I just got back from the neighborhood BBQ and I am completely stuffed. Everyone brought so much food that we ended up with three different kinds of potato salad and two types of baked beans. The weather was perfect, sunny and not too humid, so the kids spent the whole afternoon running through the sprinkler and playing cornhole. I finally met the new couple that moved in next door. They just got a puppy, a golden retriever, and it is absolutely adorable but full of energy. We started chatting about local hiking trails because they love exploring outdoors. I recommended the state park about twenty minutes down the road. It has a great loop trail that goes past a small waterfall. I am thinking about organizing a block cleanup day next month. It might be a good way to get everyone together again and do something nice for the neighborhood. We will see how many people are interested.

Sure, I can pick up your mail and water the plants while you are on vacation next week. It is no trouble at all. I walk past your place every morning on my way to get coffee anyway. Just leave the key under the big ceramic frog by the front door and I will take care of everything. Do you want me to bring in any packages that get left on the porch? Sometimes the delivery drivers just leave stuff out in the open and I know you worry about that. I will also keep an eye on the newspaper delivery so it does not pile up and signal to everyone that the house is empty. Let me know if you want me to turn the lights on and off at night to make it look like someone is home. I am happy to help out. You did the same for me last year when I went to visit my family for two weeks. It is nice having neighbors you can count on.