Living the Three R's

This morning I saw the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. The irony is that, five years ago, I would not have used the word "cool" to describe what I saw. It's amazing what a bit of time and three kids can do to a person's perspective.


Today was garbage day in our neighborhood. Every week on garbage day, a series of people (usually men) in their pickup trucks or else in a car with a trailer hitched on the back, come around and give every one's garbage the once over to see if there is anything they can salvage. That's not a new occurrence at all, although, I have to say, that I've gained a growing respect for these individuals who, for whatever reason, take the time to go around and save some of our "garbage" from the landfill.


This morning was no different. As I was putting the kids' wagon in the car getting ready for an outing, someone drove by and picked up some aluminum siding and other bits from my neighbor across the street's pile. I couldn't resist telling him I thought what he was doing was great and we chatted for a few minutes. As we were saying goodbye, another guy in a pickup pulled by and the two of them gave each other the scoop on where all of the "goodies" were. Turns out one was looking for stuff for the exterior of his house and the other wanted metal hardware and lumber. Then they wished each other a good day and said "see you later". Somehow that whole exchange just made my day.