the flower bed

Well, I've been in my new place a few months now and I no longer have to make a point of not turning onto my old road - one of the pitfalls of moving only a few blocks. We've met many of the neighbours while out and about, walking the dog, getting the mail... even hanging out on the back patio. My daughter and the neighbour kids are equally comfortable at our place or theirs and we've even arranged a ride share to and from football practices.

They say neighbourhoods are not what they used to be, that people don't know the people who live around them beyond waving as they drive by. Part of the fault lies with the transience of people today. We no longer live in the same house and work at the same job for years at a time... we're always looking for bigger and better. Added to this is the design of the modern home, with the automatic garage doors. We drive in, close the doors behind us and walk into the house without even a friendly "hi" to the man next door watering his lawn.

I was fortunate to grow up in a very stable environment. My parents still live in the house we moved into when I was 3, and I lived in my last place for 20 years. We knew all our neighbours because most of them had been there for years too... many are still there.

My new place won't be quite the same. Many people are starting out or downsizing. Others are in the same situation I am... single parent with a couple of kids. I know some will move on and the face of the neighbourhood will be constantly changing, but for now, I'm enjoying getting to know those around me better. Some I know only to smile and say hello to, others I think will become friends.

Shortly after we got back from our holidays and really settled in here, one neighbour brought over a plate of freshly baked cookies and muffins... they were still warm. They drive my son to football on the days I can't and they knock on our door so we can all walk to school together. I hung up my "Welcome" sign between our doors and they water my plants before I get a chance to.

She's from Nicaragua, and her family was hit by Hurricane Felix. She baked up a storm (lame pun intended) and held a bake sale to raise money for them. The support was overwhelming. My daughter got on the phone and called her friends so they could come by and buy some cookies and banana bread, and most people gave generous tips. They were stunned when they counted the money and realized they had close to 2 grand.

This is what a neighbourhood should be... where people become friends who look out for each other. I've lived in 3 such neighbourhoods - I feel blessed.

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