"Hey neighbor, do you have a jigger of tequila I can borrow? We're having some friends over and I don't have enough for my Super Duper Special Secret Margaritas!" That's my neighbor across the street. Did you notice he failed to ask ME to come to the party as well? Could it have something to do with the fact I'm most likely his mom's age than the gaggle of friends on their way to the fiesta?
I can't recall the last time I had a margarita, one at home, let alone bought a bottle of liquor. Sad, I know. Had to relay the negative. "Nope, ran out last night!" I wasn't too sure he knew I was being sarcastic. "But I think I have some fresh limes, if you're interested."
That, my friend, makes for a good neighbor.
I've had so many neighbors, just in the last two years, moving five times (a nomad or a packing junkie?) I must admit, I recall far more dogs names than the folks on the other end of the leash. Chatting over picking up a pile of poo is always a plus, puts you in the best near downward Dog position, looking upward towards their face while attempting to collect the entire mound. It's alarming. I always say, there's no dignity in dog walking. My dog invariably waits until the homeowner leaves the house before he takes a giant dump on the recently manicured lawn. Yep, that's "my boy!!
Picking up trash is another good neighborly practice. I carry an extra plastic bag to scoop up the bits and pieces lying around awaiting full decomposition. Yeah, that's not going to happen anytime soon! I toss the redemptionable items in a separate bag for the gleaners and make sure to shout-out the address as I pass them on the streets recycling pick up day. Every $.05 to $.15 adds up.
That very same garbage day, I scoot the recycling bins back on the curb and out of harms way. When cars clip the hard plastic bins, they skitter around and scare the children, elderly, and animals. Must sound like an attacker bearing-down on 'em.
I pick up excess poop piles, try NOT to judge the pet owner as I murmur swear words. I do the same with styrofoam (that NEVER, EVER goes away!)
And lastly, I find a way to volunteer in the neighborhood. The church down the street offers a free community dinner once a week. I don a hair net (very attractive) and apron, latex gloves, and a smile for four hours. Setting up the diningroom, dishing out food and visiting with folks over a meal makes my heart sing.
What is YOUR fav way to be a good neighbor?
Please copy, comment, and share. It'll do your heart good.