Y1VBRs2s/s2048/IMG_1978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_L1HZJpsVHa3Av2DgM_Op8LWewE0EjJXMxz8TiLGtovZvjqnUVcO1UgdIhn8l_qZPR5D3P3anjfGwt5n5uxFF6PPL-zsQeSC5FCCyyEvcRhQz92rr1fDuB2cm2xVOmRRHW0Y1VBRs2s/w640-h480/IMG_1978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I do have two books with fall settings on the Amish farm. English River and a collection book titled Love's Thankful Heart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNirSYVnz0CmLYQxdsNlXeZRFrAGYOrT2GJbJ8rh6FvUnlgHFBDFVwvhKPyftQYORJydkDRLypQorJ0x_PUi86tuyrYbAX0SXaowUXQEe_8dCG7ym78VpC3E44s9-IG0sAeJDXOCxXBmY/s2048/EnglishRiverLargeFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNirSYVnz0CmLYQxdsNlXeZRFrAGYOrT2GJbJ8rh6FvUnlgHFBDFVwvhKPyftQYORJydkDRLypQorJ0x_PUi86tuyrYbAX0SXaowUXQEe_8dCG7ym78VpC3E44s9-IG0sAeJDXOCxXBmY/s320/EnglishRiverLargeFront.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br />English River is the third book in the Amish Horses Series but is full of fall scenes.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Love's Thankful Heart is a collection book. Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good, and I collaborated, each writing a short story about Thanksgiving with an Amish setting.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are interested in reading these you can find them on Amazon and Barnes and Noble as eBooks and paperbacks. </div><div>Here is the Amazon link: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Nye/e/B00LP6V9QW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1605452305&sr=1-1">Thomas Nye on Amazon</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Or, to order a paperback copy directly from me: <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_26.html">Order a Book</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBY9rX3BJ_IVjDHQNiQA2wlAZhFNoh0tOoYrXlhrxFZd37esuHUMuMo5WEDyP9dbs-C_wcA0H_G7KtrQlUgc9oXUXJfpnyfRabt_eo2c58yueU1C_ZKl19DdMN-gWdFVr7zI2gaCNs-8/s2048/Love%252527s+Thankful+Heart+Front-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBY9rX3BJ_IVjDHQNiQA2wlAZhFNoh0tOoYrXlhrxFZd37esuHUMuMo5WEDyP9dbs-C_wcA0H_G7KtrQlUgc9oXUXJfpnyfRabt_eo2c58yueU1C_ZKl19DdMN-gWdFVr7zI2gaCNs-8/s320/Love%252527s+Thankful+Heart+Front-sm.jpg" /></a></div></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-44208471493872097782020-10-25T15:30:00.001-07:002020-10-25T15:45:14.114-07:00Friends Forever<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Eq1F9ty-SbPJ0uyHjL7OIQwWypRezr5El8WluPUcSYjHmuaFUcxqMgd26yezrvjulHig1oEP2oOtTTeZyyZ8DqpY34uALxOlEiOCbiw9XECN58YygBCWWwT8I-Wld6IPZcjbP1S8Tdk/s2048/IMG_3377.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Eq1F9ty-SbPJ0uyHjL7OIQwWypRezr5El8WluPUcSYjHmuaFUcxqMgd26yezrvjulHig1oEP2oOtTTeZyyZ8DqpY34uALxOlEiOCbiw9XECN58YygBCWWwT8I-Wld6IPZcjbP1S8Tdk/w640-h480/IMG_3377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNeDiUISYt_d-514GeldN3uJ1RDwnILW2I2BLbEqtp9YQ0-NW0Oz6deKM5sF_OnRRjJcN6YwUWaHCUTo8HNffUZN0Z7DPVf93c7bMTGf5fOI1WRJBphit5PY17CDEkmjeYTUK3RcQqFI/s2048/IMG_3380.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNeDiUISYt_d-514GeldN3uJ1RDwnILW2I2BLbEqtp9YQ0-NW0Oz6deKM5sF_OnRRjJcN6YwUWaHCUTo8HNffUZN0Z7DPVf93c7bMTGf5fOI1WRJBphit5PY17CDEkmjeYTUK3RcQqFI/w240-h320/IMG_3380.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div>My granddaughters and my Amish horses have been friends for years.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Lyla and Kinley have built a long-lasting bond with Karma and Karla even though they live several states apart. Whenever these girls are in Iowa they run out to the barn to see their besties. </p><p>Karma came to our acreage 14 years ago. Lyla is 10. She doesn't remember a time when Karma wasn't part of her life.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwodfrl0ivIsMsLXZx3n2Rhy45irZfxWVwCv7lCDcUM9MCxkFeUsEs3z-Sbm2OATKVwQdzCAikL1GNs4IL5VTkzc9Gg0NRbG6FhRZ_Hy0Z6UWr1rMdcKAuhyphenhyphenFX3OWMkgtq_fWy4rhMRQ/s2048/IMG_3382.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwodfrl0ivIsMsLXZx3n2Rhy45irZfxWVwCv7lCDcUM9MCxkFeUsEs3z-Sbm2OATKVwQdzCAikL1GNs4IL5VTkzc9Gg0NRbG6FhRZ_Hy0Z6UWr1rMdcKAuhyphenhyphenFX3OWMkgtq_fWy4rhMRQ/w240-h320/IMG_3382.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Karla and Kinley have also "claimed" each other. There is never an issue about who will hang out with whom. Their friendships are rock solid.</p><p>If you scroll down you will see pictures from many years ago. Including a photoshoot for a book cover.</p><p><br /></p><p>Nevermind that these horses outweigh my granddaughters by almost 1800 pounds. These little girls have never shown any fear. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoovH0tiusZ_ne8Tbthw0GEe9p7WGynrxzrHi4bz1ES6NoZr5MkqVjtFqTs8Ulu9eyU3Nc8k5AZoLi42dFEYHsfRpZvCkfLetRH8IqQj3P1j1Fsd24SHBD_GwQKftzjwgIKBtDV6h74k/s2048/IMG_E3392.