Wuthering Hyders

Green or Ghetto?

I've always been a fan of the Earth. I love that it provides us with everything we need to survive. I don't know that I'd call myself a tree-hugger, but I've cuddled a few maples and dogwoods here and there. Okay, maybe "cuddled" isn't really the word. That just sounds creepy. I do believe that plants are important and I DO talk to mine. Of course, I talk to myself, too, so I'm not sure if that's normal. When have I ever been a good judge of normal anyway?

I had Heath put up a clothesline in the backyard so we could be "green" and save energy (and money) by not using the dryer during the two weeks in Iowa that it's warm enough to go outside. We had one growing up and I never thought twice about it, but I like the idea of conserving resources (and money) where possible. Heath seems to think our neighbors will think we're ghetto or redneck, but that's not how I see it. I think it's smart. We're saving energy (and money) by NOT running the dryer. Plus, running the dryer would make the house hotter which would make the air conditioner run more. We're saving money TWO ways. Heath likes this aspect. I, personally, love the way the clothes smell after line drying and I've discovered that I like taking them down, as well. Everything is displayed in front of me so I can easily decide which items to take down first so I can fold them as I put them in the basket. This is real progress since I hate the folding part of laundry.

Now, as much as I love the clothesline, I do have limits. There are certain items of mine that will not be displayed for all the world to see. Especially those that don't have enough fabric to be held with a clothespin. I can only imagine my neighbors finding a pair of naughty panties on their deck after a particularly blustery day.

*Knock* *Knock*

Neighbor: Um, hello. I, uh, found something on my back porch that I think may belong to you. (Gets red-faced and avoids eye contact while clumsily thrusting out a pair of tiny black panties.)

Me: Oh. (Wanting to crawl in a hole and die) Uh, yeah. Thanks. I'm so sorry. I'll try to be more careful. Thanks again.

Or, I could pretend I would be clever and witty about the whole thing and make some comment about runaway panties. That would never happen though because it would, no doubt, be one of our MALE neighbors that found them and we would both know that he was picturing me wearing them and it would be more than awkward. Or, the wife would find them and that would be a whole different can of worms I don't want to get into any better.

In short (or not), I love my clothesline and I plan to keep using it. With discretion, of course. So, if you drive by my backyard and see panties on the line, just know they're my tame ones. The naughty ones will be drying over the shower bar.