And the roof is done! Almost.

[botias]

Tomorrow, I must somehow, without aid of a time machine, convince the building center manager that they really did load only 14 bundles of shingles onto the truck. There's nothing wrong with 14 bundles except that it is significantly too few to finish the project, and also that they charged me for 18 bundles. But today, I nailed shingles to the roof! It's surprisingly satisfying work. I didn't want to stop in order to go to my meeting. I didn't get back before dark, but it seems that the roof is all but finished now. I hope to take pictures.

I made the mistake of asking Casino Orphan about his parents. I was trying to find out if they were anywhere in the neighborhood, or if they had just deposited him here for the day and gone about their business. "Is your dad around?" CO: "My mom told me that he died." Me: ! "I'm very sorry! Is your mom around?" CO: *head shaking* It was clear he was uncomfortable with my questions and I was sorry I asked. It doesn't really matter.

Comments

[zanthinegirl.livejournal.com]

i always think there's something really satisfying about doing something tangible and with your own hands. You can see the results! You've made things better! I've never roofed (good way to break my neck; and I'd like to finish this decade off with out needing a cast) but I suspect it would be the same feeling.

And I totally think that if you paid for 18 bundles of shingles you should get 18 bundles!

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

The roofing project is going to be wonderfully satisfying once it's complete.

How did you get introduced to Casino Orphan? Was he just wandering the neighborhood looking woeful?

[botias.livejournal.com]

I completely agree! The cast thing is pretty much the way I feel about skiing. ;)

Cross your fingers for me. If they don't believe me, then my only option is to be all Zen about it.

[botias.livejournal.com]

I think so! I am excited.

He lived in the neighborhood all summer and played all day with my younger sons and all the other neighborhood kids, and then their living arrangement came to an end and they moved elsewhere. Now, it seems that his mom just drops him off in the old neighborhood from time to time, presumably because she can't find or afford more concrete childcare arrangements. It's possible she's made an arrangement with another parent that I don't know about, but he spends all his time here, so I have doubts.

[prophecygirrl.livejournal.com]

That exchange with Casino Orphan is so sad! It's hard to know what to say or do in those situations, but at least you're trying. My heart goes out to him.

[botias.livejournal.com]

It is hard. I am resolved to show him welcome and happiness, but not pity or curiosity in future, and also feed him, if and when he shows up.

[prophecygirrl.livejournal.com]

I am resolved to show him welcome and happiness, but not pity or curiosity in future

That's... wonderful. It shows respect for him as a person, and is probably exactly what he needs. Also, food, as you say.