Of Self-Employment, Mailboxes & Minivans

Certainly less appreciated, but a benefit just the same [of self-employment]: I never have to return home after a day at the office, and wonder why my mailbox has been granted a new axis of freedom. Whereas the mailbox door used to be the only moving component of the system, the mailbox as a whole can now rotate horizontally. Truly a blessing.

I noticed a minivan coming to a stop in front of my house immediately following a smashing sound. I knew at once (this is my second mailbox, you see; I've been through this sort of tragedy before) that my mailbox was again the victim of another drive-by fruiting; except replace the fruit with a minivan. The first mailbox was hit (and killed) by something akin to an industrial-strength version of this minivan's passenger-side mirror, and it subsequently slid down the sidewalk a ways; its usefulness as a mailbox immediately diminishing. Furthermore, this second mailbox lacks the signature red flag, and one of those handy knobs by which to open the mailbox door - all victims of people whose responsibility never should have extended beyond vehicles larger than a Miata.

Anyway ... the driver investigated her passenger-side mirror for damage. Apparently the mailbox got a good right-hook on her mirror, and a neighbor helped her re-attach something. Her concern for the well-being of my mailbox was not entirely overwhelming. My super spy camera stole a glimpse.