Day 330
4/11/23
Front porches are such a special addition to any house or home. Years ago, my sweet father designed a front porch to replace the entryway at our residence. It is a beautiful addition to our big old colonial, but more than that, it has added an essence of welcome and reception.
When we sit out on that porch, we notice so much about our neighborhood. Better yet, we interact with our old neighbors and welcome newer members to the Christian Hill area. Families bike around the block, parents push strollers, multitudes of people walk their dogs and cars even slow down to wave when they notice us. All in all, our porch is a Neighbor Magnet!
We often invite people walking by to come on up and "sit a spell." We have never had anyone turn us down yet! Our porch holds room for four or five visitors and there are always extra chairs nearby!
Football games, graduations, band programs and other celebrations take place below us at Goodrich Field. From our perch atop the hill, we have a pretty good view and neighbors will often gather for the show. One time, when my own children were in the band program, we invited the entire marching band to come up for some refreshments after a football game. They ALL decided that would be lovely and tromped up the hill to our home. Congregating on the porch as others entered, the kids took on the part of hosts as their friends followed them up the steps.
The Goldens LOVE our porch. Sniffing, barking, napping and simply "being" present out front is one of their favorite things in the world. They all like the couch, but Ranger is King of that piece of furniture!
There is a city in Florida called Celebration. The Disney Corporation decided to build the perfect community near the amusement park. They have a beautiful Main Street, a band shell, walking trails and everything Mayberry! If you wanted to build there, one requirement was that you must have a front porch. Disney "gets" the neighborhood vibe!
In my opinion, our neighborhoods, cities and beyond would benefit if everyone had a front porch. Porches build community and friendships. Someone told me that one of the downfalls of communities everywhere was the invention of air-conditioning. When that new technology took hold, everyone moved inside and became more insular.
We love our front porch! Two of our wonderful neighbors on Christian Hill are in the planning stages to add front porches onto their own homes! I look forward to that day!
For now, if you don't have a front porch, might I suggest you place a couple of lawn chairs out in the front yard. You might be surprised at the number of neighbors who stop by for a chat! You might even get a visit from a Golden or four! The pups would never turn down an invitation to visit...nor would I!
