Mae and Angus Tuck make things to sell.
Mae’s projects include sewing, and Angus’s are woodworking. Their house is cluttered with half-finished products and the materials and tools they use to make things. They seem to not mind the mess.
[There] was everywhere evidence of their activities, Mae's and Tuck's. Her sewing: … half-completed quilts and braided rugs … His wood carving: … limbs of unassembled dolls and wooden soldiers; a ship model … and a stack of wooden bowls … with a jumble of big wooden spoons and forks, like dry, bleached bones (Ch. 10)
It makes sense that the Tucks would have jobs that allow them to be independent and migratory. They do not want to stay in one place for long, because people might get to know them. For this reason, they can make things and take them to different places. Over time, they have probably become very successful because they had a lot of practice.
Winnie finds the laid-back lifestyle the Tucks have embraced very interesting. It is quite a contrast from her own house, where there is a great priority placed on order. For Winnie’s house, there is a place for everything and everything in its place. The Tucks’ house is the opposite.
Into it all came Winnie, eyes wide, and very much amazed. It was a whole new idea to her that people could live in such disarray, but at the same time she was charmed. It was . . . comfortable. (Ch. 10)
It seems like the Tucks have learned to prioritize. When you have all of the time in the world, certain things become less important. The Tucks are not interested in house cleaning. They are happy and comfortable, and that is all that matters. It is easier for them to live in a state of friendly disarray.
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