Friday, October 27, 2017

Return to the Country

A visit to the country is always a welcome relief from busy city life 
but it's especially nice when the country is my sister's farm in rural Ohio. 
Jan, Ron and their son Brad call it the Dead End Ranch.

I love farm animals and this goofy goat seemed to be saying "Welcome!"


The views on the farm were never ending
and I could feel my shoulders relaxing a bit more each day I was there.


One can't help but take a deep breath looking out over the fields.


You know you're in the country when you're awakened by a crow instead of an alarm clock.


As peaceful as the farm was I couldn't wait to explore the countryside a bit. 
The usual fall display of colors was sadly missing this October 
but the massive old barns dotting the rolling hills made up for it.




Along the way, we saw some charming old vine-covered buildings,


an old spring house along the road where people still fill their jugs, 


and an abandoned church with an old cemetery.


I couldn't get enough of these sweet funny farm animals and wanted to "play" with them all day.


Relunctantly we moved on as there was more awaiting us as we drove into Amish country.
Once you get away from the touristy main street, this area is magical.

I just loved the pristine farms. Everything was so clean and tidy . . .


even the furry cows looked like they'd just had a shampoo!


But the real treat was spotting an Amish horse and buggy. These horses were magnificent 
and the buggies made you feel like you'd stepped back into a simpler time.


The horses and buggies even had their own parking spots.


 I was careful not to photograph any of the Amish people as they prefer not to 
have their pictures taken. That didn't stop me from snapping the beautiful horses and buggies.


It made sense there would be buggy and carriage shops in this part of the state.
Wish I could have bought this sign!


We finally said goodbye to Amish country and headed back to the farm . . .


where my sister's peaceful farmhouse awaited our return.
The best part of this trip was, of course, spending time with family. 


It was good to be home.

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25 comments:

  1. Pat, your photos are beautiful!! Thanks for taking us along on this little trip. :)

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  2. We live in Pennsylvania in Lancaster County. The farms and buggies are very similar to those in your photos.

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    1. Hi Deanna! Lancaster County is so beautiful. Lucky you. Hugs, Pat

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    1. Thanks Lorraine! Yes, it is beautiful, especially this time of year. Hugs, Pat

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  4. Pat, I'm so glad you got to go home for your visit, and that the days were relaxing. Sometimes the travel itself - especially by air, can take the wind right of one's sails. Your trip to Amish country has me wanting to trek there soon, too.

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    1. Thanks Rita. Don't get me started on the flight! But it was worth it. Hugs, Pat

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  5. I've wanted to visit the Amish country since my FIL talked about some time he spent working there many years ago. He talked about how beautiful it is there.

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    1. I hope you get to visit this area someday. Definitely worth a trip. Hugs, Pat

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  6. So cool ! Love the Amish Buggies !!! Beautiful !!!

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    1. Thanks Cindy! I love the buggies (especially the horses) too! Hugs, Pat

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  7. Lovely pictures....thanks for sharing. Our cottage here in Michigan is located near Amish and we just love them and never tire of seeing their comings and goings. We've become good friends with 2 families and many more locals. :)

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    1. Thanks Susan! We're all fortunate that the Amish folks are still in our country and living as they wish. Thanks for your comments. Hugs, Pat

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  8. Looks like those goats became your friends,so cute. Those pictures of those old barns was so enjoyable,i have a collection of pictures of barns. The Amish do have some great farms. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Marlene! Thanks for taking a moment to read and comment; always appreciate your comments. Yep, I could have taken that goat home with me! Hugs, Pat

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  9. I think I would have stayed there forever! I grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania, not too far from Lancaster PA where there are many Amish communities. It really is like going back in time! The farm really looks wonderful! Glad you had a relaxing visit:)
    xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home

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    1. Thanks Kathleen! Aren't we lucky that the Amish communities still exist as they always have? I loved every minute I was there. I know Lancaster is a major center for Amish. Thanks for commenting. Hugs, Pat

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  10. What a lovely escape from our hectic world. Thank you for sharing the beauty and calm with us.

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  11. Hi Sister, Needless to say I loved the blog and spending all these memory making moments with you. I have to say this was probably my favorite one. I wonder why.

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  12. Pat I enjoyed your trip home! What beautiful photos! I do love the Amish communities! Thank you for sharing!

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  13. Is there any farm critter cuter than goats?!

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  14. What a beautiful farm your sister has! My sisters and I visited our cousins in OH a few years ago and got water from a spring house where our day had when he was a child. And yes, people still go there and fill jugs. It was so cool and refreshing. I've been to Amish country before and it is a treat to see. Glad you had a fun time! Love the critters! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  15. What a delightful farm! Thank you for taking us along and sharing at Vintage Charm!

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  16. Pat, I love the goats and all your delightful photos. My mother grew up in mid and southern Ohio and your photos really represent this state. Thank you for sharing this at Share Your Style!

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