Sunday, August 6, 2017

LOCALS AND LOCALES

Sometimes familiar local things are more interesting, more personal, more significant. The nearby Keady Market started as a farmer's cattle-and-hog market in 1950. These days there are over 250 vendors outdoors, including old tyme jug bands and every kind of fresh food and baked goodies.





But the Sales Barn and auction ring is still the best reality show, especially for city dwellers who think meat comes from the supermarket. Local Mennonites are often the shrewdest buyers and sellers. Their kids are at ringside, close enough to smell the action. Back outside, another guy toots his own horn.



The local nostalgia road trip continued a few miles down the back road with a visit to Pat's ancestors' grave site. Great-grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins and parents all rest in their tranquil farm past. Pat lingered at her childhood Williamsford farm house. It's now owned by Mennonites who traditionally remove electricity and indoor plumbing.  Even spelling on the sign is old-world charming!?



The only other story this week was the ongoing extremes of weather. Hot and humid days followed by ominous skies that poured rain --- and a tornado across the bay.



But as Pat says, back at Keady at least there were some old cars...



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