Southerners really are sweet. Even after four years living here, I'm still surprised by how kind people can be! Here's a conversation I had the other day.
Setting: taking the boys for their inaugural leash walk, going around the block. We've stopped to examine some fascinating sticks on the sidewalk.
60s-ish Neighbor Lady: <waving as she walks down the driveway> Hi there! Oh, how sweet! You have twins?
Me: Yes, they're twins
Neighbor: How old are they?
Me: Almost two
Neighbor: So you must live around the corner?
Me: Yes, we live over on Heron Way (that's a pseudonym street name for blogging purposes)
Neighbor: <starts pointing out all the nearby houses where families have young kids/grandkids, and suggests we can become friends with them>
Me: Good to know!
Neighbor: Well, I just live right across the street here. If y'all are ever out for a walk and get caught in a downpour, please come knock on my door!
Me: Oh, ok thank you
Neighbor: And if I'm not home, see that door through the carport? It opens up to the back patio that's all covered, and we've got a table and chairs there where you could wait.
Me: <looking surprised> Wow, well that's nice of you! We will certainly keep it in mind if it starts to rain on us.
END SCENE
I mean, come on Northwesterners, have you ever had a conversation like this with a neighbor who you literally just met? (I mean, set aside for a moment the fact that people in the PNW just keep walking when it rains...) Wasn't that nice of her? We're totally in thunderstorm season in Memphis, and sometimes the skies just open up on you. It's nice to know we've got a place to take shelter, even if we never use it. But I bet if we did stop by, Neighbor Lady would just be tickled pink :)
