Today when I woke up it was rainy and gloomy, but I woke up today. My Dad said, as his birthdays climbed into their 70’s and 80’s, that he was not afraid to add another birthday. It meant he was still alive and could enjoy his family; he could still do work and do things for other people.

So, sitting from the porch swing, what do we see that we are grateful for? Well, I have a bench and a porch and I can go outside. I can see the green grass…forget that it might need to be mowed and there are weeds in my gravel driveway… just enjoy the color and that it’s not negative 18 outside. I can see the neighbors, much older than I, out mowing their grass, I probably should be mowing it for them, but I know they like to do some form of exercise to stay agile. She had a lot of poison ivy growing up her tree and I haven’t had to fight with that at my place. (I did go over and spray hers so it is gone) I have a nice concrete porch and hers is wood and that means more maintenance. True mine has cracks in it, but that’s OK, it’s old but it’s not caving in.

Her sidewalk is all bunched up because the two huge maple trees between it and the street have pushed it out of shape, but those two trees completely shade my house most of the day, and the neighbor kids have so much fun ramping their bikes over her bumpy sidewalk. One brave skate boarder gave a shot at it too! I get to hear the kids laughing and playing all summer, and it reminds me of mine when they were small. I should make the kids some cookies. Sometimes the parents come with them. I’ve met many neighbors just being outside and saying, ‘Hi’ as they walk by. Yes, we have a good neighborhood. We’re getting to know each other and that brings stability to the community.