Meigs Co. Lester

Meigs Co. Lester, originally uploaded by walterjii.

This is my old friend Lester Alexander who escaped his appointment with the executioner at the Athems,Ohio County Dog Pound about 5 years ago. Since then, Lester has been in charge of the grounds around our farm house. He is loosing his sight now, still needs a good woman and still is in the game, however, like me, a little slower that years gone by.

Our Farm House & B&B

Our Farm House & B&B, originally uploaded by walterjii.

Well folks, this is the old farm house, a little added on to over the years, yet 5 generations of country doctors resided here, the Sweat Family. I also raised 8 kids here and worked their asses off doing all of the stone work, good for them as they are all doing very well. This is also the home of our new Bed and Breakfast or event center, yes, design your own event. App.100 acres to roam over and only 10 miles from down town Athens, Ohio, home of Ohio University. Come and check us out at 40889 School Lot Road, Albany, Ohio 45710, just 3 miles down the road past OU Airport on Co. Rd. 71, exit off of Route 32/50.

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Home Sweet Home

A dear friend of mine was so kind to stop by the old homestead and snap a few digital pictures which I want to share with you. The house of German and Spanish origin was originally the home of Dortors Sweat, actually five generations of family doctors come from there, the house actually being their office years ago. Lots of history there and of course, I raised 8 children there along with countless dogs and other assorted cirtters. The home was also a grist milll at one time and the cold water springs there were used to cool milk in the early days before refrigeration. There is a creek that flows beside and in front of the house, in the early days of Meigs County it was known as Sharps Creek which floods annually a couple of times but never reaches the house and goes down as fast as it comes up.

Now the bad ass dalmation dog you see there, his name is also Lester. He is a graduate of the local Athens County Dog Pound and was assigned to death row shortly before I extracated him from his doom. Quite a find dog, also one or two short of a six pack and going blind I think although he still has a damn good nose.

Not much to report form here in Peru. Still waiting on our government to grant our requested immigrant visa for Giovanna. Weather in Ohio is slightly different from the warm pacific breeze down here, yet if I had my drothers, I would like to be feeding a wood stove right now. Stay Tuned !!!

Neighborhood Farmers & Produce Markets

The following pictures dipict the significant amount of fresh produce, meats, fish and other products available at the farmers or community markets here. There are about four large ones within walking distance from here plus many other small family markets and stores. Also, there are many small shops within every block or neighborhood. Again, everybody here works or is producing something. A pleasure to see. Since there is no social welfare here, if you don´t work or produce, you will not eat. We have much to learn from these people.

The pictures of the young girl are those of Gladis, the only daughter of Giovanna´s youngest brother who left here about two weeks ago for Chili to find work. That being the case, he left me with three women to take care of, not a bad job at all. These pirctures were taken during her ¨¨coming out party¨¨, a traditional celebration of womanhood at 15 years old. A major event in a young Peruvian Girl´s life.

I am not used to such care and am getting fat from all of the chicken, rice and daily fresh bread and juice. Most of the stores are extremely small and in the markets, one about every 12 feet apart and packed with people daily. Unlike us, the shop daily for fresh food. You do not see the canned goods here because of the abundance of fresh commodities. The climate makes this possible as the weather is seldom below 60 deg. or higher that 80 deg. with an almost constant pacific breeze.