Since moving to our new home six months ago, we've become close to two sets of neighbors. One family has four girls, ranging from almost seven-year-old twins to a 15-year-old. The mom is an awesome baker with a small dessert catering business. The other family has two girls: one in elementary school and one in middle school. Both families have been a godsend since we moved -- lending us household appliances, helping the husband move furniture, providing much-needed "new homeowner" advice and, most importantly, babysitting the kids. They are very different families -- the one with two girls are fellow Obama supporters, the one with four girls are apolitical; the two girls go to a posh DC private school, while the four girls all attend public school, etc -- but they are all amazingly caring and generous, and they have made me (especially since the husband works long lawfirm hours) feel at home on this block.
Twice a week, my neighbor L -- the baker -- has her 15-year-old daughter pick up the kids and walk them across the street for dinner and a playdate. It's not only a two-hour break for mama, but it's a great time for the kids, who are quite attached to the twins. One of the twins has even decided she and E are a "prince and princess." The regular visits often end in a doggy bag of food for the husband and me and home-made treats by a professional baker. What could be better?
My other neighbor, M, was so concerned about me one day she brought me a take-out dinner. When I called her later on to ask how much I owed her, she shushed me and said "Don't even think about it. We're neighbors!" Since I'm usually on the receiving end of the favors, I was thrilled when in one week M and L needed to borrow sugar and milk, respectively, for recipes. A couple of afternoons later, when I was feeling particularly energetic, I hosted the twins for a playdate while L delivered desserts to a VIP client. The girls were great, and it was good to repay the generosity.
As much as I loved living in New York, we never had the stereotypical "cup of sugar" relationship with our apartment neighbors. We were friends with various building mates, but we didn't rely on each other on a regular basis, so this sense of community is all new to us. What I love about my neighbors is that they aren't necessarily people we would've seen ourselves bonding with, but here we are, forever in debt to the way they've treated us since the day we moved in!
Do you have amazing neighbors? Tell me about them.
I wanna live in your neighborhood.
I have a similar neighborhood. (Although no one's bringing me take out or magically taking my kids away.) All my babysitters are on my street. I regularly swap groceries with the neighbors. We all know each other and watch out for each other.
It's nice. (Sometimes a little creepy, but nice.)
Posted by: Stimey | March 10, 2008 at 09:10 PM
But creepy in a good way! I just wish it didn't feel like I'm always on the receiving end!
Posted by: Urban Mama | March 11, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Sandie, I do know just how lucky you are. When we first moved to a small town northwest of Chicago, we were greeted by one neighbor with one of those giant chocolate chip cookies with a little house painted in icing with our house # on it. They've been here 30+ years, raised a daughter while rehabbing an older home, and when she gardens, she lets the boys follow her around like baby ducks. Our neighbors next door? Snowblow the driveway while Dan's at work. Drop goodie bags filled with holiday-themed treats on our doorstep. Came over when the boys were younger so I could run to the store without having to buckle three car seats. Their daughter was our sons' first babysitter. They too have lived here 30+ years, raised a daughter (whose wedding we attended last summer) and when she gardens, she lets the boys follow her around like baby ducks.
Great neighbors are worth their weight in gold, they truly are.
Posted by: Toni | March 11, 2008 at 08:55 PM
One of the reasons we moved into our neighborhood (not far from you, actually) was because we wanted to live in a diverse area with a sense of community, and boy did we get it. We are surrounded by wonderful neighbors, most of whom have lived here for more than 20 years. We're certainly the youngest on the block, but it's still be great. When I had my son, neighbors were stopping by with gifts and well wishes - one even crocheted him a beautiful baby blanket. Every two years during our local elections, folks are out knocking on doors - good, old fashioned politics - and it's great. I wouldn't trade it.
Posted by: Jenni | March 12, 2008 at 10:04 AM
we have always had old lady neighbors which are quite a treasure...they always want to walk, they adore your children and think they can do no wrong, they listen really well and fuss over you...we recently moved into a neighborhood with kids- my own kids are delirious. I had no idea what we were missing, the kids play ALL the time- they act like siblings. It's definitely a good thing...so glad you have a community caring for you right now.
Posted by: patience | March 12, 2008 at 06:03 PM
ohhhh, you are going to get some gooood meals...
since moving to a house in Silver Spring we too have experienced the wonderfulness of neighbors, for the first time ever. in Arlington we hardly ever saw or spoke to the people that lived on our floor, never exchanged names.
Posted by: Jessica | March 14, 2008 at 12:10 AM
I also have amazing neighbors. When my 4th baby was born, with complications and health problems, I didn't cook for 3 months. A hot dinner arrived at the door every other day. My older kids were watched and driven to school when I had to be at doctor appts. and when I was home, there was always someone stopping by with Starbucks to check and see how we were doing.
We swap kids, groceries, tools and husbands (that sounds weird! I mean for heavy lifting jobs!) I can't imagine living somewhere else. My neighbors rock! I'm glad to hear that you have some great ones too.
Posted by: Sue | March 19, 2008 at 10:23 AM
I LOVE my neighbors! When my beloved dog got sick last year, my next door neighbors cried with me, and were just so kind. They offered to help with my other dog while we went to vet appointments, etc. And when our my dog passed away, they grieved along with us. Our across the street neighbor called me just the other day to let me know I'd left my garage door open when I left, and offered to go close it for me. Another neighbor, an older widow, always welcomes us over like old friends whenever he has company. Fantastic neighbors cannot be underestimated!
Jane, Pinks & Blues
Posted by: pinks & blues girls | March 22, 2008 at 02:55 PM