General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Girl, Interrupted [View all]H2O Man
(73,308 posts)one of the largest corporate farms in the state bought what had been a family farm for many generations. I was friends with the farm family, and had walked one of their corn fields for decades, collecting flint artifacts. The farmer told me that he would tell the new owner that I liked that field, and was to be trusted.
I like to be sure to ask every land owner for permission to walk in their fields. But not everyone does, and some thoughtless people do damage. I heard that a couple friends asked the top guy for permission, and that he was hostile in saying no. So I wasn't surprised by his initial response to me -- no!. But I knew he was Irish. Luckily, I have less than zero social skills, and an inability to even recognize boundaries, so with a big grin I asked, "Now, why would a Silk Curtain Irishman prevent a Shanty Irish relative that he can't remove stones from a field before planting? Can you explain that in a manner I can understand? Because I'm not asking for any pay, such as you pay your hired hands to remove stones from that very field?"
It worked, and the top guy turns out to be a casual friend. I've worked to prevent "fracking" on their property, but we remain on good terms. He especially likes my son that boxes. So I think that my utter lack in proper socialing is what has made my life interesting. I take quite an interest in the more gracefully structured lives of my family and friends of a similar age. And I am convinced that it is essential that our generation pass our experiences to the younger ones.
If the future allows, I'd like to get back to talking to classes/groups at schools and colleges. But I know quite a few people under 50 years old, and enjoy coordinating with them.