CARETAKER

CARETAKER

2013

My caretaker came with the place. 

I thought it kind of fun that Elsy asked if I "wanted" him when I bought the place. Apparently he was quite fine with being passed on to the new owner. Not quite slavery since I pay him - more like an indentured servant. Anyway, something out of another century for sure.

Having a caretaker is like having a husband without the built-in hassles of a husband. He mows the lawn and takes care of the firewood, without complaint. I am not required to feed him or do his laundry or listen to his endless stories. (I'm not sure if my caretaker has endless stories for sure, but I am referring to the stereotype of a long time husband - hearing the same stories over and over, for years and years, and needing to feign interest. You know people with that type of husband - maybe you are even one of those husbands yourself. I mean no disrespect - just trying to describe something.)

Caretaking is an honored profession here and actually quite in demand. People like me with acreage properties with large lawns and much weeding to do appreciate the help. There's the compost, and keeping the deer fence in repair, and mowing the lawn and taking away the leaves & limbs from pruning and weeding, and building the odd raised flower box, checking for unwanted creatures in the attic or crawlspace, stacking up firewood - the list goes on. Plus, in my case as a newcomer, Todd is very helpful  because of his island knowledge - where to get gravel, who to call about various jobs needing doing, etc. And best of all - my Sadie loves him. She thinks he comes here to play with her of course, and bugs him to throw balls, which he does quite happily.