I wanted to cover more ground this morning than usual, and hit a few additional roads in our neck of the woods, so between 8 A.M. and 9 A.M. my car headed east on Jericho. I don’t remember steering it actually, because I became so caught up in the surrounding beauty that the car was pretty much on auto pilot. It seemed to read my mind though, and made quite a few quick stops to allow for capturing the scenes of autumn that are making beautiful backdrops for the Amish farms. The farm houses and barns are rustically attractive any time of year, but this is like putting the bow on the present. What a gift it is to live here in Wayne County Ohio. I do not take for granted the fact that my home is surrounded with enviable scenes of bucolic beauty.
Sometimes it is almost necessary to pinch myself to believe it is real. So without further descriptions that won’t do justice to the scenes anyway, we’ll simply present the photos as they are, in the hope that you may be inspired to get out of the house and see for yourself. If you do not live in our area, you are most welcome to visit. We should have another week or so of gorgeous fall foliage.
Sometimes it is almost necessary to pinch myself to believe it is real. So without further descriptions that won’t do justice to the scenes anyway, we’ll simply present the photos as they are, in the hope that you may be inspired to get out of the house and see for yourself. If you do not live in our area, you are most welcome to visit. We should have another week or so of gorgeous fall foliage.
Maybe we’ll see you in church on Sunday. I’ll be playing a marine band harmonica for prelude and offertory at my home church of Sonnenberg Mennonite. Thankfully, this is only asked of me once or twice a year. Makes me really nervous, but if playing a few gospel songs with this tiny instrument brings a blessing to a few oldsters and not-so-oldsters, then I am happy to give what I have.
It may be interesting to some of you to know that many Amish are quite accomplished on the harmonica. For many years I worked with an Old Order Amishman by the name of Eli G. He was good—a lot better than me. He could even do the Orange Blossom Special with two harmonicas just like Johnny Cash. Loved to hear that! Eli was also a good guitarist. In his younger years he was part of the Green Tin Band along with a local group that were headed up by John Schmid. I think most of group was comprised of Amish who had not yet joined the church. Buck Wayne’s Mary did some awesome vocals, and I can still see her and John at the Kidron Fireman’s barbecue singing Johnny Cash’s song, “I’m Going to Jackson.” If I remember right, Eli was right there too, backing them up on the bass, and doing some harmonica.
Speaking of John Schmid, let me toss this in. He’s a great guy who has a prison ministry, bringing the gospel through preaching and music to a captive audience. He has also recorded quite a few records, tapes, and CD’s over the years. If you've never heard him, go to YouTube and type John Schmid in the search bar. You’ll find quite a few songs. He is very popular in our area, and when he sings at local events, the Amish throng to hear him. He does some funny songs in Dutch too. The Amish really enjoy those.
As for Sunday morning though, I need to get off here and go practice. I’d like to say this first. We have a wide variety of excellent musicians at our church. Vocalists and instrumentalists. We are very blessed with these gifts. One of our guys is really good on the Saxophone. He takes a turn now and then too. I really appreciate the last time he played for offertory. For some unknown reason it didn’t go well. Actually, that’s being kind. It went really rough for him, and no doubt he was thoroughly embarrassed as he finally gave it up mid-song and took his seat. Now, I’m not sure what happened there, because he is good. I think I’m on to his game though. Trent may correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems likely that he figures if he really messes up, he won’t be asked again. Maybe I will try that, but probably not. And seriously, I doubt that’s what he had in mind either. Here’s the thing. We give our best, but we’re still human, and somehow if things don’t turn out well, we know we are not alone. Thank you, Trent.
From Kidron, Ohio—home of the world’s hardest-working men (that’s how they make up for being so homely), most beautiful women (and they can cook too!),and the most energetic children (they’re really cute too—especially the ones that call me Grandpa). Have a wonderful weekend! So long.
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