He's a classic example of the foreclosure crisis in the banking mess that is in the U.S. He's relieved to get away from "the house that keeps on taking." It was cute, but expensive. Short story: his partner died (there is a look at the U.S. health care crisis in his story) and a house once paid for by two couldn't be supported by one.

I've picked up items at the curb before, but I'll never look at that process in the same way again. And I think it's time to get back in the the Freecycle email list. I have some things I can send out in the world to those who need them. I read about Susan (W y s i w y G) getting great items and handing off stuff all of the time. It takes some discipline to keep on top of that free marketplace, but the exchange is useful and falls under the "acts of kindness" heading more often than not.

SRS