Character matters...

Sometimes a balmy year-round climate or higher paying jobs aren't all that matter, sometimes its the overall character of the people of a place.

I've been doing some commission work for a widow who's husband was a big large-scale model plane builder. Most of what she has are WWII fighters at around1:16 scale so they measure about 2x2 feet. If the landing gear can fold up, might be able to sell and ship on ebay (had 1 great sale) but if not the shipping generally kills a deal. Anyway, had a couple of the planes on our local craigslist, one for about 2 months. Finally got a hit on it from a lady just over the MN line, her husband thought it was cool looking. With a big winter storm coming in, we decide via e-mail to do the deal tonight. I suggested a c-store meeting at the nearest little town in MN on I-90. She didn't know me except from a few e-mails and I don't know her, although I'm not generally fearful of meeting unknown people for the things I sell. I have a CCP but rarely carry, especially crossing a state line.

So, we meet at 7 tonight at the c-store which I assumed would be open. Not. The outside lights were on but no one around, anywhere. She had a dog in her car but it couldn't have stopped me from harming her. Maybe she had a can of mace in her coat pocket or 911 on speed-dial or was packing heat herself (very doubtful!) but I think she basically trusted me, as I did her. We had a pleasant exchange and both of us were on our ways. My metro area has gotten a bit more violent as its gotten bigger (or so it seems) but still lots and lots of good people around where trust is a big deal. I'm not saying big metros don't have a lot of good people as well but the perception that the odds of meeting a greater percentage of bad characters is out there. Maybe its not true but I'll take my region any day...