The Hood

the boys eating breakfast while their buddy eats his on his front porch.


I always love to see Fall of the year. One, its my favorite time of year, seems the beginning of the "holidays." Second, I start staying outside more. I was born and raised in the south, but I tell you, hot summers just about make me melt (not to mention what it does to my hair). In my neighborhood when you are outside it takes about 5 minutes before you have a yard full of kids (even girls now, since Miss M is so irresistible) then soon after a yard full of parents. Just this afternoon we spent about 3 hours in or near the road talking with our neighbors and one very special neighbor that has moved away, surprised us by pulling up today, here in town for the weekend. Just this morning sweet S said "I sure do miss Mr. Scott, we're going to have to find someone else like him," then lo and behold he drives up this afternoon.



Our neighborhood is pretty tight, we pull together during sickness, births, deaths, everything. It is like extended family. Big S and I have a piece of property that we are waiting on the right time to build but living in this neighborhood makes me not want to build. On one hand I would love a "new" built just for us house, but on the other hand, I can't stand the thoughts of leaving this place. Some of my dearest friends live a stones throw away from me. We have lived here for 5 years now and in 5 years I have gained about 4 "sisters." Its funny how neighbors are sometimes people you would have never thought would end up being your friends. Different backgrounds, different social circles, its great how God puts the right people in your life at the right time. I love them dearly. Besides, this is where my 2 boys met their first "best friend." And there is something to say about having an extra set of eyes always watching out for the kids. We may not live in the most affluent neighborhood but I say you can't beat it. This is one place that is so dear to my heart. It truly makes one of Gods commandments easy 'cause we do love our neighbors.