more hot air

Yesterday evening a hot air balloon landed in the schoolhouse yard across the road.  Soon children from Monterey ran to the schoolyard.

west side upgrades

We live on West Eby Road, the west side of Monterey.  I like to think of it as the cultural hub of our town, boasting a school and a chapel, both currently being upgraded--the school with a new stucco siding and the chapel with new pews.  The old pews, ones I sat on a few times over the years, are loaded on a U-haul for a new church home in the Poconos.  Monterey gets new ones made in New Holland, in sections easy to rearrange, but more permanent than chairs.

schoolhouse facelift

Across the road where I've attended many Christmas programs, the schoolhouse is getting stuccoed.  The aluminum siding was removed.  It ought to dry well in our 90-degree days.  Inside, while I didn't ask, I doubt if the curriculum is undergoing any overhaul.

field trip

"Field trip" took on a new meaning when the fire/rescue truck arrived for a demo. The field in this case was just across the lane from the school. Head attire required for both settings. And, see the team of Belgiums, top right?

half marathon goes by

The Amish Country Half Marathon passed us today. A water stand was set up at the church with a three-piece band amping out pop/contemporary. The outhouses of Eby school were commandeered. As Saturday school German lessons apparently were no match to the excitement sneakering down the road, the teacher let everyone go and help hand out water or just enjoy the moment.

wheels of Monterey, 14-year-old school bus

Saturdays at noon one of the 14-year-old students rides home from school in this cart, waiting here for a late rider.

the day after: digging out

West Eby kids had school today. One father returns from pulling the sled with his two children, and notices the milk truck stuck. When it finally makes it to our house it gets stuck again and a tractor pulls it away finally. It's almost 3 p.m. and our road is not yet opened to the west of us.

Amish school's out

After a half day of school and carolling by mule drawn hay wagon, the scholars leave and get home in time for lunch. After the children left, the teacher allowed me to snap the decorated classroom.