chicago '08

our across-the-street neighbors, Linda and Teddy, have a folding table set up in their front yard. the entire top of it is covered in ripe tomatoes. a plastic grocery bag filled with other grocery bags is tied to the side of the table, and a coffee can sits on the ground next to it. all day people walk up to the house, get a bag, fill it with fruit, and leave cash the coffee can. there are no written instructions about how much to pay or how to otherwise complete the transaction, but no one seems puzzled. the patrons have clearly been coming for many summers. from time to time, I see Linda emerge to empty the can and walk towards the local coffee shop. she returns a little later with what appears to be a giant espresso drink.