Thing 33

Four years ago we moved into our house.  Hurricane Irene wasn't far behind, making the welcome more exciting. It certainly provided an opportunity to meet our neighbors in an unexpected way.

This weekend, we had our first official block party.  After four years, it felt like the right time.  When we moved in, there were only three families with school aged children (including ours).  Now we have about 9 new families on the block with kids.  It's delightful. 

Block parties have all but disappeared in this era.  Being old school, it was on my list of things to do.  Between the young families, new folks on the block, and general comradery we have, it wasn't going to be tough to pull off.

It was a huge hit.  We had plenty of tasty dishes, an assortment of lawn games for young and old, tables and chairs provided for relaxing, and the volunteer firefighters brought the firetruck for the kids to see. 

This is my neighborhood.  I take seriously the task of knowing my neighbors.  Moving stinks.  Do it enough times and you learn how important that welcome to the block can be. A small gesture of flowers and a note can go a long way towards building a sense of friendship and community.  Don't underestimate the power of conversation and being neighborly.  My neighbors know I'd help them out in a pinch.  That doesn't happen by chance.  Be the kind of neighbor you want to have as a neighbor.  It really is that simple.

Trees don't grow fruit the first year they're planted.  Four years ago, we never could have imagined the neighborhood we now have.  A lot of watering, sunlight and care, has produced a fruitful tree.  Relationships take time and energy, and I'm so thankful we're seeing the payoff. 

Thing 33 I love about New Jersey is our wonderful block.  It's precisely the kind of place I wished for, and feel privileged to call home.