When my husband and I purchased our home in North Albany last summer, we found ourselves moving in to quite an established neighborhood. Most of the families have been there for years, and some even own multiple properties along our little dead-end lane. Everyone is always at the ready with a wave and a smile, and I think everyone has stopped by to chat or admire the chickens or let us know that there used to be a cherry tree in our yard and boy are they disappointed the previous owner tore it out.
Well, shoot, so am I. (So we planted two new ones!)
I think we’re both feeling a little pressure (entirely self-imposed, I’m certain) to make our garden something to be proud of, and one from which we can share. You see, all this buy local stuff is great, but it’s the community aspect to all of it that’s really been my motivator behind this blog. There was a great post a while back on Culinaria Eugenius about small community food exchanges, and how they can be anything from swapping jam over the back fence to an organized group that meets to share meals.
So, I’m curious… what do you do on a small scale? Are you involved in anything organized, or is it more like you just share when you have it and, hopefully, enjoy someone sharing with you in return? Do you have ideas on how to reach out to strangers, for the shy among us? How about ideas for keeping it simple, for those among us who dread taking on another “task”?
I hope to see some comments! And if there are any groups out there that want a mention, please let me know.
The neighbors at the end of our street have organized a 4th of July get together the past two years. I am hoping they do it again this year…..everyone brings their fireworks and a desert to share. It has been a great success for young and old!