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoovH0tiusZ_ne8Tbthw0GEe9p7WGynrxzrHi4bz1ES6NoZr5MkqVjtFqTs8Ulu9eyU3Nc8k5AZoLi42dFEYHsfRpZvCkfLetRH8IqQj3P1j1Fsd24SHBD_GwQKftzjwgIKBtDV6h74k/w258-h400/IMG_E3392.JPG" width="258" /></a></div><p></p><p>Of course, they have nothing to fear because Karma and Karla dearly love them and would never do anything to harm them. I realize that accidents can and do happen. However, I am convinced that these 19 and 20-year-old mares are about as harmless as a pair of Black Labradors. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I've witnessed Karla step carefully aside to allow a tiny kitten safe passage. She would do all the more to keep Kinely safe. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcNsTItrs47-cm6K6ZhLqzQ6Ot3A30GWTW5ODnlbmjyR579jeRsBYQK4XiNY05BaHZFcOnLiFRoxiZVHCJMMt9obauragdaMvIQIdD5ZJM-N1DRXzW_48KMD1HCFrzh6CGjCAhKRq9L4/s682/IMG_3410.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="682" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcNsTItrs47-cm6K6ZhLqzQ6Ot3A30GWTW5ODnlbmjyR579jeRsBYQK4XiNY05BaHZFcOnLiFRoxiZVHCJMMt9obauragdaMvIQIdD5ZJM-N1DRXzW_48KMD1HCFrzh6CGjCAhKRq9L4/w320-h237/IMG_3410.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>We have lots of fun when our out-of-state friends get together.<div><br /></div><div>We go for rides in the wagon and on horseback. <br /><br /><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wSiF5NpRVV0v0SQt-ucOF5Uk6d1AjJ_DUv4aQIM52RqPE6lXdPqPbJLx1kODkpK7ctSuA5eNQnRTyIELFceUhk5ZLnlZA2N2tm6T81kx8-U4y_I0i9vkU-qM950yoySWGWaPJ4ScQwc/s2048/57RE.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wSiF5NpRVV0v0SQt-ucOF5Uk6d1AjJ_DUv4aQIM52RqPE6lXdPqPbJLx1kODkpK7ctSuA5eNQnRTyIELFceUhk5ZLnlZA2N2tm6T81kx8-U4y_I0i9vkU-qM950yoySWGWaPJ4ScQwc/w426-h640/57RE.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lyla and Kinley look so tiny seated upon their draft horse friends during this photo-shoot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-akziHq023uHYQoofS7_2xPPXgBFtOt63GRt0bSy6ISCChIai-0u_R7ZkEYmulFzlI2HQIqqUX4YEp3txWpJhmUNuRNbO3hCgrXrx_AIn-7MgoG7eZQbtzOfRFa6XCYjTT6BSDxl5br0/s2048/131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-akziHq023uHYQoofS7_2xPPXgBFtOt63GRt0bSy6ISCChIai-0u_R7ZkEYmulFzlI2HQIqqUX4YEp3txWpJhmUNuRNbO3hCgrXrx_AIn-7MgoG7eZQbtzOfRFa6XCYjTT6BSDxl5br0/w400-h300/131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The picture below preceded my novella Whispering to Horses and inspired the little Amish girls in the book. After looking at this photo I came up with the idea to put Lyla and Kinley in Amish dresses and do a cover shoot. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-RgVynk1EToN6Rhi0lF-LeeOyOXwMFNY_uOtSBD1xWTbzplu8Z3RXiwLrTZtt32rCOIDTmHJediX7vCeYqWtzOkuPozvF1P_Eza629LfcCZtC9Fax6UX6g1QCohtq_yb4GJSuU45o3k/s2048/IMG_3270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-RgVynk1EToN6Rhi0lF-LeeOyOXwMFNY_uOtSBD1xWTbzplu8Z3RXiwLrTZtt32rCOIDTmHJediX7vCeYqWtzOkuPozvF1P_Eza629LfcCZtC9Fax6UX6g1QCohtq_yb4GJSuU45o3k/w640-h480/IMG_3270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XqUUFUSDbh6bTisfehu865U-iWPI2KW8R374fS5MBZ88RELQ6MR6eMwpFXxN5FtRzQz8amTKcb-VH64Zsw9Y2yQNrMk_tx7w20fx07n0RkbjCg2a1zoTMp5RQEIuHkageOr7_ODKC8o/s2048/WhisperingToHorsesLargeFront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XqUUFUSDbh6bTisfehu865U-iWPI2KW8R374fS5MBZ88RELQ6MR6eMwpFXxN5FtRzQz8amTKcb-VH64Zsw9Y2yQNrMk_tx7w20fx07n0RkbjCg2a1zoTMp5RQEIuHkageOr7_ODKC8o/w266-h400/WhisperingToHorsesLargeFront.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whispering to Horses is available as an eBook through Barnes and Noble and on Amazon for $2.99</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click on this link: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whispering-Horses-Amish-Novella/dp/163357041X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Whispering+to+Horses+by+Thomas+Nye&qid=1603664181&sr=8-1">Whispering to Horses</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also as a paperback through Amazon or directly through me: <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_26.html">Order a Book</a></div><br /></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-3126762806282136782020-09-26T20:28:00.001-07:002020-09-27T07:24:21.007-07:00Clouds and Fields (Part 2)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaKgWm1xV2asaICQNFZZ7MSbcozYXPoCI0cxqFaNz4Ze5_17cs-SmfYOjEHIcfNDBxYk_Rr7sab_Nk62VYsqYQWiaxG1INW2bL2zTkgCnR44-Xxbdp-reeCbBtqf5_vounIcyAQl7Ufk/s2048/Photo+Jul+19%252C+8+32+03+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="2048" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaKgWm1xV2asaICQNFZZ7MSbcozYXPoCI0cxqFaNz4Ze5_17cs-SmfYOjEHIcfNDBxYk_Rr7sab_Nk62VYsqYQWiaxG1INW2bL2zTkgCnR44-Xxbdp-reeCbBtqf5_vounIcyAQl7Ufk/w640-h356/Photo+Jul+19%252C+8+32+03+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As