The Afternoon Country -
I lived on an island off the north coast of Wales for many years, the Isle of Anglesey, and it was an amazing experience. During those years, I did many of the things that are considered the most important things a woman can do with her life: I met a man, was courted by him, married him, made a home with him, gave him a son. I was a good friend to many, whether it was the local butcher (who gave us very nice scraps for our dogs) or kind to the local Irish gypsies that trundled by our cottage twice a year offering to sharpen our knives (in exchange for a hot meal for their children). I kept a garden that gave us some terrific things for our own kitchen but also gave me some goodies to trade with others. I also got involved with fundraising for a local charity, an organization that helped disabled Veterans. I knitted and crocheted baby things for the hospital, and so much enjoyed that. I joined the local middle class (which meant I bought a used car for myself) and gave people ride