My husband and I just got home from a short walk. There were many folks outside gardening and gathering their yard recycle for tomorrow morning’s pickup.
This 1964 and 1/2 Mustang reminded me of Holly’s car in “Forever Amish”! I suspect my husband enjoyed talking about it more than gardening.
I think my husband was surprised by how many neighbors I know. But I have always felt it is important that you help new people who move into the area feel welcome, housewarming gift baskets are a great way to do it! It is also an amazing way to break the ice too. When our sons lived at home, I assumed I knew my neighbors because the local children played together or saw each other at school. Later, after the kids left home, I had dogs to walk and got to know my neighbors through our canine companions. Now, with a friend or by myself, I head out and stretch my legs, even when I don’t particularly want to.
Walking your dog is a great way to meet people if your pet is friendly.
I enjoy strolling up and down the streets getting exercise and chatting with people. I figure those out weeding or planting their front strips don’t mind my stopping to admire their work. Whilst they don’t mind some small talk, you must remember that weeding is a time-consuming job, so it’s important to let them get on with it. Some people enjoy weeding, whilst others despise that job. Some homeowners find it much easier to ask this trugreen illinois company to do their weeding for them instead. That ensures that their home looks well-maintained and cared for. Of course, others will be keen to do the weeding themselves and to have a chat. Some of them are veritable artists in their gardens and enjoy talking about their unusual plants and designs. One of them even mentioned how they’re using a shed builder to make a custom studio and storage space for their yard, and it was fascinating to listen to her talk about it.
I love gardening so much, I find it to be such a relaxing hobby. Plus, I love learning about how to grow all the different types of plants and trees. For example, I have recently purchased some lovely new fruit trees from the Gardeners Dream website. I cannot wait to see them blossom over the next few months. Are you a keen gardener? Let me know in the comments below if so as I would love to hear from you.
This woman enjoyed showing me her garden artistry.
Nonetheless, in the past, we’ve had a few neighborhood rifts. When you live in close proximity disputes sometimes arise. Oh, my, those can be unpleasant, and best avoided.
Do you know your neighbors? Perhaps more than you want to? My husband and I were pleased when an Amish couple said they wished we were their neighbors. We feel the same way about them!
What do you think is the best way to meet neighbors? Or would you prefer to not know them at all? Do good fences make good neighbors? What does being a good neighbor mean to you?
Amish-made 16″ x 11″ x 8″ purse/carryall bag with leather straps. Dated and signed on the bottom. The store calls it a purse, but it’s big enough to hold my smallish handbag. Great for carrying books, knitting, sewing or quilting supplies, or to take on a picnic.
Leave a comment and enter to win this Amish-made 16″ x 11″ x 8″ purse/carryall bag with leather straps. Dated and signed on the bottom. Plus a signed book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: either Leaving Lancaster, its sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! Winner has three days to respond. USA Only.
I love to get to know my neighbors and luckily they have been good ones. Over the years there have been many block parties and neighborhood camp outs with the kids, now all grown. Wonderful memories!
Your memories sound wonderful, Sonja! I miss all those darling neighborhood kids. Fortunately, most of the parents are still around, but it’s not the same. Sigh. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Our neighborhood still has alot of working folks. Not many children either but it is fun to say hi to the grade school kids when they go home from school as we are pretty much on a school route. Some have the cutest comments.
I think the basket in the give away would make an awesome book/crochet bag.
I love grade school kids and teenagers in general, Jean! I miss the many who have gone off to college and beyond. Too quiet around here. The basket would make an awesome book/yarn bag. Just to make sure. I tried it out … I hope whoever wins it finds the perfect use. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My neighbors are great, we all watch out for each otber.
If you have great neighbors you are probably one yourself, Rosemary! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love the bag, it would really be a nice bag for books. Love your books, Have a Blessed Day.
I love this bag too, Deb, and it does work great for books … But I’m making myself resist keeping it. Thanks for your kind words about my writing. Much appreciated! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love living in my little village…I have the most wonderful neighbors…because of many health problems…I don’t get around well…but I love sitting in my front yard and watching the world go by…most of my friends stop when they’re coming or going…just to say hi and fill me in on the news of the day…they have become so dear to me…thank you for the chance to win the beautiful bag…and I would love to win any one of your books!
I would love to have you read one of my books, Mary, while sitting in the front yard watching your friends come and go! Your friendly village sounds delightful. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have a good neighborhood which is on a dead end street. We know each other and will chit chat when we are outside. A couple of the neighbor I can call any time or knock on their door if I need them for something. Being friendly by speaking, waving, and always nice to welcome new neighbors with baked goods. Cute bag for the giveaway Kate.
