More Joy .......

This is the table on the pavilion next to the pool .... the designated eating/drinking/smoking area. I am always amazed at the number of young people who still smoke. But that is another story.

Are you wondering what else is on the table? Could it be grapes ....... No, it is tiny green apples that some one plucked from my tree. Why? I do not know. I have 4 apple trees, so I will not suffer the loss of the apples. I give them away. I certainly can't eat them all. But, why would you think it would be okay to strip the tree before they had a chance to ripen? Think it was kids? Not necessarily. I have seen adults plucking away. When I ask them what they are doing, they will look at me like I am on their property, defacing their tree. Then they will ask what kind of tree it is.

Trash cans are conveniently located right outside the pool fence a few steps away from the pavilion. One is designated for aluminum cans, the other is for all other items. You will see that someone did indeed make it to the cans. Lifting the lid and putting this aluminum can in must have been just too much.

I find items other than cans in that receptacle. Swim diapers, tiny green apples, half eaten sandwiches .......

Lest you think we profit from the collection of cans, let it be known that I contacted the local boy scouts and offered them up. I only asked that they come and pick them up. I made it clear that we did not mind collecting them and that they would be in receptacles lined with bags. I was told that the only way they would take them would be crushed, bagged and delivered to them! I declined. Instead, one of my campers gathers them into his truck every time he comes out and the sale of them goes to benefit disabled veterans. This brings me joy.

Speaking of veterans ........ last week I was honored to make the acquaintance of a young man who had served our country. He was looking for a tent site and I happened to be outside gathering my tools together, getting ready to call it a night as the light faded. He drove to me and I was annoyed at first. Then I saw the wheelchair on the passenger side of the car. He apologized for not getting out to register and grab a map, so he was a little disoriented with the lay-out of the park.

After I chose a nice grassy spot  that would be easy for him to navigate he asked if he could just pay me, in lieu of going up to the office. I told him, "No, absolutely not." He looked surprised and I told him that he owed me nothing. He assured me that he intended to pay and was not trying to avoid it. I told him that I was old enough to be his mom and that he would just have to accept my generosity because I said so. His name was Max. He lost his ability to walk and it was my honor to host him for a night. That gave me joy.