Just leafing through my local weeklies I noted the farm sales. I don't think there are more sales than usual but I did note two old time farm families that were selling out. It sort of bothers me that these "pioneer families" are coming to an end. Not hard at all to understand, with the continuing degradation of profits and opportunities in agriculture? No sons or daughters left to take over. Sell the farm for big bucks and move to the coast. End of the family farm, end of the tradition, end of the family position in the rural community.
Of course that doesn't mean very much anymore, anyway. Most of the old families have packed it in years ago(and they just seem to disappear).
Probably my best friend in the world lives less than three miles from me. We grew up together, as did our fathers and our grandfathers. When I was very sick he came to the hospital and told me it was imperative that I get better and not cash in my chips! Said if I died he'd have nothing but squatters and Johnny come latelys for neighbors!
And it is comforting to know that here is a person who I can talk to who knows the history of this area and knows the hardships and the triumphs that went into surviving here. And I believe when we lose that we will have lost something very valuable? Or maybe not?
Of course that doesn't mean very much anymore, anyway. Most of the old families have packed it in years ago(and they just seem to disappear).
Probably my best friend in the world lives less than three miles from me. We grew up together, as did our fathers and our grandfathers. When I was very sick he came to the hospital and told me it was imperative that I get better and not cash in my chips! Said if I died he'd have nothing but squatters and Johnny come latelys for neighbors!
And it is comforting to know that here is a person who I can talk to who knows the history of this area and knows the hardships and the triumphs that went into surviving here. And I believe when we lose that we will have lost something very valuable? Or maybe not?