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.
We are very rural. We know all of our neighbors, may not see them all of the time, but when we do see them, it’s great to stop & talk & find out how they are doing. Each of us knows that if you need something, all you have to do is call or stop by. Its nice.
Your living situation sounds ideal, Tina! I would love that. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We have great neighbors here. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask. We help each other out. It’s a friendly group of families.
Great neighbors are blessing, Pat! How wonderful that you help each other out. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We live in a rural farming community and my husband is a farmer as was his father and earlier ancestors on both sides of his family. And on my paternal side too.
Yes, we know our neighbors.
I would love to win this Amish basket.
Thank you for the opportunity, Kate.
The next time I have a question about farming, I should write you, Sharrie! What a wonderful heritage and life you have. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Our neighbors are truly a blessing to us. We share our lives and laughter whenever we are out and about on our street. They are vigilant watchers of our home when we are away traveling, and often will set out our garbage cans and retrieve them when we are gone on that special day. Blessings from God.
Sounds as if you have the perfect neighbors, Priscilla, as I’m sure you are for them. God bless you and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have wonderful neighbors. We live in the country so they aren’t real close but you know they are there if you need them.
Knowing you have wonderful neighbors you can rely on is a true blessing, Carole! Living in the country sounds fun rather than being able to look into your neighbors’ windows. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I know my neighbors and they are all blessings.
I bet you are a blessing to your neighbors too, Sandi! Thanks your writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
To me, the best way to meet your neighbors is whenever the chance arises…simply by saying “Hello” or a wave or a smile is usually all it takes to being the ‘meet’.
great blog! Thank you for the contest, Kate! 🙂
Thanks for writing, Cathy! You’ve introduced me to a new noun: the meet. I love making verbs into nouns. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
know all my neighbors they are the same people that were here when we move here about 20 years ago………..used to take care of the lady next door…..a neighbors is when others know they can trust you that what i have!!!!
20 years of living among trustworthy neighbors sounds perfect, Wilma! I’m sure they feel the same way about you. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t know all my neighbors, but I try to speak to at least the few houses right around me. Our most direct neighbor, right across our driveway, is one of those who is a little too much interested in your activities!! We have stepped back a little from that relationship as it was headed in a direction we didn’t want to go. But overall our neighbors are great folks. I have lived here long enough to have supported one neighbor’s family as she passed away and they had to sell the house, to greet the new owner of that house with a pan of fresh brownies, and offering kindness to another neighbor whose husband died suddenly.
Your pan of brownies to new neighbors and your offer of kindness in another neighbor’s time of grief tells me you are a super neighbor, Connie! Sometimes stepping back from nosy neighbors is the only way to go … Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Five houses on our dirt road. Two great neighbors, one not so much and one new.
I’m glad to hear you have two great neighbors on your little road, Judy! I hope your new one turns out to be wonderful too. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We use to have wonderful neighbors when the kids were small even a retired preacher lived next door. The kids called him grandpa! Now we have some questionable neighbors but a wave and a smile goes along wsy! I miss the old dsys!!!
I can imagine you miss the old days, Pamela! I bet your kids look back at those times with fond memories too. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I live in a rural subdivision that used to be my families farm. Most of my neighbors are family or have lived here lone enough to feel like family. I know that I can depend on them in an emergency, even if I haven’t seen or spoken to them in a long time.
Wonderful that your neighbors are family or feel like family, and that you can depend on them in an emergency, Charlene! I imagine you go to bed at night with a real sense of peace. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kake
We have beautiful neighbors, we get dinner brought to our farm and garden vegetables especially if they see us outside with a large project. Dinner at each others house and book exchanges each month. Life is good.
Your neighbors sound beyond fantastic, Sparkle! Life would be good. Think I can borrow some? Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate,
Love all of your books! The basket you have for the drawing is so cute…I used to weave years ago but no longer can do to arthritis in my hands. But….I can still read and love getting lost in your books.
Have a blessed day,
Dell
Thanks for writing, Dell! I’m sorry to hear you no longer weave, but reading is a perfect occupation and I hope not hard on your hands. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate.
I have the best neighbors possible. It is the Minister of my church and his wife! Can’t get much better than that!!!
