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| This early snow in Lancaster County caught us by surprise a couple of years ago |
Last week, as I listened to weather reports for most of the nation, I cringed. Much of the country was blanketed in white and brutally cold. At times like this I think of the Amish and wonder how they are faring. I know they industriously prepare for inclement weather and winter by canning and stocking up on food for themselves and their livestock. And they are the epitome of good neighbors, helping each other when disaster or needs strike.
In Lancaster County, PA, after a heavy dump of snow, the thermometer plunged and broke a 96-year-old record. Can you imagine an Amish family riding in a horse and carriage on this road last week? Video by Lancaster Online.
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| Bridge in Lancaster County, PA |
I’ve heard Amish men are not idle during the winter nor do they spend the day watching a football game. There is always something to do on a farm including milking and caring for livestock, and maintenance. I can only imagine how cold a barn is before sunup and again at sunset. And the poor chickens! Today, many Amish men don’t farm because of lack of land. Some have started small thriving businesses or joined the lunch-bucket crowd and work for English (non-Amish) businesses, such as construction or furniture building. Still, they must get to work. That’s why some consider working abroad, often seeking opportunities through agencies like agence d’intérim paris.
How do Amish women spend their days during a snowstorm? Caring for the children, baking, quilting, mending clothing, and cleaning, much like their English (non-Amish) counterparts on “snow days.” But without electricity. That’s right. Instead of watching TV, the kids play board games, read, frolic in the snow, or ice-skate-after they’ve done their chores. Instead of putting the heating on, several layers of clothes are used to keep warm. People who use electricity are used to the warmth of heating systems, and if they break they use their computers or mobile device to search for a local repair company such as https://www.servicelegends.com/services/ac-maintenance/, and they get it fixed. It’s as easy as that. Amish life is a little different. Hitch up the sleigh? Not so easy with snowplows on the roads, frightening to horses and scraping away the freshly fallen snow.
According to Erik Wesner, Amish Church & Inclement Weather, Amish in the Midwest have recently missed church because of the harsh weather. Years ago, I remember my mother telling me to put on a sweater when our home was too cold rather than crank up the heat. She said that’s what people in the rest of the world do. We barely used the central heating and I don’t remember them ever having to have it serviced or maintained – which shows how little it was used. When you are using your heating regularly, you should regular maintenance carried out to ensure it’s working properly (click for more). She’d lived in Ottawa, ON, Canada, one winter and her descriptions of the bitter cold sound much like last week’s weather. A century ago, I’m sure folks simply bundled up more, including Ma in her kerchief and Pa in his cap. I imagine if I lived in a home without central heating, as most Amish do, I would be wearing several layers of clothing, plus a shawl. A head covering would be a blessing, as we lose much heat through the top of our heads.
Since starting this post, the harsh weather has abated as it often does, but still dipping below freezing at night in many parts of the continent, leaving icy roads. An Amish woman in Lancaster County told me on the phone she is grateful for the rain today, but expects more snow in the future. Do you still have snow and icy conditions? Are you ready for spring?
If you wish to enter to win a copy of either Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork please leave an email address or contact info, essential for tracking down the winner. USA & Canada
Congratulations to Tina, the winner of the Amish-made Tea Towel and a copy of either Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork! Thank you to everyone who entered!
I often wonder how they handle the harsh weather. I think that they are a lot stronger than us and not so sissified!
I agree, Rob. Compared to them, I am a sissy.
Hi Kate ,I can only wish ,I had endured snow this past week,but the only thing I endured was rain and lots of it.I helped a friend to do some work and had to unload boxes and other products at a house ,that needed to be packed up because a sprinkler system had burst from the freezing weather days earlier.I got wet in the process but we survived it and I would love a chance to win your book.I wish it would snow here.I’m sure the poor ,blessed Amish had to have had it pretty bad.I feel really bad for anyone that has to work outside in the cold and freezing elements.Thanks!
You sound like a wonderful friend, Linda! Nothing fun about lugging boxes in the pouring rain. Please leave me an email address or contact info to enter the book giveaway. Thanks!
