The simple life

This weekend, I shall be experiencing the simple life. Yes, I shall be going with D&C out to Amish country. No cell phones. No TV. No internet. It will be like stepping 1000 years into the past.

Some interesting things to know about the Amish:

1/. Only outsiders call them "Amish". They refer to themselves as "plain folk"
2/.Two key concepts for understanding Amish practices are their rejection of Hochmut (pride, arrogance, haughtiness) and the high value they place on Demut (humility)
3/. Weddings are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November to early December, after the harvest is in
4/. In the case of a death, instead of referring to the deceased with stories of his life, and eulogizing him, services tend to focus on the creation story and biblical accounts of resurrection
5/.The Amish stress strict obedience to their children, and this is taught and enforced by parents and preachers (personal note: we could take a lesson from this)

6/. The age for courting begins at sixteen (in some communities, the girl could be as young as fourteen) (personal note: is this because they get bored??)
7/. They can use thermal solar panels
8/. Disabled people are allowed to use motorized wheelchairs; electricity is allowed in the home for medical equipment
9/. Women wear calf-length plain-cut dresses in a solid color, such as dark blue or black
10/. Men typically wear dark-colored trousers and a dark vest or coat, suspenders, broad-rimmed straw hats in the warmer months, and black felt hats in the colder months

Should definitely make for an interesting weekend. I love learning about new things and new customs. WRM, would you like anything from Amish country? A nice frock, perhaps?