Thanks, Brian, for a great article and the laughs. I like that Norman Rockwell painting, but "Christmas Vacation" sums up my feelings about the holiday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myzC3f0j9kw
It was 68F and blue skies here. I fired up the Jeep and drove to Ace Hardware. The store wasn't crowded. After I loaded the Jeep with paper products, Drano, tall kitchen bags, and six Presto Logs, I was sitting in the front seat with the door open, ready to go, when a man walked up. He looked to be in his 60s. He asked me what year my Jeep was. He owns a '91 Grand Wagoneer. That was the last year they built them. His Jeep is maroon with a maroon interior. It was fun talking to Grand Wagoneer for five minutes, though he did 90% of the talking.
When I got home, the Mexican was next door using a leaf blower in Barry's front yard. A light bulb went off in my head. This Mexican is a local. He's about 5'4" tall, speaks English like a native Healdsburger, and is very friendly. I walked over to him and asked him to blow the leaves off of our yard and sidewalks. I flipped him some cash and wished him Merry Christmas. The guy was smiling ear to ear. He also did a great job on our yard and sidewalks. It only took him 20 minutes. It would have taken me 90 minutes minimum. Best deal I've made in years. Now, our front yard and back garden look pretty good for December. I still need to deadhead the roses again and trim back the wisteria out front.
Now it's time for Amstel and some sun on the front porch as I admire the hard work of the Mexican and smile like a Padron.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (3:35)
by John Lennon
https://www.bitchute.com/video/Liz3avXZrQUv
One can hope...!
Thanks, Brian, for a great article and the laughs. I like that Norman Rockwell painting, but "Christmas Vacation" sums up my feelings about the holiday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myzC3f0j9kw
It was 68F and blue skies here. I fired up the Jeep and drove to Ace Hardware. The store wasn't crowded. After I loaded the Jeep with paper products, Drano, tall kitchen bags, and six Presto Logs, I was sitting in the front seat with the door open, ready to go, when a man walked up. He looked to be in his 60s. He asked me what year my Jeep was. He owns a '91 Grand Wagoneer. That was the last year they built them. His Jeep is maroon with a maroon interior. It was fun talking to Grand Wagoneer for five minutes, though he did 90% of the talking.
When I got home, the Mexican was next door using a leaf blower in Barry's front yard. A light bulb went off in my head. This Mexican is a local. He's about 5'4" tall, speaks English like a native Healdsburger, and is very friendly. I walked over to him and asked him to blow the leaves off of our yard and sidewalks. I flipped him some cash and wished him Merry Christmas. The guy was smiling ear to ear. He also did a great job on our yard and sidewalks. It only took him 20 minutes. It would have taken me 90 minutes minimum. Best deal I've made in years. Now, our front yard and back garden look pretty good for December. I still need to deadhead the roses again and trim back the wisteria out front.
Now it's time for Amstel and some sun on the front porch as I admire the hard work of the Mexican and smile like a Padron.
And that is how I celebrate Christmas.
TJM
Serenade your neighbors with some Tom Lehrer songs. Lyrics on line - or sing-along. It will make a great Christmas memory!
War is over if you want it.