Fall in beautiful Wisconsin |
Dear Readers,
Having made the big decision to stay in our house led to another problem. How to find help for some of the work around here.
Don used to do most of the handyman things himself - fixing things, minor plumbing problems, etc. We started hiring things like that out about 10 years ago after he had a knee replacement. We have a good list of resources available now for the handyman type of jobs, if needed.
But.... what to do about yard work (mowing, fall cleanup, and the inevitable moving snow around)? We live in a neighborhood consisting of more retired folks than young families. We have no neighborhood kids to hire.
We were discussing our progress with our very good friends at breakfast one morning (2 couples whom we are good friends with, have camped with, gone on cruises with, and had breakfast once a week with for 30+ years). I happened to mention we'd probably need help with some of the yard work: mowing, fall leaf cleanup, snow shoveling, etc. My thought was to start calling ads in the local newspaper.
Well, to make a long story short, one of the couples called me later that day and asked if we'd be interested in hiring their 13-year-old grandson who was just starting to help with those types of things a home. Prayers had been answered! We know the grandson, his sister and parents so well too because they are part of our camping group (we gave up camping last year because it was getting to hard for us). Harrison and his sister were practically born on the campground with us. (Not really, but they camped as babies still in diapers.) A very lovely family.
What a blessing it has been to have Harrison's help (and his dad's help too). There are times Don felt like mowing and there were times he didn't. Harrison to the rescue! I don't know what we would do without him, and Harrison is happy to have green papers to spend. it's a win-win situation, and sure has helped us out.
Leaf cleanup will extend probably into the first week in November unless snow arrives before then. (Parish the thought!)
We are so very thankful for Harrison's and his dad's help. They are a blessing to us.
So, it looks like all our problems of how to manage the work are solved for this year. Maybe Harrison will want the job next year too, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Don and I are so fortunate to have a wonderful support system of good friends that we can discuss things with and have some fun with. Another blessing in our life.
Thanks so much for visiting. I do hope you'll come back again.
Mary