Top 5 Things You Didn't Know about Living in Amish Country

5.

It's not out of the ordinary to have to go four miles per hour because of the horse and buggy ahead of you and the No Passing Zone. The horse is usually pooping. But the wee ones with their heads out the back window waving takes your mind off the boss that will be pointing at his watch when you finally get to work!

4.

There are a few times a year when walking out of the house into the fresh Autumn/Winter/Spring/Summer air you will get a slap-in-the-face-lungful of a grade of manure so fresh you expect to see the cows driving a truck and spreading it. But what you will see is a small child with reins in his hands guiding a team of Clydesdales like they were kittens.

3.

Sometimes Amish women wear all black -- dress, stockings, shoes, cape, head covering. Sometimes your 4-year-old BELIEVES that hunched over elderly Amish woman coming toward you in the grocery store is, and I quote, "THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST! (insert screams of panic here)" Sometimes you have to hide.

2.

There will most likely be a time you will find yourself passing a horse and buggy only to witness loud rock music escaping the big silver "boom box" and a load of texting teens. Seriously. It's called Rumspringa and is the parent-endorsed teen rebellion!

1.

But the number one thing "I bet you didn't know" is also the number one thing about living in Amish Country. The Amish are the most friendly, accepting, loving and forgiving community on the face of the planet. They are quick to smile and wave or hold a conversation. The peace you can see in their eyes is palpable. It's an amazing place to live. I will never leave.