It is spring break and many people are traveling this week. I know people who are as far away as Hawaii, Mexico, Florida and Texas. My friend, Kathy, and I decided to take a day trip to the Amana Colonies, which is less than a hundred miles away. I am very grateful that we scheduled it for today instead of yesterday. It was chilly, there was snow on the ground, but the sun was shining, and it ended up being a beautiful day.
Not everything was open this early in the season, but we had a wonderful time exploring the shops and galleries. I especially liked the woolen mill and the broom maker. There are seven Amana Colonies which were settled about 150 years ago. You can learn more about the colonies by visiting their website: http://www.amanacolonies.com/.
This is one of the looms from the Amana Mills. In the woolen mill and the furniture factory, you have an opportunity to watch the craftsman working. We were able to not only watch, but also to talk with the broom maker, who explained how the straw is processed before being made into brooms.
You will also find a little humor here and there, including this giant rocking chair.
And this sign outside one of the businesses.
It was a wonderful day, and a good reminder that there are beautiful and interesting places to explore all around us. You just need to take the time to notice them. The thing I am most grateful for is the opportunity to explore all of this with a very good friend. It was definitely a wonderful spring break trip.
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