Holmes County Ohio

 I had such an incredible trip last weekend to Holmes County Ohio, that I'd like to share about that for this week.

I spent four days among the Amish and Mennonites in Sugar Creek, Walnut Creek, Kidron, and Dalton, Ohio.  I've never seen so many horse and buggies!  We visited fabric stores, quilt shops, hardware stores, a tool expo, and of course, too many bakeries. 

I think my favorite pictures are those of clothes hanging out to dry.  The Amish wash clothes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, using a pulley system that goes between the house and the top of the barn.

This is a shorter post than usual because of the pictures I'd like to share.  Enjoy!


Ready to plow the field

Outside auction at Kidron, Ohio

Quilts for sale at Millers Dry Goods- Charm, Ohio

Crafts at Millers Bakery

Amish clothesline

Bakery purchases

Increase in Business

Well, a great deal changed within a week.  As Elvin mentioned, January is slow, but February and unseasonably warm temperatures brought the masses into the Dutch Kitchen.  This past week was so busy that Elvin and Esther allowed me to stay in the kitchen to observe and ask questions.  Since I knew I’d be near them, I decided to adhere to their dress code as much as possible.  I don’t own a prayer kapp, but the rest of my outfit came pretty close. 

I took a break from the kitchen for a few minutes to snap some pictures of the crafts that are displayed in the rest of the building.  The quality and variety is quite nice. I guess there might be around 20 vendors. 

Back to the kitchen……Esther and Elvin were so busy with serving, that I got to join in the fun.  Esther had an order for her famous chocolate cake, but didn’t have time to get it made by the noon deadline.  So – she asked if I would make it, and I happily agreed.  The ingredients went together easily, but then it came time for mixing them.  Have you ever “whipped” together a cake without electricity?  I discovered what this is like with a wire whisk.  Good thing I’ve been working out with weights to strengthen my biceps!  After 35 minutes in the gas powered oven, a beautiful chocolate cake appeared.

It probably goes without saying, but my days at the Dutch Kitchen have gone by quickly.  In my next post I’ll share a little more about the lives of Elvin and Esther.  

My Outfit

Crafts at "Crafts Unlimited"

Greetings from Ohio!

I have been in Ohio for exactly one week now.  It certainly is a different pace of life here.  I find it very relaxing, but do miss the variety of retail stores that I have readily available in the Puget Sound area.

I have been to The Dutch Kitchen twice within the last week.  The owners, Elvin and Esther, are very nice people and quite willing to share their experience with operating a new business.  Their business is slow right now due to lack of tourists in the winter months.  It allows me to spend more time interacting with them and learning about their views.

Their cafe is in a larger building that houses crafts on consignment from various vendors.  There is a nice collection of fabrics, threads, and handmade clothing items (see the pictures below).  With skylights and a few gas powered lights, the building is quite dim inside.

Esther and Elvin ride their bikes four miles from their home to the cafe each morning in order to arrive at 6:00 a.m. The cafe closes at 2:00 ad Esther rides back home to start on her household chores.  This is the routine Monday through Friday, except for two days during the week that Esther takes off.  Elvin is there Monday through Friday.  Two other individuals own the craft store which allows Elvin to run errands when needed. 

I would love to post some pictures of Elvin and Esther, but their beliefs discourage taking pictures of themselves. Please feel free to post any questions that you might like me to ask them.  I will update each week as much as possible.