promised, here are a few more Clouds and Fields photos. These pics are the result of Sunday afternoon/evening drives through Amish farmlands near our home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, I've been discouraged lately because one of my horses has come up lame. Karma ranks in the top three of my all-time-favorite horses. (I've owned over thirty) She may even be the best horse I've ever been blessed to have. We've had multiple visits from veterinarians and still not much progress. Karma is twenty-years-old and although that is getting "up there" for a horse, I am hoping for another ten years.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iVz9dtwKjr3Q__ujB_8qj42ZcQevig3gjooIWCj49Ju7Qv3uzyuDOgm-klJK7qOHqbpSJJj985XV4MrW5VWtAHkx3pyX3xriXTA9sw5K7ID56IHkffkaVg2YdpR2w9QkorJrpmGsd9I/s2048/IMG-3780.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iVz9dtwKjr3Q__ujB_8qj42ZcQevig3gjooIWCj49Ju7Qv3uzyuDOgm-klJK7qOHqbpSJJj985XV4MrW5VWtAHkx3pyX3xriXTA9sw5K7ID56IHkffkaVg2YdpR2w9QkorJrpmGsd9I/w640-h480/IMG-3780.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>On a brighter note, my wife and I spotted these Amish boys driving a pony cart a few weeks back. There are four little guys about eight to ten-years-old jammed onto that buggy seat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36U4RTzY0MocyFushwzvlcf_6XnLJp-TXy5bgTvHTLo0BTa5L78h4Wbsg2NuLWY0PWMLaktY2fP2q9PW46PAw4jDowaf7ftcvJJw5LT1mgYPpNTA4uHiDB4KxgqAe6HNwC3jk6cJ9C-U/s1246/Photo+Jun+23%252C+5+13+25+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1246" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36U4RTzY0MocyFushwzvlcf_6XnLJp-TXy5bgTvHTLo0BTa5L78h4Wbsg2NuLWY0PWMLaktY2fP2q9PW46PAw4jDowaf7ftcvJJw5LT1mgYPpNTA4uHiDB4KxgqAe6HNwC3jk6cJ9C-U/w640-h494/Photo+Jun+23%252C+5+13+25+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Both photos, above and below, were snapped near the iconic Cheese Factory and well-known Amish store String Town. The Cheese Factory has a new name and ownership but the Kalona, Iowa locals still use the old name when giving directions. The pasture below has a few buggy horses grazing with a couple of ponies. This is a common sight in Amish country. There is no better way to learn how to drive a buggy horse than playing around with ponies.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3km5b9gQjsk8-IcmEgbXk7d9SABcwkNzluntmxkE5wqcesGWDbEfOVB8hJwEKuej099MLfYYurhqQII_pO5h2RWOqWSlT1HJcSwZiGLx0lTp9oQ_zQCd7RUHNy4QNENVnAC1x8jKWaAM/s2048/Photo+May+26%252C+6+32+38+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3km5b9gQjsk8-IcmEgbXk7d9SABcwkNzluntmxkE5wqcesGWDbEfOVB8hJwEKuej099MLfYYurhqQII_pO5h2RWOqWSlT1HJcSwZiGLx0lTp9oQ_zQCd7RUHNy4QNENVnAC1x8jKWaAM/w640-h438/Photo+May+26%252C+6+32+38+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A massive cloud hanging over the Amish farm (below) almost looks angelic.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just over a year ago a tornado swirled like a demon about where the angel cloud is hanging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBeAzxF3iQdxoRtgP8xFtHZg3WMAqQRFekVVg_vzK4krMVHpi2UfGUBe_rgFz6KCbwmzk3mSpOBlVkGxxX0oDAJLeqfaa_RhVMJoJCs3rE3NrpTskKK0gLXZd5X1Tx7MYFd1u_0MbB34/s2048/Photo+Jun+20%252C+4+34+06+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="2048" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBeAzxF3iQdxoRtgP8xFtHZg3WMAqQRFekVVg_vzK4krMVHpi2UfGUBe_rgFz6KCbwmzk3mSpOBlVkGxxX0oDAJLeqfaa_RhVMJoJCs3rE3NrpTskKK0gLXZd5X1Tx7MYFd1u_0MbB34/w640-h566/Photo+Jun+20%252C+4+34+06+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Iowa scenery can be rather repetitive. Everchanging clouds have a way of making each day unique. A herd of cows walking along the ridge in this last photo move along as slowly as the clouds.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed our relaxing drive through Amish farmlands.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtYE1uvNBJ01dPEJiQLBkYWlLywu3pRpnsv_mvuoazTmRIoXecWcg2lpp19X13NVSuQWM4QYRn-tLKJSWWuAoLb4-uh1KdPzHFTIcVPUfgZWwr_W0-w2WWBTZHXjpUUIhNyW0pTCGJjE/s2048/IMG-3758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtYE1uvNBJ01dPEJiQLBkYWlLywu3pRpnsv_mvuoazTmRIoXecWcg2lpp19X13NVSuQWM4QYRn-tLKJSWWuAoLb4-uh1KdPzHFTIcVPUfgZWwr_W0-w2WWBTZHXjpUUIhNyW0pTCGJjE/w640-h410/IMG-3758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(An update on my horse "Karma") She had an abscess in one hoof and is recovering. Unfortunately, we saw in an x-ray that she has "ringbone" in her ankles, the horse equivalent to arthritis. The double issue accentuated her problem and left us confused about what was the matter. She will be okay but old age is slowing her down. