Discovering the Neighborhood

Yesterday, hubby and I went for a walk around our neighborhood and into Lexington proper. Although we have lived here for nigh on six years, this was the first walk we had taken.

As we strolled down the street we met a neighbor who lives straight across from us and has been there for six months. We hadn't met him until yesterday. On down the way we met another neighbor, this time a woman who was busy painting the house for her son and his new bride. They will be moving in some time this week. It was amazing how friendly she was.

Hubby and I talked of little mundane matters of our daily lives as we walked. We laughed and saw many interesting houses we hadn't even notice, even though we drive by them each and every day, sometimes several times a day. Still, as we walked and saw them, everything was so beautiful and people would say hello to us as we passed, usually. I was surprised at how friendly they were.

It became more and more evident as we walked and talked, that getting to know the neighborhood was far easier when you walked than when you drove. People's faces didn't look on you with suspicion in their faces, but usually a smile.

Long ago, back in the hills, I remember when people would walk to a neighbor's house to talk and stop along the way. We could see them coming and my Mom would put on a pot of coffee or start making lemonade or something for them to drink. We always had something set aside in the refrigerator for company, even if it was leftovers.

Although we cannot invite people into our home for safety reasons in today's day and age, I think I am going to return to that "cooking a little extra" just in case a friend drops by or someone passes on the street and stops by the porch for a moment.

Hospitality and good manners can easily be shared, just as the people yesterday quietly shared a piece of their lives with us. We can be careful, and we can also reach out to people in quiet loving ways.