Having lived in the same house for 23 years I think it's safe to assume that I really love my neighbourhood. Every time I buy a lottery ticket I'm secretly afraid we'll win because then we would likely move. I realize we could stay in the same area, but I really love my house. Love the neighbours I have around me. It's all about location, isn't it? Right now our little village is perfectly in tune with our current lifestyle. Five of Abby's classmates are within walking distance and there are even more kids that are a year younger or older. Also there are three little girls in roughly Maya's age bracket. Yes, we have playmates galore.
There is a real feeling of community. For a long time Mike and I weren't part of the community. Before we had kids we'd go to work and come home and go in the house. We were polite to our neighbours, we always had a smile and a wave at the ready, but that was as far as it went. Having Abby changed all that. Now the kids are back and forth between our yard and their yards playing in groups that seem to change by the minute as one kid heads home and another one joins the fun. The Moms are ready with freezies and/or kool aid. Swimming pools are shared. Need to borrow a cup of sugar, the use of an appliance or last minute babysitting? You've come to the right place.
Lately Mike and I have been trying to work out what will be best for the girls when I go back to work. Abby can get off and on the bus at the sitters, but ideally I'd like her to get off the bus at home everyday. I made mention of this to my neighbour and she instantly offered to get Abby off the bus and bring her back to her place until we get home from work. I almost kissed her I was so relieved. One less thing to worry about.
Today we had one wicked rain/wind storm. Taking Abby to the bus stop was a hellish experience. The rain and the cold seemed to bite right through you. Poor Maya, I tried to protect her the best I could, but it was a miserable experience all around. Not surprisingly the school lost power not long into their day. It was decided that the kids would be sent home at 10:30 am. My neighbour can see the bus stop from her house where as I cannot. She called to tell me she'd let me know when she could see it coming down the street. That in itself was a very nice thing to do, but she went one better and offered to get Abby off the bus for me so I wouldn't have to take Maya back out in that bitter wet weather. I never thought I'd like being so involved with my neighbours. In fact, Robin will tell you I used to tease her mercilessly about living in Mr. Rogers Neighbourhood. I guess I owe her an apology because I've just recently found out it's a great place to live.
Won't you be? Please won't you be my neighbour?
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