Love thy neighbor

   Oh, I do. Here's why: In June 2009, there were a couple of times when I noticed that my back lawn seemed to be growing faster than my front lawn. I would have to mow the back every week at least, while the front could go longer. Huh. Maybe I put more fertilizer in the back yard? Then one day I was working upstairs on the computer & heard what sounded like a lawn mower very close to my house. I peeked out the window, and there was my neighbor Bob, on a ride-on zero-turn-radius mower, going all the way across both his yard & mine!
   After he finished (because he wouldn't have heard me otherwise), I went outside to thank him. And before I could open my mouth he asked if I MINDED if he mowed for me. He said it's just as easy for him to do both yards at once. And he has been mowing my yard once a week—or as needed—ever since!
   I've left gifts & cards for him & Laura occasionally, which they keep telling me isn't necessary. But seriously, not only does he mow, he also does the EDGING, as evidenced in this photo that I took out the kitchen window this morning. The man is my hero. I'm assuming that because he started soon after I broke up with my ex, he wanted to give me a hand. And I am equally surprised & thankful every time he has mowed since.
   What can I learn from this? Don't ever pass up the opportunity to surprise someone & help them out. Don't expect anything in return. And be good to your neighbors.