SHOES?

Here in Arizona there's a lot of talk about The Old West and Cowboys and there are some groups of people who put on what they think are clothes of the folks who patronized this part of the country in the 1800's.

But every once in awhile I've come across a true Son of the Old West and today was one of those days.

I visited a small Farmers' Market and saw stands of ceramic wind chimes and jewelry and dog food and various knicknacks and homemade cookies.

Not what I think of as a farmers' market.

But there was also this fellow.

His name is Eric Leblanc.

He lives in Chino Valley and he has made a living for more than 50 years shoeing horses.

I asked him if he could make a living at that these days.

He said "Oh, yes.  I make a living for myself and (I think) over 40 animals."

He said he had grown up "cowboy-ing" in the nearby Verde Valley and after attending college he came back and began his present occupation.

What attracted me to him was his luxuriant facial hair.

He also had a pony tail that hung down to the middle of his back.

And he said he still wears the same size clothing that he did when he was in high school.

(I told him I hated him for that.)