September 6, 2024
OK. So just a fun story from Ireland. And I’m finding not an unusual one. I’m reminded of times when our tradesman, Tom, would tell me I could pay the next time and I would just stick 50 Euros in one of his pockets.
When I was here in June, neighbor Mick and I tucked up the road to visit Albert and find out if he would be interested in transplanting some young trees here at the cottage. He would. And he came to the cottage that evening to look at the job which we agreed would be best done in the fall. I asked him how much he would charge. “Ah, sure. Let’s talk about that when ye are back in September.”
It’s September. And I’m back. When I rang Albert to arrange a time for him to transplant the trees I again asked how much I would pay him so I could make sure I had the cash on hand. “Ah, no bother,” he said, “Ye can pay me when you’re back again.” It didn’t phase him when I said that would likely be March of next year. But I persisted. “We can talk about that when I’ve finished the job,” he said.
He came by yesterday and transplanted the trees. When he was done, I asked him yet again how much I would pay him. “Ah, well. Some of these trees need a bit of staking up for the winds. I’ll get the stakes and be back Monday evening. And I’ll let ye know then.” Great. Except that I leave Tuesday morning for Shannon Airport and my flight back to the States. So I will just have to take a guess about how much cash I should have Monday evening. As I navigate this payment never never land, perhaps I should consult Tinkerbelle. Perhaps she has so faery dust insights.
Beannacht,
Judith
Ah so dear heart – and only yesterday you wrote of meitheal. – So let me put it as a question what if it is not never never land rather what if it is their way of saying you my dear are now an integral part of our local community .our local meitheal -where we are not money centric – rather we know you look out for us (and you do) let us look out for you too….!? the 50 in the pocket – such a lovely touch. It is all in the what is not said but inferred. A left over from being colonised. We learned how to say things without saying them – lol
I can’t tell from the profile who sent this. But want to say the message landed clear and strong. Thank you!!!!
That sounds like the long finger pmt plan, lol
Laughing. I hadn’t thought about that!
What delightful people. But then, you are a magnet for good will and open hearts. What goes around comes around.
I was in Gig Harbor last Thursday, wishing I had a little more time to wander southward. Soon…
Gotta love that attitude