One of the joys of living in a small town is that everyone knows your business. Growing up in a rural community leaves the cashier at the grocery store asking about your family, the librarian telling you to have your mom call her, and the bus driver personally returning the sweatshirt you left on the bus. If you’re bad about keeping in touch with people, you’ll know just what to talk about when you do run into them; you heard about the last three weeks of their life at coffee hour the other day. When some man that just got done eating “the usual” and flirting with the waitress at the diner, takes off in a hurry (without leaving a tip), it’s probably because he forgot to close the gate on the cows. You learn to never forget your bank account number even though most of the people working there have it memorized; finding it will just throw off their day. If you’re expecting a package in the mail don’t hesitate to ask the post manager, they know your name and probably also what you’re expecting. When looking for a bike lane you won’t fine one, it’s reserved for horses, and on certain days the whole road is reserved, the sheep have to be moved at some point. The 4th of July is a big time of year for Harlo, and depending on which part of town you’re in, you’ll either smell barbecue, or rodeo (manure). The same kid that mows the lawns in the summer is the one out shoveling sidewalks in the winter. Alright, he shovels a few sidewalks in the summer, too – it’s Montana. Anyway, these are just a few things to know about Harlo. If you’re ever passing through, don’t be alarmed that someone in every car you see waves at you, and don’t be afraid to stop in at Cream of the West!
