It was a nice sunny, dry day and the roofers had just left for the day. Delores had just appeared out on her porch with her broom to sweep away the roofing debris.
Earlier in the day I had spotted an old well cared for building as I rode into the small town of Tangent, Oregon. Now later -- leaving Tangent -- I noticed this genteel looking woman working her broom diligently. along the long porch of this old historic structure. Stopping in front of the old building I asked her who owned the building. She said rather firmly, "I do'"
Delores immediately sat down on her porch bench and gave me a look, that I read as, "lets talk." So I bounced out of my truck and sat down with her and talked. Our subjects were wide ranging. She told me that her and her husband moved to Tangent from the Midwest when they bought this old building. The building had a living residence plus a post office and convenience store. The convenience store was run by Delores after their move-in. Then they gave up the convenience store part of the building and rented it out to a restaurant. Now the latest restaurant endeavor had just moved out. She told me that was the last of rentals for her.
She told me she had lost her husband two years ago. Now at seventy- seven she wanted to relax and work in her gardens. As you can see in the photo above a small flower garden was growing by her backyard entrance gate -- a large vegetable garden was in back.
I found it amazing that one can be out and about and run into folks such as Delores. Sitting together on the porch bench, discussing all kinds of subjects with this woman I just met -- gave me a peaceful feeling in this world of turmoil.
Yes, a fabulous old building. I hope Delores can continue to manage it. If you see her again, best wishes!
ReplyDeleteJoanne -- You do have your hands full with moving! I have moved so many times in my life that I decided when I moved to Oregon it would be my last move. Well, now I am thinking again about moving -- maybe? I have found over time that this area is extremely expensive. Wonderful that you are moving into an area you know well and have friends. Hope you have some strong helping hands to help with the move. Delores seemed to have a strong will and mental strength to take care of her beautiful building. If I run into her again I will certainly send her your best wishes. thanks -- barbara
DeleteHow great that you stopped to meet Delores, and then share with us here. Great story of her day, new roof, swept porch, greeting someone driving by, no more rentals, and having a garden to tend!
ReplyDeleteBarbara -- I like talking to older women and men near my age. Older folks have so much tested knowledge to share that they willing pass on to other folks. thanks -- barbara
DeleteIt is nice still to be able to sit down and talk of this and that with perfect strangers. Here in Norway we are not to good at that, but I had many such experiences when I visited Australia.
ReplyDeletevisualnorway -- I do think we are a nation that easily strikes up conversations with strangers. For many it is how we get our local information. thanks -- barbara
DeleteBarbara, so great that you took the time to stop and talk to Delores. I think there are wonderful people all around us that we just don't know about.
ReplyDeleteMichelle --Agree. I am finding this to be so the longer I live in Oregon. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI love having things like this happen to me, as they do every once in a while. This a.m I had a long talk with a casual acquaintance and had the strangest feeling that we were destined to become close friends.
ReplyDeleteJust something about the way we clicked.
Hattie -- Our parents told us not to talk to strangers when we were small and we didn't. Then one day as we grew older we reached out to a stringer and talked. We found a whole new world out there after that. I just met a young man in our community garden that rode across the US on his bike with his friends. He has been here a month and was full of questions about Oregon. What a pleasure it was. So I know that your conversation can lead to a friendship. -- barbara
DeleteI just love the way you engage people...Loved meeting Delores. She seems much younger...I can see someone running into you with your camera and being amazed that there are such people as you!
ReplyDeleteSmall towns: such a difference, the way people talk to one another...Simpler slower way of life...
Rita, My father was an Irishman that could engage in a conversation with anyone. I observed him and as I grew older became like him I guess. I think there are lots of folks that like to strike up conversations waiting in line, on the street, at a ball game, whatever. it opens another world to each other. -- barbara
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