Hi, We stayed in during the snowstorms. We live on a hilltop and couldn’t maneuver the ice to get back up at the crest of the driveway nearing the top. Church was cancelled. Friday, we had an appointment at the big city 85 miles away and it rained quite hard. We passed one car on it’s top across a siderail. Fortunately, that was all. No Amish out when we passed the windmills and crossings, but then we wouldn’t have either had my husband not been the driver. Sunday was nice to have regular activities and the roads clear. Today I went to exercise class and drove myself. Spring is on the way in the Ozarks… so far. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
I’m glad to hear spring is on the way, Kathleen. I’ve wanted to live at the top of the hill with a beautiful view, but have wondered about snow and ice, not that we get much. Good luck in the contest!
We had no snow here , Just freezing COLD weather ! I’d rather have some snow .We had only rain. Faye Simer.. xstitchgranny2000@yahoo.com
Sounds soggy and frigid, Faye! Brrr! We know all about rain in the PNW. Thanks for writing and good luck in the book giveaway!
I don’t have my heat on yet (I live in Wales) but if it got that cold I would definitely have it on. The Amish are amazing people.
Really, Cymraes? That in Itself Is amazing! I agree: the Amish are outstanding. We have much to learn from them. Thanks for writing from Wales!
Spring is too far away to begin wishing for it. Better to live for today. In March, I long for the warm weather.
In March, I’m often tempted to start planting my garden only to be disappointed. Warm weather can elude us until July in the PNW. Thanks for writing, Judy!
I find average Amish houses are actually warmer than central heated houses. Most of them have well insulated homes and heat their homes using wood stoves which heat better than anything else. They have propane heaters for their chicken houses. They have also have small propane heaters and thick insulated blankets for their buggies. Most wear insulated footwear & gloves, wool socks. The majority of men and women wear sweatpants/longjohns underneath their clothes along with long stockings. Sweatshirts are allowed in many communities but if not they sew nice sweater-type jackets to wear inside. Wool is used for shawls. Coats are lined with lots of batting and sometimes a soft plastic for the windpants/coat effect. In fact, many amish winter clothes can be just as warm as a carhart. They are quite capable and resourceful in staying warm & protected against the elements.
The children often take their sleighs & sleds out to the fields for a fun time. Many of them skate on ponds. Organized Hockey games and tournaments are played. Volleyball tournaments are played in haylofts heated by propane or gas heaters, ping pong competitions are held in basements. Lots of action to keep warm. Lots coffee, tea, hot chocolate is served. Lots of fun to warm the heart.
No, they arent those “poor amish people”. In fact they love & enjoy a healthy, fun, lifestyle, so much warmer than most expect! 🙂
Thanks for your wonderful explanations and insights, Kaylene! The Amish do enjoy a healthy and fun lifestyle. I doubt many consider them “the poor Amish” but rather admire their stamina and vigor. I’ve heard milking in the morning Is chilly … brrr!
Was at work doing a 72 hour shift. I always go prepared…
Kindle Fire & a lot of coffee !!! After 30+ years of nursing you just go with it !!!!
You’re the kind of nurse I’d want to have, Rita! A real pro and dedicated!
No more snow here in Lancaster County….for now anyway! After visiting Charleston, S.C. and coming back to a snow storm and then 0 degree weather, I am ready to go back…lol! Some of my Amish neighbors had pipe and heating issues. A few came over to my house for the day, until the problems could be fixed. I drove a few teachers to school the two zero days, and the kids were bussed as usual. The Amish never seem to complain about the bitter cold, I sure do…lol!! Lorrie – lorrieleekelley@gmail.com
Thanks for your fun comment, Lorie! What a shock to come back to 0 degree weather. You sound like a wonderful neighbor! Good luck In the book giveaway!
Yes, we still have snow on the ground, but we did get a little break. Temperatures have been above freezing for four days! Nice break! it’s too early for spring, though.
Kathy Faberge
We are a long way from spring, Kathy, but I bet a few are dreaming about it. I’m glad you have a break from the freezing weather. Thanks for writing!
I stay in the house during snowstorms. angelachesnut246@gmail.com
Inside sounds like the best place to be! Thanks for entering the book giveaway and good luck!
