Fresh Eyes...

We are back from our blissful stay in New York!  It was rainy and cool quite a bit during our month-long stay which was perfect weather for us sun worn, Southwest transplants. I won't say it was a vacation because there was much running around trying to see everyone, but it was really fun.



It's amazing how much your perspective can change through the years.  When I was a teen in New York it was the place to leave.  Even though I loved my family, I wanted to set off on my own and see the world a bit.  I haven't really seen the world yet but I have lived in a couple different areas of the country.  I've seen a bit and hopefully more to come.

What seemed a little dead about New York was my old, dead thinking.  It was what propelled me off to new and exciting places.  I wanted to learn and see and grow.  Now, when I go back home to New York it's alive with a whole new world of life I never noticed before. From the weather, to the wild animals, maple trees, wild flowers grape vines, Lake Erie and it's beaches, the Amish and their beautiful, simple life, it's all alive with excitement.  I see it with fresh eyes. 

It doesn't hurt that I have my little boys now and get to see it through their eyes.  Can you see the hummingbird in the picture above?  I just had to see a Ruby-throated Hummingbird after being able to so closely observe our Black-chinned mama bird here.  And yes, I remember seeing Ruby-throated hummingbirds when I was a child, but did I care then?  Not so much, no. 

My sister in law, niece, Mom & I had a great time looking around Amish country & shops.

Amish haystacks.  Note boys walking up the road, far in the distance. 

These are the scenes outdside of a beautiful, Amish toystore.

A little Amish boy we had fun watching.  He had been enjoying a horse swing inside.

 

An Amish, one-room schoolhouse and boys and girls outhouses.

My brother & sis in law live right in the heart of Amish country.  This is a typical scene outside their front door.

 

One of the many beautiful, Amish gardens we saw.  Most of them boast a row of beautiful flowers around the outside edges.

I brought back a few items!  An Amish cookbook, rug for my kitchen, clove scented heating pad, a cedar ornament for the closet, toaster tongs, a couple of cards drawn by an Amish boy, a lucet and my favorite, peach jam.  What's not featured here? The chocolates from the Candy Shop.  Yah, that was gone by picture time.

If you like images of Amish countryside, check out my sis in law's brand new etsy shop, SLPPhotographs.  This photo is one of hers.  

Until next time...