I can’t imagine how you could get better neighbors, Judy! And I bet they are delighted to have you too. Thanks to writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We live in a rural subdivision with very friendly neighbors. I think the best way to meet neighbors is to be friendly with them such as you mentioned, talking to them when you walk the neighborhood. I also think the best way to know them, is to invite them into your home either for coffee or a meal. Our neighborhood had a garage sale last year and it was wonderful meeting new neighbors and we all had a great time. By knowing your neighbors, you can be a witness to them if they do not know the Lord.
Your friendly neighbors sound great, Joyce! And you are obviously generous and friendly yourself. Sounds like a fun and fruitful neighborhood garage sale. Thanks for writing your uplifting letter and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t know all my neighbors but usually wave as they walk/drive by. Teenagers usually don’t wave back! A good neighbor is one who has a well-kept lawn, leaves raked and repairs whatever needs to be fixed…to keep property values up. It’s also nice to have neighbors who will help when it’s needed. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Linda
Good for you for waving at your neighbors, Linda! Eventually those teenagers will get the hang of it. Years ago, I asked one sons to weed an older couple’s yard, anonymously. I think it was a good lesson for him and they never did find out who’d done it. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love most of our neighbors. I have a Girl Scout troop and I have 3 girls alone just from our street.
Thanks for having a fun giveaway.
What a fun neighborhood with three Girl Scouts on your street, Angie! I’m sure you make a great trip leader. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We have good neighbors. Best way to meet them is by saying ” Hello” when out walking. Love the basket. Thanks for the giveaway and have a blessed day.
I agree, Debbie! When I’m out walking everyone gets a smile and a warm “Hello.” At one time I didn’t know my walking partner, who lives down the street. Guess that’s how we met each other as she is very friendly too. Thanks for entering the giveaway and I hope you have a blessed day!
Kate
I live in a housing unit. There are about 28 units. I know my neighbors by face. Not all by name. I keep to myself most of the time. Most are younger with children. Since I am older, single, and go children, I find it better to keep to myself.
To each his own, Elaine! But I must add that some of my best friends have been quite a bit older than I am. Or were, as several have died. They were not mother substitutes, but dear friends. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We love being neighborly & teaching our kids how to be a good neighbor. After 13 years, we’ve managed to get to know almost everyone living within 1 block of us in all directions by delivering treats, meals to widows, & helping our neighbors with yardwork (raking/mowing/weeding/tree trimming) & snow removal. We now have a neighborhood gathering 1-2 times per year when we invite our neighbors to our house for a potluck or even just ice cream & socializing in the summer. It’s been a great experience opening our lives & home to create a close-knit community.
You sound fabulous, Jill! And you are teaching your children how to be good neighbors too, which will help them for a lifetime. Thanks for your encouraging letter and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My parents & now us owned our home since I was 7 & before mom’s uncle owned it . So we have had lots of neighbors . Dad played ball in the street with me & any neighbor kid that wanted to play . I moved back home to care for mom & since she’s passed We’re still here . Lots of Neighbor kids came to play with our Grand kids I cared for while their parents worked . We even had a big frig box all the kids played in . Windows , doors & all . They loved it . As grown ups they still talk about it & playing in our yard . One young man just said ” it was amasing ” Another thing we did a lot was taking food plates to older and sick neighbors . Also Christmas plates of cheese & Trail Bollonia to many family , friends & neighbors . Hubby is making a cheese & Trail Bl dish right now .I started out one of the youngest in the neighbor hood , now we are the oldest . Who would have thought . The kids that came to play have kids now .
Thanks for sharing your marvelous story, Mary! I would love to be living in my parents’ home and carry all those childhood memories with me. You and your husband sound like fabulous neighbors. Wow! What a great life and neighborhood, thanks in part to you. Good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
We have good neighbors. If you need something they are there to help you out.
Lucky you, Ashley! Good neighbors who will help you out are hard to come by. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We moved last summer to a rural country but have visible neighbors across a creek and right across blacktop. We do know them and are blessed to have great ones, we do our own little get togethers and it is wonderful having neighbors who become friends.
How wonderful that in such a short time your new neighbors are now your friends, Marla! Sounds like your move to a rural country was an excellent choice. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kake
I’m lucky that I have absolutely wonderful neighbors. The ones across the street have been there probably 45 years and are great. The ones beside me have been there almost all my life.. Further down the road I have relatives—on both sides. Wish everyone could have neighbors as great as mine are.
