Wednesday 10 January 2018

Company

One of the things I like best about my new home is that it is on an estate of houses and bungalows.   For the last twenty four years I have lived down a Lane (a beautiful one I might add) and really enjoyed it, because the farmer was always around somewhere, either working in the surrounding fields or in the yard.   Once he had gone it was a very lonely place to live, especially in the evenings.

Now, suddenly, I am surrounded by people, there are constantly cars going past and there are people knocking on the door.   And I like it.

When I am out on one of my walks with Tess I speak to everyone, even if it is only to say 'Good morning' (most people answer, a smile works wonders) and occasionally I meet a kindred spirit and we stand and chat for a while.   This happened today.

I met an elderly gentleman walking along the road.  We smiled and, simultaneously, remarked that we were sure we had met before.   Sure enough we had.   For the past years he has walked every day, regardless of the weather, on a round circuit, taking in this estate, across the fields and then up the lane past the farm (I have only, literally, moved across two fields) and back here.   Many times I have been walking Tess and have spoken to him.   It is these sort of encounters that make life interesting.

Out to lunch today with friend D - posh fish and chips - and jolly good it was too.   Home now, walked the dog again and at 3.36 thinking about making myself a cup of tea and settling down with the crossword.

27 comments:

Derek Faulkner said...

You seem to be confirming what many of us suggested to you would be the case, when your move was imminent, that all would be OK and that you would feel more secure after your move. So glad that it has all worked out that way.

A Heron's View said...

Reads like that you have had a good day Pat and that your smiles are bringing people to you - as they always do. Don't they.

justjill said...

Lovely. I smile at everyone and it works, well most of the time!

Joanne Noragon said...

I love how country folks identify by fields. It happens that way in Wisconsin, too.

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

Sounds like a good friendly situation to be in

Terra said...

It sounds like you found an excellent new home and friendly people.

Sue in Suffolk said...

I love how you've only moved two fields away, we've always measured distances by fields too - bet it is further by road.
Sounds as if you have settled in well and hope you've forgotten all the waiting.

Jules said...

One of the wonderful aspects of dog ownership is getting out and seeing people. It sounds like you live in a friendly area and it's good to know you feel settled and secure in your new home. X

Anonymous said...

How nice to meet someone that you didn't know you knew! I must say I quite like living with people around me - it feels a bit remote where my daughter is now in the old farmhouse - good views though!

Bea said...

I would like the social aspect of your new surroundings. I live in a densely packed city where hardly takes the time to greet the guy or gal living next door.

Ruth said...

Amen to all the above, and besides that, aren't you so deeply grateful that you didn't listen to those little voices telling you that maybe you should give up Tess, that the move would be too hard on her. What a joy it is to know that it's all worked out so beautifully for both of you!

Rosie said...

Thank you for reminding me of kindred spirits I so love the quote from Anne of Green Gables when Anne reflects "kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think" - so happy for you that there are some you can meet on your walks. Many people walk their dogs past my home and the dogs seem to have special doggy friendships too.

Bonnie said...

How wonderful to hear this confirmation that you are indeed happy with your move! Thank you for giving me a big smile today!

Heather said...

I am so pleased that you are among friendly neighbours and part of a bustling community, and that you are enjoying it. I never had passing traffic in my previous home and not many people going by on foot, as we lived at the end of a cul-de-sac. But here there are always people walking past my windows and traffic on the road at the front of the flats - I am down one side of the building. I am surprised that the sound of the traffic doesn't bother me, but being in the town I can walk to everything I need and that is so good.

Jill said...

My mom spends part of her Winters in a 55+ retirement community/neighborhood. She loves the closeness of her neighbors. There is privacy when she is at home but others close by to he friendly with.

angryparsnip said...

I adore your post today it made me happy to read this.

cheers, parsnip and mandibles

Mac n' Janet said...

I love living in an area where everyone says hello and most have the time to stop and talk.

krishna said...

That's lovely..

Hildred said...

Town (village) living can be most enjoyable. I left the country reluctantly, but find now that close neighbours and being near stores and church and centres, all within walking distance, can fill a lot of lonely times.

Unfortunately snow and ice can keep you cottage bound wherever you are, and that is the case right now, here in the Similkameen. I console myself with thoughts of spring.

Virginia said...

Back to yesterday’s post Weave... Keeping a balanced perspective on current events is certainly difficult, isn’t it. The oil tanker is aflame in the South China Sea, nearly 20 crew lost, and its threatening to explode so emergency crews can’t get near it. They’re saying it could be the biggest environmental disaster yet.... WHY would that not be report-worthy??

I’m so glad you are enjoying your new home and feeling settled. That photo was wonderful - what a beautiful tree! New Zealand doesn’t have a high proportion of deciduous trees so I really savoured that love shot. Thank you.

Cro Magnon said...

The two best ways of meeting people in town (guaranteed), are either by having a dog, or a baby.

thelma said...

A good happy post, good old Tess for hauling you out ;) Roll on Spring!

Librarian said...

I'm glad your neighbourhood is such a friendly one, where you can smile at and chat with everyone you meet. It is similar in O.K.'s village; whenever we are out and about (which is often the case), we meet and greet folks along the way. Very different from life in my home town, where I only greet my immediate neighbours, and only talk to people I already know, not to strangers (with very few exceptions).

Rachel Phillips said...

A smile is all it takes.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Rosie - nice to meet another Anne of Green Gables fan. If Iam not well it isalways the book I pick up to pass the time. I almost know it off by heart and bought it some years ago at the house of Prince Edward Island where L M Montgomery wrote the book.

Thanks everyone for the cheery comments.

Mary said...

So happy you feel secure and are able to get out and about. Once Spring arrives I doubt we'll be able to keep up with you and your always interesting social schedule - great in every way Pat.
Mary x

the veg artist said...

My husband is often away and I know, because he told me, that my neighbour (in his 80s!) always checks that I've drawn my curtains back - i.e. I'm up and about - to make sure I'm OK, if I'm on my own.
I've lived in the countryside and in towns, and wouldn't want to be somewhere remote again. I like that there are people within shouting distance. Mostly we all keep to ourselves, but it's good to have someone to give surplus veg to!