Cohousing-L Mailing List: Guy stuff? and odd couples

[Lynn Nadeau (welcome]

 comments about what's 
>great about living in cohousing from a guy's perspective

At RoseWind, the answer would probably be, "machines to play with!". The 
guys like the riding mower and tractor so much it's all we can do to keep 
them from mowing the fields to the ground. And at work parties they give 
rides to rapt little boys, ensuring a new generation of mowers, perhaps. 
They also get to use "ditch witch" trenching machines, tile cutters, and 
other rented treats, on occasions. 

I was surprised when several other groups commented that they had mostly 
women doing the meal clean up: here it's a big guy-thing, maybe because 
we have a spray table and professional blast-it-with-hot-water-and-soap 
dishwashing machine: big handles to operate! big roar as it rinses! 
colored lights to show it's on! Another man does major duty with our 
built-in vacuum system, cleaning nearly all the floors in the place every 
week. Roar! Buzz! Whoosh!

For those desiring quieter tasks, there's always barbeque grilling, with 
a ready "audience" glad to pay to share in a fresh-grilled salmon or 
such. And having a common house gives one so many more places to use a 
Makita drill! (I have a handy neighbor I jokingly call upon whenever I 
need something "screwed up" in the common house.)

Yup, I know this is a bit stereotyped, but some guys really do love it. 
In fairness, I should say that a few are getting enthusiastic about 
cooking, several volunteer with the little kids, and one keeps our front 
hall in artistic flower arrangements. And some of our gals drive tractors 
and wield power tools with confidence.

A general attraction of cohousing is that it provides well for ANY couple 
with differing social styles and needs. The extrovert can socialize a 
lot; the introvert can stay home in peace without having to get dragged 
to social functions just so their partner has company. The meeting junkie 
can attend the discussions and meetings; the hands-on type can weed the 
path or clean the  common-house stove. A consequence of having dozens of 
people around, is that people can do what they have an affinity for, in 
the delegation of what needs to be attended to. I think that's really 
what it's about, beyond the guys/gals thing. 

Lynn Nadeau, RoseWind Cohousing, Port Townsend Washington
See our website for newly-posted pictures of the beautiful geodesic dome 
house that just went up for sale here: designed and decorated by a 
talented Danish artist. Keep following links to realtor site ("more on 
this home" then "photo gallery"). A special place to have a look at, even 
if you aren't looking to buy. 
http://www.rosewind.org
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