On a recent post on Amish architecture, I shared some sure-fire ways of picking out Amish homes from the non-Amish.  Some of those ways have become less sure-fire as Amish homes have come to resemble English ones.

Rich Stevick helpfully added some other signs of Amish abodes, including the trampoline, loved by Amish children.  Here’s a shot of one from the hilly Munfordville-Horse Cave, KY Amish settlement:

amish trampoline basketball hoop

I suppose we could also add the barnyard basketball hoop as another sign.  I have shot around on these grass courts before.  I’ve never really figured out how you are supposed to dribble on one.  In any case, I think this court is in a lot better shape, than, say this one.

And how about one more trampoline.  This one comes from the Dover, Delaware Amish community.  This is one of the newer and safer models.  You’ll notice one other important device in this photo, which we could also count as another sign of Amish homes:

trampoline amish home

Boy, I used to love jumping on trampolines.  And, let’s be honest, still do.  As boys, my brother and I never had one.  Maybe Mom thought they were too dangerous.  But our cousins did, and we always looked forward to visiting them.  No one ever got hurt.

My last time on a trampoline was about 2 years ago, in Lancaster County, at an Amish friend’s home.  The kids wanted me to join them (they didn’t have to twist my arm).  What fun it was.

But my luck finally caught up with me.  Nothing dramatic like a broken leg.  But after hopping down I discovered a part of my back I didn’t know existed.  I guess I threw something out.

I’m really averse to wearing any kind of medical implements.  But since I needed to be able to walk, I had no choice but to wear a back brace for a few days.  It was that bad.

I suppose I learned why we don’t see too many adults on these things.  As fun as they may be.   But will that keep me off the next time?

Not a chance.

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