Peddling past on my bicycle, I was late to recognize the cheerful Ashlander raking leaves from her front lawn on a Sunday morning. It was Pam Marsh, our 5th-District representative to the Oregon Legislature. Gardening is hardly newsworthy, I know, but it mattered to me. I always stop to thank people who are raking their leaves. Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and I love chatting with neighbors, rake in hand, while listening to migrating birds — at least when I can hear them.

Of course, if you’re a busy person, you could save a little time by using a leaf blower — neighbors be damned — or you could pay landscapers to make the noise for you. And yet, dear reader, before grabbing the blower this fall, perhaps you should ask yourself one question: Are you really busier than Pam Marsh? . . . I didn’t think so.

Sean McEnroe

Ashland