I was mowing along contentedly, reveling in my ruler straight lines in the yard today when a County pick up truck pulled up next to me and waited for me to turn off the mower.

What was this all about?

The man, he was wearing a County workers uniform, said to me, “Ma’am, my name is Tim.”

I said, “Hello.”

He went on to explain to me that there was no need for me, a woman, to be doing a man’s job.  He does yard work after hours.  He would be happy to cut the grass for me so I would not have to be doing the yard work.

I must admit to being a bit surprised.  When we first moved into our neighborhood (there are only five houses on our road, we are in the country) our neighbors gave me funny looks when they would see me out mowing, trimming the hedges, etc. but they got used to it.

The longer we live in our town, I am beginning to understand that the women do NOT to yard work. You see… I am trying to figure out a way to put this delicately without offending people…The town in which I live is predominately African-American. This is the best neighborhood in which I have ever lived.  I have the best neighbors I have ever had~and I have lived all over the country.  MFH (My Favorite Husband) and I are the only non African -American people in the neighborhood.

Back to yard work.  The women, when they are outdoors in the Summer months, will walk around with an umbrella.  Now, bear in mind, this is just my town and I am sure that it varies depending on where you are in Mississippi.  They protect their skin.  They do not want it to get any darker.  Then there is me.  I run in a sports bra and shorts.  I mow in cut offs and a tank top.  I get dark (well, dark for me.  I am fair skinned.)  It has been a learning experience for all of us.

So, Tim, was astounded to learn that I LIKE to mow, I enjoy trimming the hedges, etc.  Women just do not DO that!  Poor Tim.  He seemed like a nice guy.