My responsible employer, and the work I currently do have allowed me to work from home since the onset of the pandemic.
I miss my colleagues, a collection of international, diverse scientists and agriculture professionals. Over my years working in ag, I’ve met some of the most amazing people from all over the world. They have changed my perspective on so much, and I miss them dearly.
That said, I love my neighborhood and my house and there are benefits to working from my 8’ x 8’ home office confines and 6 screens.
I’ve come to learn that I missed out on a lot of daytime neighborhood activity during the weekdays when I was driving to a small town in the suburbs everyday for work. So at the risk of sounding like Jimmy Stewart in Alfred Hitchcocks’s Rear Window, I’m going to share some positive observations from my second floor Jefferson window. But let me assure you, there are no binoculars or cameras involved.
My neighborhood is improving tremendously. It is becoming a more positive place to be. There is a daily procession of teachers/early childhood development workers who walk the neighborhood with a gaggle of little ones in tow. They talk to dogs, look at the trees and talk to the kiddos. It is straight up charming and not something I would have thought an option five to ten years ago. Those little ones are getting out and enjoying life, hopefully forming lasting memories of Fox Park and the beauty of our old city.
People are spending money on their homes. With the lack of travel and additional hours in their homes, folks are upgrading, painting, putting in new windows, tuckpointing, etc. We all benefit from this upkeep and it is amazing to see all the work going on. Every craftsman and home repair salesman I’ve talked to during the pandemic have said they are crazy booked out with all the work going on.
Rehabbing is all over, too. A long time tenant was just priced out of her apartment as a major renovation is taking place in her building. The landlord raised the rent (still ~80% of median if I’m not mistaken). She couldn’t afford the bump in rent and was rightfully upset. She spoke to my wife about it when they were chatting at the dumpsters. I feel for her. She was quiet, but always kind and was a good neighbor. A two family on my block is being renovated to a single family home. The neighbors I’ve talked to are thrilled, this has been a long standing problem property with horrible landlords and violent tenants over the years. Violent you ask, too judgmental, you might read? I have stories as everyone does on the block. I don’t see how it would help to tell stories of the domestic and child abuse I’ve witnessed. I’ll just say stability and dignity will likely occur as a result and people are down with it, long time residents and newcomers alike.
When people complain about displacement, you have to ask yourself what that change brings. The home I’m referring to has had 4 street dumpsters filled with mud and concrete debris from a basement filled with years of deferred maintenance, settling and foundation decay. That’s not good for anyone: tenants, landlords, owners, neighbors. This is the kind of change all neighborhoods want. And yes, this kind of investment will lead to higher prices for housing. I’ll get into this more in my gentrification series.
I’ve already spoken about our positive interactions with local health care professionals. My time sitting just feet from a couple of my kids has been an eye-opener on our schools, teachers and fellow students. I’m always hesitant to share personal stuff about the kids, but I’m going to make an exception as I want to re-read this someday when I look back at my writing/life on this website. One of the teachers says “love you, miss you” when signing off after a lesson. That melts my heart. That kind of thing did NOT exist in my education…ever. Not at Catholic school, not at public school; I just didn’t have that kind of relationship with teachers. Further, I was in Aldi’s and one of my kids saw a teacher shopping. He said “wait a minute”, ran off and greeted this teacher with the warmest cordials, they chatted a few minutes and fist bumped. He loved this teacher, and obviously the teacher relates to students in the best of ways. I came down to make lunch one day and overheard a discussion going on over a virtual classroom meeting. It was a really intelligent exchange. I asked my kid “what teacher is that?” She said dad, that’s a student. I looked at the screen and saw a young man just fully engaged in a discussion. He could have been the teacher, it was so enlightening and informed. These kids are our future and are making due and seemingly doing well. I was just so happy in that moment.
Students aren’t the only ones sacrificing, the teachers are too. If your heart doesn’t go out to the teachers with newborns making that side of life work all the while keeping 20 students focused and engaged…role models I tells ya. Such a tough job, so much professionalism, patience and skill…we are lucky to have them. Pay them more. I’ll vote for that any and every time.
I’ve watched the leaves on a red maple outside my window change on the daily. I happen to be friends with the woman who planted this tree, and it makes me think of her every autumn, this year has been extra special. Our city streets need more trees, it benefits everyone and is a great investment.
No filters, no editing
On the flip side of the coin, I watched the Forestry Department skillfully remove a dead tree on my block with cars all over the street and pedestrians walking about. The geometry of this endeavor is impressive and they cleaned it up really well. I’m not always kind to city departments on here, due to my raw experience, but in this case, they nailed it. Thanks guys.
Rung for Women is a dose of positivity that continues to inspire me. I walk the dogs a lot these days during my lunch break and seeing people gardening and watering on Victor Street has been a true joy. It’s so refreshing to have new orgs and people who care for their properties moving here.
Neighborhood restaurants responsibly doing business, treating their employees and neighbors right and keeping us somewhat normal has been something to witness. I hope they can keep it going during winter months, because quality small businesses are an asset like no other. Thank you.
Man, does everyone have a dog? They are everywhere. Who are all these people? I never really knew just how many young people have moved in over the years. They are out walking and the streets are more active with positive energy than they have ever been in my ten years here.
I’ll leave the next one short and simple, I love the USPS and our mail carrier is an ace at her job. I look forward to the mail like a giddy schoolgirl. I know, pathetic…but you gotta take in the simple pleasures.
So while we have all been disrupted for the latest period in our short lives, there is good out there, so much I never would have seen had I not been here in my old house.
Change and adaptation is necessary for us all if we are to keep our chins up. I know St. Louisans are known for fear of change, but we all need to ride the wave and try to bring positivity to ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors.
I’m not tone deaf to the struggles people are experiencing with the virus, loss of loved ones and job opportunities. Just felt like sharing some positivity and personal thoughts to look back on.
Stay healthy kind readers.
