In a society where family estrangement is reportedly on the rise, two sisters who live together in Greenfield model mutual respect and cooperation. Renee Robinson and Leslie Lopez bought the property on the corner of Pierce and Davis Streets six years ago, and since then their home and yard have sprouted a variety of projects, including waist-high garden beds, a chicken coop, and heavily laden blueberry bushes.
The sisters grew up in a military family with frequent relocations: Renee was born in Texas, Leslie in Maryland, and their brother in Florida. Years ago, Renee lived in western Massachusetts for a while, but ended up back in Texas, where Leslie settled in adulthood. A few years ago, Renee returned to Greenfield because she loved the change of seasons. “I wanted to come back to this beautiful place,” she said. “Then Leslie moved here and we bought this house in 2019.”
They had time on their hands during the pandemic and decided to put in a garden – something neither of them had ever done. “Well, Renee decided to start a garden,” Leslie said with a laugh. “I hated the idea.” Renee chimed in: “Leslie wanted nothing to do with it! My dream was to see stuff go from seed to food upon our table. I got into it, and Leslie did, too, eventually; she’s the one who works wonders in the kitchen.”
Three-and-a-half years apart in age, the sisters’ talents and skills are complementary. “I love harvesting peaches from our tree and zucchini from the garden, and collecting eggs from our chickens,” said Renee. Leslie noted, “I’m more than happy to turn them into peach cobbler and zucchini bread.”
When the sisters get an idea – Leslie insists that Renee is “the idea person” – they get down to business. “A dozen eggs went up to $8 a dozen, and then $11,” said Renee. “I said, forget that! Time to get chickens! And we just love those chickens!” Apparently, so does Lucy, their 1-year-old jet black Shihpoo. A cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle, Lucy tries to make friends with the chickens in their shared yard, but the feathered gals want nothing to do with the affectionate canine. “It’s so funny,” said Renee. “Lucy tries and tries, but the chickens aren’t interested.” Leslie added, “Lucy even brings her toys out there in the hopes that the chickens will want to play. Nope.” Although Lucy’s attempts to court the chickens go nowhere, she’s obviously adored by her humans.
The chickens have it pretty good: the Rhode Island Reds have full run of the fenced-in yard and their coop allows them access to the garage, where they can cozy up in nesting boxes in a heated interior. “We’re getting three more chickens soon,” said Renee. Still thinking about Lucy, though, she said, “Maybe we should get another dog? Someone for Lucy to play with.” Leslie remained quiet; the subject dropped. No doubt the women already have plenty on their plates. Both in their early 60s, they’re still working and have no imminent plans to retire. Leslie is an instructional assistant at Greenfield High School and Renee works as a receptionist at Patriot Care.
In addition to blueberries and peaches, they have blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and three varieties of apples. “I love fruit smoothies,” said Renee. “Leslie makes an amazing apple crisp.” The sisters are astonished by how large zucchinis can grow – and how quickly. Leslie often pairs the green veggie with lemon: “Lemon-zucchini cookies, lemon-zucchini muffins,” to which Renee excitedly added, “Indoors, we have a lemon tree and an avocado tree. Next year, we’ll harvest our first asparagus, because it’ll be year number three!”
They’ve grown oregano and sage, but want to branch out with more herbs. “We’re Italian,” said Renee. “Our maiden name is Yannutz, which was originally Yanzunni. Our great-great-grandparents emigrated from northern Italy to Pennsylvania and opened a deli. We grew up eating lots of Italian dishes, but want to learn about other kinds of cuisine. We want to grow rosemary, basil, lavender, and also garlic.” Renne wondered aloud whether garlic is tricky, and when assured that it’s one of the easiest crop to grow, her eyes lit up. “Let’s do it!” she said.
Some of their crops grow in soil contained in waist-high wooden bins: “It’s easier on our bodies,” said Renee. “All that bending down to tend crops in the ground? No thanks!” Leslie added, “Not at our age!” Renee starts seeds in the basement under grow lights so young plants can be put into the soil early. “Not just vegetables,” said Renee. “I grow flowers, too.”
The sisters share vignettes with easy compatibility, describing how their talents and preferences dovetail: “Leslie loves to mow the lawn, and I hate it, so that works out,” said Renee. Looking around their gorgeously appointed dining room and living room, Leslie commented, “All this is Renee. She can walk into a room and know exactly what it needs: colors, artwork, furniture. That’s not my strength.” The sisters come by their resourcefulness, in part, from their maternal grandparents: “They were extremely self-sufficient,” said Renee. “They grew up in Arkansas, worked in the salt mines, and later moved to Texas, where they hunted and even had a deer lease.” Leslie said, “Our grandfather was also a carpenter and built their home. They lived into their 90s.”
Renee Robinson and Leslie Lopez are both moms of grown sons, all of whom live in other states. The sisters love knowing that they can depend not only on each other, but on people in their neighborhood. “We have wonderful neighbors,” said Leslie, and Renee added, “We all look out for each other. These days, there are lots of political differences and such, but we know that disagreeing is OK as long as we’re all civil. Friendships are more important than all that.”
Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope” and can be contacted at eveline@amandlachorus.org.