…which elected us as one of their first Sunday Gardening projects. They pick people with yard projects that seem to need help, and happened to pick us as a) close and b) significantly stalled. They have to pass our unfortunate lawn to get to the church.
Their notion is instead of sitting every Sunday for a sermon, going out into the community one Sunday a month and doing something useful—
Like rescuing us from the project that with Jane sick had just languished. Jane will have pix. These wonderful people, men, women, teens, pregnant women with shovels, and kids from 3 up to Cajeiri’s age, all carried rock, laid pathways, did the foundation of the line between our no-lawn and our neighbor’s lawn in an intelligent way and a pretty one—and when we were 3 stones short, they went and bought 3 more of these 60 lb diamond blocks. It’s a splendid job. The pathways have basalt gravel, which will go hard and settled with the first rain, not allowing weeds ever again, the weeds are gone, the rocks are mostly brought up to the dry streambed, and it is over all gorgeous.
You’ve listened to our laments for the last couple of weeks: well, today we won the garden lottery, made the acquaintance of some really excellent people, and it’s beautiful. The pix will be worth seeing, I assure you. They had no idea when they offered that Jane had been sick and that we were in trouble. So here we are, and we are very happy with our diagonal neighbors!
That is so wonderful! Actions speak louder than words, and volunteeringt is my kind of “ministry.” 😀
Wow. In my neighborhood, a lawn that needs work just garners the evil eye and the sort of shunning usually reserved for terrorists. It’s nice to hear that in some places, people ask if you could use some help instead of just assuming the home-owner is lazy.
That is one of the coolest things I’ve heard in quite a while.
In some instances, people’s faith speaks loud and clear, and is good to hear. This is one of them.
Actual Christians! They exist! Something that truly bolsters my faith in humanity and in people – and makes me cry. Now, if prayers for Jane can help, I’m sure we’ve all dusted them off and sent them your way!
That is very, very nice of them. Haha, of course, they’re also hoping you’ll attend. But even so, the help for their neighbors is very good of them.
Your back yard water garden is beautiful. It’ll be wonderful not to have to strain over the front yard.
In my current neighborhood, people haven’t said much to me. But then, I’m usually gone and don’t hear it.
In one previous neighborhood, I would’ve gotten threats of legal action from the homeowner’s association. It got to be a joke between me, my attorney, and my real estate agent, while trying to sell the place. I am so glad that is now the new homeowner’s problem. But I feel for them.
I bet my neighbors will be stunned when I can finally replace one gate. Hoping to get prices next week.
What wonderful people – and I can’t think of anyone that deserves this more than you. You have given, and continue to give, so much pleasure to readers everywhere. Nice to see some of it come back to you. I’m sure Ysabel and Shu Shu agree – more time for petting!
What a marvelous thing to do! And you found your glasses too, I know only too well how frustrating it is to lose them. Hopefully (knock on wood) things will keep getting better.
And Jane’s got the slideshow up—go view our garden transformed!
And now … get out your best southern pie and cake recipes and bake up a storm for next Sunday after church.
People can be so wonderful, can’t they?
It all looks beautiful. How nice to have such good neighbors.They obviously tuned in to following your plans. It looks like your work. 😀
Now that, that’s what churches should be doing! Things that make the world just a little brighter!
Can’t wait to see the pictures!
Yes, Absolutely GREAT !!! (As for pictures, go get a look at Jane’s blog : there are quite a few there)
OMG what an enormous amount of work … felt daunted just looking at it – and then to have it all taken care of in one fell swoop – how marvellous! you are fully paid up for your bad times now .. except that I want to wish you more good things, so I am not going to admit the fully bit ….
How wonderful! I envy you your garden and your wonderful neighbors. It is great to see people help others.
Overall, human beings are very good… and it is a delight to be reminded of our essential, shared humanity like this.
Human beings can be wonderful or rotten or just average. It is *very* gratfying to see when people are at their best, kind and generous and working together for a greater common good.