What fun to live in a good neighborhood on a dead-end street, Marilyn! Nothing beats gracious and friendly neighbors and you sound like one yourself. Thanks for entering the giveaway and I wish you good luck!
Kate
We live in a very unique neighborhood. Most of our neighbors are only here during the winter months, they are called snowbirds. When we first moved into the neighborhood, it was June, so most of the neighbors weren’t here. When our next door neighbor finally arrived in October, they came right over to welcome us to the neighborhood. We were told that most of the people in our 2 block area lived near each other in michigan as well as living here. We were invited to their pot luck lunches that they had once a month in the open area behind some of the homes. Most of the homes are older mobile homes. We keep in touch with our next door neighbor, we have their address and phone number in Michigan as well as here in Florida.
I would would be honored to win the tote bag and books you are offering.
What fun to move into a ready-made neighborhood, Andrea! I’m glad they include you in their monthly potluck lunches. Sounds fun. And I’ll bet they’re delighted to have you where you are to watch out for their homes during the summer months. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have few neighbor, we live in a rural area. I have the most awesome neighbors my brother on one side and my sister on the other side of him. Having family for neighbors is the best of life. I am so blessed. would love the basket. always trying to find something to carry my books when we go out. would be nice to have them together instead of a bag
Having your brother on one side and your sister on the other side of him sounds fabulous, Gail! I’d love that. I agree, the basket would be perfect for carrying books. Who knows, you’ll win it. Good luck!
Kate
We have great neighbors. After the flood here in Texas a few weeks ago, our neighbors came down to check on us. Our Kand was completely flooded and we had no way out. They were so kind to help us. Thst is what real neighbors are. They just show up without having to be asked willing to help . They helped us with our storage shed thst was destroyed and helped removed equipment that eas list in the flood.
Watching the flood in Texas on TV was mind-boggling, Deana! Sorry you had to endure that severe weather, but glad you had terrific neighbors to help you out. I’m so impressed that they just showed up. Thanks for sharing your encouraging story. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have sweet neighbor, she has a plum tree, and let’s me pick them, I make jelly and share it with her. Our neighborhood is nice and quite.
Love the purse would be so awesome to have. Your books are wonderful!
Thanks for writing, Melissa! Your neighbor’s plum tree’s fruit and the jelly you make and share both sound delicious. It seems you are a nice neighbor too. I’m glad you enjoy my books (Thanks!) and like the prize. Good luck!
Kate
Hi Kate…we just moved to our neighborhood about three years ago. Lived in the country for several years then moved back to the city. I wanted to be closer to family here. Country living was great but here I have lots more neighbors. Lucky for us we are on a dead end street and have super neighbors. They are all nice and take pride in their homes.
Love the basket and really enjoy reading the Amish books. Would love to live next door to an Amish family. One more thing…I love the 1964 1/2 mustang….
How interesting that you moved back to the city, Judy! I certainly enjoy living close to family, but country living would be great too. if you’ve read my book Forever Amish, you know I have a soft spot for Mustangs too. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We don’t really have close neighbors. Living in the wide open spaces can be quite nice.
I imagine living in the wide open spaces is quite nice, Melanie! I can see right into my neighbor’s windows … a little too close for comfort. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We met all our neighbors thru our kids when we moved here 25 years ago. Most of them have been here longer than that.
A great way to meet neighbors, Kim! After 25 years you probably know them well. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My 2 year old granddaughter has been iny care this psst year and she loves to be outdoors. The two of us walk everyday, weather permitting, and we usually visit with neighbors along the way. Puppies and babies are great charmers and most people can’t resist them!
Connie
cps1950 (at)gmail(dot)com
What fun, Connie! I couldn’t resist stopping to me the two of you either. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We have lived here many years and know many of our neighbors. Some have become like family …we go to the their children’s weddings and baby showers now that they are grown.
Your neighborhood sounds fantastic, Vickie! Your neighbors must consider you family, too. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Have a some wonderful neighbors. Most of us are getting older so we try to watch out for each other.Some of us have been neighbors & friends for 15 to 20 plus years.
I love the way you write, the stories make you want to go to Lancaster and have a meal, shop for all the wonder quilts and bake goods.
Thank you for giving this old lady so many hours of enjoyable reading. ( due to health problems I can’t get out hardly ever).
Again thanks so much, Jan