Dying Man’s Daily Journal – Neighbors

The past few days have been really special with a visit from my Aunt and cousin. Cousin Carol left yesterday afternoon to spend one night with her mother-in-law who also lives here in the city. We were blessed when Aunt Isabel changed other plans to spend the evening and last night with us again. Carol will be returning about lunch time to pick up her mother, for the ladies to begin the long drive back to Swan River. It is about a 6 hour drive. Forecast is calling for periods of snow. I hope they can make the entire trip in daylight, so much easier to see and drive through the snow in day light.

Aunt Isabel, cousin Carol there really are no words I can find to thank you for your visit. You always have been, still are and always will be a blessing in my life and in the lives of everyone you meet. Thank you from both Vi and myself.

To all you cousins out there, I have some bragging rights. In our own little 2 person crib tournament I laid a whooping on her. Although, I am sure she may not admit to this, but I do think she was taking it a little easy on me, maybe feeding my crib a little etc.. But, hey I will take my victories where I can get them. Our final game, which we declared to be for the “championship of the whole world”, was different. She turned the tables and laid the whooping on me. She is a pretty sharp lady. Based on the results of our “very official” cribbage tournament Isabel Howdle is reigning world champion. I always appreciate all comments from everyone. Each day I eagerly check the computer several times just to see if any comment has been left. I am always so excited and appreciative of each and every comment. Now, to the Howdle clan that have left comments over the past few days, during your mothers visit. I thank each and everyone of you. Each comment I printed off to take and show Aunt Isabel, I think she enjoyed them almost as much as I did.

I had meant to comment yesterday, but memory guy here forgot. Our neighbor hood is usually a very quiet, peaceful, safe place. I can not imagine why but over the past about year or maybe year and a half young vandals have decided to pick on one particular house. This is the home of a very nice elderly couple. This has been an ongoing problem for them, but I think it is 3 times maybe even 4 times over the past several months they have had to replace their huge front window. Which vandals have broken, throwing rocks, ice or what ever. It happened again on Friday. This time was a little different.

Now this is where I am not really sure if I have the whole story straight in my head. Now I know I have written about our young neighbors Art (our benefactor with the snow blower) and Lisa, who currently have Lisa’s brother Garry staying with them. Big kudos to all. Lisa being observant enough and caring enough about the neighbors noticed a group of 4, one of whom picked up a piece of ice, which was quickly again thrown at the window. On being called, hubby Art and brother Garry were immediately our the door and the foot chase began. It is here I am not exactly sure of the details or sequence of events other than Art was able to catch 2 of them and turn them over to the police. Way to go Art, you are my hero. I know I can speak for the whole neighborhood, when I say thank you Art, Lisa and Garry. Thank you for being the wonderful neighbors you are and for caring enough to get involved and come to the aid of a neighbor. The world would be such a wonderful place if it had more people like you. Thank you.

We are so lucky to have such kind wonderful people all around us. The latch to the gate in our back yard fence was broken a while ago in a very strong wind. A day or two ago we suddenly notice somehow the latch had magically fixed itself. This we discovered was due to the generosity and kindness or another neighbor, Peter. Peter is a retired gentleman that spend his time helping neighbors. No matter what the project you may have on the go, Peter is always there offering his assistance ready and willing to help. Thank you Peter for the many many things you have done for us.

I admit we were very fortunate to move into a neighbor hood full of such nice and wonderful people. But I think if people really stop and look around they will see their own neighbor hoods are not all that much different, full of wonderful people. It is a real shame we have somehow become so busy and so private in our lives we are missing out on so much. Knowing and sharing with the wonderful people around us. Really how much effort does it take to just chat and get to know a neighbor.