No, it is not unusual down here in the south for someone to carry several thousand in cash as walking around money. Never know when a special deal is gonna come up or a hot card game develop.
Woot! You got that part right. I once saw an old guy pull $3K out of his bib overalls and buy a tractor (right there, like it sitz).
He got a great deal, and spent about %15 of what he normally would have.
I love me some special deals.
/johnny