We didn’t get snow in East Tennessee but it sure was cold! Enjoyed staying in and reading. Rachel Lepree rlepree@musfiber.com
I’m glad you were able to keep warm and read, Rachel. Hard to beat that combination! Good luck in the book giveaway!
No snow here in my neck of the woods…but it sure was cold.Had me looking for all the cracks that the cold air was coming in through.Stayed in and snuggled up and kept warm.Thanks for posting this I really enjoyed reading this post.
Thank you very much, Jackie! Glad you were able to snuggle up and keep warm!
HI there, We’ve had a cold winter so far, here in Colorado. In the six years we’ve lived here, this is the second one that has been so bitterly cold. I can’t imagine not have heat of some source-even a wood burning stove. The sun is out today and the snow is melting but we have high winds.
Thanks for sharing.
Noreen
werhis3@gmail.com
Thanks for telling us about Colorado, Noreen! The Amish heat their living rooms on the first floor, but have no central heating, which encourages the family to stay together rather than spread out after supper. Must be mighty cold those first few steps out of bed in the morning. Lucky you, for sunshine! Good luck in the book giveaway!
No snow or rain here. We got to miss all that. Right now it is 59*.
susanmsj@msn.com
Hi, Susan! No snow or rain and 59°? Sounds wonderful, Good luck in the book giveaway!
We did not have the severe cold temperatures here, but it was cold and we did get some snow (but it is all gone;-) ). I think the Amish, would probably stay inside and stay near the fireplace to keep warm. That is my guess. Keithkrisjager(at)aol(dot)com Blessings, Kristin
Thanks for writing, Kristin! When duty calls, the Amish brave the elements, especially on a farm were animals need to be milked, fed, and repairs made on fences, etc. Good luck in the book giveaway!
I really wish I could stay in during bad weather, but I have to go to work even though it can be a real challenge getting there and dangerous at that. We have had lots and lots of snow this year. What I wouldn’t do to stay home! Sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
Oh, my, Sonja, getting to work sounds like a nasty and dangerous challenge! Wish you could stay home on snow days! Thanks for writing and good luck in the contest!
We had the really cold temps and snow to and I am really ready for Spring!
Would love either of your books.
We have rain now but cold and snow to return Tues.
Thank you
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for writing, Jackie! I’m afraid January is a little early for spring fever, but I can feel it coming on too. Good Luck in the Contest
We stayed in. It was too cold to be outside.
tissakay at aol dot com
Glad you could keep inside, nice and warm, Tonja! Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck.
My husband had to work, but I was at home taking down Christmas decorations, cooking and reading. I have. A bad back so I do not get out in bad weather unless I really have to: desawade@comcast.net
I’m glad you’re able to stay home when the weather is bad, Sheila. I’m still putting away my Christmas decorations too. Thanks for entering the contest!
We had no snow in NC where we live. It got very bone chillin cold. Our woodstove felt good.Love the pics. Wish we did get some snow.
I’ll bet your wood stove felt mighty good, LeAnn! We have one at our cabin and love it. Glad you enjoy the pics!
Hello Kate. No snow in this part of Texas. Colder than usual for a longer time. Had rain the last two days, but stopped at about 1 or 2pm. Did have a freeze and lost most of my plants. I would love to win your book. When can we expect another one?
Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Sorry to hear about your plants, Maxie! Such a disappointment. My next novel, Forever Amish, releases June 1, 2014. I can’t wait! Good luck in the book giveaway!
Hello we didn’t have snow but we had frigid temps. I remember growing up in an old house and we only had a coal/wood stove to keep warm. I remember it getting so cold especially at night. we had many quilts, and we did dress in layers. I remember my mamaw used to milk a cow and she would put on long underwear under her dress to stay warm on the real cold days. Back in the early 90’s an ice storm hit and we was without electric for 4 days and we had no water, ( we had well water with a pump no electric to run the pump) no cookstove, but we did have a woodstove to keep us warm. and I would heat up soups, and things on the stove for us to eat. we also had a creek close so we would carry water from the creek for the toliet, washing our hands, sponge baths etc. and i bought gallons of water to cook with and drink.
Hi Sharma, it sounds as though you can relate to many of the challenges the Amish have from your childhood. And four days w/o electricity and water? Brrr. I’m a real proponent of long underwear. Who’s to know? Thanks for writing!
