In comments yesterday, emjay said that she has a bottle of cold water for the person who delivers the mail in an open vehicle.

I didn't think to mention that I do the same. I keep bottled water in the refrigerator and I give one to any of those service/delivery people if I'm home at the time. Yesterday Alberto stopped by to mow my lawn (takes all of 5 minutes) and drag the trash cans out to the curb for the waste management people. I never asked him to do that, but he does it anyway.

He comes every couple of weeks and keeps my so-called lawn weeds tidy. (When you lose sight of the cats you know your grass is too high). Usually I give him a chilled bottle of water and then on impulse yesterday, a bottle of beer, too. Big smile.

Even though we don't speak much, we've known each other for years, since we're neighbors. His children have grown up here, first attending the school across the street and then moving on to middle and high school. He has gotten more gnarled and sun-browned with age (if that's possible). On special days (Cinco de Mayo, Christmas, etc.) I give him a bonus--used to be something for the kids, now just for himself, in gratitude.

He does the work that I couldn't possibly do (I tried) and I'm very grateful.