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would you enjoy more cloud pics? Click on this link <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/2019/10/sunset-sunrise-tour.html">2019 Sunset Tour</a> to see October 2019 pics.</div><p></p>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-38053319383148872782020-08-08T04:47:00.000-07:002020-08-08T04:47:46.665-07:00Clouds and Fields (part 1)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsbUZyqGUyl5Zkczk_G67M0HERU1sA69ntWdXRf9bsmI__I-KurAzao7Fa7AZHw-VxTlCwzyXBKqpen8dRunmZtFrj_vZYeFs1T2Z4LHQqB4gdz2N4irfaRwDGNuk9QASV3hTPhcZHDU/s2048/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+16+12+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsbUZyqGUyl5Zkczk_G67M0HERU1sA69ntWdXRf9bsmI__I-KurAzao7Fa7AZHw-VxTlCwzyXBKqpen8dRunmZtFrj_vZYeFs1T2Z4LHQqB4gdz2N4irfaRwDGNuk9QASV3hTPhcZHDU/s640/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+16+12+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm an author, not a photographer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All of my pictures are snapped on my ordinary iPhone. I do crop my photos but that's it. No filters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My original goal of taking pictures had to do with helping people grasp the beautiful images I attempt to describe in my novels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggve2SZbk49Stfg3FrMz11NJWTPvfSZAyzqxwVu9DPyYiqTrC4C2xIe4ZxUlHUGblnFcNsuRTAabar9VgTdRnUhebaUKHdnN5StDtvjAo678Tvd5vlL4b7lY_IJX8uKBA0mIg2LnYQlBY/s2048/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+14+48+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1407" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggve2SZbk49Stfg3FrMz11NJWTPvfSZAyzqxwVu9DPyYiqTrC4C2xIe4ZxUlHUGblnFcNsuRTAabar9VgTdRnUhebaUKHdnN5StDtvjAo678Tvd5vlL4b7lY_IJX8uKBA0mIg2LnYQlBY/s640/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+14+48+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If Thomas Nye shares any of the traits of a photographer, it's the recognition of natural beauty and a desire to capture a glimpse of it to share with others. I do this in my books as well as with my cellphone pics. Can you believe the glow of light and color within those clouds?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It just so happens that my wife and I have a Sunday evening passion for driving through Amish country. We climb aboard my old pickup truck and take our dog Wesely and a bowl of popcorn. Moving about the speed of a buggy with our windows down, we take in all the sights, smells, and sounds of Amish country. We've had a great run with amazing clouds and I'm excited to share them with you.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTIa5zazBaDlWIWqaBQO4CKCJGd9kyH9oCEQyNN9MBbBUqk2l5OGznEOf6TYUMsvf3irM2U5sH7TGKu7RA4dbe6ZzXYF4Np69-OVC6vhyphenhyphenZ7bVE1hoCwy5CTvLQPTc1RJ3GFkh5nOnEM8/s2048/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+27+24+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTIa5zazBaDlWIWqaBQO4CKCJGd9kyH9oCEQyNN9MBbBUqk2l5OGznEOf6TYUMsvf3irM2U5sH7TGKu7RA4dbe6ZzXYF4Np69-OVC6vhyphenhyphenZ7bVE1hoCwy5CTvLQPTc1RJ3GFkh5nOnEM8/s640/Photo+Jun+04%252C+8+27+24+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My horses are used to being captured by an iPhone. This selfie (above) of Karma, Karla, and myself might look photoshopped. Nope, it's not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RtLQhyphenhyphenYc2vdAzpIUOznr7v3XXa5DZ4xgxaV1jV3zRgXj3y8zWXeQuIMdSdk6pNqrPUIubak8mri5KdOFlTwYAFMIgdCyAr95YTQDg-VHBQF7Q3ZU8ef4jW_dbQPmi63Vh3BChOwDBU8/s2048/Photo+Jul+12%252C+7+47+10+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RtLQhyphenhyphenYc2vdAzpIUOznr7v3XXa5DZ4xgxaV1jV3zRgXj3y8zWXeQuIMdSdk6pNqrPUIubak8mri5KdOFlTwYAFMIgdCyAr95YTQDg-VHBQF7Q3ZU8ef4jW_dbQPmi63Vh3BChOwDBU8/s640/Photo+Jul+12%252C+7+47+10+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Golden and ripe for harvest, a field of oats contrasts green ditches and growing corn. (above) You can see an Amish cemetery notched out of the field and three Amish farmsteads under beautiful clouds. An Amish schoolhouse (below) sits behind a field of alfalfa hay. Clouds can add such depth and power to a tranquil scene. If these pictures catch your interest, then you may love reading my books.