[Rick H.]

Hi, I know this is an old topic but I see an entry from Dec. ’08 so thought I’d comment since I’m fairly new to the site and slowly looking it over. I get the feeling folks are looking for a deep meaning to community. The Amish example was mentioned. From living in quite a few places over the years I agree that the very close knit kind of community many look for must have a center that all agree, or more properly, believe, is an undisputable fact. This gives an anchor and balance that can be leaned on in troubled times so the whole thing doesn’t blow up. It is very hard to just pull a few ideas together and make those that kind of foundation. It must be bigger than any individual and the product of either some long established belief, undisputable fact or shared experience.
Community in the more common meaning, the general area we live in, many hope this will mean that people can be freindly toward each other. Help each other, without always needing to ask. Have the well being of the town, area, etc. at heart in their actions and so on. This takes time to develop. In the very trasient society we live in now, and I’m as guilty of this as anyone, it’s tough to do. Many people come to rural areas not to fit in, but take over. The ‘local hicks” just doen’t know any better is often the attitude. Instead of coming to become a part, they to often want to form things to their vision, and that causes hard feelings. I’m not saying that changes for the good are wrong, things take time, willing change occurs from examples of what works.
So, I think community is what each of us makes of it. No matter where we are. Other peoples behavior doesn’t have to dictate how I behave. Do your own thing without being offensive and others of like mind will find you or you them in time. Take it from someone who’s been on a few sides of this kind of thing. It takes a little work and time but that feeling of community can come. I think you feel it more than see it. Thanks for letting me ramble. Rick.

[Rick H.]

Hi, Thanks for the responses. I don’t consider the haflinger or fjord to big, but that’s the upper limit for sure. A shetland size is probably big enough really. Something to help with the small amount of work I have at this time and also so I can teach my two youngest boys, 14 and 13 how to drive and handle a work animal. My older sons learned how when we still had the big horses. Two Belgians, one Pecheron and a Clydsdale. I think it’s good to know, like growing gardens and how to safely handle firearms. Any other good ideas are welcome.

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