In case you have not picked up on this during my previous posts, I will just put it out there: I so enjoy my life here on Stauffer Ave. No big bells or whistles just a lot of singing birds in the huge trees. This part of town was a pasture in times past. Most of the homes on Stauffer, including our home, have been moved in from other locations. The trees are old and large and they shelter us with much shade. Dennis and I are living a fairly simple life style in our 720 square foot home.
A good friend Perry Schroeder has been keeping us supplied with tomatoes. I have told Perry that I do share them farther if it is more than Dennis and I can put away. An egg basket full of the red jewels is a lot for Dennis and I when they are delivered on frequent intervals. Across Stauffer Avenue live Marie and Pasquel an elderly couple with ethnic ties to Mexico. Neither speak a lot of English but they do fairly well and younger family members come and go to help them. In the mornings when Dennis and I are on the back patio with coffee, Pasquel is sitting on the back steps and more times then not we give each other a wave. When I take Pasquel tomatoes he always takes my hand in both of his and he looks me right in the eyes and says “Thanks.” Priceless.
Several years ago when we bought a stackable washer and drier to be installed in the first floor bathroom, we were left with an gently used older set that would no longer be needed in the basement. When I saw that Pasquel and Marie had family over at their home I walked over and ask if anyone in their family could make use of them. Oh my gosh, the washer and drier left our property almost before I could walk back home. There were lots of hand shakes and smiles. The next night we had a feast of tasty Mexican food brought over from great neighbors.
Stauffer Avenue is a gravel street on the northeast edge of St. James and I am sure it is the most sought after place to live in St. James, but of course I am biased. Dennis and I are living the small town dream. We know our neighbors, we work with our neighbors and we lend an extra hand when we can. On our north property line neighbor Jan and I tend to take a whack at solving the world’s problems as we visit over the picket fence. Is there any wonder why I so love my life here on Stauffer Avenue? Catch ya later.