“What would the Amish be doing?” my husband asked me when I told him I didn’t want to watch TV after we’d finished eating.
“They’d be sprucing up the kitchen,” I said, glancing into the gloomy dark sky. “By hand, no dishwasher.”
I neglected to mention that I’d slumped in front of the television much of the afternoon watching the last half of “Gone with the Wind,” a rare occurrence for me. I usually don’t watch TV during the day, but I had to find out how the movie was going to end. (Ha, ha.) I mean, apparently adults will spend five hours and 24 minutes each day watching something on a screen, and since I’m not usually part of this statistic, I thought a film in the afternoon wouldn’t hurt!
If my husband and I didn’t have centralized heating, like the Amish, we’d be much more likely to stay in the same room after our evening meal. A warm kitchen and living room would be our options. I think of how our children used to clear the table and fill the dishwasher, then wander off to their bedrooms to hopefully do homework. At that time, we didn’t allow computers in their rooms, but we would have no doubt given in by now. With texting, I don’t know how English (non-Amish) parents keep their children’s attention.
We didn’t and still don’t have a TV at our beach cabin. When young, the kids brought friends; they beach-combed, played softball, and roasted marshmallows. We parents joined in board games with them and developed friendships with those tremendous young men. More recently, adding the Uneekor EYE XR Golf Simulator Package has brought a fun, high-tech twist to our screen-free traditions, giving everyone a new way to play together.
Do any of you have an idea for after supper entertainment for a couple of empty-nesters like my husband and me that doesn’t involve leaving the house or watching TV? Leave a comment and enter to win a signed copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork. USA and Canada. Winner has one week to respond.
Congratulations to Lisa S., last week’s winner of a signed copy of Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork! Thank you everyone who left a comment. I enjoyed reading them very much.
To be Released on June 1, 2014
I would think that the Amish would be cleaning up the kitchen, washing dishes and some would be tending to their chores in the barn, milking the cows and giving feed to their other animals..then come in the house, sitting around playing board games or sit reading the bible
Looks like were going to have to bring out the boardgames and Bible, Kathy. Either that or purchase a cow. But I don’t think they are allowed in the city limits. I do know a woman who lives nearby who owns a few goats. We give her our dried oak leaves in autumn; she says they eat them like potato chips. Thanks for writing!
Tis obvious; play SCRABBLE!
Good idea, Diane! The problem is my husband can beat me now. There was a time … Thanks for entering the book giveaway. Good luck!
Jigsaw puzzles are nice for couples but you can’t beat a good porch swing in the evening with your sweetie.
I think I’ll take your advice, Nyla, and purchase some puzzles! Ah, I would love to have a porch swing, but we have no porch. Thanks for entering the contest!
We play Skipbo, or yahtzee. Sometimes we just sit on the porch and talk.
I have never tried Skipbo, Lezlie, and will have to check it out. We haven’t played Yahtzee for years. Sounds fun. Thanks for entering the book giveaway!
I would think when they came in at night that after chores were done, the women might sit and work on quilt tops and the men play board games and talk then all would listen to the Bible read from The head of the house hole and to bed they go. that’s what I would do if I was Amish
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You have described a lovely Amish scene, Thalia! Too bad we can’t all try out the Amish life for a few days. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
Amish would finish their eve chores, have family devotions and head to bed early.
Board games, reading, cards, chatting while mending….those are great too over a cuppa!
You mean mend my old socks instead of replace them, Nat? I have one right here with a hole … Your suggestions all sound good. Thanks for writing!
I would think cleaning up after the evening meal. Preparing necessary items for the evening and next morning then a nice leisurely stroll through our property to watch the sun set or to discuss future plans. Then maybe some music or reading together just before bedtime.
A leisurely stroll sounds lovely, Lori! I’m a wee bit jealous if you have a piece of property and a place to watch the sun set w/o rain. Thanks for entering the book giveaway and good luck!
Do a bible study, do some type if craft, board games, bake.
Thanks for your good suggestions, Rita! Now, if I can just get my husband onboard …
Hi Kate, I grew up in a home where we did not have so much and we made our entertainment like card games, reading a good book, talking more to one another. It seems folks dont talk much anymore they are texting on phones or playing puter games…My husband is a TV freak-sits in recliner most days with fox news and I hear him talking to it. I do lot of puter playing and reading mixed with my chores. He has been ill and doesn’t do much anymore and it is taking a toll on him. sitting too much is not good for a person.
