What/how to pay???

Hey folks,
I got a local kid (mid 20's?) that is into everything. He helps everyone out and can do just about anything with nothing....
He's got a tractor with loader, an assortment of implements, a workshop stocked better than some garages, no girlfriend and lives with mom and dad. I had a pile of horse manure that got to the point that my smaller tractor would have been a couple of days on. He lives about 100 meters away and saw what I was doing. He shows up with his tractor and a dump wagon and took care of it/hauled it away. I tried to pay him and he wouldn't take anything, so I put money in an envelope and left it with his mom. It was in my mailbox the next day. He's always tinkering, and I had a couple of mopeds and an old motor. Dropped them off and he was pleased as pie. Now today, I have a wagon with a bent axle that I have been watching ebay for a replacement in the area. He stopped while I was fooling with the horses and we started talking about the wagon. He left, and when I was ready to go to the next pasture, shows up with his tractor to get the trailer. I asked if he had an axle, and he said he had a press. Took the trailer and left. I'm sure he won't want anything when it's done, but can't stand to take advantage of him (others do without a second thought). I don't have anything else as far as motors, etc to give him. Money doesn't seem to be an issue with the family, he works full time, dad is retired German army and agian from the post office. They paid cash for a 3 family house that they are renting 2 out and living in 1 .
What would you folks give in a case like this? He don't smoke or drink so Jack Daniels and Cigars are out of the question.


Dave

Hard to find young men like that now days, He probably enjoy's your company and just likes visiting with you. Offer to take him out to dinner one evening.

Sounds like his reward is helping you?

Invite him over for supper and be sure that he knows if the time ever comes when he needs a hand that you'll be there for him.

Some of us just like to work and help when we can.

visit with him more and find out what he would really like as a project or hobby then set him up with something

When he comes over, ask him to set down and talk a bit. Explain to him that you appreciate his help, but you don't feel right not paying him back somehow, and that you don't want to take advantage of him. Maybe he just needs a honest friend and likes to help out. I'm sure you can come to some kind of an agreement. Chris

Hello dave2,
I bet you he won't refuse tools! Just find out what he needs. Loks like you will have to be sneaky about it though.
Guido.

For Sure You've got a friend that alot of Us would Love to have, A rare Individual Indeed, Just MAKE SURE he know how much he is appreciated, Albeit, His reward is deffinately helping others, his Parents DID Raise Him right!Larry KF4LKU

Super 99 is right. Does this guy work? And I mean does he have a job not just the odd jobs. He may really need job to go to each day.
I dont have a suggestion on what to give other then a jug of fuel.

Dave ,
What kind of relationship does he have with his Dad ? Maybe looking for a kind word of encouragement, and he enjoys pleasing someone who appreciates what he can do.You may be the only one
that speaks positive to him. I know if I HAVE to do something, it is less enjoyable than if I WANT to do something.

Kinda sounds like another fella we talk about, that needs a friend for guidance.

(quoted from post at 15:05:42 01/25/09) Super 99 is right. Does this guy work? And I mean does he have a job not just the odd jobs. He may really need job to go to each day.
I dont have a suggestion on what to give other then a jug of fuel.

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He's the kind of kid that will never be out of work. When they moved here last year, he was recovering from a motorcycle wreck. As soon as he got a clean checkup, he had a job the following Monday. He is a certified ag/heavy equipment mechanic and can pretty much write his own ticket. He needs a girlfriend I guess. That'd probably ruin him though.


Dave

Not sure what the situation is for gift certificates over across the pond, but I'd suggest finding somewhere he'd be likely to uuse a gift certificate and buy him one. Even better if the certificate has the recipient's [his] name on it.

It's him, his mom and dad they are usually together. Him and his dad are constantly doing something together. Mom seems to be the boss. I've got plenty of stuff to keep his spare time occupied, just want to give him something for it.


Dave

like the other Gent said " be sneaky and find out what
tolos he can really use and then after you present him
with them tell him in so many words 'thanks' and maybe
he can fix something special you or others have with
the special thoughts on his and your behalf.
Tell him you won't take no for an answer.


Great to have gooooood neighbors !!!!!!!

(quoted from post at 15:51:43 01/25/09)

Great to have gooooood neighbors !!!!!!!

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If you only knew........... There are so many neighbors here that you choke on them. Sure is nice to have a good one now and then.

Dave

I do a lot of fixin for my neighbors and don't expect to be paid,just because they are GREAT neighbors!!!I'm in my 70's thou!

Hello dave2,
A second suggestion: When I was faced with the same dilemma, I bought a gift certificate and mailed it to my friend. If he helps so many and you sent it to him with his return address. ADDRESS AND RETURN ADDRESS THE SAME. IT WILL GET TO HIM FOR SURE.
Guido.

Maybe what he is really wanting is for you to pay or buy something for his parents since he lives there and might not be actually making any money to help them out. Buy them a couple weeks of groceries or maybe some "luxury" food that they wouldn't buy themselves. DO NOT TELL THEM THAT IT IS TO PAY BACK FOR ANYTHING!!! Just do it.

Perhaps you need to introduce him to your niece or some other young chick that is looking for a good catch!

What does he heat his shop with or run his tractor on ? A cord of wood, a 1/2 ton of coal or a drum of fuel oil or even gasoline likely wouldn't be refused.

Does he wear BOOTS? Who could resist a pair of Red Wings?

Find the fella a good lookin down home country girl! Only right thing to do!

A time will come when you will be able to repay him in spades. For now, give him your friendship.

I have been fortunate to get to know quite a few Germans through my work. Once they get to know you, they are very warm and friendly people. A while back, I was invited to a colleague's home for dinner. I was surprised when his teenage son sat down at the table with us and joined us for a beer and some conversation. What a contrast with American teenagers, who you'll never see when guests come over.

I agree with Mark B. Someday you will be able to do something for him thats meaningful . Maybe invite the whole family over for a good ole fashioned USA type cook out this summer. Just be a good neighbor back. I oftimes help other just because I can. thats what a good person is all about. Besides, he gets to do what he likes to do Henry

We have a junk yard on post where people turn vehicles in that they don't want to put money into to pass inspection. A few weeks ago, there was a couple of kitchen trailer frames in there that were in real good shape but bare. The stuff is sold to whoever wants it or recycled after a while. Maybe I'll see if they are still there and get them for him. I also have a 4 cords or so of wood that needs cut up. I was thinking to have him cut it and buy him a new saw. He's got a couple of old stihls and hushys from ebay that he fixed and uses. Stihls cost more than twice as much here as they do in the States (go figure). I had my buddy buy one for me and send it over, maybe I'll have him do it again.

Thanks for the ideas.


Dave