The fight (another corona thread)

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Today our state governor mandated a "stay at home order."
I got laid off last week from my primary job, got in the car, drove to my second (very part time) job, and got hired (for at least 3 days a week/ part time/ 1/2 days) on the spot. Not quite a full time job, but not quite unemployed. Consider it the world's shortest unemployment stint.

I'm damn fortunate.

As I drove back from work today (In a certain car of german origin), I relished the open sunroof, the fresh spring air, and appreciated (in the context of the world having a 'bad moment')- just how understated and well the car was working.

And how I'm damn fortunate.

I got back to my mountain house (early- from only having to work a 1/2 day) and got straight to work getting the tractors ready for summer mowing. It was good to have grease in my hands. It was good to be sharpening the deck blades. Unlike yesterday's 40+ year old rusted deck with worn out zerks- today's decks were newer- accepted the grease with no issue.

I couldn't stop staring out at the mountains and the beautiful light on the yard and the mountains. One could easily forget all the world's problems in today's spring breeze.

-except-

As I got the tractors ready for mowing, I could hear fighting from the neighbors. They are about an acre away, the words weren't clear, but the desperation was. They were screaming at each other in anger.

Over time, it became evident they were under severe duress. From what I could surmise, one, or both had lost their jobs, and were unable to pay bills. This couple never fights. They are god fearing, hard working people, with strong morals and people who you'd be proud to have as neighbors. These are the people you give your spare house keys to- to safeguard your house.

But something was wrong. They were stressed, and taking their aggressions out on each other. "What do you want me to do?" was the only line I could make out, from an exasperated and defeated man.

I couldn't help but feel horrible for the situation. I couldn't help, nor am I in a position to help, but I couldn't avoid the feeling that I was hearing a worldwide duress, being played out in real time in the middle of what seemed to be a paradise to disconnected from the news.

I didn't dare now mow the lawn, as not to make the neighbors feel they needed to keep up with me.

In the end, it's just a field. The first spring mowing can wait.

I'm just really bummed. It could be my bridge to cross months/years from now. For most, a whole lot sooner. I wanted to go help, but that sure as heck was not the time to do so. Maybe in the next several days, as we wave from our tractors.

Wishing everyone the best.

ughhhhhh

[pwd72s]

Damn well written, guy. Thanks.

[Chocaholic]

Ditto. They say that months from now there will be lots of babies, and lots of divorces. The other victims of Coronavirus.

[wdfifteen]

Great perspective. Some of us are fortunate in more ways than one. Good of you to want to help, and to know when your help wouldn't be helpful.
Just a thought, maybe if you went on living life as normal it would give them a little sense of normalcy? I dunno. It could go either way;
"Look, the rich bastige is mowing his lawn like nothing is happening ..."
OR
"Well at least something is still normal ..."

Like I said, I don't know.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

"Look, the rich bastige is mowing his lawn like nothing is happening ..."
OR
"Well at least something is still normal ..." \

Yeah-funny you say that. A part of me that wanted to fire things up and get mowing just to break the spiral they were going in. They were both doing their best, but it wasn't solving anything, just going in circles.

Ironically, we both have the (more or less) the same type of tractor. When I moved out to the mountains, I liked what he had, and needed one, so I bucked up and copied him. It 'twasn't' cheap, but it was the perfect machine for the job.

I simply couldn't afford one local, so I had one shipped from the midwest, where tractors are more plentiful (and cheaper).

When we finally got to talking, he said "Yup- I won this tractor in a fire department raffle!"

I always joke with him, that if something were to happen to me, for him to come grab all my implements before they sell the house! No one would ever know!

[JavaBrewer]

"I'm just really bummed. It could be my bridge to cross months/years from now. For most, a whole lot sooner. I wanted to go help, but that sure as heck was not the time to do so. Maybe in the next several days, as we wave from our tractors."

Certainly you know best in that situation. Breaking all the stereotypes of SoCal living I would reach out to let them know we (neighbors) are there to support with no reference to what you overheard. Just to support given the terrible news we are subject to on a daily basis.

I have a couple great neighbors, one really difficult one, he was the first I reached out to with an offer to support anything he needs. FWIW.

[wdfifteen]

You know what you need? A common enemy. It's easy to bond over your disgust for some "other."

[Bill Douglas]

And this is only the first week or two of lockdown.

If it's going to be months do we expect total anarchy?

[Bugsinrugs]

I lived and worked most of my life in the Big City. My dream was to have some property away from everyone. I’m totally fortunate to have achieved that dream. I’m busy tending to the things that country living requires. That keeps my mind busy and the stress level low. I feel bad for people that are stressed to the limit and can only hope this crisis ends soon.

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

You know what you need? A common enemy. It's easy to bond over your disgust for some "other."

China.

I've got this is my back window and am getting thumbs up everywhere I go

[aigel]

Finances are the #1 reason for divorce. Especially if there are a spender and a frugal person living together. Do you think they were living beyond their means? How could they be broke one week into job loss? One thing that you often don't see is medical bills, those can be in the background in an otherwise well financially set family and they do play a role in a majority of bankruptcies.

Many banks and car lenders are putting a moratorium on payments right now. I would definitely check in on your neighbors in a couple days and go fishing. Maybe they open up and you can encourage them to check on some of the programs that are in place already.

G

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

You know what you need? A common enemy. It's easy to bond over your disgust for some "other."

Isn’t that what politics or religion is for?
And you’ll note I was very careful to not mention any kind of either...

[RSBob]

Leaky, it was important you shared your day. So many are stressed and at the breaking point, and then there are those who are in a better place, but you demonstrated your understanding. I hope that those who are better off don’t forget our struggling neighbors. Now go over and mow their lawn/field as a goodwill gesture.

Dewolf, what high school are you attending?

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by RSBob

Leaky, it was important you shared your day. So many are stressed and at the breaking point, and then there are those who are in a better place, but you demonstrated your understanding. I hope that those who are better off don’t forget our struggling neighbors. Now go over and mow their lawn/field as a goodwill gesture.

Dewolf, what high school are you attending?

the school of 'I don't give a fcuk anymore'. The world has pandered to the PRC Governments aholes for to long.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

You know what you need? A common enemy. It's easy to bond over your disgust for some "other."

Lawn weeds! That'll do it.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

^We have drainage issues! (our lawns, not us) That outta do it.

[Crowbob]

Originally Posted by dewolf

the school of 'I don't give a fcuk anymore'. The world has pandered to the PRC Governments aholes for to long.

Here, Here!