CARE recycling

We don't have curbside recycling. So way too often, one of us loads up a load of spent bottles, jugs and cans and heads to the recycling center.

There's one behind Scott's Grocery Store on North Clinton - you have to drive in through a gated chain-link fence. I enjoyed the newer generation-Xish attendant, who was very hands-on about helping me sort my recycle-ables. This is a welcome and fresh change, since one is usually left mostly to fend for oneself with some verbal prompts. She was enthusiastic, as if she was actually enjoying this gig. A little sunny attitude can really go a long way in a menial job.

I also like to use the one on Maplecrest near Stellhorn Road in Ft. Wayne. The worker there has been around for a while, and seems to recognize me - he's pleasant enough and has good energy, and helps toss my glass bottles for me. I appreciate because there is some loud clinking and crashing involved which can be grating to my ears, and I'm glad for someone else to help. He also never hesitates to educate a person - this time it was "we can't take the Styrofoam, but I'll take the egg cartons because I have someone that will re-use them". I thought that was good stewardship of the environment.

Once recycled, stop by Dollar General on Amstutz Road in Leo for those odd-and-ends: poster board, shampoo and conditioner, trash bags. Grab a bottle of milk while you are at it, it's supposed to snow tomorrow.

After living and traveling elsewhere, I have found the people of northern Indiana to often be friendly and open in public places such as this. Here today it's true - There's no formality of "Hi, how are you?" It's just a free-flow rant with the cashier about impending weather, possible cancellations, and therapy-in-30-seconds at the checkout counter. Strangers passing in the YMCA parking lot will exchange random comments and vent feelings without ever looking back, simpatico, never to see each other again.

And the exemplary four-way stop. The one that comes to mind is State Route Highway 1 in Leo and Leo-Grabill Road, adjoining the gas station, insurance business, cemetery and car lot. This is one's quintessential small town main drag, a couple of blocks from the local school. The most polite corner in the Midwest, where 50% of the time someone waves someone else on, the classic "You, no, please, you go first" kind of place. I'd like to take people in warring countries around the world and show them this example of peace and soliloquy. It wouldn't be the same to them, they'd just be admiring our fortunate American cars and the point would be lost. But there's a picture for you. Watch out, still, for the occasional teenager who blows the timing and nearly take out a high school cross-country runner.

There's no good parking along here, but the adjacent cemetery is one worth walking in good weather, as there are many very old stones. A snowstorm is coming and preparations must be made, your tour guide must end this there - Adieu.