Handy

[endotoxin]

It's nice being the guy the neighbors call when they need a hand. The widow who still smokes a pack a day while on oxygen who needs someone to take the garbage to and from the street. Or the young couple with too many kids and too many house projects who call in panic asking if I have a water meter key. Or the guy from the east mountains who shows up cause he heard we were making green chile stew, and ends up going home with a handful of assorted native wildflower seeds in the bargain.

I have a schtick: I tend to cough and clear my throat, and whistle songs tunelessly as I'm approaching someone. I aim for "gentle, well-meaning, a bit goofy". So far it seems to be working in my favor.