“We should go see Joshua!”
At lunch with friends in January, we decided to visit Lancaster to see Sight and Sound’s presentation of Joshua. Shockingly, we quickly discovered the matinees had no seats, so we settled on a 7:00 p.m. show to make a weekend of it.
At 8:23, we pulled out of the driveway. I read Cindy’s text as I settled into my seat, perfect timing for the start of our weekend.
My Facebook post told the tale of passing time on a 7-hour drive.
“Lancaster bound to see Joshua at Sights and Sounds. Making guardian angels for the shop in my mobile office:-)!Praying for safe travels and a wonderful weekend with friends!“
I didn’t quite finish them, but I almost did. Work left for the trip home.
When I ran out of self-sealing bags for my angels, I asked Ron if we could stop by Walmart or Michaels to pick up more. Bless his heart, he tried. And we found something even better.
Thinking the exit had a Michaels, when we pulled into Valley Mall, somewhere in Maryland, we realized it didn’t. But it did have a Primanti Bros, the famous Pittsburgh-based restaurant that puts it all on the sandwich: French fries, coleslaw, the works. And so, we shared a roasted turkey sandwich on the road.
We arrived just after 4:00. By the time we unhooked in site 15, Chris and Cindy pulled into cabin 31 directly across from us.
Lori’s turkey hot dogs made for a delicious dinner. Made from fresh turkey, a small amount of pork, and cheese, they tasted yummy. The Amish Brats Chris and Cindy picked up melted in your mouth. When the Amish kids came around with their pastries, we couldn’t say no.
When Ruby demanded to go out at 5:39 Saturday morning, I discovered the peaceful sounds of birds chirping and couldn’t miss the opportunity for a morning of Bible reading by the fire. No better way to start a day in Amish country than scripture by the fire with the stream idling by and the sun rising slowly over the trees.
“My name is Melvin.” Speaking over his shoulder, the horses hooves set the pace “Nice to meet you all.”
Doing an average of five rides a day, Matt, the lead horse on the left, led Bullseye and us on our hour long farm tour.
Melvin’s thick accident and my declined hearing, I struggled to understand his stories.
We learned a frost a few weeks ago killed all the oeaches and 40% of the apples, as well as stunting the barley crops growth. Barley gets harvested inlate June, wheat 2 weeks later, then the soybeans get planted.
At the farm we saw pot belly pigs, goats, horses, mules and cows. A family shop fillwed with homemade Amish goodies concluded our tour.
After our tour we shopped at Bird in The Hand farmer’s market and Jake’s Country Store. We purchased a couple of bird houses for our feathered friends.
A buffet lunch at Deinner’s filled our bellies and made us tired for an afternoon nap. Cindy walked around the campground while the rest of us slept.
Before we knew it, we found ourselves on the way to Joshua.
Sunday morning’s Facebook post:
Have a great day everyone!
Rocco, Ruby and I took our first solo walk together. Ruby makes things a little more challenging. She has more strength and pull than Sophia.
But all went well, the birds chirped, the Amish passed by, the horses hooves heard long after they passed from sight. The air smells so clean here, surrounded by farmhouses, lush fields and brilliant green trees.
We saw more pregnant horses and newborn fouls than I’ve ever seen in my life.
My Amish friend’s daughters have started working her shop. Fresh faced and booming with pride, her oldest handled my sale like a pro. So fun to see!
Truly, a special piece of heaven resides in this place.
Cindy and I matched, pretty in pink ladies, winding down a wonderful weekend. Ron cooked another delicious breakfast and we ate and chatted as the stream flowed quietly by. Every now and then horse hooves on the asphalt broke into nature’s rythmic sounds.
Meanwhile, Rocco tried to dig his way out, covering his snout in dirt. The picture does not convey the cuteness of the moment.
By 9:00 we had washed the breakfast dishes and closed up the camper. Chris and Cindy pulled out first and we followed minutes later.
Ruby and I took one last walk under the bridge, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Until next time, Lancaster. Thank You, Lord for an incredible weekend and the memories we take with us.