Surprise visits good or bad?

Had so many DG friends send me dmails that I'm overwhelmed by their friendship, thank you from the bottom of my heart...and as promised I'm including a site to view some photo's..hope you enjoy!
http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w255/bessiemarie0/

Sorry, just looked, scroll down and click on 'slideshow' now enjoy..lol

Betty, it's been a pleasure to meet you and have a glimpse into your neighborhood and home. Thanks for sharing a part of your life. :-)

your chairs are lovely...I can't draw a straight line so anyone with your talent I'm in awe of.

thought I'd share just how much they got done next door today..

Could not believe how much they accomplished next door to me, walls were not up when I left this a.m. - Ron was gone when I got home so I'll get his info and post over weekend, he has to drop of new hose as the backhoe got caught in it and slit it in half..tooo funny, needed a new hose..lucky that they thought of hanging my hydro wire and the extension cords up in the post or I may not have had hydro tonight...know it looks messy, but they promise they'll even seed grass when they are through...

Tri NaNog - She may not be in the USA, but I'm in the USA and that is the country I was talking about.l If you know of anywhere in the USA today, that things like that happen, just let me know. We live close to a "small" town and I guarantee you, no one that we know would leave their doors unlocked. Maybe 30 or 40 yrs. ago, but not in this day and age. If they did the junkies would have an easier time ripping them off. Most of the people we know have heavy locks on their doors and large dogs either in the house or in the yard.

Also, I do not believe in "magic elves". Those are some one elses words, not mine. And I still don't believe any of it. I think all of you are being lead on, but that is my opinion and you know what is said about opinions, everyone has one. Just as you are entitled to perhaps be taken in by this ideal, then I am entitled to say that it is hogwash.

When was the last time any of you out there stopped by someone's house, put in a tel./p.a. system, fixed drywall, plumbing, etc. and didn't get paid for it, unless you were a close relative?

We will our neighbors when we know that help is needed or we know there has been a death in the family or one of them is sick, but just go into their homes and leave meals, etc. I think not. We could not get past the locks and dogs. LIZ

Liz, until we moved into town we lived in a small rural community near here. We lived there for 8 years and never even had a key for the door. While our neighbors did not install tel/pa systems for us they did come over and mow a 3 acre field when my husband was laid up in a cast. They also cut and stacked wood from three trees that were felled in a bad wind storm and brought us a generator to use when the power was knocked out for 8 days. We did not ask, they just came and did it with no thoughts of being paid. I also frequently found plants in pots left on the front porch with no notes to indicate who the gift was from.

When the neighbors well went dry they made it through until the new well was drilled by running a temporary line from our well to their incoming water line. Yes, it put a strain on our pump to serve two homes for a couple of weeks but in a community such as that you don't stop to think about it. You just do what needs done.

Where we are now, I wouldn't think of leaving the door unlocked even though we are just a short drive from the old place. I have also lived in areas like Los Angeles, San Jose, and Riverside. It is easy to become cynical about the goodness of mankind when you are surrounded by things and people you cannot trust. But try to remember that such communities can and do still exist even here in the good old USA.

You are indeed entitled to your opinion but please do not imply that anyone who believes these good things take place are being lied to or "lead on" by the writer.

Amen, Zanymuse.

Elsie – I’m with you! Trading for equal amounts of chocolate! LOL!
Nicole – I’ll have to try that trick next time someone stops by at dinner time!

Burns my bottom. Not that my house is a mess – we’re a tidy(ish) group. If we have a mess around us it is cleaned up before we go somewhere else. I was raised to be respectful of others and that includes “dropping in unannounced”. It's not that we don't enjoy company, we may have plans, etc. I have a slightly disabled step-son - there may be issues he's going through that we can't just "stop" right then and there to open our home to drop-ins.

My DH used to constantly drop in on his friends (one of whom just had his significant other move in). Drove her nuts (and myself). He told me “I don’t get it, it’s just ME”! I think I’ve broken him of that bad habit.

On another note, I believe there are a lot good people in this country. I married one. My DH has a corporate job and is also a local handyman. He will help anyone who needs help. He has never turned down anyone especially if that person is unable to pay due to "whatever reason".

Our house has been robbed, my DH held up at gun-point at a gas station, bicycles stolen, money stolen, wallets stolen, people taking advantage of a disabled child because they "can" and the child doesn't know he's been taken advantage of, etc... People have choices - right ones and wrong ones. I also know that not everyone is a bad person and for every bad person I've come across - I've met 20 good people in their wake.

We understand that people hit rock-bottom at times, we have. I think most people have "been there" and when they come out on the other side they have more compassion for others.

Zanymuse - Amen

Sharon

I have no problem with people dropping by during "business hours" LOL....say between 9 am and 5 (before dinner)....but the evening belongs to DH and me and I would prefer not having people drop by at night. Both the house and I are usually presentable enough for a casual visit. I love people and 99% of the time spur of the moment visits are fun...if I am busy, I just don't answer the door.

As far as acts of kindness, I have done hundreds over the years and many more than that have been done for my family and me. There are few days when I don't get a chance to do something nice for someone, often strangers. There are many, many great and giving people in the world. It would be a sad life for me if it wasn't so.

Have some considered the area you live in doesn't sound
like one where you would find cookies baked for you
on the front porch?

