So I’ve got these little projects going on at home. I am fixing up four outdoor chairs and also working on a large piece of yard art. I will be sure and post pictures when I have them completed. I need a few materials like wood, paint, spray paint and brushes, so I have made a few trips to Lowe’s lately. I love to go to Lowe’s though in the past I would rarely leave the garden section. I know where very few things are located in this huge store. I have recently realized there is a whole bunch of stuff I don’t even know what it is or what one uses it for! But it is all fun and I’ve been learning a lot.

Yesterday I returned to this store with endless merchandise because the handyman Phil that is helping me rebuild the chairs told me I needed two wood boards. He explained I would ask for two boards, 1inch by 12 inch and 8 feet long. He then informed me they would actually measure out as 1 inch by 11 and 1/2 inch by 8 feet long. I thought that is weird, but O.K.

A young man named Maximus helped me find the boards. He was a little over six feet tall, slender, and with the long legs of a runner. His short, light brown hair was mostly hidden by his Lowe’s ball cap on his head. He smiled often, which made me smile.

“You really like your job don’t you?” I asked.

“I do. They’ve got me over here in lumber now. Lots to learn and I get to work inside and outside every day.”

“You’ve got a great attitude,” I told him. And he did. So content with what he was doing. The energy coming off of him was nothing but professional and happy, and contagious.

“Thanks. I love working here. Lowe’s will even pay for your education if you choose a trade working with heating and air conditioning, or electric.”

“So, you’re going to do that?”

“No.” This time he flashed a big smile and his whole face lit up, his hazel eyes shining. “I’m gonna be a pilot. I’m saving my money I make here to take lessons to fly, and get my pilot’s license.”

“Wow, that’s great, Maximus. You’re going after your dream.”

“Yeh. Ever since I was a little boy I’ve wanted to fly planes.”

It was a short conversation but one I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m thinking Maximus was maybe twenty-one, or maybe not quite. But he knew what he wanted and seemed so confident and comfortable with his life. He was one of those people that you just feel it is such a pleasure to be in their company.

He packed up my two boards on the long cart and took them to check out. I followed him. As we were standing in line I decided it was probably a good idea to inspect the wood. After all, one of my best friends, Money, was paying for them. :O)

“So this is 1 inch by 12 inch by 8 feet, right Maximus?’

He pulled out his tape measure to measure the wood.

I pointed to the board. “O.K. I know. It really is 1 inch by 11 and 1/2 inch by 8 feet. My handyman told me it’s not really 12 inches.”

Maximus measured the width, bending over the planks. He grinned up at me.

“Actually it’s 1 inch by 11 and 1/4 inch by 8 feet.”

I stared at him, thinking I just don’t understand why it’s simply not 12 inches. But what do I know about lumber? So much to learn!

I smiled at him. “Of course it is.”

c   Love, Joan