Our local padre came over to bless the new chapel. The wind blew cold and hard across the yard. The local people gathered outside, bundled up in winter coats and caps, to celebrate its sanctification.
I really enjoy your tales of your distant homes and adventures. They show us how other people around the world live, what problems the encounter and how they handle them. Thanks for the stories.
I have to say of all your excellent thoughts and writing, I enjoy the personal essays the most. Tales of life in the Calchaqui Valley, Maryland, and France are always touching and very human (tip of the cap to Mrs. Bonner for her photos, as well). Thanks so much for the quality work!
As I get older(I am 70) I think of the old ways and how it was hard but enjoyable ,fishing with a hand line,feeding the cows from little sheds dotted through the bush in the winter and just sitting there listening to the bird life and the cows munching on the hay in the sun.
Bill, what a great insight into the Argentina that Joel never sees .. the 'originaros' are always the mountain people that have to make do on less of everything since the higher you go on planet earth the harder it is to extract anything of value especially if you're asking the planet nature water etc to grow it for you and you then harvest it and try to on-sell it to those that have none or maybe want some .. like good wine or beef .. so LOCAL is the only market for those far away places .. they are worth what you've done/invested there as the locals and your fmaily will always be honored for your contribution to the local economy and quality of life .. I doubt Milei will ever make a visit or even care what you've done there but the real people will remember and in tough times they will be the ones to share assist and support your family for as long as they seek to live in peace and comfort .. yes medical and social services will be far away and always hard to depend on .. GREAT .. that means they'll have to depend on each other .. they will know each others names and not have their faces stuck into some electronic gadget that tell them something they probably don't need to know .. but life there will continue because of your commitment .. the best sort of FOREIGN AID that america once had to offer was called the "Peace Corps" and many of us realised how well off we were but recognised that development has basic necessities and then a whole bunch of 'strip malls' that offer nothing for human existence .. best legacy you could have ever left you daughter & grandkids !! well done!
I knew I enjoyed reading your notes for a reason. (Besides the fact you are an excellent writer). In the early seventies at 12 years old I remember picking up square bales at different local farms. There was one right next to our house that was about 400 bales and we were paid 5 cents a bale. They had a swampy side to the field and some of the green bales were 70 or 80 pounds. It was a real workout, but $20 back then was a lot of money. I probably bought some cigarettes with it for 25 cents a pack.
I really enjoy your tales of your distant homes and adventures. They show us how other people around the world live, what problems the encounter and how they handle them. Thanks for the stories.
I always enjoy the "life stories" that you share. Thank you. Yours has been a life well lived, and I hope it continues for many more years.
I have to say of all your excellent thoughts and writing, I enjoy the personal essays the most. Tales of life in the Calchaqui Valley, Maryland, and France are always touching and very human (tip of the cap to Mrs. Bonner for her photos, as well). Thanks so much for the quality work!
The old Bill lives on, what a refreshing read!
As I get older(I am 70) I think of the old ways and how it was hard but enjoyable ,fishing with a hand line,feeding the cows from little sheds dotted through the bush in the winter and just sitting there listening to the bird life and the cows munching on the hay in the sun.
Norman Foy.NZ.
What a beautiful cross in the chapel! Well done!
Bill, what a great insight into the Argentina that Joel never sees .. the 'originaros' are always the mountain people that have to make do on less of everything since the higher you go on planet earth the harder it is to extract anything of value especially if you're asking the planet nature water etc to grow it for you and you then harvest it and try to on-sell it to those that have none or maybe want some .. like good wine or beef .. so LOCAL is the only market for those far away places .. they are worth what you've done/invested there as the locals and your fmaily will always be honored for your contribution to the local economy and quality of life .. I doubt Milei will ever make a visit or even care what you've done there but the real people will remember and in tough times they will be the ones to share assist and support your family for as long as they seek to live in peace and comfort .. yes medical and social services will be far away and always hard to depend on .. GREAT .. that means they'll have to depend on each other .. they will know each others names and not have their faces stuck into some electronic gadget that tell them something they probably don't need to know .. but life there will continue because of your commitment .. the best sort of FOREIGN AID that america once had to offer was called the "Peace Corps" and many of us realised how well off we were but recognised that development has basic necessities and then a whole bunch of 'strip malls' that offer nothing for human existence .. best legacy you could have ever left you daughter & grandkids !! well done!
Thank you. Bill, how do we make a reservation at Mariah & her husband’s posado?
Now thats the Bill I remember, and the best part is that God was front and center.
Warmest regards
TJBAYDALA
I knew I enjoyed reading your notes for a reason. (Besides the fact you are an excellent writer). In the early seventies at 12 years old I remember picking up square bales at different local farms. There was one right next to our house that was about 400 bales and we were paid 5 cents a bale. They had a swampy side to the field and some of the green bales were 70 or 80 pounds. It was a real workout, but $20 back then was a lot of money. I probably bought some cigarettes with it for 25 cents a pack.