My Husband, Construction, and Marijuana Plants
Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
My husband, Art, has been working in the construction field for a little over 30 years.
He has been privileged to work for the elderly and disabled, turning their homes into wheel-chair friendly environments to what society calls the elite class. For example, one of the many multi-million dollar homes he worked on was highlighted on an old 90's show called, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" with Robin Leach.
As the wife of this amazing hunk of a construction worker, I have reaped many benefits of the "throw-away" treasures of these fortunate homeowners who remodel their homes. It's true what they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. I have to say the family favorite is an older La-Z-Boy recliner that tips over when you sit in it-but this is another story, one I do not have time to share.
Actually, I do have a few other items worth mentioning: a silver spoon dated in the early 1900's, Brittany inherited a complete oil painting kit, Justin inherited a collector's case full of hard to find hot wheels, and I inherited seven collector's tea cup sets.
Along with the goodies he gets to bring home, he has found some interesting items tucked away in walls and behind kitchen cabinets. Items such as magazines which are sold with brown paper wraps and videos of the same nature. A yearbook from the class of '59, and gum wrappers from brands that were already extinct by the time we were teenagers.
Not only does he come home with interesting items, sometimes he comes home with interesting smells embedded in his clothing. Some, I won't list--let's just say there are times when he tells me not to touch him until after he showers.
Of all his ventures as Joe Construction Worker, we would both agree last week tops them all. You see, he has been coming home smelling like pot. He tells me this story about how his latest client has several plants growing in the attic and has baggies and papers in the ashtrays in the living room! Before you go judging our client, let me say that there is a legal reason for this. In the state of Oregon, we have what is called a Marijuana Medical Card. Sadly; the Mr. in this family has chronic pain from a severe illness-just had to clear this up.
Anyway, on Thursday, this amazing hunk of a construction worker comes home and tells me about his lovely day.
"So, guess what happened to me today?"
Adjusting to the aroma of the Cannabis, I say, "I can only imagine".
He tells me that he was in the garage cutting a piece of wood when he was startled by a deep voice.
"Excuse me sir, do you live here?"
"No man, I just work here."
The officers are staring him down--already suspicious. One of the officers is the one we had a problem with when our son had his motorcycle accident.
"We received a call that there are Marijuana plants on the premises, we're going to have to search the place."
"Well, the owners are not home right now, but I do know they have a medical card that allows them to grow the plants".
Fortunately for my husband, the son came home and answered the remaining questions from the officers. Art swiftly walked away and busied himself in the garage. With this, one of the officers followed him and watched every move he made. The officers left, finally receiving the proof they needed.
About an hour later, these same cops came flying around the corner and stop in front of the house. Art is thinking-now what. It seems that the son and the neighbor boy were having a conflict and the neighbor boy's dad called them again. Apparently, there has been a long-standing feud between these two families and even though everyone in the immediate area knows about the plants, someone has to be mean and call the cops about the plants.
My poor man, he always has something going on. I told him I was glad he made it home safely and I was so glad I didn't have to go bail him out of jail.
I did have one final question before we went into the house:
"So what were you thinking this whole time?"
He pauses a moment then says, "Sorry buddy, you're about 30 years too late".
Hi Teresa.Art must run into some pretty interesting situations. Bernd and I sold (resold, in parks) mobile homes for a while and some of the situations we encountered were darn strange. It's always a small gamble when you go into a complete stranger's home.What did you think that first night he came home smelling like marijuana?DianneHi Dianne, I can only imagine what you have encountered. It is a gamble :-)I figured it had to do with a client's home. He smells like cigarettes a lot and I figured he ended up near a left-handed cigarette on the job :-)One of the funnier things we came across when I was helping him tear out a kitchen was the amount of dog food we found behind the cabinets. Apparenty mice or rats? (It is the country) were stilling dog-food and putting it in a safe place. I am not exagerating when I say the pile was equilevant to a 20lb bag. I had fun sweeping it up.
hi t,very interesting. i guess all different types of jobs bring with them all different kinds of stories. all in the name of making a buck. this story is a keeper.thanks for a good article,my best to you,sueHi Sue, thanks for the comments, this was a toughy, making his story my own was a challenge, another part of writing I am trying to explore. Have wonderful day!
Ha, Teresa/ aka Lucy - this is great -- it reminds me of when my mom and her girlfriend sold at flea markets years ago. Her friend Vera also found many "treasures" from homes she had rented - One "lamp" in particular was decided to be sold by my mom and her but... the lamp actually was a bong loaded with pot resin and they unknowingly sold their treasure to an undercover cop -- my dad had to do the "spaining" (he was a police officer) -- dontcha think real life is full of sitcoms? Hey, Lucy, LOVE LOVE LOVE your new pic -- you're so cute!!!HI Ethel!! HA! That is hilarious!! I could just see you trying bail out your mommy and her friend. I feel a Thelma and Louise 2 coming on... yes, real life if full of sitcoms or maybe, its sitcoms are full of real life.Glad you got a good laugh and a great memory of your own! Love and hugs, Lucy
Cute story Teresa,I could tell you of a few times where I was the one that was looked upon when someone had called about trouble in the parking lot of our church. Of course, this is another story for when I am back to writing. And yes, the police had been quite a few years late.Hugs, love and blessingsHi Michelle, glad you enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading your story :-) Lord bless your day!
Hi, Teresa. Another interesting and fun-to-read story!Blessings, JaneHi Jane! Thanks for reading, I am glad it was fun. There is never a dull moment around my house, no different than many other households, I imagine.Blessings to you too! Teresa
Hi Teresa! I enjoyed your story. I have done similar things with working at homes where there was pot growing. Ummm... Oh, that was my house. Ooops. that was long ago and far away. I'm glad to hear that Art did not get busted for being at the wrong place at the "wrong" time. God bless you! By the way... I like your new pic.Hi Marc, good to hear from you! Ya! Thankfully those days are ove, by the grace of God! Thanks for the kind words on my new pic. My son's girlfriend took a bunch of pics--we had fun. It was bonding time. Lord bless you!!
Hello, Teresa. Great story. I you live with Joe Construction, I live with Bob the Builder. My husband (retired now) was a heavy equipment operator--I have a few stories about him that I will have to share.God Bless.SandraHi Sandra! Thanks! I would love to hear some Bob the Builder stories :-)Have a wonderful day. When I am able, I will order your books. Congrats again!!Teresa
Very enjoyable. I would be interested to read the article written from the police officers perspective. I am sure it could have an amusing twist.Thank you.Hi Joseph, thanks for taking a moment to read and comment. I appreciate it. You make a great point! I wish I could read the perspective of the police officer! Lord bless you!
Your husband has an interesting job. He must like it when you refer to him as an amazing hunk of construction worker.Hi Joyce, thanks for reading. My husband loves his job, he has worked on some incredible homes, but the ones he enjoy's most are the older homes. He says they have charm and they are a challenge. Plus some of the people that owned the big, fancy ones were not as fun to work for. He sat with one of his clients who was 93 for a few hours one day and learned so much about the pioneer days!He just laughs when I call him that :-) God bless!!
