IRISH MOMENTS Men and Sheep and cattle stood in clumps along the one street. The men, in suits, white shirts and ties, circulated, inspecting and discussing each animal. There was wise counsel all round. One man fancied a little black cow, and the ritual began. The seller started high, the buyer started low. One praising the strength of shoulder, the other remarking the shortness of leg. "She gives the milk of two." "With ribs on her like a roof of a shed." Finally, the price agreed, the buyer spat on his palm, slapped the seller's hand and struck the bargain. Jill Freedman is one of the most renowned and respected documentary photographers of our time. Over the last 20 years her photographs have been included in the permanent collection fo the Museum of Modern Art, the International Centre of Photography, Eastman House, Smithsonian Institute and the Bibliotheque Nationale. She has published several books. One of her books of photographs, "A Time That Was," is a love poem to tiny Irish villages whose names appear on few maps; to a countryside of "wild and passionate beauty;" to a people of "gentleness, humour and conviviality, sharp wit and black moods." Her book captures Ireland of the old ways and traditions - it is a labor of love. (I recall some photos were taken around Drumkeerin and Dowra, Co. Leitrim). Perhaps your library has a copy of this circa 1996 book. Jill says, "As soon as I set foot on the land, I feel that I am home. The people often ask me if I'm Irish. Many tell me that I lived there in another life. I tell them I know."