Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Closing of the Butcher Shop

I couldn't believe it when I heard that Fred was closing his butcher shop.  He and the other butchers have been a staple in our morning routine, waving as we walk by on the way to school, and often on the way home.  Before we moved here, I would not have quite "got" the importance of a shop like Fred's.  But it makes sense to me now.  The butcher shop helps make the village a real community.  He knows everyone; everyone knows him.  The children at the school cheer when they hear that Fred's sausages will be featured at a school event.  With a smile and a chat, he would give you whatever cut of meat you'd like.  I once asked for chicken drumsticks and his colleague just cut the legs off a couple whole chickens and put them back in the window.  They gave advice on meat preparation.  His meat is locally sourced, and you'd literally see it arrive in a van in front of the shop.

Going to Fred's was like going to someone's house.  It wasn't a store.  It wasn't anonymous.  You were a guest.   It was comfortable, inviting, a nice place for a chat.



Michael:  "He is very nice.  I like waving to him in the morning and I like how nice he is."
Anna:  "I like his sausages.  I like waving to him in the morning."
Jennifer:  "I loved that our Christmas turkey was hanging in the window."
Anna:  "We got the best Christmas turkey.  It was enormous."

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