Today is a good day because we have a new mechanic who is awesome. This is one of my primary values in life- to have a strong relationship with my mechanic. What makes this new mechanic so great is the way he explains everything to us as if we are intelligent human beings who are capable of understanding what he’s talking about. He also charges us a very fair price, and is careful to explain each element of the cost to us. He has given us new confidence in the condition of our car, so we have no hesitation in believing it will be worth keeping with us for a few more years. He even lets us walk through the garage when it’s the most convenient path. Some mechanics don’t allow this, for various liability reasons, but I feel that being allowed to do this is a sign of mutual trust.
Which brings me to another topic which has perplexed my thought life of late: where people let each other go or not go. Having grown up in Africa, where most lawns and fruit trees are considered common territory, “no trespassing” signs baffle me. I understand wanting to limit hunting, theft, and other unwanted activities on one’s property. I don’t understand the immense disdain some people feel for the common wayfarer traversing one small corner of their property. My neighbor shows this behavior when it comes to where we park our car. The only occasion she has taken to speak to me is to inform me that because I live in a rented house, I am obligated to only park in front of my residence. City ordinances have been consulted (I’m actually the person who updates these monthly at the library) and this information is completely incorrect. I am bewildered at the obvious message of unwelcome the neighbor is sending to me, rather than embracing the possibility of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship. (I suppose parking in front of her house really only benefits me, but I’m sure there’s some other way that I could be helpful to her if she ever needed it.)
The plant life in our garden is booming, and some plants are better neighbors to each other than others. Pumpkins are notorious trespassers, and we may have to cut ours back a little (but maybe not on the side that reaches into our neighbor’s lawn 🙂 . We are harvesting peas left and right (or really, up and down) and may need to thin out the basil soon. Trevor had a really fun and inspiring photo/video shoot and conversation with a friend who blogs about local folk art. They documented the spinning process and discussed lots of crafty and philosophical concepts. We look forward to seeing the results in about a week or so. The weather has cooled down a bit and we enjoyed a weekend in Lanesboro, tubing, camping, and snooping through unique little shops. Aubrey continues the potty training adventures, sometimes with success, sometimes not. Overall she’s making progress.
I can smell fried eggplant and homemade pasta sauce, so I think it’s time to harken to the call of my handsome homemaker husband. If any of you wish to park in front of my house or walk through my yard you are very welcome, any time. Grab a few peas on the way through.
Angie Gustafson 