It is harvest time.
The fields are quietly sharing the bounty
of the Summer's growth.
When I say quietly it is in the sense that many
of the fields around us are tended to by
Amish families.
Families who work together to plant,
maintain and harvest.
In the Springtime it is not uncommon to
see children as young as five or six
working alongside their parents and
older siblings
older siblings
in the fields.
The toddlers do what they do best..
they toddle, playing in the field
while the others work.
The toddlers do what they do best..
they toddle, playing in the field
while the others work.
Tobacco is planted with the
help of an interesting machine that must
have the plants hand placed in slots
which then in turn positions them
in the ground.
It is a sight that is beautiful to behold.
And nearly silent
other than the chatter of the workers
and the gentle creaking of the harnesses
and machinery.
Now, of course, we have English farmers
who work with tractors and large harvesters.
I have nothing against them.
It is with glee once per year that I hear the
Mennonite farmers across the street from us working
late into the night to bring in the corn.
The sound of the harvester is unmistakable and it
means that crisp air and turning leaves are just around
the corner.
The photo at the top of this post is of a
fellow I followed down the road
as we returned from the Lampeter Fair.
So, not only is it harvest time in Lancaster County,
it is Fair time, as well.
A time for community.
To celebrate the best of our year's work
both in baking and canning
as well as the arts.
4-H students say good-bye to their
pet projects and pick up a check
to put toward higher education...
or perhaps a car.
4-H students say good-bye to their
pet projects and pick up a check
to put toward higher education...
or perhaps a car.
It is a place where high school and civics groups
recharge their bank accounts while feeding
the hungry attendees.
A place where the young and the old mingle
and take the time to sit a spell and
chat about things that so often get lost
in our busy days.
I love Autumn.
It takes the best of all of the seasons
and puts a bow on it.