That is a beautiful basket, Kate. I can see all kinds of things I can put in it 🙂
I wish I could have as many wonderful neighbors as you do, Loretta! Plus, I wish I had relatives close by. I’m glad you like the basket … I also can see many things to put in it, but will resist keeping. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Our street is semi divided…..distance in land. However, on my end of the road (there are 5 of us) who are a very close knit. We look out for each other, support each other when trials of life come (one of the neighbors recently lost her sister – she was murdered in another town.) We came together to help as we could. We take care of needs as we are able (sharing groceries when times get tough, etc) I wouldn’t trade our neighborly family for a thing!
Your neighborly family sounds fabulous and unique, Nicole! I’m sorry to hear of your friend’s loss and glad she had your close knit community to support her. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I know most of my neighbor’s. We used to have block parties,but it’s been awhile.
Knowing most of your neighbor sounds great, Patricia! Our block party seem to be fading away too. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Our neighbors are the best. Very friendly We are always there for each other even without being asked!
What fabulous neighbors you have, Diane! I must assume that you are also friendly and willing to help them out as well. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I live in the country and know all my neighbors. We all know that if we need anything all we have to do is call or just drop in. I am blessed to have such wonderful neighbors!!! Would love to win!!!
I’m delighted to hear you live in the country and know all your neighbors, Dianna! Not many places where you can just drop in and be welcome. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
That basket is so cute and it would be adorable to welcome a new neighbor by hanging it on their door knob. Love it.
That basket would be a delightful welcome to a new neighbor, Cherese! I hope it finds the perfect home, whoever wins it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We have many wonderful neighbors and I enjoy sitting on the porch talking with them when they stop to visit our dog Cassie. She is a big hit especially with the neighborhood children. My hubby and I often joke the Cassis has more friends and visitors than we do.
What a delightful picture you’ve painted, Mary Ellen! I would love to sit out on the front porch and have the neighborhood children visit my dog, but I have neither porch nor pooch. Cassie must be friendly, as well as her owner. Thanks for sharing your story and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am so grateful for our neighbors. When we moved South from our northern home, we didn’t know anyone. Our neighbors and others in our community were very welcoming and it made our transition so much easier. Our neighbors have become our brothers and sisters. We all help each other in good and bad times, we celebrate together and are there to support one another in difficult times. Love is the answer and we’ve surely found it in wonderful community.
Wow, it sounds as if you move to the perfect community, Jan! I’m delighted to hear you have such wonderful neighbors that you consider brothers and sisters. I doubt this happens everywhere … maybe you are part of the reason. Thanks for your lovely note and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We have wonderful neighbors they would do anything for you. Bill has helped my husband several times when he needed a helping hand. Rachel always has a kind word. Love my neighbors!
Sounds as if your neighbors love their neighbors too, Charlotte! I bet the feelings of admiration and gratitude go both ways. Wonderful. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We live in a very rural area. Our neighbors are a bit spread out. We tried meeting them at Christmastime the first year we moved out here. We stopped by each house to deliver cookies. We have met the three closest ones, but really only communicate on a regular basis with the one. The other two are there quite sporadically.
Delivering cookies to your new neighbors on Christmas was a lovely idea, Les! An act of bravery, when you think about it. Good for you, and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I live out in the country and I do know some of my neighbors. I am blessed to like them too. I have had neighbors stop and change a tire for me. We usually keep an eye out for each other and double-check any unusual vehicles or happenings.
Liking your neighbors is indeed a blessing, Jan! The ones who stopped to change your tire deserve gold stars. Great that you all keep an eye out for each other. I wish you could be that way everywhere. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We are very rural and our neighbors are not super close but we still wave and watch out for each others homes.
Waving hello and watching out for your neighbors’ homes sounds great, Marvene! Thanks for writing and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We have wonderful neighbors on our horseshoe street…..When we moved here 3 years ago, we had neighbors waving…stopping to chat, my husband was so impressed with all the neighbors. After we were settled in they came over with cookies, and other goodies….and invites to coffee, tea or just chatting. We all walk the street with or without pets….we all know we can count on one another for help. My husband loves that 4 of the men are muscle car buffs like him….corvette men! We have monthly news letters that only pertain to our ” horseshoe” street. I recently loss my next door 84 year old neighbor….such a loss as I remember her warm embrace when we first met. We have wonderful, wonderful neighbors, even our “backyard” neighbors over the fence! We do a lot of talking over that fence.
