No electricity – does that mean no refrigeration for food? Absolutely not. Places like Lehman’s sell refrigerators that run off propane. I once had one that ran off kerosene. There is also the old fashioned icebox.
The icebox is a cabinet for food. A block of ice is put in to chill the interior. At one time, icemen delivered blocks of ice to homes across America.
Amish in Wisconsin and other areas harvest ice each year. Groups that do not use electricity will have iceboxes to keep food fresh. The ice is cut and stored for use during the year.
25-30 tons of ice are needed to fill a 12 x 12 x 8 foot ice house
The Amish use a circular saw on a sled, supplemented by a chain saw
Workers wear “ice cleats” for traction
Each load weighs about a ton-and-a-half and is hauled by at least two or three horses
The ice they gather is worth $5000 to $6000
The ice house may be a refrigerated truck body, but the preferred house is a two-foot-thick Styrofoam structure
30+ tons of ice is enough “for even a couple of families” and may last into a second year
Ice harvesting can be a fun, community event with women bringing hot drink and doughnuts and “friendly competition” of sliding ice cakes across the frozen surface.
Ice cutting
Amish Wagon Hauling Ice
Sounds like a fun day if you don’t mind the subzero cold.
EPA Makes Wood-Burning Stoves Unaffordable to Save the Planet
All they have to do is claim that it’s all the save the planet, and they can create as many regulations as they want, thereby making certain appliances a lot less affordable for the people who depend on those appliances the most.
Many people in rural areas rely on wood-burning stoves to keep themselves warm during winter. A large percentage of Amish homes rely on wood stoves for heating and cooking. Many nonAmish in rural areas also depend on wood for heat. The new regulations made by the EPA will make them more expensive for these people to own.
The EPA has finalized a 344-page rule to make wood stoves more environmentally friendly, meaning that millions of Americans will soon be forced to buy more expensive wood-fired stoves.
Republican lawmakers have opposed the rule, saying it would harm millions in rural America, including the Amish, that rely on wood stoves to heat their homes every winter. With natural gas and electricity prices on the rise, wood stoves can be an economical choice for many living in the countryside.
“The EPA’s shortsighted regulatory overreach is once again hitting hardworking Montanans in their pocketbooks,” said Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines.
Some 2.4 million American households rely on wood stoves for heat. When the agency proposed the rule last year, critics argued 80 percent of wood stovesin use would not meet tightened standards and consumers would never be able to buy them brand new — raising energy costs for millions of people during the coldest times of the year.
“Thousands of Montanans rely on wood burning stoves for affordable, cost-effective energy — yet once again, the EPA is moving forward with new, costly regulations that could stand in the way of Montanans’ access to new residential wood heaters or burden Montana families with higher costs,” Daines said.
The EPA will apparently graciously not require people to buy the new, more expensive wood stoves, even if they have now don’t meet the new regulations. In other words, if they like their wood stoves, they can keep them. I know we’ve heard something like that before, but I can’t recall what the context was exactly. But I seem to remember that it didn’t turn out to be true. But I’m sure in this case, it’s all true, and those 2.4 million people who rely on wood stoves won’t be forced to replace their wood stoves with something they can’t afford.
It’s good that they’re cracking down on lower income people who own and use wood-burning stoves to keep themselves warm, thereby making the poor poorer. And it’s good that they completely ignore the 1,700 some private jets that descended on Switzerland for the global warming conference. Because that wouldn’t be fair to crack down on them. They’re the ones making the rules that keep us safe. They shouldn’t be forced to live consistently with the rules they force on us serfs.
You may think of horse-drawn buggies and handmade clothing when you hear the word “Amish” but when it comes to parenting, the Amish are one step ahead. That’s according to author Serena B. Miller’s new book, “More Than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting,” published February 3. Miller was inspired to write the book with co-author Paul Stutzman based on what she noticed when the Amish began establishing communities near her home in Southern Ohio — namely that their children were polite, well-behaved and happy—all the time. Their parents must be doing something right. Here are five child-rearing tips we can glean from the Amish. You can pre-order now. The book is being re;leased this month. Click the above link to go to the page to reserve yours now.
