If you served free meals to the wandering poor during 1930's Depression Days, the needy 'tramps' as they were called, chalk-marked the sidewalk in front of your house with an X, so others would know.
Today, the caring practice of providing free meals at home to just anyone who might be perceived as a 'tramp' could be risky.
The same goes for other acts of kindness.
When, out of the goodness of their hearts, my parents hired a struggling out-of-work stranger to wash windows for a business they worked desperately to build during those Depression Days, they had no idea that years later he would be found, convicted and put to death because he was a serial killer, including several nurses in Chicago and one in my hometown.
The very thought of all this, gives pause to acts of kindness.
There obviously are reasons why, in today's world doors are kept locked and security devices installed, for safe keeping.
Many good-hearted folks now give money or volunteer in secure places to help others.
I'm convinced that the same precautions should have been taken in the 1930s, all of which is sad commentary on acts of kindness.

Chicago'a Park District wants volunteers, to seek & find goose eggs, to reduce the number of geese that foul parks.

What do you do when this happens to you?
It happened here today so I called the electric company to see if they knew when it might be fixed.
It seems someone drove into and broke a pole; but the electric crew was hoisting a new pole and reconnecting lines. "Electric should be back on in about an hour," I was told. Sure enough it was!
Fortunately, this time (it happens often in this neck of the woods) it was daylight. I keep flashlights and a battery-operated lantern available for night outages.
Unlike so many other times, today was lucky. I had just finished cooking a pork chop. Most other outrages seem to come at bad times.
Probably the most frustrating, is being without Internet & TV!

Why do you blog?
Why do you go Online?
I've updated my Profile to explain my personal reasons; but I'd love to know yours.
Here's what I added to my Profile:
"I love learning about the world's varied cultures, beliefs, ways of life, foods, families, festivals, occupations, etc.,. - straight from blogging folks in far-away places.
"So - much of my time online, is spent searching for that sort of information.
"One thing I've found, is that no matter the culture, we humans have a love for family...and peace."
Now I need to add one more thing to that.
Most all of us have a love and desire for the freedom to make our own choices without fear of, and intimidation by, cruel, dictatorial government leaders.
While free country laws give no license to our lower natures, they give us freedom to pursue the best in each of our lives.

An Iowa company sells mail-order rhubarb pies for $34.95.
That's for ONE pie.
I like Rhubarb enough to order one; but I think I'll try to grow some Rhubarb and make pies, sauces, cobblers and crisps here at home.
Rhubarb grows well in cool places such as northern U.S., Siberia and Alaska, where it's easier to grow than in southern areas.
Rhubarb means "from the barbarian, Rhu". It grew along the river Rhu which then was considered foreign or barbarian territory. Now the Rhu is known as the Volga.
Should you be lucky enough to find or grow some rhubarb, here's an Amish recipe:
APPLE-RHUBARB CRISP
2 cups finely cut apples
2 cups finely cut rhubarb
1 egg - beaten
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teas nutmeg
mix and place in glass baking dish.
Topping:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
Combine to crumb texture & pour over apple/rhubarb mix
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes
Serve with sweetened milk or ice cream.