(Disclaimer, these images have nothing to do with my blog, I'm just showing off)
So, when I moved in here, and I was faced with the enormity of the amount of yard work to be done, knowing that me and my 65 yr old back and my almost brand new hip would not be up to the task alone, I asked my neighbor about a guy I'd see in his yard raking.
"Oh yes, he lives somewhere up the street and will call or text me to see if I have any work for him. He has always been dependable, honest (ie I've loaned him stuff that he has always brought back clean and in good repair, as a test.)
So I met up with Wayne. A 60 yr old man, who had started working as a dishwasher at Popeye's which is right up the street.
The first time he came by, I must admit I was not very impressed.
I had a pile of limbs I needed moved to the burn pile, he said he'd do it, but kept making excuses and not answering my messages.
So... I moved them all myself. This was the aftermath
He showed up that afternoon. He'd just gotten off from work, but I didn't know that since he doesn't return my messages.
something is wrong with my phone
he said. So I let him rake up the mess left where the pile had been, and we walked around and talked about other things I needed done, like the narrow area between the west fence and my house (full of ivy and POISON Ivy)
Didn't hear from him for a month. During this time I sprayed and killed most of the P Ivy.
The Original
Then, Tuesday, my neighbor texted to say that
yer buddy wayne called me askin if yu had any jobs for him
to which I replied
05/25/2021 09:21
Not today. I'm doin' some running around, then I'll be back to do some stuff myself.
I showed him the other side where the AC is located last time he worked for me. I said I needed that cleared out (Ivy and vines etc) he didn't really seem too interested in doing that
Then, at about 4:30, Wayne just come walking up to my side door, no phone call, no text, no nothin. Really pissed me off.and not in a good way
But... he was here, I had $10 in my wallet (I don't keep cash for the very reason that I know people will try to guilt you into bumming stuff from you: Been there, done that) So I gave him a mattock and told him to dig 3 holes to plant 3 tomato plants in.
My dirt is extremely hard clay, he had to work for that $10.
Not a very good job either.
He left, after again being shown that side that needs cleaned out.
Said he'd get back with me yesterday.
Yesterday was a bad day for me, I didn't leave the house except to go out and water those new plants.
I sent him a text, that today (yesterday) would not be a good day.
He replied, as he always does IF he replies.
ok
So today I felt much better, went out and ran some errands, and got some cash to be able to pay him.
He texted me at 3:23 pm today.
How are you feeling today sir, any better I can come today if you want me too..
So in several installments, I replied
@3:24 pm Yes I am much better, thank you. I didn't think you got off work until 4 or 4:30
@3:28 pm so what time can you be here?
@4:14 pm Almost an hour now and you haven't replied why do you do this why do you even contact me if you're not going to respond?
so then at 4:38 pm, he finally replied:
Not today maybe tomorrow OK, thanks
Frankly, I am not inclined to continue dealing with this, but now I have in my head the specter or some guy who sleeps on someone's couch and works washing dishes at a FF Restaurant, coming around while I am asleep or not home doing mischief.
So tell me, what would YOU do?
(Aside from adore my little turtle, who I hope will soon be joined by a little piggy)
I had to repair his ear, now to decide whether to paint/stain and/or where to place him
"So What Would You Do"
by
Jerry E Smith
©05/27/2021
All images are original