Visiting Liberty

Hi Everyone,

Today Bobbett took me to the actual town of Liberty, Kentucky. It rained on and off all day, and the rain really poured down this morning so it was too wet to work in the garden. We went into town to get all our running around done for the week because we had nothing else to do today. Their little town is really cute and simple. There is one main building that holds their DMV along with any other official services. They have a courthouse and a jail and one library. There is a supermarket, gas station, and restaurant. We also went to a few Mennonite stores, because there is a HUGE Mennonite and Amish population here. All the produce stores, lumber yards, mechanics and greenhouses are run by the Mennonite. They all wear their specific clothes, bonnets, hats and suspenders and still get around town by horse and buggy. You can tell you are passing a Mennonite home because they have enough clothes on their laundry line for 10 kids. They have no electricity, telephones, TV or outside influences. They are actually extremely nice people and welcome all outsiders. They dont reject or shun anyone who isnt Mennonite. So we went to their stores to get certain sugars, agave nectar, yeast and seeds to plant in the garden. Their prices are very cheap and they are so polite and nice! We also went to a Mennonite dairy where Bobbett picked up a half gallon of raw milk for $1. Raw milk is legal to buy here in KY, but usually illegal in all other states. Raw milk means it is not heated, pasteurized, or processed to get rid of bacteria in any way. We had to go to the Mennonite home to get the milk and the mother had 5 children, ran a dairy, and a lumberyard and she was so nice! She gave me a tour of her home and showed me how they live day to day. They have a wood burning stove that doesnt require gas or electricity, an outhouse and she sews all of the clothes for all 5 children and her husband. She also home schools all the children, so she is very busy all day. They had a few buggies as well as horses that they used for work. They also have a type of treadmill that a horse walks on that they attach to a cog so they can power machines for use because they cannot use electricity. They are very crafty and live a very peaceful life. Their houses are usually all in the forests and mountains and they use their rivers and waterfalls for water. They really do live a nice peaceful life and I am sure they are content and dont miss any material things that we treasure. They also call us 'English.' Im not sure why, but I think it comes from their old language and beliefs. Its not insulting, just different.

When we got home from errands, we bumped up more seedlings, made dinner and prepared bread that we are going to bake tomorrow. The bread recipe from scratch was very easy and only took 5 minutes to prepare. We are going to bake it tomorrow to try to use for bruchetta. I am eating very well here because Barbara and Bobbett cook a lot of food, and it is all healthy, delicious veggies from the garden! Walter and I usually sit and talk about the old days or sports or what life is like out here. They are a wonderful family and I am already learning too much from Bobbett! I am going to have to write everything down.

Tomorrow night Bobbett and I are making a Mexican dinner all from scratch. We are using all her organically grown veggies and making spanish rice from scratch as well. We will also make guacamole and salsa using her organic tomatoes, onions, and garlic and spices. It is going to rain again tomorrow so we are staying in and making bread and canning cherries. We will also make a cherry pie if we have enough cherries left over.

So that is my life around here. Mostly relaxing, sharing great conversation and learning a ton. Plus I get to look at beautiful scenery all day so I am definitely relaxed and very happy here.

Miss you all, and wish you could see this place!

Love,
Sam