Saturday, June 20, 2009

Block Party

I'm positive I live in the best neighborhood in the whole state of Washington. There is a mixture of senior citizens and young families with kids. There are singles, couples and families.

Some neighbors were born here, others have come from all around the world--Viet Nam, Korea, Bosnia, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Mexico, Ethopia, Etritea.

Ours is a safe neighborhood. Everyone is friendly. There is little, if any, bickering, complaining or bad feelings between neighbors.

The kids are well behaved and play well together. When people move to our block, they put down roots and stay for a long time. I have lived on this street for 31 years, and there are three families who have lived here even longer than that!

We used to have block parties every year--they took a lot of planning and work, but they were a lot of fun. Then life seemed to get very busy. Some of the key party planners moved away and the block parties fell by the wayside.

A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time for us neighbors to reconnect. So on the spur of the moment, I invited all 33 families who live on my street for a backyard potluck.

Not everyone could come on such short notice, but the 11 families who came had an enjoyable time.

My wonderful next door neighbors helped me pass out invitations, set up the tables and clean up afterwards. They also shared their back yard. Since there is no fence between us, the party was able to spread out. The grown ups visited in one yard while keeping an eye on their kids playing in the other yard.

Everyone agreed that the potluck was a success and that we should have another get-together this summer.

Looking forward to our next block party.

Love,

Homestay Mama

6 comments:

  1. I love block parties. Gave one the first year I lived here. It was very successful. Since then life has happened and I never seem to have gotten one organized again. We need that type of connection in order to live in such close quarters with others. I really believe it helps. Good Job!!

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  2. I think that you may have the best neighborhood in the country! I don't know any of my neighbors, and we only have 17 houses. Once in a while someone will wave from their cars, but that's about as close as we come to being friendly! Seems like such a shame:-(

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  3. How wonderful. Sue, I think you may have found your "Mayberry". Our neighborhood has lot's of little ones, and you see mommies hanging out in the park next door. The "annual picnic usually brings out 30 families, out of 230, that is not so great.

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  4. What a wonderful neighborhood you have and how great it is that you all know each other and support each other.
    Your idea for a block party was lovely and it's so apparent everyone had a great time.
    P.S. - I love your deck!

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  5. Sounds like a great time was had by all, I couldn't imagine living in a community where we didn't all get togeather and have bar-b-ques and join for craft.
    Thanks for all the prayer suport for Greg and the rest of us, it makes each day easier knowing that there are friends like you out there praying for us.
    Blessings, Mandy

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  6. You are wonderful for taking on something like this. It sounds like you had a marvellous time.

    I have had to award you for your authenticity. Take a peek at my blog to see how.

    Hope you enjoy receiving it.
    Cee

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