Thursday, October 6, 2011

Friday Shootout - My Favorite Thing

My favorite thing about my hometown - Mount Pleasant near Charleston, SC - is my neighbor's truck.


And yes, I realize that the front and back are fuzzy but I shot this picture a few years ago for a shootout done from the perspective of our dog, Sally, rest her soul.   And Steve's truck wasn't in his driveway for me to get a better shot this week.  

And I'm also not sure that the word "favorite" really fits here.  At least that is not quite the emotion that comes to me when I answer the phone and my wife's voice says, "Do you think you can borrow Steve's truck?"

This means that she has scored a victory at some auction, antique store, or Craigslist and her prize is something that requires a truck.   I always shudder a bit because I also know that it will require me to put it in the truck and then take it out of the truck.  

This week it was a washer and dryer.   And last weekend it was the whole moving experience I documented in my blog.  

However, all whining aside, it is wonderful to have a neighbor who is so willing to help. 


And knowledgeable!  He always denies it when I claim that he can fix anything but he is ten times the handyman that I am.  My abilities are summed up in the hat that Brian once bought me for Father's Day:


So after a few hours on a ladder or under the sink or elbows deep in the toilet, I will usually come into the house and say, "Well, Hon.  It's beyond me.  We're going to need to call a plumber (electrician, roofer, carpenter, mechanic) on this one."

Her response is always the same.  "Can you ask Steve's opinion first?"

I don't really mind getting Steve's opinion.  In fact, I've learned about everything I know about house repairs from Steve.  But I feel guilty because I know that he never just gives his opinion.  Invariable, he will leave whatever relaxing thing he is doing and spend sweaty and grunting hours fixing it himself. 

I guess Steve and not his truck is what I'm most thankful about in my hometown. 






15 comments:

  1. I have a neighbor like that. Let's hope they don't put in a for sale sign!

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  2. It is very understandable that you are grateful for such a wonderful neighbour! Doesn't he mind having his picture shown on your blog? My family and friends would go amok - they even hate me mentioning them, and I am not allowed to ever show anyone's picture but my own, let alone give names.

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  3. I want a neighbor like Steve! Actually my neighbors are great! :)

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  4. Reminds me of the Tim Allen show, don't remember the name. I like Steve too. Glad you have him. I just read your previous post and I believe it is the funniest yet. Congrats on the new baby and kudos for you and Karen's help to those kids. Gotta love the momma.
    QMM

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  5. As soon as I saw the picture of the pick-up truck--I laughed out loud. It takes a real man to admit he's not a handyman! Well done!

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  6. Ahh yes! A good neighbour in the truest sense. Reminds me to give thanks for my daughter-in-law. Friends say, "Get your son to have a look at it." and I ask my d-in-law, she takes care of most things and only calls in son when brute force is needed. Good for you for acknowledging Steve.

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  7. everyone needs a steve, bless'im! nice truck too...

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  8. We have a Steve, but his name is Al. Glad you liked my fishing photo. I forgot what was posted. I am enjoying the mountain leaves and pre-posted through Tuesday, but don't tell.

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  9. I'm lucky to have not one but two handymen at home, the husband and the younger son. But of course the son still got lots of learning to do.

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  10. you can borrow my husband sometimes, he works though not with finesse, and he is always asking where his tools are. LOL

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  11. Three splendid posts. All different and all immensely enjoyable.

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  12. I think i would enjoy accompanying your wife on her jaunts. Then we could both load up the truck. ;)

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  13. I'm getting a little envious. I'd love to have a Steve with a truck next door. (Mind you, I'd need the Steve to drive the truck when I borrowed it!)

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  14. what a great neighbor you have. let's hope he never sells his truck. nice tribute to Steve. did he see the post? and what was his remark?

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