May 11, 2012

Mom, Dad. . .you're not going to believe this, but:

I am capable of yard work.

It may have taken thirty-six years to bubble to the surface, but I have officially mowed a lawn and gotten my hands dirty.

Yes, me.  Shocking, I know.

All those years I worked casually in the house with air on, and music playing. . .

I was simply trying to avoid working in that horrific back yard of ours.  I wouldn't have enjoyed it then and I didn't really enjoy it now--it was done out of necessity.  I had to put E's mind at ease after a seven day straight work week.  He hated knowing he was letting the yard go. . .

So, Sunday I stepped up to the plate to surprise him.

 I have the sunburn to prove it.

The beautiful part of this story was that the neighbor across the street came over to help me put gas in it and turn it on.  I thought I had to pull that string thing I used to see you guys do.  Apparently mine has a key.  Fancy that.

 

Anyways, because the grass was weighted down (it was so long and a little damp), there was a bit of starting and stopping. . .which my neighbor graciously came across the street to help when needed.  Eventually, I figured it out and was able to get it going and unclog  it on my own.  Halfway through the yard, another neighbor (on the opposite corner) came by in his truck.  He offered to help.  At first I declined, but then when he offered the second time I accepted the offer.

He edged and blew off the front for me.  What a blessing!!!  I probably wouldn't have even bothered with the edger myself.  One garden appliance for me was enough.  E was thrilled and thankful that these gentlemen stepped up to help me out.  He would have done the same for their wives.  I just know it.  It really made me appreciate the neighborhood we live in and the fact that people are still willing to do for others.  Both guys commented on the fact that E keeps our yard in good condition, so they figured he must be bogged down at work.  They are correct.

Nine days straight now with no immediate end in sight.  Poor guy.  I guess my little act of kindness for my man was a winner. . .except now he knows I know how to work that lawn mower.  Ugh.  Not good.  I don't really want to have to do this on any type of a regular basis.

I made it a point yesterday to bake these as a thank you for the guys and their families. (They  doubled as a thank you gift for teachers too--CCD ended). I really appreciated the help and E appreciated his yard looking good again! Apparently, it's a bit of a guy thing--to keep your yard in tip top shape. . .at least in my neighborhood it is, as these guys pointed out as they helped. What started out as a daunting task was replaced by sheer gratitude as people helped me to get it done.  God in action: people acting as His hands and feet.