The Old And The Old

There is nothing more beautiful than the pond lotus; perfect in every sense. They're probably as old as Buddha and as enduring.
Here, Buddha is admiring the view.






Also old in time and enduring are many old order Mennonite families in the surrounding area; in fact, many stores provide mini stables for tethering the horses while the owners shop.
This owner chose a close-by convenience --shade and a sturdy hitching post.



The story goes that Mennonites buy retired race horses to pull their buggies and their steeds have a spirited look about them.

Not to be confusing, but my son is a new order Mennonite and I don't believe he is sure which end of the horse is which; lucky for him the new order group drive cars and doesn`t own any black clothing, unless it`s a tux or a basic black dress.
If I continue it will be confusing.

I`ll stop now.

Country Auction

Around these parts a country auction generally means an old homestead is selling off, right down to the departed owners' furniture, china and contents of the cold cellar.

Who could resist an outdoor auction held in the town of Dorking? I think it's officially a town; maybe not. It's mostly an intersection with a scattering of houses and an identifying sign.

I like the idea of recycling through auctions; someone will take up a simple item that belonged to someone else and the chain remains unbroken.

In this particular auction, the life story is pretty well in front of you. A scattering of tired furniture, then a hospital bed, wheelchair and other paraphernalia of a lady who ended her days bedridden but at home.


Watch out for the old order Mennonite ladies--you see the backs of two of them here;they're all business when it comes to bidding on kitchen items. It's best to wait another day if they want the skillet you had your eye on. These two are done and are patiently waiting for the men to finish bidding on the tools.

Next comes the higher-end part of the sale, the furniture and items like the ancient family car or a small tractor.

It should be sad but it's not; it's the way life is.

It continues