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After a restless night I woke up tired & achey with a stuffy nose and pains in my upper back and left elbow, so I called in sick and went back to bed. When I got up again at 10 am Sarah said men were here to cut down the tree out front. (On Thursday I'd been sitting in the yard half-wishing that what was left of the wind-damaged tree would be gone because it was blocking the sun, but now I regretted that--be careful what you half-wish for.) They were quick and efficient, the chainsaws and woodchipper roared, giving the kids in school across the street some- thing interesting to watch. (Sarah and I both found it ironic that the big lead guy could climb very high up the slender trunk--after all, the tree was being removed because it could easily fall.) When I lived in the Czech Republic I learned one should treat as guests people who come to work on your home, so I went down with three big ripe organic bananas after they were done and asked the Ballard Tree Service trio now squeezed in the cab of their pickup truck if they wanted some. The guy on the end said they never refuse food. Would they like some espresso? Sure. I got it started then Sarah brought it down to them--cups, saucers, and a carton of soy milk. She said they said thanks again and again, surprised by the hospitality. When I moved here from New York City, my first impression of Seattle was that it isn't very friendly. Since then I've found good friends and certain social circles that are charming, but there is a lack of common courtesy. As a worker, I visit many homes and it's rare even to be offered a glass of water. In most cases, we're ignored. I think this is a Seattle thing. One of three tips received in a year came from a guy who'd just moved here from LA. I hope he doesn't assimilate too thoroughly.... |