Day 573

Another year in the books for the Christian Hill Progressive Dinner! With close to 50 neighbors, about a dozen children in that group, each house was full of laughter and great food! Smiles were everywhere and conversations were rich and caring. Santa even thought everyone was on the "Good List!" There are probably many neighborhoods with the history and connections we have, but this one is certainly near and dear to my heart.

This is a place where everyone knows the names of family members, dogs, cats and even our mail carrier. In warmer months, lengthy conversations are treasured over the fence and gatherings typically revolve around the children that grace our group. Grandparents, who live near their grandchildren, parents and other neighbors keep our large flock of "littles" safe and headed in the right direction. It truly is a village.

When I looked at the glue that holds the neighborhood together, it boiled down to one word...love.

*We love our families. (Many extended ones live here.)

*We love the children who run safely through the yards.

*We love the dogs and know all of them by name.

*We love to share whatever we have and whatever is needed.

*We love our old houses.

*We love being on the Ghost Tour.

*We love to celebrate special events to honor members of our group.

*We love to help each other...no matter the need.

*We simply love each other.

Being the oldest existing member of this crew, I pondered the recipe to create such a neighborhood. Thinking back over the decades, there seems to be one key ingredient. From my earliest memories, neighbors were never hesitant to get involved. Friendliness was key to the core of this group. The safety, caring and love I felt as a child set the stage for what we enjoy today. We connect. We care. We love. Most any neighborhood can be just like our Christian Hill Neighborhood...simply reach out with love!