I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Lancaster County, PA.  The outlet malls and tourist attractions don’t interest me.  Matter of fact, it makes me feel a little sad to see sprawling shopping malls right up against a beautiful Amish farm.  Instead, I love to wander around the countryside and get lost.

I am always amazed at the staggering amount of field work that is accomplished with just a simple horse team.

And the barns… they are like pieces of art.  Every stone perfectly laid.

I watched a herd of dairy cows slowly graze their way across a pasture.  No cars.  No noise.  Just the cows mooing gently.

I sat for quiet some time and watched a farmer mow hay with a horse team.  In the field next to him, they were baling the hay with a round baler pulled by four draft horses.

I enjoyed talking to the farmer who just finished discing his field in preparation for corn planting.

Hay season is in full swing in Lancaster County.  Two mules quietly and steadily made their way back and forth across the field pulling a hay rake.

No fancy cars.  No electronics.  No silly distractions.  Neighbors helping neighbors.  Kids connected with their parents.  The satisfaction of a hard day’s work.  No waste.  Needs, not wants.  I think the Amish have the right idea – simplicity.  It’s a good thing.