<div>Here is a link for a description of my stories: <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/discription-of.html">Novels by Thomas Nye</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5V94lpc2QuDJnAEOMLIPlsv_i9UjdNz-mGqkb9xz9z357vGeD45i9nmyD8mSqVAQWPwxbnc86tb5bQ3AEW-0SjGoMJDeJJ3Qoi4PQ3TPbXHU-oIRvI-GPvFMBs8kkGbsW4SfSgbO7AU/s2048/Photo+May+25%252C+6+25+54+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5V94lpc2QuDJnAEOMLIPlsv_i9UjdNz-mGqkb9xz9z357vGeD45i9nmyD8mSqVAQWPwxbnc86tb5bQ3AEW-0SjGoMJDeJJ3Qoi4PQ3TPbXHU-oIRvI-GPvFMBs8kkGbsW4SfSgbO7AU/s640/Photo+May+25%252C+6+25+54+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed these photos. They were all taken over the past couple of months. I titled this blog (part 1) because I have more "clouds and fields" pictures to share with you. Watch for (part 2) Be sure to click "Follow" on the sidebar of my blog to be notified when I publish new posts. You might also want to "Like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorThomasNye">@AuthorThomasNye</a> on Facebook.</div></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-13924994543539085752020-07-05T14:13:00.000-07:002020-07-05T14:13:20.642-07:00Applesauce Bonanza <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrJVipTKaAgAWNpa2tFCRmukerIejyPjIPg1_yW3jMko9ua4_6N0Dqtyx0H0pvEzpwf9bTqqBRnMQRSOmgdY9khCbexOEwjVr9mKtYUDa01986RwbtVbLbA9thSnUInkDpJ0jSeg3458/s4032/IMG_3558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrJVipTKaAgAWNpa2tFCRmukerIejyPjIPg1_yW3jMko9ua4_6N0Dqtyx0H0pvEzpwf9bTqqBRnMQRSOmgdY9khCbexOEwjVr9mKtYUDa01986RwbtVbLbA9thSnUInkDpJ0jSeg3458/w625-h469/IMG_3558.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Applesauce apples ripen around the 4th of July every year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many people think of harvesting apples in the fall. This is true of most varieties of apples, but not Lodi or Yellow Transparent. These sour types create the best texture and flavor for home-made applesauce. My wife grew up helping her grandmother and mother can and freeze orchard and garden produce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14bLWm8yS8HhWQ41AGNx7Fw6lZh4MZ1pqFoublytl3k6-CANhdFD8s6795-ahtLERiRQGznZr_9R2tv304N6FMJUHqGtnzHmBnMfsUT6oyofn2faGO6-w8VrL8T80UfA-QHAkdPSV3bs/s3351/IMG_3578.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3351" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14bLWm8yS8HhWQ41AGNx7Fw6lZh4MZ1pqFoublytl3k6-CANhdFD8s6795-ahtLERiRQGznZr_9R2tv304N6FMJUHqGtnzHmBnMfsUT6oyofn2faGO6-w8VrL8T80UfA-QHAkdPSV3bs/w400-h353/IMG_3578.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> After I picked apples for three evenings, my wife washed and cut out cores, removing as little as possible in order to increase the output. I helped by ladling cooked apples into a colander. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha48sI5xl4ztNa2fpKLhnabY3tRtc6zEBcNFvk9NyEUTNKmuwV7FpgiMiP1XkOb5ejqpXSfgF-meqEHUJtp1JZn5AdRtinYx3maDUceeen-VaCOxDhch5X1imzersZQarszH_9IKvXQlM/s4032/IMG_3588.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha48sI5xl4ztNa2fpKLhnabY3tRtc6zEBcNFvk9NyEUTNKmuwV7FpgiMiP1XkOb5ejqpXSfgF-meqEHUJtp1JZn5AdRtinYx3maDUceeen-VaCOxDhch5X1imzersZQarszH_9IKvXQlM/w625-h469/IMG_3588.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We poured the strained, cooked apples into our "victorian strainer" and filled our cake pans with raw applesauce. My main job is cranking the strainer and ladling the sauce into freezer boxes. Once it cools, add sugar to taste. No recipe-- just apples and sugar. We leave it rather sour and add cinnamon-sugar when we put it on our plate, or at the time of serving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbJ7W9EuGRq8aNWfbIuPUfMx9r9DdoaDYsIXPntjDnRKtwjn_PwJAc3BlB-d3gT_40oEOlOJ6awRQ7CRTWq7ogpCmu5-JfiBeUwiw9NJuVbnpISUr278UVst1WaBHFunAETOJiU333YY/s4032/IMG_3581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbJ7W9EuGRq8aNWfbIuPUfMx9r9DdoaDYsIXPntjDnRKtwjn_PwJAc3BlB-d3gT_40oEOlOJ6awRQ7CRTWq7ogpCmu5-JfiBeUwiw9NJuVbnpISUr278UVst1WaBHFunAETOJiU333YY/w625-h469/IMG_3581.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We put up 77 quarts into our freezer. I know-- this sounds like a ton! However, appletrees have "on and off years." Some growing seasons produce oodles of apples, but you never know what next year will be like. We had a late frost this year and it might have destroyed our crop. It turned out to be an apple bonanza! I prayed for these trees when I planted them in 2002 as a birthday gift for my wife. Prayers answered: they grew and produce well. The message in her card said, "There will be two beautiful bouquets of apple blossoms every spring that say: I love Shari." (and her applesauce) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOxLUlfsZ3gEBBfO57pgwWJZq3dwO2kLmp1S4JccfqfVONRu7bAd4lADIt-cWq0eFePKuWEg2rfQxyE3c-xzYdCPg11gF8CAteXejI4G0z37hbpXC4TaD8VLtDSWGbHONcbTDFPZBmtY/s4032/IMG_3586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOxLUlfsZ3gEBBfO57pgwWJZq3dwO2kLmp1S4JccfqfVONRu7bAd4lADIt-cWq0eFePKuWEg2rfQxyE3c-xzYdCPg11gF8CAteXejI4G0z37hbpXC4TaD8VLtDSWGbHONcbTDFPZBmtY/s320/IMG_3586.