Climb A Tree

Did you climb trees when you were a kid?  There was a fruitless mulberry tree in my backyard growing up, I climbed it often!  

There's something about climbing a tree, the sense of accomplishment, the view from up on high. Even the occasional scrape doesn't matter as much when it comes from climbing a tree!

MrZ and MsJ were climbing mom's olive tree yesterday.  I was watching them while my nephew played a round of golf.  Not many trees in the Valley of the Sun are worth climbing - too many thorns in most of them!!

Climbing a tree for joy is a practice rooted in connecting with nature, reawakening childlike wonder, and finding a sense of freedom and perspective. So if you're up for it, and need a lift, go climb a tree!

Neighbors

I was thinking about neighbors today.  I live on a relatively quiet street, but then there are *those* neighbors .....

Two houses down from me is a rental. Its been occupied often, I've seen many different types come and go. The last ones moved out about a month ago. They had cars coming and going at all hours.  Truthfully, I'm not even sure who lived there!  They were quiet enough, except for all the vehicles.

My next door neighbor is a sweetheart, a retired elderly man who keeps to his routine!  

On the other side of me is a couple who often have people staying with them for lengths of time, usually about six months or so.  Some have kids, others don't.  But they all have vehicles,  and they're usually parked in front of my house.  Its odd, its not just parked because they leave for work every day, it's parked and they don't move for days or weeks at a time.  Makes it look like I am the one with all the cars!

I try to be a good neighbor, keep not myself, keep out of others' way, not be a bother.  I don't report the unmoved vehicles even though technically I could (72hours is the limit!) 

The world has changed when it comes to neighbors. Growing up, I knew all my neighbors.  I could knock on any door and any help asked would be given.  When I moved to a small town in Ohio, it was the same.  The small band of kiddos who lived on our street came and went to each of the houses often! 

Knowing your neighbors can be a wonderful thing.  I hope time changes things toward that way of thinking again!