POSITIVITY POST - MURAL - WE'RE ALL...

 

I liked this mural very much. You can probably guess why.  It fits right in with my positivity posts.

For our international friends to translate, it says:

“We are all neighbors.”

AFTER THE STORM, A VISITOR

 My thoughts are with my blogging friends in Hawaii, and to all the people who have been affected by the terrible fire in Lahaina.

On Monday (Aug 7) we had a storm and a tornado watch.  Many of you perhaps were in the same weather system. 

After the storm passed it rained for a while. I looked out periodically. Around 8.00 p.m. I saw movement on the deck.  Thinking it was a squirrel I went up to the glass and peered out.

It wasn't a squirrel!

It was a young raccoon. This is the first time I had seen a raccoon in a while, and she was curious.  I had been outside a few minutes before, and I wondered if she had been there at the same time without me noticing. 

I watched as she ambled over and positioned herself right next to the patio door.  She surprised me by standing on her hind legs and resting her paws on the glass, just staring up at me. I grabbed my phone, thinking she may have gone down the steps before I could get back to the window.  They are normally easily startled when discovered.  I didn't expect to get anything but there she was, still staring at me.

I tried fixing those glowing eyes, but I made her look even wilder, so I let her be.  It was too dark for a decent photo.  I was glad, however, that the video worked.  These are screen shots I took from my short video.  This all happened within a few minutes. 

She saw Gregg and looked at him as he walked up to the window, and then she looked toward the steps as if she heard something.  I thought she was going to run.

But she lingered for a few more moments, and we were as curious about her as she was of us. 

I realize they are not everyone's cup of tea, that they can get into things, like set up a nest in your attic, raid your trash bins. There are also the health issues we have heard about.  More importantly there are children and pets in the neighborhood, and we have to keep safe from any contact.  We must always be diligent. Thankfully, we have never had any problems, but we also never let our guard down.  

I had taken down the bird feeders once the raccoons started visiting, and for any wandering bears moving through the neighborhood like last year.  No mention of any yet. Maybe this one was looking over my new planter? There is a lot of wildlife around here, and they never stop looking for food. Our area was all forest before these housing complexes were developed. The wildlife was here first, and we have to learn to live with them, sensibly.  I say this for myself as a reminder.  My natural instinct is to want to take care of them all, but good sense prevails as I don’t want them to set up camp in my attic!  

Here is a link to a website where you can read all about them.

So, this is who came calling after the storm.

LOOK WHAT WAS ON OUR DOORSTEP....

two days ago.  Gregg check outside and there it was, and from someone who left no name.  We were very touched by such a kind gift.  Who would have thought that only a couple of weeks ago, we would have been so heart-warmed by being given two rolls of toilet paper and that sweet note.

"Happy Social Distance!  

Here are some supplies to brighten your day. 

Sharing Neighborly Goodwill." 

Such a sweet gesture!  Frankly, it made our day.

I hope you have plenty of supplies in your house.

Thanks for looking and whatever you are doing, I hope it is keeping you safe.

WE HAVE NEW NEIGHBORS....

Our old neighbors across the street who have lived there ever since we moved into our house 29 years ago, moved two months’ ago.  It wasn't long before we saw signs of another family.  

We met them a couple of weekend ago as we were leaving for a trip to the park.  They were out front and I waved and said hello, and walked across the street to welcome them to the neighborhood. They are a younger family who seem very sweet people.  They have a darling little girl about 3 years, a lovely, fluffy and friendly dog who was enjoying being outside - the sun was out and it was gorgeous - and a baby is on the way.  I promised that I would go over and give them our details on a sheet of paper, but now that will have to wait until we can socialize again.  

Eventually I will invite them over for dinner.  This will also have to wait but I was going to take a meal over beforehand.  Nowadays I can’t help but think of all these dietary restrictions we hear about?  Should I do gluten free, lactose intolerant, vegan, vegetarian?  We have all those folks among our family and friends.  Maybe if I make them a pot of vegetarian vegetable soup, that will be okay. Our omnivores and herbivores have enjoyed that.  Or should I just take a welcome basket with all kinds of other goodies in it. That seems a safer option.  It looks like I will have plenty of time to think about it. When the time comes, I will be knocking on their door.

Good Neighbors

We have been digging ourselves out since the snowstorm on January 23rd, and something special happened yesterday.  It made our day. Gregg was out front shoveling, when ten of our neighbors walked down the street, two with snow blowers.  They even dug a cut-out for the mailbox so that our mailman can deliver the mail.  Can't thank them enough for this very special kindness. They did this for every neighbor who still needed help getting rid of their snow. Neighbors helping neighbors.  

What an incredibly kind and special group of people.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I am linking with 

N.C. Sue at (Wordless on Tuesday) at Image-in-ing.