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our children grew up eating my wife's AMAZING applesauce and now my grandchildren are enjoying the same. In the photo below, you can see our Yellow Transparent appletrees just to the right of my balding head. My granddaughter is riding on Karma, our Amish raised horse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYqU8L76pxGk-JCMkAlMYBmwhBet4u6TTdTNi3wrCAiLfeuo7ABPZ82CK0juELRv-YEJmp_lqgTQg3PtlXWIF8jVKzjcrnRdP1FHSPYVgTLDx0E2zBuNtAfCPnsb7LBpb9r-RaoO79II/s682/IMG_3410.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="682" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYqU8L76pxGk-JCMkAlMYBmwhBet4u6TTdTNi3wrCAiLfeuo7ABPZ82CK0juELRv-YEJmp_lqgTQg3PtlXWIF8jVKzjcrnRdP1FHSPYVgTLDx0E2zBuNtAfCPnsb7LBpb9r-RaoO79II/w625-h461/IMG_3410.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our whole family LOVES Shari's home-made applesauce with her home-made pizza!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is an applesauce apple picking story in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084YQ6Z3F/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4">Under the Heavens</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To find out more about all of my books <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/discription-of.html">Click Here</a></div>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-82293581818132596782020-06-07T11:44:00.000-07:002020-06-28T11:22:15.163-07:00Seeds of Hope<br />
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After weeks of hitching my horses whenever the weather and my schedule cooperated, we finally planted sweet corn with the hope of yielding a delicious crop.</div>
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I'm a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. We have been busy right through the Pandemic. This meant working on our sweet</div>
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corn project in the evenings.</div>
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Karma and Karla got a workout as we tried to break up our plowed ground. We should have plowed this area last fall. However, last fall was so wet. If you look closer at the photo below you can see the thick slabs of soil that dried out before I got a chance to disc them up. All said, I hitched these girls 6 times to prepare the soil, and the 7th time we planted sweet corn.<br />
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My brother-in-law planted corn with a modern-day John Deere planter (In the photo above) while I disc up my plowed ground with horses.</div>
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We added a harrow section behind the disc. The harrow combs the soil, smoothing everything into a better seedbed. (In the photo above) In the lower right corner of the picture, you can see the lines where the disc rolled over the clods. In the lower lefthand part of the picture, where the harrow refined our work.<br />
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We passed over the rough sections many times before the ground seemed ready.<br />
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Then Karma and Karla brought out our little two-row John Deere planter. All of my implements are the style used in the early 1900s. It amazes me that they are still functional even though they are around 100-years-old.<br />
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Working with horses and antique equipment gives me the sensation of time travel. I feel somehow connected to the past and those who used these very implements over all the years.<br />
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My old John Deere planter is designed to cut a track, drop kernels, and gently pack the soil closed. The wheels are flanged perfectly for closing the soil over the seed.<br />
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Now everything is planted, in hope of a good harvest. These pictures were taken several weeks ago and now our sweet corn is emerging. However, this growing season hasn't been ideal and the stalks are small. I'll share more later.</div>
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Click here to learn about my books: <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/discription-of.html">Books by Thomas Nye</a></div>
