Neighbors (086)

This is the first time in my life that I have come to know more than one neighbor. We live in a townhouse apartment community, so we are very close in proximity to them. It felt like we had no choice but to meet those with dogs. I am a somewhat defensive person, always with my guard up, in person. So, it was not easy for me to transition into a friendly relationship with neighbors. 

We have grown closer to three neighbors, two of them closer than the third. They all kept watch over our place while we were on vacation. We have exchanged Christmas gifts with each of them, and we have shared bottles of wine as well. 

Today, I was grilling chicken and potatoes when one neighbor friend brought her dog out and said hello. We started talking and exchanged plans for dinner. I joked about trying to get Mike to make a run for Grand Marnier for my margaritas. As she walked back into her home, she mentioned that she was taking a trip to the store and would pick some up. I insisted she not, it’s ridiculously expensive! 

Fifteen minutes later, she returned to the yard with a small, cute bottle of Grand Marnier! She mentioned she’d be down for a margarita and I told her to grab a glass with ice and come on over! I poured all three of us margaritas and topped them with the gifted liqueur. We shared stories and laughed and nearly cried, all while enjoying some strong drinks around our patio table. It reminded me that we all face struggles and we all can overcome them if we try hard enough. And it taught me to appreciate my neighbors a bit more.