Posted by Brett in AK on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 10:25PM :
In Reply to: That's the best deal yet! posted by Jonas on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 9:15PM :
For 15 years I've plowed the access road in front of our house and the neighbors for free. In all of those years I occasionally got a nice wave, but never an offer to help with gas. Well after the wear and tear on the plow and truck and the increased cost of fuel I decided this year to just hang a right when I came out of my property and out to the road. After I finished the neighbor came over and asked how much I would want to plow the rest of the road and his driveway out! I told him whatever he felt was fair, and that fair was what was going to be needed for any future plowing as well. Seems as though they just got used to someone else taking care of it. And these are all fine folks that make a lot more money than I do. I recall an old Ann Landers or Dear Abby quote. "People can only take advantage of you if you let them"! Every once in awhile you have to take a tougher stance. I agree with you on lending and borrowing. I hate to have to go and ask for the return of my equipment. On the few occasions I've borrowed equipment it always gets cleaned, an oil change, lubed and full of fuel before I take it back. I've always figured that's the way I would want it if the shoe was on the other foot.