Today I stopped at a local fruit stand that I frequent this time of year. It's located between my cabin and the cottage. There is one woman who is always working there, by herself. I bought two baskets of pluots, and one large one filled with sweet, white nectarines. The quality of their fruit is always superb, and they don't use any sprays.
The total came to $16.25. I gave her $21.25, so that she wouldn't have to use up her singles. She handed me back a ten dollar bill, looking slightly confused. I gave it back to her, and explained that she only owed me five dollars. She looked extremely relieved and a bit panicked and gasped, "God bless you."
I could tell that she was surprised that I didn't just keep the money. I would never do that; I know better. A lot of people these days get confused when making change. We learned and practiced it in school. I was trying to help her, but it kind of threw her off for a minute. I smiled at her and nodded. "God bless you, too," I answered. She is a hard working lady running a needed and wonderful small business.
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Good for you Stephenie.
ReplyDeleteMy dad always said that an honestly earned cent is worth more than a dishonestly made rupee (currency in Sri Lanka).
I agree with your dad, Nil. I did not want to shortchange her.
DeleteI am honest about money too, it leads to happiness all around. The fruits she sells sound delicious and healthy too with no sprays.
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DeleteThat's true, Terra. The fruit they sell is amazing! Such excellent quality.
DeleteYou did the right thing, Stephenie. Enjoy the delicious sounding fresh fruit with a clear conscience. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bless. I love our farmers. This fruit stand is wonderful.
DeleteI would have done the same. I would never steal from anyone and bless you for your honesty in this sad greedy world. How are you coping with the lockdown rules? Hope you are finding plenty to keep you occupied. x
ReplyDeleteHi Cherie, I am very busy with the garden, my home, and exercise. Going to the lake to swim has been heavenly.
DeleteKindness is always appreciated and warms people's hearts! Around here some Amish children were working at their farms' stand and I had to help them out once. Honesty is a virtue and it's nice to see it is still around! Andrea
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, Yes, I believe in doing the right thing. I used to sell produce at a nearby farm to supplement my income during the last downturn. It inspired me to grow more at home.
DeleteWith modern tills these days many of the younger generation don't count money at all they just go by what the till says. Honesty always pays.
ReplyDeleteIt takes practice and confidence. The lady working there is my age, but she just made a mistake.
DeleteMath skills are hard to come by these days for some without a calculator!!
ReplyDeleteFinding an honest person, helping out a hardworking person is a treasure. Good for you.
I never really learned to use a calculator, Steph. Thanks for reading and for commenting.
DeleteMaking change is a lost art. I had to learn fast at my first job a million years ago and I remember the event distinctly. I was a cashier in a small gift shop at an amusement park and my very first customer gave me the extra penny on a total that ended with 6 cents. Fast mental math was needed!! Are you finding it frustrating to buy fresh fruit with a mask on? Hard to give it a good sniff first.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, I started at Capezio Dance shop when I was thirteen. This fruit stand sells fruit that needs to sit in the sun for a couple of days. It's hard, but ripens quickly.
DeleteGood for you honesty is by far the best policy in my book.
ReplyDeleteI agree, mm. Thanks.
DeleteI think honesty within a person is such a beautiful quality, Stephanie. I am sure the fruit seller really appeciated it. MegXx
ReplyDeleteI think so, too, Meg. Thanks. She was extremely grateful. It was kind of sad. (to think that so many people don't expect honesty anymore.)
DeleteI think it is confusing to think just off the top of your head like that when you don't have a cash register. I would have been honest just like you, I never want to take more than I am due.
ReplyDeleteShe makes change all day, but I think she's no used to someone trying to make it easier for her to save ones.
DeleteNeighbourliness is always a kind thing
ReplyDeleteThey have the best pluots there, emw. I just love their business.
DeleteI love this so much! I was raised to do this as well. There have even been times when cashiers have accidentally not scanned an item when my purchase contains many things, and I don’t realize it until I get home and look at my receipt. When I drive back to the store to pay for the item the cashiers are always so confused as to why I would do such a thing. Haha! I always make some lame joke like, “Well, I’ve never stolen from a store and don’t want to break my record!”
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Courtney. It matters. I love that you drove back to the store and paid for the item.
DeleteThis is very good of you Stephanie. Honesty is really important. Not so long ago (although it does seem eons just now) I forgot to pay for a coffee in a coffeeshop, just walked out, distracted. Hours later I remembered and walked back to pay. The coffee shop owner was so surprised and happy, it made me feel better. I just googled pluots, I had never heard of this fruit, a collective name for plum hybrids.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you restored his faith in humanity, Christina. It's important to do the right thing. Somebody has to pay. Pluots are SO delicious!
DeleteI learned something from you today. I never heard of a pluot. I had to look it up. I don't think I've ever seen one, I don't think they're common in my area but I'll have to look around at the local farm markets. As always, I enjoy your blog. Bobi
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bobi. I enjoy your comments. Pluots are popular here in California. They are a delicious combo of apricots and plums. I adore them stewed. I hope you find them.
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