July 9th at 3:00 P.M. the sun shone on Bellingham for the first time in over a month signally the beginning of... no, not summer. Yard work. Because that’s what homeowners do when the clouds break. Unless they live in California. A few years ago, I was visiting my brother in California. He hires people to cut grass and plant flowers. I told him I enjoyed ‘yard work’ so he said “Knock yourself out,” as though I was pulling his leg. I went outside and began pulling weeds. I didn’t know better. After about five minutes he stepped outside, looked around nervously to see if the neighbors were watching, and persuaded me to stop. Californians do not get near anything green unless it involves balls. Suntans may only be obtained on beaches or patio furniture. Exercise only takes place in ‘gyms.’ Where I live things are quite different. Lawn care is hired out only by senior citizens or by people who have immigrated from California. During the rare sunny hours in Bellingham, everyone weeds, mows, trims or plants. Perhaps this is why Bellingham residents always say, “I don’t mind the rain.” |
Copyright 1997 - 2005
SalmonRiverPublishing
All rights reserved