This past week I drove through the Amish community in Ethridge, Tennessee. For the first time in many days, the sun was shining and the weather was unseasonably warm. It seems everyone was taking advantage of the rare burst of sunshine to do laundry.
They do not use electricity but have chosen to own gas-powered washing machines. They are noisy and are located outside their homes either on the porch or in a separate building. These houses had their clotheslines on pulleys attached to something tall. They could stand in one spot and hang clothes while avoiding walking far.
It would be wonderful if the pleasant weather continued, but it won't. Winter weather is quickly returning.
Those Amish are so neat and tidy! I love seeing glimpses of their lives. There are many things I admire about the way they live.
ReplyDeleteI admire the people's goodness and find their lives fascinating. It feels like you are stepping back in time; however, I would not want to trade my modern conveniences.
DeleteMe either. As you know, I had a really hard time when my microwave died:)
DeleteIt is not easy to understand how to do without electricity in daily life.
ReplyDeleteBut this is one´s own choice. It does not hurt anybody else and therefore it is okay.
We could even admire lots of things in Amish life.
Christel
I would not like to live without electricity since I use it so much. They are surrounded by it but still avoid it. It is a choice they make so their lives can be simpler, less complicated; however, it is much harder.
DeleteThat must be a seriously strong rope to carry the weight of wet laundry.
ReplyDeleteNow you have me wondering what their clothes pegs look like?
I have wondered the same thing but have never had the opportunity to see one of the long lines up close. As it is, I have already peppered them with so many questions, I hate to wear my welcome thin. Things that are common for them, are foreign to me. It must be some tight clamps because the clothes are often out in strong winds. If the clothes flew off the line while at the highest part of the line, they would fly far away and probably land in a muddy pigsty.
DeleteI was thinking the same thing. A piece of laundry at the highest point flies off and you'd be lucky to find it. Those must be some mighty strong clothes pins!
DeleteI would not want to live without electricity but we sure could learn a lot from them as far as living with less.
ReplyDeleteI learn something every time I visit. They live with less, but still have more. I have peeked into their pantries and have seen well stocked, overflowing shelves. They believe in being prepared.
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