Charitable donations and exploring the countryside

We went down to Liberty, Casey County, today. Seems there are lots of attractions in our former county because we've been there several times in the past month or so.

To start off, the weather was beautiful. Upper 60s and low 70s, sunny after last night's torrential rain, grass greening, trees budding, daffodils out -- they grow wild along the road here. Anyway, I had gone through my books and clothes once more, seeing what books I didn't need any more, or what clothes didn't fit any more (it's all the fault of Barry's cooking).

We dropped the clothes off at the Liberty Trading Post, which is run by the Galilean Children's Home, an iconic charity around here. Gerry and his late wife Sandy Tucker began taking in "unwanted" children many years ago -- you can read about it by clicking the link above -- anyway, it's such a worthwhile charity and does so much good, I'd much rather my too-small clothes go to them. I was amazed and surprised at the quality of the clothing there -- no Goodwill or Salvation Army here -- anyone could put together a very nice look for under $20! I mean, first quality, look like new, button-down oxford shirts (my favorite) for $1.99! I almost came out with more than I brought in!

Then it was off to the Casey County Public Library. Casey is one of the poorest counties in Kentucky, being part of "Appalachia" (pronounced down here as "apple-LATCH-uh". Fewer than half the county's residents have graduated high school, yet the readership statistics at the beautiful and modern county library are among the highest in the Commonwealth. So whenever I have books, that's where they go -- where they will be the most appreciated and will do the most good. This time it was books, videos and cassette tapes I no longer need. The gal at the desk was thrilled. I felt good.

Then of to the settlement of "Phil", the beginning of the Casey County Amish region. We've been down there three times this spring to buy food at Sunny Valley bulk foods, Amish-run, and have stopped at Hillside Nursery twice, also Amish-run. We bought the broccoli, lettuce, and horseradish plants, which Barry may put in the ground tomorrow morning (before we head to Paducah to do more exploring in the western part of the state).

Finally, we drove around some back roads through the knobs, the community of "Teddy", and back home. All in all, it was a beautiful day, saw some good looking country (without leaves to obscure the view), and came home.