Neighbors

Neighbors.  You either love them or hate them.  I'm very fortunate that I have some very good neighbors.  When my husband and I retired here at the lake, we moved back into the same area we had lived in before and what a surprise to find that a neighbor across the street and up one house was our neighbor when we lived here before.  A lot of our old neighbors are still here and of course are friends too.  It was like coming home when we moved here.

Since then we have met many more of our neighbors and one couple in particular have become very close.  When my husband was with us, the four of us met at least once a week for an evening of good visiting and laughs and of course a few drinks.  We called it our Happy Hour. 

We had other good neighbors who became friends as well, but Spike and Betty held a special place for us.  The four of us just seemed to hit it off with similiar likes but also a few dislikes which led to interesting discussions but for some reason, we knew when to draw the line and never a cross word was said amongst us.  That to me is a good sign of friendship.  We agreed to disagree and moved on without any feeling of resentment.

Then when my husband became ill, again our neighbors had a good word or just check in and when he passed away, I had a house full of neighbors and friends here with me and my daughter.  They were there for me for weeks afterwards and still are here for me.

It is so nice to go outside and wave or say hello or just chat with a neighbor who is passing by or if I happen to go by their house.  We all seem to find the time to speak and see how the other is doing.  It is a caring neighborhood and almost a rarity in today's world.

We all look out for each other, letting someone know when we are going to be gone or just in general keeping an eye on each other's places.    Of course, living here at the lake which is a popular vacation and weekend retreat, we have a lot of what we call "part timers" or "weekenders."  Again, most are friendly but there is always a few who aren't as friendly or helpful but they soon learn after a while, that this is a close knit community and that we all care about each other. 

We are getting more permanent residents and try to welcome them and include them when we can.  We avoid the cliques as much as possible and for those few who insist on being isolated, we do not ignore them but remain friendly and let them know that we care for them as well. All in all, I think I have some of the best neighbors anywhere. 

This morning when I returned from an early morning doctor's appointment, I noticed one of my neighbor's was having a garage sale.  I stopped, not really needing anything but more to visit with them and look around too.  While there, another neighbor couple came and soon we were all catching up on the latest news.

We have a family camaraderie amongst us as we all know about our families and ask how they are doing or listen as we hear about the newest addition to the family or an achievement from a child or grandchild.  We are there for each other when someone is ill or has suffered a loss.

Yes, I am blessed and fortunate that I have such wonderful neighbors and especially my two best friends, Spike and Betty who are there always just as I will be there for them.