We are fortunate to live in a great neighborhood. What makes it great? Here’s a partial list:
- Looking out for one another. Today there was a bit of a snow storm. I got home from work (a T disaster, but that’s a story for another day) a little late, and figured it would be a good idea to shovel the walk and driveway. I dump my backpack inside the house and head outside, only to see my neighbor Rob zipping by my sidewalk with his snowblower at full throttle. I shout “I Love You” to him as he continues down the sidewalk. On his return, he plowed out the end of the driveway. The best thing is that he is one of four people in the immediate vicinity of the house with a snowblower and who will clear paths for anyone on the block.
- Impromptu dinners. We often will get together, pool our resources, and sup with subsets of the neighbors on the weekend. A great time to socialize and sample the exceptional cooking that seems to be the norm around here.
- Ski trips. This seems to baffle most people. “You take ski trips with your…neighbors?” Yes, we do, For the past 15 years or so, about 25-40 of us take over Purity Springs Resort and ski King Pine mountain in New Hampshire. It’s a tiny mountain that is perfect for the young ‘uns learning to ski, but has enough trails to most people to keep busy. We do goofy things at night, including sing-a-longs and playing salad bowl (otherwise known as celebrity).
I gather from talking with other people that this in not the norm. Apparently most people, if they even know their neighbors, are pretty happy keeping their distance. Like I said, I am fortunate to be in a place where we’re part of a neighborhood.