About 2 hours ago, one of the neighbor's kids knocked on my door
He asked me if I needed my lawn mowed. And yes, that grass sure was shaggy! And, as I am still on crutches, there is no way I'm going to mow it. So I asked him, "How much?" By this time, his little brother had joined him on my porch. His answer was, "$20 ?". I said, "It's a big yard, how about $25 ?". I always bargain, you see. I also offered to let them use my mower in addition to theirs, so that it would take less time. They were then joined by a third young neighbor with a weedeater. One hour later, my grass looks great! And I handed them $30, so it was easy to split up.....
School starts on Monday, I think that these kids now have school supplies for the coming year.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I don't think I'm "locked in the 50s", but I surely do appreciate when teens show initiative and try to earn the money they spend.
Good for you for making it possible and treating them fairly.
We live out here in the Texas outback, not many jobs to be had out here. In our little town of 1600 people out here on the prairie, we have no resources other than the jobs for our adult population. I, myself, commute 50 miles each way to my job every day, to live in a town with no crime, and a real sense of community. If I can help them out, so much the better. 
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Probably would have done it for $15 if you'd chiseled them down.
I'm partially disabled myself, and I pay well for those that help.
I provide snacks, juices, make them take breaks (paid) -
Even cook lunch (my own food) for them if it is a full day.
And they come back, and work their buns off.
It pays back to be nice to people.
As you may well know.
AND IT FEELS GOOD!
CC