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<span id="goog_1146317713"></span><span id="goog_1146317714"></span>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-36257073311282568442020-05-10T07:11:00.000-07:002020-06-28T11:23:51.061-07:00Plowing through a Pandemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life has to go on, Pandemic or not. Karma and Karla are ready and willing to help do their part. We pulled our plow out of the barn and brushed off cobwebs. This Emerson plow is over a hundred years old. No doubt, it broke up soil during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918. That's the year my wife's parents moved onto this farm.<br />
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My horses and I are working to get this plot ready for sweet corn. I'll try and do more posts as we progress and let you see more of the process.<br />
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I've been following the pandemic through the news. <a href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/#stream/0">Iowa Public Radio</a> does a fine job of keeping us informed. Just recently, I discovered that one of my favorite radio personalities lives on my mail route. I knew the name but didn't make the connection until last week.</div>
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Another of my favorite news sources happens to be <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts">The Irish Times</a> podcast. They do a daily Confronting Coronavirus podcast with great information. Not only do I LOVE listening to Irish voices but I find it useful to know what people outside of the U.S. are experiencing. </div>
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Here are a few of my personal observations: We, here in Iowa, and everyone in the world are facing very similar struggles. We all have moments of fear. Only the Lord knows how this will all end. We also experience some beautiful lessons. Many of us have learned what benefits a slower lifestyle can provide. We've been made aware of the value of freedom, family, and friends. Some people are making the most of this timeout. Others are in survival mode. Most of us have a mixture of both good and bad. My Irish friends have been encouraging me to let both happen. Enjoy the good experiences and lessons without putting pressure on ourselves to be productive.</div>
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Many authors are finding it difficult to focus on writing, as I have. We find ourselves distracted. My Iowa Public Radio friends explained that the desire to watch too much news is a survival instinct. Our subconscious minds are searching for information that will take away the unknown element.</div>
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One of my daughters expressed that she had been feeling depressed lately. I encouraged her by saying, "The world is experiencing unprecedented suffering through illness, job loss, and isolation. We might not comprehend everything with our conscious mind; however, our souls feel the weight of it all."</div>
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It got dark before we could finish on our first outing. We were able to finish the second time out. Karma grazes just outside of the fence, showing our completed plowing project. Meanwhile, we'll keep plowing through this pandemic.<br />
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Would you be interested in reading about life on an Amish farm?</div>
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Click on this link: <a href="https://amishhorses.blogspot.com/p/discription-of.html">Books by Thomas Nye</a></div>
Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-18082316497676786212020-03-22T07:15:00.000-07:002020-05-05T15:08:09.634-07:00Amish and the Coronavirus <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Amish and the whole world stand by, watching to see how the Covid-19 pandemic will play out. This might be the first time in history when the entire globe is unified as we confront a common enemy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I had a long visit with my good friend (who happens to be Amish ) on Friday. We began talking about our favorite topic, horses. However, all conversations at this moment lead to Coronavirus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My Amish friend gave me reason to pause and rethink a few things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I thought: <i>I will be a valuable source of information for him. </i>After all, I'm privileged to have access to all forms of enlightenment through my phone, radio, TV, and computer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As I began sharing what "I knew" he started to chuckle. I thought: <i>oh no- my poor friend is doubting what I know to be fact</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As we talked, I tried to convince him of "my truth." I slowly realized that he didn't see me as a source of information at all. Not because he didn't trust me but because I got my information from through media he didn't trust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Isn't this is a huge problem for us all? Our political leaders, and the president himself, have convinced Americans that we can't trust our news sources.