Last week was rough. I work full time, so every morning and every day when it was time to go home, I prayed my car would start. It was SO cold! I bundled up and walked as fast as I could. I left the cabinet doors open to let some warmer air get to the pipes and prayed that the pipes didn’t freeze. I guess you could say I got through the week with prayer and preparation. Bring on Spring with it’s warm breezes and chirping birds!
Karen C.
sweetnessnlight@comcast.net
Prayer and preparation sound like a good plan, Karen! Glad your pipes didn’t freeze. I had a frozen pipe once and no fun. It may be a while before we hear those chirping birds … Thanks for entering the contest!
We had very cold, as much as 15 below zero and wind chill more in Topeka Indiana. The Amish go to work and build houses and push snow and thaw frozen pipes, LOL We survived it and the road trips were made with the horses safety in mind and we bundled up, in many layers. I walked thru deep snow to get to work and warmed up with my delicious healthy coffee, SoZo. Life is what we make of it and no. Amish are not those poor Amish anymore. We have fun playing board games. Kate when are you coming to Topeka for a book signing? Allie Spark
Oh, my, so cold Allie! But I never think of the Amish as “poor.” And I don’t find boardgames are boring. I love them and would much rather spend time with my family playing games than watching TV, where everyone is staring in the same direction; no interaction. So true, life is what we make of it. I know some people who appear to have “everything” and still seem to be down in the dumps.
We are enduring a blizzard of up to 8″ of snow today. Just drove to and from the local hospital with the 4 x 4 truck to volunteer. Winds are very strong and blowing the snow into drifts; schools were cancelled at 1:30 and we were sent home early. Welcome to Wisconsin winters! Very, very pretty though.
Some roads were plowed and others in the city were not; no matter, as the truck can go through a lot. Hope your day is great!
My day sounds uneventful compared to yours, Shirley. Amazing. You’re a generous person to brave the blizzard to help others!
I have been ready for spring since the first snow we had here in Ohio. The coldest temperature we have had this year was the the first of the year when the got down to -35 below. Our water froze and we lost electric but were able to stay warm thanks to kerosene heat. I will be glad when spring gets here and I can start planting my garden.
Dawn C.
dcofohio@yahoo.com
I can see why you’re ready for spring, Dawn! -35 is beyond (below?) my understanding, plus no water or electricity! Let’s hear it for kerosene heat. Thanks for entering the contest. Good luck!
Loved reading about the Amish. I so love learning about their culture. I have so much respect for them. Our family stayed inside playing games, watching movies together, doing some early Spring cleaning. The boys helped our neighbors clearing driveways. We were blessed with time together.
I feel the same way about the Amish, Anne! You sound like you have a wonderful family. Growing up, my father refused to buy a TV until he finally caved for a small one. We played Scrabble, etc, or listened to music. An occasional movie. My husband & I have no TV at our beach cabin. We played board games or put together puzzles with our sons & their friends. Or they played outside. And in the city they did their chores …
NYC has been going through such highs and lows. The first official day of winter, we hit 70 degrees. Almost two weeks ago, our high hit 6 degrees one day (not factoring in wind chill) and those avenues turn in to wind tunnels! Brrr….. -Kathleen McCann teacherkathleen(@) yahoo dot com
Talk about weather fluctuations, Kathleen! Yes, the wind seems to condense and blast past those buildings in NYC. Keep warm and good luck in the contest!
In Ky., the first snow and low temps abated, and the temp rose to near 50. It is now cold again, and we have a couple inches of new snow. I am retired, and have mobility issues, so am pretty much of a recluse when there is snow or ice. I also seem to be less able to deal with the extreme cold, as the years pass. SO glad that I don’t have to travel in a buggy – with no heat! As for no electricity – perhaps I would get more reading and work done, without the availability of my computer, much as I love it!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of one of your books, Kate!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for your comment and entering the contest, Bonnie! Sounds like you’ve had much flip-flopping with the weather. Hope it warms up. I do love my computer and would not like to go back to an old-fashioned typewriter to write a novel. Plus, I’ve met so many wonderful people through the Internet!