As a Christian, I want my daughters to dress modestly. Unfortunately most dresses available for little girls suffer from one or more deficiency in the modesty area. Either they are too short, or they are emblazoned with logos that scream “look at me.”
The Amish and conservative Mennonites sew their own clothes, for the most part. The plain styles of the Mennonites are not readily available. The few online shops charge very high prices. I am sure the prices are fair, considering the labor and quality workmanship, but my twins grow fast.
I have occasionally found used Mennonite dresses at a thrift shop in Wilmot, Ohio. But finding plain dresses for my daughters is almost impossible.
I have recently found a source for dress patterns. Friends Patterns has a wide selection of dress patterns and many other patterns.
Find some amazing thrift stores carrying Mennonite style clothing here:
Embracing Modesty: Amish Clothing Patterns for Your Daughters
In a world dominated by fashion trends that often prioritize revealing styles and fast-paced consumerism, many parents are searching for ways to provide their daughters with modest and timeless clothing options. One source of inspiration that has stood the test of time is Amish clothing patterns. The Amish, known for their commitment to simple living and modesty, have a rich tradition of crafting clothing that can serve as a wonderful example for parents seeking to instill these values in their children. In this article, we will explore the world of Amish clothing patterns and discover how they can help you find modest apparel for your daughters.
The Importance of Modesty
Modesty is a cherished virtue in many cultures and religions, emphasizing the value of humility, self-respect, and dignity in one’s appearance. For parents, instilling modesty in their children is often a priority, as it helps them cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and respect for others. Amish clothing patterns offer a beautiful way to achieve this goal.
Amish Clothing: A Testament to Modesty
The Amish community, primarily concentrated in the United States and Canada, is well-known for its adherence to a simple and modest way of life. This commitment to modesty is evident in their clothing, which reflects their deep-seated values and beliefs.
Long Dresses: Amish dresses for women, known as “plain dresses,” are typically ankle-length with long sleeves. This design not only covers the body but also offers comfort and functionality. These dresses are made from sturdy fabrics, such as cotton or wool, and come in a variety of solid colors.
Aprons: Amish girls often wear aprons over their dresses. These aprons are practical for daily chores and add an extra layer of modesty.
Head Coverings: Amish women and girls wear head coverings as a symbol of humility and submission. Bonnets and prayer caps are common choices, which serve the dual purpose of modesty and protection from the elements.
Solid Colors and Minimal Patterns: Amish clothing is characterized by solid colors and minimalistic patterns. This simplicity reinforces the focus on humility and avoids drawing unnecessary attention.
Handmade and High-Quality: Amish clothing is often handcrafted by community members, emphasizing the value of craftsmanship and durability over mass-produced fashion.
Finding Amish Clothing Patterns
If you’re interested in incorporating Amish clothing patterns into your daughter’s wardrobe, there are several ways to do so:
Sewing Your Own: Many Amish clothing patterns are available online or in sewing pattern books. You can either make the clothing yourself or enlist the help of a skilled seamstress.
Specialty Retailers: Some specialty retailers offer Amish-inspired clothing for children. These pieces are often made with care and attention to detail.
Thrift and Secondhand Shops: You may also find Amish-style clothing in thrift stores or secondhand shops. These items can be a budget-friendly way to embrace modesty.
Amish Communities: If you live near an Amish community, consider visiting local shops or markets. You might find authentic Amish clothing and accessories made by skilled artisans.
In a world filled with fashion choices that often prioritize trends and immodesty, Amish clothing patterns offer a refreshing alternative. Embracing modesty in your daughter’s wardrobe not only aligns with timeless values but also promotes self-respect and humility. By incorporating Amish clothing patterns into your family’s style, you can provide your daughters with clothing that is not only modest but also reflective of a rich tradition of craftsmanship and simplicity.
This is a quick and easy bread to make. It’s not too sweet. Have fun experimenting with different flavors, too.
Ingredients:
1 pint (2 cups) ice cream, softened $
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
Directions:
Stir together ice cream and flour, stirring just until flour is moistened. Spoon batter into a greased and floured 8- x 4-inch loaf pan.
Bake at 350 for 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of bread comes out clean. Remove from pan, and cool on a wire rack.
