The blessing of neighbors...
I live in a condo. There are 14 units connected and the same across the parking lot. It's a nice community and a real old fashioned neighborhood.
Many of the neighbors are older, but we have a few young families as well. "The ladies", as we call them, meet nearly every evening to visit - when it's nice they are outside and this time of year the gather inside, the whole neighborhood is welcome and many, including men, join in.
It's a neighborhood that checks on each other if you've not been "seen" lately. It's a neighborhood that watches the kids while mom runs an errand. Many of us knock and then "walk in" at eachothers doors. It's a neighborhood like I grew up in.
By just looking, you wouldn't think our condo neighborhood with the parking lot "yard" would have those great things, but we do. Of course, some neighbors don't participate in this level of community, and that's all right too.
So today, I'm thankful for my neighborhood and the neighbors who help me miss my family a little less. Thanks to Zoe and Ava for the movie & snuggles last night!
Becky Weber-Johnson lives in Janesville with her husband, Tim, and without their children who are away at college. She is an account executive at WCLO/WJVL and is the Saturday morning host on WCLO. She volunteers at her church, with the Optimist club and SpotLight On Kids. Becky is a community blogger and her opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Jan 22, 2012 at 10:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
I think I know the condo community that you describe, Becky, and my husband and I looked at units in that neighborhood when we were looking to downsize. We opted for a similar condo in a different neighborhood, but I find our "community" lacking in the camaraderie that you describe. Neighbors in our building are less interested in getting to know the "young couple" and keep to themselves. That's too bad...but we love our house, so we will look beyond that. And just enjoy the lawn care and snow removal that gets taken care of for us!
Jan 22, 2012 at 8:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
My neighbor runs a drug house, care to switch places ?
Jan 22, 2012 at 1:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
ImBack - it might be bait. Perhaps Sheriff John Bunnell and friends are behind door #3, or the JPD and a COPS film crew.
On the other hand, perhaps it's a "The Hills Have Eyes" type of community and burglars break in, but they don't break out...
"Norman, the ladies are complaining that the freezer is nearly empty again. Run the antique wedding rings ad on Craigslist again."
"Yes Mother".
Jan 21, 2012 at 12:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Bigger Fences make better neighbors . and distance helps too !
Jan 21, 2012 at 10:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
Sounds like you live in a great neighborhood. Unfortunately there aren't too many of those around anymore.
It isn't even about keeping up with the Jones anymore. It is more about making sure the Jones aren't getting something you don't have.
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