Your horseshoe street and neighbors sound terrific. I can’t think of a nicer situation. Of course, having you and your Corvette-loving husband there probably makes their outpouring of friendliness and cookies more fun for them. Sorry you lost your lovely neighbor. Thanks for your terrific letter and for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
Oops! Good neighbors! They are ones whom you know you can run over and ask for assistance….or you helping them. Friendly, kind and helping one another! We strive to be that kind of neighbor, and are so blessed to have such good neighbors.
I wish I had more neighbors like you, Linda!
Kate
I do know a lot of them. We live in the country but out here everyone is pretty friendly a neighbor when is snows will come over and plow in which then I need to return a favor by baking them something. We all kinda watch out for each other. The one farmer plants sweet corn so everyone can pick and enjoy.
How wonderful that your neighbors all look after each other, Diana! Yummy, baking the snow-shoveler a treat is a great way to return the favor. And I love sweet corn … Thanks for sharing your life in the country and your neighbors. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Based on the comments here, I feel like the “square peg”. We bought our home fifteen years ago this summer. We are friendly, but these people are only friends to the people who have lived here as long as they have. They don’t welcome “newbies”. The only people we know live on one of the nearby streets. I feel a good neighbor is one who keeps their property up, is friendly, and is willing to help their fellow neighbor. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your lovely give-away.
Humph. After fifteen years, one would think you are not new to the neighborhood anymore, Melissa! I like your description of a good neighbor and bet you are one. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
We have lived in our house since it was new,38 years ago. We knew all of our neighbors then. In time, people moved out & new neighbors moved in. It seems the new neighbors don’t want to be bothered getting to know their neighbors. My husband went over & snowplowed a new neighbor’s driveway. He stopped & talked to the young man. The next time he saw this young man,he waved & the man didn’t even bother to return the wave. Sad that people just don’t seem to be as friendly as they used to be
Your story amazes me, Barb! It is sad when beloved neighbors move and are replaced by people who don’t want to get to know us or are even polite. Who would be rude to a man who snowplowed your driveway? I’d be thrilled. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We love our next door neighbors!! Although we really don’t know anyone else we love the ones on both sides of our house. One thing I like is that everyone seems to be so trustworthy. Our neighbors are always out and we all feel safe with our neighborhood-you don’t have to “know” anyone to see that. I hope I get to know more over the next few years we have just been in our house a little over a year.
How wonderful to have trustworthy next-door neighbors on either side of you, Toni! Sounds like a safe place to live. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I know a couple of my neighbors. They do seems to be good neighbors and we try our best to be a good neighbor too. I like to think that we watch out for each other’s places and would help one another in times of need.
Sounds like a lovely arrangement, Tiffany! Watching out for each other and helping in times of need is more than most people have. Thanks for writing! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I live on a real nice street with awesome neighbors. I think our children had a great childhood, playing with all the neighbor kids of all ages! We all look out for each other.
I’m delighted to hear that you live on a nice street with awesome neighbors, Antoinette! It’s fabulous when kids of all ages can play with each other in the neighborhood. Reminds me of my childhood. Thanks for bringing back fun memories and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love my neighbors! I am on the top floor of a small apartment building – there is a young single girl and a retired couple at the other end of the floor, and a single young guy next to me. It’s always fun when you get to hang out on the roof top on a sunny day!!
Hanging out on the rooftop with neighbors from your apartment building sounds fun, Kathleen! I love the diversity of ages, married, single … friends do not need to be cookie-cutter. Thanks for sharing this lovely scene and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We work and know our neighbors sorta. I enjoy sitting on the porch and watch the children play.
If our house were perfect, it would have a front porch, Annette! What a delight to sit out front and watch children play. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I knew some neighbors but not all. Probably because of the kids. Or my mom. She talked to everyone, every where. I’ve always been shy. And I’ve always felt like I was being intrusive.
Cute bag.
My mom also talked to everyone, everywhere, Ann! It used to embarrass me no end, but I guess I took after her. My sister too, who is far more loquacious than I. But no one seems to be offended by her friendliness. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love handcrafted things. and I love the Amish.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Pat! Good luck!
Kate
I have the best neighbors! We all watch out for each other, all our kids grew up together and we treat each other like family! We get together all the time for cook outs, birthdays, holidays or just to hang out. I don’t know what I would do without each and everyone of them in my life!
Your neighborhood sounds like the best, Pam! Wow, I’m jealous. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your life and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Fences make the best neighbors.. Although, I have great neighbors, too. 🙂
If you have both fences and the best neighbors, you have it made, Jeanine! Thanks for entering the giveaway and I wish you good luck!
Kate