Digging holes and patching pails
Where do you draw the line between “things you know how to do” and “things you know you have never done”? I’m a byproduct of an education system that puts great stock in learning by example, and after watching a demonstration of a technique, I’m considered to have received sufficient instruction. But, how to test the premise?
I was watching a documentary about agricultural practices, and after an hour, it was clear that I knew what the farmers were doing and why. Except, I come from the generation that followed family farming. My father grew up with the realities of crops and animal husbandry; I didn’t even get to watch.
However, we have museums, and antique stores. I’ve never shorn a sheep, but the shears would fit comfortably in my hand. After an early run as a second-class barber, I’m sure that my haircuts would not need to hide under a hat or shawl. The sheep would show me.
I’ve never followed a plough, but the horse would let me know that we were weaving a new pattern, I am sure. And the crops will grow, even when the furrow meanders.
And what about repairing all and sundry. Fixing a hole in a bucket should be common sense; continue until the water stops dripping on my toes. Digging a hole? Learned all I needed to know on local beaches, just above the tide line.
As I pointed out, I have a lot of knowledge, gathered along the way. Feeding the family would follow.
