Looks Great and Warm

 "Hello there.  Do you need a leaf cleanup?"  That was the text we received from the guy who does our lawn through the summer.  We've only had him for this last season.  But are consistently impressed with his work ethic and thoroughness.  He comes when he says, notifies us when he isn't coming, does an outstanding job and - importantly -  is affordable for us. 

The Husband had been trying to do the leaf cleanup, did half of the front yard.  We decided jointly that the rest could wait and I would help.  His back is more and more an issue, even though he doesn't complain.  I can see it in his posture, walking and demeanor.  Of course, I worry about him.

This text felt like a gift.  The cost he quoted (having not seen how much there was to do) was within reason.  He came by on the appointed day and saw all the trucks and equipment from our furnace replacement project (that hadn't been in the plan when we arranged for the mower to come) and figured we were too busy.  I felt awful for not communicating with him.  (The biggest obstacle is the ongoing (in its fifth year) construction across the street.  Whenever the dumpster gets hauled away to be emptied, it is immediately replaced with a new one that sits there for months on end.  It's troublesome.) 

So, he came yesterday.  We watched in amazement.  Just like Santa, he turned to his work and in a twinkle of an eye, it seemed, he was finished.  The leaves (and annoying pine needles) are all gone, he did a final mow and was finished in about an hour. I asked him how many yards he does - his response was as many as he can.  We were the third yard he did yesterday and finished just as the darkness descended.

Looks beautiful!!

He has been a blessing to us.  As we age, we find more and more that even though our minds think we can still function as we did a decade (or more) ago, our bodies just aren't up for everything.  We try to stay active enough that we can handle daily life.  But the more strenuous things cause too much pain. It's discouraging.  But this last summer our yard has benefited from the mower's care and attention and I have felt like such a load of concern has been lifted from my spirits.

And last night?  We had heat in all parts of our house.  The "new equipment" smell is mostly dissipated and my fears of a gas explosion were unfulfilled.  We have mostly figured out the new thermostats.  The guys are here figuring out the last little issue.  The tech seemed a little dispirited last night when they left that they still have a bit of an issue with the last heat pump so they're working through that. (He said he's never ever had so many problems with a job.)  Hopefully they'll be done in time for us to complete our pressing and postponed errands before some later commitments.  But if not, we'll manage. 

I keep thinking about what the tech said yesterday.  I apologized for this job being so big and complicated.  He said, no worries.  He chose this career and likes that every day is different.  He wouldn't be happy sitting in a boring old office every single day.  How grateful I am not only for that attitude, but also for the fact that we are all different.  That way, pretty much all aspects of life have someone interested and capable of resolving the things we are not qualified to do on our own. 

So, our yard looks really wonderful.  The furnaces have been replaced, and are pretty much working.  We managed to both be in the bed last night and slept decently.  For right now, I'm mostly content. Relieved is an understatement.  And hopeful a longed for permanent state of mind.  

I'm so grateful for heat in our home.  For guys who can handle the mechanical stuff.  For a yard that looks and feels taken care of.  And for something fun to look forward to this evening.