The Fine Art of Barter and a Return to Over-the-Fence Relationships

Summary

The author describes a neighborly barter exchange involving turkey jerky, chocolate almonds, and a new bird feeder.

Abstract

The narrative unfolds in the author's backyard, where a new-ish neighbor, Judy, and her dog, Shadow, frequently interact with the author. After a mishap with a birdhouse, the author initiates a trade by offering Judy a stash of chocolate almonds and Bueno Bars, which were originally intended as a treat for Judy. In return, Judy presents the author with a new bird feeder, leading to a mutually satisfying exchange that humorously references the film "Dances with Wolves" and reflects a return to traditional, community-based relationships.

Opinions

The author appears to have a humorous and light-hearted approach to the story, as indicated by the description of the "awful shit" turkey jerky and the playful tone regarding the exchange of snacks.
There is a sense of nostalgia and value placed on personal relationships, as the author seems to appreciate the simplicity and directness of bartering with a neighbor.
The author seems to have a positive view of the barter system, equating it to a "Good trade" and suggesting that such exchanges can lead to beneficial outcomes for both parties.
The author implies a dissatisfaction with commercial products, particularly the replacement of a preferred brand with a "cheap brand of crap" by Costco.
The reference to "Dances with Wolves" indicates the author's appreciation for cultural expressions of trade and mutual respect, drawing a parallel between the film's narrative and the personal exchange experienced.

A happy ending to a weighty story

The ivy next to my northern fence is deep and cool. There’s now a flattened spot on my side where my new-ish neighbor Judy and I stand and talk.

Shadow, her black Lab, barks and barks, for she knows I come bringing turkey jerky.

NO, not the good stuff. That awful shit that Costco replaced with their own cheap brand of crap.

So the other day, after the local squirrel gang managed to send my brand new birdhouse crashing to the ground, breaking the damned thing into several pieces, I asked Judy a Really Important Question.

“You like chocolate almonds?”

Judy nodded.

“Wait here.”

I sprinted to the garage, grabbed my Big Fat Bag of Evil Snacks and high-tailed it back to my flattened spot.

Handed over the (too-many pounds of) chocolate almonds and Bueno Bars.

All safely untouched and pre-packed, mind you.

She grinned, delighted. Then she said,

“Wait here.”

She took the goodies inside, and returned with a brand new bird feeder.

Said bird feeder will hold just as many calories but I sure as hell won’t be raiding it. There is hope for my hips yet.

As Wind in His Hair said to John Dunbar in Dances with Wolves…..

“Good trade.”