When Percy was helping me with the ditch the other day, he asked how we’re getting our groceries during the quarantine. I explained how we usually go once every other week or so, either Steph or I going in as early as we can to catch a ride on the few combis. Percy and Lucrecia both said that’s no good.
“No more,” they said. “We’ll take a list, and we’ll make sure you get whatever you need. You shouldn’t be going into town.”
Okay, then! So we put together a wish list and gave it to them. I also gave them about $5.00 for cutting some hay for me to give Estrella.
While we were standing at Lamar’s listening to the water running into the tank, Percy asked if I’d like to change out the tire on Lamar’s car so Oscar could take it in to get the flat repaired. Sure, why not. We worked together and had it taken care of in a few minutes. Lucrecia weeded the flower beds while we worked. Percy said one day when they go into town, they’ll get it repaired.
That’s thoughtful of them.
When Rafael was here, he said we need to learn more Spanish. We chatted about it a bit, and he said he’d be sending a new phrase for us to learn every day. He’s kept his word. He said the only thing I owe him is an English phrase. He also said they have access to a small truck he’s allowed to have on the road. If we need anything from his ferreteria or from town, they can bring it. He charged us 5 céntimos (not quite 2 cents) for the groceries they brought.
They are kind.
Oscar has been coming each evening to pick up the day’s milk. He dropped off our money for the month of April last evening. He asked if there was anything else we could use help with. He apologized for how difficult things have been for us and said they are here to help. They also said they like the baked goods and wanted more. Steph pulled together the stuff she’d baked for our family and gave it to them to sell.
Oscar noticed the incubator I had on the fireplace. It’s empty because our chickens aren’t laying. He asked what the machine was, so I turned it on and showed him how it worked. He was amazed. He wondered if he could rent it to raise chicks because his dogs are eating ten to fifteen eggs a day at his place, anyway.
I suggested I incubate the eggs for him, and we split the chicks. He liked that idea, but was wondering out loud how to raise the chicks. I told him I had a place to raise them together until they were old enough for him to take. He really liked that idea. He said he’d gather his eggs this week and see if we can’t get enough for a batch.
It is a blessing to have someone to work with. It looks promising that we can help each other with this and that.
I was sipping a cup of coffee before heading out to milk this morning when the girls noticed someone walking across the field toward Oscar’s. The man crossed the ditch and stood there whistling, a common means of calling for someone to come out of the house, one that we often don’t hear.
I went out and he said he had all our groceries. Oh, this was the delivery fellow! Sure enough, he had everything except the parmesan cheese (pizza will be a bit… less). He showed me the bill with everything itemized. He did not charge for the delivery. The prices did not reflect an upcharge, so I suspect Oscar paid the delivery fee. I gave him a small tip, and he lit up. “Anything you want anytime, call me, and I’ll have it here!”
Well, that will be highly convenient.
It’s been raining every day for the past three days after a dry spell. The grass had been turning brown quickly, but we’re seeing green coming back in places. The animals are giving more milk with the increased moisture. We’ve been enjoying the refreshing change.
I wanted the vet to come out and help me wether He-who-must-not-be-named. I figured I could do it, but I’d never wethered a goat before and wanted to watch how he’d do it. We decided after butchering Hazel that we’d like to do that on purpose sometime. Having a fattened wether would be great.
The vet came this morning at 9:00, whistling from the front lane right when he said he would. It took only a few minutes for him to show me how to use a regular rubber band to get the job done. He said he’ll check in on the buckling a few times over the next week to be sure no infection is setting in.
One of the heifers was limping last evening, so I’d saved her up to look at. Turned out I’d saved the wrong one, so the vet had to wait while I ran down to the bottom of the pasture to walk the right one in. I had the children get him a cup of hot coffee while he waited. He looked over the heifer and figured it was just a strain.
I thanked him for coming and asked what I owed. “Tres soles, no más,” he said. That’s S/3 or about $1.00. I gave him S/5 and told him I appreciated his time. He was pleased, looked like. He said he’ll be back to check on the buckling tomorrow, and he said he’d be back in about a month to dis-bud them once the horn buds are big enough.
I think I’ll really enjoy having a vet as my next-door neighbor.
These are little things, but are there really any little things? To me, these are great blessings, gifts from God to me through my friends and neighbors.
Find some little way to be a big blessing to someone today. God wants to use you, too.
I have a Patreon link.
Juan David 