Monday, October 07, 2013

The New Neighborhood Social

I'm calling this photo  "Twelve Russian dolls and a Japanese Cutie Pie."

"I'm 8," she said, in response to my query, and her father said "She's almost 9." They have lived in the U.S. for 2 and 1/2 years and while she spoke no English when she arrived, in no time at all, she was speaking like a native. 

We met in the home of a woman whose name escapes me  (they all do, unfortunately) and she brought out the Russian nesting dolls to amuse the little doll from Japan. She is a very pretty, well-behaved child, and I wanted to sit on the steps with her and chat, but I didn't want to seem stand-offish with the adults. 

For this neighborhood social, three homes were open and we were encouraged to roam through the area, stopping at each home to meet and greet  (and drink and nosh). There were three themes; Vive La France, a Mexican Fiesta and Mardi Gras, and the foods served were in keeping with each theme. It was really quite nice. I refrained from pulling out the phone and taking photos, except the one above. 

As I mentioned before, my daughter said we were probably twice as old as anyone in the neighborhood; I found out that isn't quite true. However, I do believe that we have lived in Raleigh longer than many of these people have been alive.  I did meet 3-4 people who are closer to our ages, but the youngsters were more interesting. There are people from all over the country; California, Oregon, Minnesota, Virginia, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tokyo and probably other places I don't remember. Most of them have moved here within the last 5 years and say they LOVE Raleigh. I agree with them; we love it here too. But we have been here 44 years, and seen many changes - most of them for the better. Traffic, however, is not one of them. 

It remains to be seen where this social event leads - if anywhere. People were very friendly, and there was participation by about 20-25% of the tenants and homeowners. We signed a notepad with our names, addresses and email addresses and the list will be shared with all of us. Perhaps we will get to know some new and interesting people - but maybe not. When I left the last house, I thanked the host for his hospitality and told him I would probably not remember anyone's name the next time I saw them. He replied that he wouldn't, and he doubted that anyone else would either. We decided......it's all good.....whatever happens. 


9 comments:

LL Cool Joe said...

I love the photo. Russian dolls have a timeless appeal it seems.

Sounds like a great event and good way to get to know new people.

Btw I never remember names either.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

What a lovely way to meet people....Whether you see them again or not, it's a nice way to be introduced to 'the neighbors'--or some of them, anyway.
That is a darling picture, Judy...I always LOVED those little Russian Doll Nestle thingys....there is something so satisfying about playing with them, isn't there? And she isan adorable little girl, too!

Celia said...

At least now the neighbors aren't complete mysteries, and they will probably remember your face being new. They've planted the seeds.

lee said...

I saw your picture a few posts ago. I don't know if it's a man or woman, but I would LOVE to see them walk in those heels! They can barely stand!

I don't know you but you don't seem like the type of person who could ever be a bully! I love your blog and I wish you were MY mother!

Granny Annie said...

It would be fun to do something like that in a regular neighborhood but I fear some of my neighbors might only show up to case the places:)

Love my Babushka nesting dolls.

Pat said...

Yes like you I would have wanted to sit and chat to the little girl.
It sounds like a great idea and will be interesting to see how it works out.
One thing I'm sure about: you will never be short of friends.

Anonymous said...

That sounds promising. I tried to do that in my early days, several couples turned up, eat and drank their fill and we never saw them again. One couple on the way out told us they liked to keep to themselves making me wonder why they bothered to come. One couple invited us back, but it turned out he had an ulterior motive - games I had no interest in playing! Enough said.

Nancy said...



Oh, GM, Now you have my head spinning with thoughts of what your neighbor's suggestion was.

Judy, make her be more specific...

Gilly said...

Sounds like a great social start! I hope you meet some of these interesting people again and get really friendly! Pity you couldn't take photos of the food though! ;)

And the little girl is an absolutel sweetie!