I hope you guys as empty nesters finds your happy medium….
Thank you so much, Paula. I’m sorry to hear your husband has been ill. He has a good excuse to watch TV, but I bet it’s hard on you. You’re right about folks not speaking to each other as much anymore, face-to-face. I’m guilty of that too. Thanks for writing!
Board games, put photo collages or albums together. Take turns reading a book to one another.
Learn to paint together. Have a theme night dinner. Learn the art of quilling. Put together or make something for someone in need.
Love your books Kate!
You have some great ideas, Cheryl! I wonder if my husband would enjoy any of them … enough to make his wife happy. He is a sweetheart. Thanks for your encouraging words and for entering the book giveaway!
I like scrabble or a puzzle. Also reading a book and even sitting in the back yard and just listening to Gods creation. My husband has a telescope too that he uses on occasion.
I will definitely have to buy a puzzle and bring out the Scrabble, Maryann. How marvelous that you have a telescope. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
Jigsaw puzzles.
Thanks for writing, Susan! Okay, off to the game store this week to buy a puzzle!
we play cards or board games. or i just read my book for the week.
I’m not a card player, but my husband loves backgammon. Maybe I should take it up. Or let him choose a board game. Thanks for your excellent suggestions, Valerie, and for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
We play games like cards or checkers… dinner for two? How about either a nice steak w roasted veggies n potato…if not steak chicken.
Oh, yummy, that sounds delicious, Leslie. I can’t remember the last time I played checkers. Might be fun. Thanks for your suggestions and for entering the book giveaway. Good luck!
I would think after cleaning up in the kitchen , going for a walk if the weather permits, then sitting down to any kind of board games that you might like and visiting with each other while playing. Or sitting and reading to each other out of the bible and discussing what you have read.
All your suggestions sound good, Juanita! Our weather rarely cooperates so we’re more likely to be indoors. Thanks for writing!
Scrabble
Scrabble has always been my favorite board game, Brenda. My sister and I used to play it often. But lately, my husband is getting too good … I need to learn to be a good loser or concentrate harder. Thanks for entering the book giveaway and good luck!
Go for a walk.Take time and just sit and talk about your day.Get picture albums out and talk about all the memories.Puzzles,card games,board games,and etc.Find a hobby or craft that you could both do together.Read the bible.Sing some songs.
All of your suggestions are excellent, Jackie! The one that grabbed me the most for this evening is bringing out a picture album. Think I’ll give it a try. Thanks for writing!
Puzzles are relaxing. Bananagrams is another word game that is fun. Played that many times after dinner at my sister’s house.
I need to get myself off to the store to buy a puzzle and give Bananagrams a shot, Kathy. I’ve never tried it before, but even the name sounds fun. I appreciate your suggestions!
A walk is always nice — if weather permits. Puzzles and/or board games are fun. We like to get out our old photo albums (before digital cameras) and take a trip down memory lane.
I’m bringing out a photo album or two tonight, Mary. An excellent idea! You’ve reminded me that I need to get some of my many digital photos printed and in a real album. I derive such enjoyment from looking at old photos and so does my husband. Thanks for writing!
Larry and I have a collection of jigsaw puzzles. Games we enjoy are Farkle and Banana Scrabble. We also have a variety of card games we rotate depending on our moods, two-handed Pinochle is a favorite. This time of year, I fear, we watch too much baseball.
You have a collection of puzzles, Judy? Willing to part with one? No, I’d better start off with a new box with all the pieces. I’m not familiar with the two games you suggested, but will do a little research. I used to play pinochle with my mother, but that was many years ago and my husband likes backgammon. I just asked about it and fear it may be too difficult for me to learn to play at his level. When he watches baseball it’s code for: I’m going downstairs to take a nap. Thanks for writing!
After supper, you and your husband could have a cup of coffee and play a game of cards, or maybe something like scrabble. That would give you a chance to talk and catch up on each other’s day. 🙂
I like your ideas, Connie! I remember the good old days when we could drink coffee after dinner and sleep, but now it’s herbal tea. Scrabble seems to bee the winner, as my husband is going to get the game as I write this. Thanks for entering the giveaway!