Today I was the Englisher.

A girl has to take a road trip every now and then, and today was mine.  It's early January, and that means it's time to consult with my MODA rep at The Holmes Country Fabric Show in Berlin, Ohio.  Last year a snow storm closed the schools, but not this woman on a mission.  Today was perfect!  Blue skies, dry pavement, mild temps in this strange Ohio winter we're enjoying.  It was a much-needed time to relax and enjoy the peaceful sights in the heart of Ohio's Amish country.

Looking over fabric samples with Mark Pytel of MODA/UNITED NOTIONS

Business was even going on in the parking lot.

By 5pm, my goals were accomplished and business was done. The sidewalks in Berlin were rolled up, the sun was setting, smoke from wood stoves was billowing out of chimneys and lying like a blanket across the valley, Amish men and women were scurrying out of town towards their homes.  Some walked, some rode bicyles, and most travelled in buggies.  Dusk was falling as I drove out of the rolling hills of Holmes County.  Topping each knoll, I was careful to look for the reflective triangle that would signal an Amish buggy ahead.   It was a treacherous time of day when many Englishers have brought tragedy to this community with their carelessness. 

Our cabin . . . at least we claim it as ours .. Simple Blessings Cabin in Berlin, Ohio    is a favorite place to stay. 

Winesburg, OH

 Taking the back road home is worth the extra time it takes just to drive through Winesburg.  It has to be the perfect small town in America.  It was a good day.  My heart is full and my mind is rested. 

Tomorrow is a new day.  Much to do, and sew on. . .

Until next time.

 

What Do You Do During an Ohio Snowstorm?

Go to Amish country, of course!

Six-eight inches of snow can't stop a girl on a mission when there's fabric involved! This was the day I was scheduled to meet my MODA fabric rep at the Fabric Show Reunion in Holmes County - the heart of Ohio's Amish country and an hour's drive away. We had some important business to conduct, mainly locking in future orders before a planned price increase. The morning brought one heavy snow squall after another. It was a dice game between my common sense and my dare devil side. I doubted that the lake effect snow we were getting would be reaching that far south, and a quick phone call confirmed just that. That's all I needed to know.

A phone call to my best friend to get her boots on and we quickly headed south. Well, that is after three attempts to get out of my driveway and at least ten attempts to drive up hers. The highways were in good shape, so I felt confident in venturing off on the "back roads" into Berlin. Everything was sparkly clean and white under a freshly-fallen layer of snow. The countryside was calm and peaceful except for an occasional group of sledders dotting a hillside. My friend, Cindy, is in love with old barns and she was furiously snapping photos with her Droid phone. She swears I was speeding around the curves and up and down the hills (Not!) while I accused her of yelling "STOP!" at least every 500 feet so she could take a photo. We are still laughing at the number of barns that mysteriously appear crooked in her photos!

With only a few miles of drifting snow across the county roads, the drive was uneventful and pleasant. Our trip was both therapeutic and profitable. The needed business was accomplished with a few extra bones thrown in, especially the chance meeting of Mr. Zinck. (We will be using Zinck's as a supplier in the coming days).

Business done. Supper at Boyd's-Wurtham Diner. Carry out dinners to take home to our husbands. A day with my best friend. It doesn't get much better than that.

(Note the sign: Cindy's Diner)