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My Amish friend and I began to discuss "social distancing." It quickly became clear to me that we who are not Amish have already become "socially distant." We are very comfortable sitting in front of our TV to fulfill our need for human interaction. If that isn't enough- we text, zoom, skype, facetime, marco-polo, or whatever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Amish people, by and large, do all of their communicating face-to-face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is not to mention, Amish live with extended family. Restrictions about not meeting in groups of ten or more would rule out most Amish families having supper together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I am very concerned about my Amish friend and for all Amish everywhere. They might live on farms that are spread out over the countryside, but they are extremely socially interconnected. Amish have a strong tradition of keeping their elderly in their homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Modern Americans (westerners) have become obsessed with germs. Amish people have not. If you have spent any amount of time with Amish families, you know that they pass around cups to share a drink of water without a thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My conversation with my Amish friend ended with him giving me advice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"We all need to pray. Only God can deliver us."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As you do your praying... please pray for our Amish friends.</span>Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6656137378732875306.post-21052341803083428582019-12-23T16:06:00.004-08:002019-12-23T16:06:47.978-08:00Amish Winter Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An Amish buggy sloshes through the falling snow. I love seeing horse hoofprints between buggy tracks.</div>
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These pictures were taken over the past few years. I live near Kalona, Iowa and Amish farm country.</div>
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Winter skies have a unique "blueness" that accents snowy scenes perfectly.</div>
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White Amish barns and houses are beautiful with a blanket of snow.</div>
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Though everything looks cold... there is nothing quite as inviting as stepping into a straw-filled stall near a team of workhorses. Draft horses weigh about a ton each and you can only imagine how much body heat they emanate. </div>
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It is quite common for Amish to heat their homes with wood. Nothing can be as cozy as the crackling of firewood, and that sweet scent of smoke...add that aroma to freshly baked bread and/or cinnamon rolls...perfection!<br />
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Hanging wash on a clothesline during the winter months would be the downside of Amish life.</div>
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Keeping livestock fed and watered during winter months can be a full-time job.</div>
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Fences and leafless trees line snow-covered farm fields.</div>
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Horses wait for their humans to begin morning chores. They often whinny when they see someone step out of the house and head toward the barn.<br />
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Days are short this time of year. Every drop of sunlight is appreciated.</div>
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Gardens lay dormant, the ground is frozen solid.</div>
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Silos are full of chopped cornstalks that were cut while still a little green. </div>
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Amish teens love to play ice-hockey. Amish children break out their sleds at the first snowfall and don't seem to notice the cold.</div>
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Amish horses keep clip-clopping year-round. It's fun to see puffs of breath billowing out as horses trot down the road.</div>
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<br />Thomas Nyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09723982780576420757noreply@blogger.com10