Today, after my dear husband departed for the pleasures (computer conference geekery) of Spain, I headed out to Big Rock. My first thoughts on getting out into the country? "Oh Lordy. I need a cigarette." Yes, the country makes me a twitch a bit. The lonesome stretches between houses I once found artistic. Now, not so much. I'm a townie and I think, have always been. But since I lived in the country back then, I made it artistic in my mind. Now I don't need to. I didn't buy any cigarettes but picked up my mother and we headed over to the Big Rock Plowing Match, home of winners.

Low and behold, jars of canning. I oogled them and examined the pickles in jars. My mother felt she would win the jam competition if she ever cared to enter her raspberry jam. If she ever made it again, that is…

I wish I had pictures of some of the knitting and crochet and crewel entries but the pictures just didn't turn out. My hand was full of shakes apparently. After perusing these crafts, mom and I headed outside to look at the bizarre and wonderful stalls of the Plowing Match.

I was a little shocked at mom holding a pie, much less being the escort of a headless gentleman but all these things are taken in stride at the Plowing Match.

We strolled through the stalls, I prodded at some gorgeous salmon colored wool roving, and we stared at an old horse drawn hearse wagon in earnest. I meant to take a picture of that but forgot. Oh well. A horse show and making over a baby corgi 5 weeks old was how we ended the Big Rock Plowing Match '07. It was a lovely day and no one from the dismal past appeared. I did see a few friendly acquaintances: the post office ladies and one curious woman, Joyce, known for her interest in used clothing, used goods and prophecy. I didn't sneeze once! and I got a pork chop dinner, something this townie can never find in town. That's the country for you. Full of pork chops.