Actions Define Origins

By Denise Anderson First Published March 24, 1995“City,” Alvin stated, nodding in the direction of a woman in high heels walking towards him.“Farm,” earl announced, looking at a man following behind the woman.“What are you two doing now?” I asked as I approached them. We were at a farm show and I had been talking to a seed dealer. I hoped they weren't up to something they shouldn't be.“We're guessing whether the people coming in were raised in the city or on a farm,” Alvin replied.I rolled my eyes. “You mean you can tell?” I asked.“Sure,” Carl said. “We have the list.”List? What list?They showed it to me and this is how it read:You know they were raised in the city if:--- They think branding cattle means looking for a tag.--- They think milk only comes from the supermarket.--- They have to ask why your farm pickup smells strange.--- They wash their four-wheel drive pickup every Sunday.--- They think horses are for pleasure riding.--- Steer is a verb they use when driving.--- They think pulling a calf means putting it on a leash and leading it around.--- They think buying and selling stock is something you do on Wall Street in New York City.--- They can't imagine why anyone would own a pair of rubber boots.You know they were raised on a farm if:--- A pair of pliers is their constant companion.--- They slow down on the highway to look at corn fields.--- They have to fix everything themselves rather than take it to a mechanic.--- They fix everything with baling wire.--- They would rather dig out musk thistles than even consider attending an opera.--- They think they're not properly dressed unless wearing a seed cap.--- They think the back porch is a place to store everything from boots and coveralls to nuts, bolts, tools and the occasional sick animal.-- They don't worry about what's collected on the bottom of their shoes unless they're going to church.I'd say that pretty much summed it up. I looked up from the paper and noticed the guys in deep discussion while nodding toward a well-dressed man in a suit.“IRS man,” Alvin said. “Definitely city.”“No,” Carl argued, “look at his shoes. They're cowboy boots. He's farm.”I looked over at the man and smiled.“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” I said. “I can settle this. That's our state. senator. He's farm-raised, but trying to fit in with the city boys. Come the weekend, he'll be properly dressed.”

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