I've done it. I've fallen in love with our neighborhood and neighbors. Each morning at the bus stop it begins. We gather and visit for our five to ten before the bus arrives. During this time we catch up on the day before, enjoy watching the children greet each other and play in line and then we disperse after a warm greeting for a wonderful day. Not a bad way to start the day.
Most mornings I trek backwards along the bus route to catch one more wave to our daughter before they leave the tract and head for school. Along the way I'm able to visit with more parents at the other stops and others on walks. Final half of the walk I'm taking in deep breaths of everything in bloom. Each week the scene and cast of flowers change. We have the end of tulip season right now. The Wisteria and lilacs are taking their turn in preparation for rose and lily season.
The walk back toward the house is quiet, until the end where occasionally I'm greeted at the corner by a dear friend with just enough time for one cup of coffee before she heads to work. These are my early gifts.
Our afternoons, evenings and weekends seem filled with many trips to the park at the end of the tract, spontaneous visits from families out walking or riding around. This is a benefit to living further north. From Easter on, we have longer days. It was light until nearly nine tonight. Plenty of time to race around and wear out the children so they could pass out.
I love our neighborhood; the friendliness, genuine concern, celebration on a moments notice for a special moment. I appreciate having two parks within minutes walking and seeing more neighbors when we get there, if we haven't picked up a few on the way.
I'll always be grateful to my cousin, Karen Radditz, who insisted we find SOME home in the Raleigh West neighborhood. She knew it was a must for us as we raised our children. It helps she's a long-time resident of the Portland area and fabulous relator.
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