I’ve been living in St. Albert over one and a half years.
At 50-plus, I am still trying to find a place, which would be only the third time I rented because I owned my own homes for 25 years, and I don’t know why people say I look 28 but I feel 1,000.
After selling my share of my home, I have a six-figure bank account. I have never been in trouble except with traffic laws, and I have never had to be chased for rent.
I grew up in rural Alberta, and the first house I lived in growing up had a hole in the ground for water. As a kid, I walked through pasture barefoot, squishing cow manure through my toes.
Because I don’t get my driver’s licence back for another month, I've had to park my motorhome.
I went to the dirtiest dive in St. Albert to get a suite. While waiting outside to ask for a phone number and see what management is like (this time, I'm doing my due diligence), the tenants seemed OK.
In order to seem non-threatening (after all, a stranger standing by the door looks bad), I started cleaning up a trash-strewn parking lot and talking to tenants who were helpful. But the 20-something manager waited for me to finish cleaning and then told me to leave, calling the cops – who, for the 20th time in two months came to find out what was going on. Now, at least they are relaxed and know I am no threat. One officer said to me, “Kevin, it’s St. Albert – a haircut and shave might help.”
Remember – I’m retired at this time. I walk around picking up trash because you people keep throwing it there, and I want the St. Albert I remember when I was young – pristine.
I'm not a vagrant, just a redneck country boy, and the empties I pick up I have been giving to the food bank. I’m holding 100 now, and anybody can walk up and talk to me. Who am I to judge?
So please don't judge me. This time, if you see a fellow in a camo jacket picking up trash in front of your home or neighbourhood, don’t call the cops. Although I like them, I’ve seen them more in the last year than in the previous 50. They have better things to do, like catch the real criminals.
And thanks to racer Larry for the new roll of insulation. This nice fellow walked up and talked to me, and realized I wasn’t needing a handout.
Remember, honourable intentions achieve honourable results – something people have forgotten.
Kevin Mandrusiak, St. Albert
