Man about town

In Tennessee, I've seen our letter carrier maybe three times in five years -- understandable, with a half-mile to the mailbox; she's driven up through the gates those few times with special deliveries, though.

Here, it's quite a different story. I saw Isabel, our carrier on Simonton, several times a week -- usually wheeling her little cart along the streets and always good for a smile. One time, after she'd dropped off a package notice, I saw her on the street and we hiked three blocks to her van in the rain so she could get me the box.

Now I chat with Ronnie, who takes care of our neighborhood, almost every day. He sees me and waves, and by the time he's at the gate I'm off the porch, and it's a hand-delivery and a review of current events, on the street and in the world.

Last week he was there before I could get up: He was testing a little electric cart for urban use. He gave it a thumbs-down: "I need the exercise."