This is wonderful, Victoria. We just moved last year to a new neighborhood in a new town and on the first day we were here our neigbor came down our driveway with her dog to introduce herself. A tiny act that has turned into a warm, loving and mutually satisfying friendship. One of spontaneous dinner invitations - "Come over, I made a huge pot of beans and rice." Drinks by the firepit. Days spent at a tiny mountain lake in our canoes. Sharing muffins and brownies when we bake. Walking to the top of the mountain above us to see the sunset. It has been exactly what I envisioned but never had before. I am so thrilled. But what if she had not come over that day? Would we be strangers who just waved in passing?

Her husband went through lung cancer surgery this spring and my husband drove him to the VA hospital 70 miles away several times when she couldn't get off work. This is exactly what neighbors are supposed to do for each other.

I know you will create this kind of connection with your neighbors because you have already seen the value in it. I love the story you shared. It made me smile. Thank you for sharing your story so beautifully. ♥