Teamwork takes care of leaf-raking chore
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/10/2021 (1673 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Based on the belief that prevailing winds are from the northwest, I don’t understand why my lawn on the north side of Dowling Avenue East is always covered in leaves while the lawns across the street are comparably bare.
Could it be Mother Nature is telling me I need more exercise? After being shut in owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve become lethargic and have difficulty motivating myself. I’m a procrastinator as well.
As it’s growing colder, based on past experiences, if I don’t get to work immediately and rake the leaves we’ll have rain then a cold snap, and then snow and I’ll be faced with a soggy mess to deal with in the spring, no good for the health and growth of my lawn.
Though it was a cold, blustery day I put on a warm jacket and toque and headed out to do battle. With a good supply of leaf bags on hand I had barely started raking the leaves into piles when I was joined by a passel of young kids from four to 16, my neighbours from across the street.
They came well-equipped with rakes, energy, and enthusiasm. We soon had a production line going, raking, bagging, and toting the filled bags into the back lane for garbage pickup. It was interesting watching a small one dexterously wielding a rake twice as long as they were tall.
Occasionally one would disappear —with a “Whoopee!” — into a pile of leaves. With all this help we tuned an onerous chore on a gloomy day into a joyful event.
With everyone pitching in we were soon finished and I believe they had more fun than watching TV or playing electronic games. My hard working crew deserved a reward and, based on other years, it was time for rest and refreshment. Normally we would head for the A&W for refreshments but owing to the pandemic we’ll have to wait.
As soon as it’s safe to do so we’re all going to the closest A&W where we’ll all enjoy great big grandpa burgers.
Ron Buffie is a community correspondent for Transcona. Email him at ronbuffie@shaw.ca
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