Rick in Japan

We moved to our house in 2006. When we got here the property next to us on the south was tended to by a lady. Her house was on the other side of the field. She passed away a couple of years later and the owner never tended it. I started to manage the field…basically pulling weeds and trimming the grass when it was too high. And now, a gentleman, Mr. K, who is not from our neighborhood has purchased this field and several others nearby. Last Sunday he was doing his farming in his fields, and I wanted to trim our trees. To do that I would have to enter his property. So, I asked him if it was OK. He said Yes. (The truth is that he and I are not very friendly as I once told him to be careful with some concrete blocks that he left lying on the road to my house. since then, he has become as cold as ice towards me. On the other hand, his wife who works alongside is friendly with both me and Miwako.) Anyway, I did the trimming and when I finished I cleaned up the cuttings as best i cold on both sides of the fence. When i was done, there were still some kumazasa along the fence. so, once more I went to him and asked if it would be OK if i cut them. He was a bit surprised and said, “Go ahead.” So, I did. When I finished he and his wife came over with a bottle of green tea for me. The wife said that she was glad that I cleaned up so nicely when I had finished working on their side of the fence. And, lo and behold, Mr. K was standing there with a big smile on his face. Maybe we are friends…Maybe. For now, I can say “Alls well that ends well.”