老人的独居生活一去不返

Solitary lives of old people were gone forever

刘立军 供稿

TRANSCRIPT

A man's days living alone in the forest in the state of New Hampshire appear to be over. David Lidstone said he does not think he can return to his old way of living. The decision came after the cabin he lived in burned down not long ago. Lidstone is also known as "River Dave."

He had been living for 27 years in the area, but was ordered to leave in a recent court case. In a discussion with The Associated Press (AP), Lidstone used the term hermit - a person who lives in a simple way apart from others - to describe how he used to live. "I don't see how I can go back to being a hermit because society is not going to allow it," Lidstone, age 81, said. Lidstone cut his firewood and grew his food in the woods along the Merrimack River in the town of Canterbury.

He built the cabin with his wife, from whom he is now separated, although he said they are still married. He said he is not too sad about the loss of his life in isolation. "Maybe the things I've been trying to avoid are the things that I really need in life," said Lidstone, who is not close with his family. Lidstone did not want to say anything more about his family. Two of his three sons had told the AP that they had not been in touch with their father recently. His daughter did not respond to a message asking for a comment.

On July 15th, Lidstone was jailed and told he would be released if he agreed to leave the cabin. The action followed a land dispute that goes back to 2016. The landowner, 86-year-old Leonard Giles, of South Burlington, Vermont, wanted Lidstone off his land. The land is undeveloped and mostly used for wood cutting. It has been owned by the same family since 1963. Lidstone had said an earlier owner in the family gave his word years ago that he could live there. But Lidstone had no written agreement. He later disputed that he was even on the land owned by the family. In a recent court case, both sides agreed to allow Lidstone to collect his cats and chickens and remaining possessions. Some items had been given to police to keep safe. Lidstone, who still believes he was not on Giles' land, also was given permission to hire a surveyor to give him "peace of mind," Judge Andrew Schulman said.

A fire destroyed the cabin on August 4th. The fire happened hours after Lidstone defended himself during a court hearing. He was released from jail the next day after the judge ruled that he would have less reason to return to "this particular place in the woods." Canterbury Fire Chief Michael Gamache said that while the investigation is not over, the fire was likely caused by accident. "Right now, there's nothing left to go on at the site," Gamache said.

Meanwhile, many people across the United States and in other countries have offered to help Lidstone. They have offered to help raise money or offered him a place to live. Lidstone said he is thankful for all the support. He is still trying to decide where he will go next. He would not mind staying in New Hampshire, where he has developed some strong connections.

I'm John Russell.

VOCABULARY

1. cabin n. a small house or shelter, usually made of wood （通常为木制的）小屋，小棚屋。例如 a log cabin 原木小屋

2. hermit n. a person who, usually for religious reasons, lives a very simple life alone and does not meet or talk to other people 隐士；隐修者；遁世者

3. dispute n. an argument or a disagreement between two people, groups or countries; discussion about a subject where there is disagreement 争论；辩论；争端；纠纷。例如：a dispute between the two countries about the border 两国间的边界争端

4. surveyor n. a person whose job is to examine and record the details of a piece of land （土地）测量员，勘测员

QUESTIONS

Read the statements. Then listen to the news and decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F).

1. Lidstone had been living for 27 years in the area, but was ordered to leave in a recent court case.

2. Lidstone cut his firewood and grew his food in the woods along the Merrimack River in the town of Canterbury.

3. Lidstone built the cabin with his wife, and he is now living with his wife.

4. Lidstone did not want to say anything more about his wife.

5. Three of his four children had told the AP that they had not been in touch with their father recently. 6. To help Lidstone, many people across the United States and in other countries have offered to help raise money or offered him a place to live.

7. Lidstone has decided where he will go next.

8. Lidstone would not mind staying in New Hampshire, where he has developed some strong connections.

KEY

Read the statements. Then listen to the news and decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F).

(T) 1. Lidstone had been living for 27 years in the area, but was ordered to leave in a recent court case.

(T) 2. Lidstone cut his firewood and grew his food in the woods along the Merrimack River in the town of Canterbury.

(F) 3. Lidstone built the cabin with his wife, and he is now living with his wife. （正确表达）Lidstone built the cabin with his wife, and he is now separated with his wife.

(F) 4. Lidstone did not want to say anything more about his wife. （正确表达）Lidstone did not want to say anything more about his family.

(F) 5. Three of his four children had told the AP that they had not been in touch with their father recently. （正确表达） Two of his three sons had told the AP that they had not been in touch with their father recently. His daughter did not respond to a message asking for a comment.

(T) 6. To help Lidstone, many people across the United States and in other countries have offered to help raise money or offered him a place to live.

(F) 7. Lidstone has decided where he will go next. （正确表达） Lidstone is still trying to decide where he will go next.

(T) 8. Lidstone would not mind staying in New Hampshire, where he has developed some strong connections.

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