when it becomes more than you can bear is to retreat to a place where, whether by inaccessabilty or law, people can't reach you.

At least that's my plan. Wish me luck.

If I don't get out and talk to intelligent life I am miserable.

The white folks and black folks come up and bum cig and beer money off of us and then say they will come back and do yard work. then they don't know when Monday comes. They're supposedly desperate for work and money but don't show up.

A Mexican guy put in the slab for our hot tub. Had two trucks and a trailer with a small backhoe on it, about four workers, got here at 7 am, it was finished and perfect by 10 am.

I know it sounds racist but I told hubby I need a Mexican gardener, since the white folks and black folks won't work. everytime someone comes on the property they mess something else up. Like the tree cutter driving over the electrical lines for the yard lights that hubby has carefully strung, and buried, and breaking the cords. We have a fence around the property of 2 acres and an electric gate for the cars.

We both have nightmares about intruders.

I have to deal with all sorts of people drama. I don't let it get to me as being personal and I employ expedient means.

'avoid what can be avoided; endure what cannot be avoided'
and
'sometimes the best answer is noble silence'

I do ignore/turn a blind ear/eye towards those who might make caustic remarks/display their ignorance, however I do not walk away when people intrude into my space/freedoms.

Imho, walking away when conflict it forced upon me is contrary to my Dharma and would only serve to reinforce the erroneous notions of those who force conflict upon those who do not desire it.

I go with the Bagavat Gita's advice when it comes to such issues.

If I am in a grumpy mood, I don't try to learn anything.

The rest of it is situational. I never forget that members of the great ape family can be dangerous, especially when they're afraid of something.

My five brothers (no sisters) are all extreme born again Christian fundamentalists.
They've told me how I'll burn in Hell for becoming Buddhist.

I find I am more at peace the less I am involved with them, and they show no interest in
communicating with me other than to try and put me back on their path.

With all that detachment and you'll be fine. Plus I can show you how to get out of a half Nelson, if you need me to.

I am a petite female, never learned to fight, never would risk breaking my hands or any bones.