If Betty lived next door I would definitely bring her cookies.
:-)

I'll not comment here girls/guys...was up till 12:30 a.m. reading all the lovely posts many of you sent me..more 'earthly angels' to add to my list...this post has taken on an entirely negative route..not what is was intended to do, so my apologies if anyone's feeling were hurt...I love the life I live is surrounded by kindness both given and received...should some not wish to believe that many live day to day in the glory of friendship, then it will not be I or anyone else who can change their minds...I will not cease from posting all the good I see, believe it or not, it's ok with me..it gives me one more reason to thank the Lord for all that I have when I see some have so little and little belief in the human race...

Erynne, thanks again for acknowledging how wonderful my community is and people within..that's most likely the reason your sister and brother in law live there...drop in and we'll do the Lilly Farm...coffee's always on...and Wuvie, wish you were closer so you could drop of those cookies... God Bless, enjoy the human race, do something nice for someone today and it will bring much joy to you!!!

I make cookies for my neighbors, my neighbors bring us veggies from the farmers market.

Let's sway back towards the thread-starter's intended direction.

Indeed. :-)

So sorry liz sounds like you don't live in a very nice area. Sure we always keep our doors locked but we've had the pleasure of being friends with some neighbors over the years and when I had my baby many of them brought gifts--even if they didn't know us to well. That's saying something I think. To bad you've not encountered any friendly folk.

I have learned way back as a kid, To have an open door. Their is always an extra something to share for drop in visitors. My reason-I needed a place for a time as well as my brothers and sister. sometimes people helped and sometime doors were slammed. I decided that I would never turn away someone in need be it company or family. Sure a call would be great but not necessarily needed. Usually I am always at home, but if I am than you can join me in whatever i am doing. Many a visitor has been recruited to help or watch and visit as I go. We have a houseful everybody is busy so eighther you came to visit or judge what my homes appearnece is. Whatever -most people come back no matter what state of caotic is going on...I have to admit most of our return visitors enter without knocking....My take on being a non-notice person-I always call first,I learned the hard way not everyone minds a drop in visitor...even if we were friends. I get the concept.
This has been a very interest thread-as all of them that i read. I think that everyone has very interesting thoughts concerns, open minds and trusting and loving ways and fortunately DG is a grand place for all of us to share what we feel and are aloud to be who we are. Yes it may cause contrevoursey but hey that what becoming friends and family is all about. I have joined many a garden group where that is all they discuss-Here we are welcome to be neighbors and good friends and family besides sharing our love of the gardens.
Thanks for letting me add my take on the matter.--Judy

Just had to post about at that time a non scheduled visitor...

A week or so after I moved in, the 'Welcome Wagon' lady, and yes we have one..isn't that a nice community thing to do...anyway, don't get off track Betty, I was busy moving in with a crew of friends helping when this lady came to the door with a large bag,thermos and cake... she came to the door and wanted to visit for awhile, well, it wasn't the best time but we needed a break sooo as she even brought cups - but not enough for the crew I had I searched through boxes and found my se...we sat down, had coffee and cake and she went through about 50 vouchers that local estabishments gave to her for delivery to newcomers in our town....i.e. theatre tickets, rug wash, $10 voucher off at cleaners, vouchers for, car wash, hairdressor's, lumber yard, boutiques, vets..and on and on and on...

I put them all into a lovely box up on a shelf and completely forgot about them...guess what, while the contractors were putting up siding yesterday and banging to beat the dickens..many of the treasure fell on the floor..lo and behold - guess what I had to pick up...took photo to show you..not sure I can use them after 2 years though...so funny
Just HAD to share...

Wow! That's quite a deal. You could always try using the coupons. The retailers may still be a part of the Welcome Wagon company. Jacksonville used to have a Welcome Wagon. I don't know if it istill in existance, but they mailed coupons to new residents.

MySharona..thank, just might try it...wouldn't it be great to put them all in order and spend one day going from place to place, one offer massage, swim at Best Western, another at a fish place - dinner..hair..etc..I could plan my entire day and just enjoy it all..see some craft stores as well i.e. T.G. Fabrics and a woold shop..wow, I'm planning...lol

Betty, YOU need to work for Welcome Wagon! :) You've got the right idea - life is so much better if you are a friend, for that is what it takes to have friends.

gardenwife:

WOW---what a great mantra or motto to live by, "We've been involved in churches who put feet to their faith..." I love that!

Love it as well, thank's for sharing..Bernice and Cliff across the street are committed to helping others..friends of their who live in basement apt. (don't own home because they are always gone - missionaries) are now in New Orleans...

I'm going to march right over there and give those words...

I did a seminar at the Township of Georgian Bay..re helping other more in need in the community and we said as well....don't just talk the talk, walk the walk..how true...you always get back what you give out don't you think...

Good Grief, Charlie Brown....

All this "ya'll are lying and we're being fooled" nonsense over my simple question on unannounced surprise company....

As you were....

i grew up in an "open door" home. friends and family popped in every day and night of the week and my parents loved it. i never once recall hearing them complain. now how did i turn out so completely opposite? leave me alone unless i have advanced warning! ps. my house is clean and neat and i keep it that way for me.

LOL Tracks, I'm the same way---warn me! HA!

The other day a strange man rang our bell. I think he was looking for yard work (at least, I hope so). But he'd be well advised to ditch the big hedge clippers he had open and balanced around his neck like a yoke. All I could think was, "Tool or weapon?" I never open my door to a stranger anymore; it's just not safe. It's too bad so many of us feel that way, but that's the way the world is nowadays.

bivbiv - that's just Scary - I wanted to laugh, but couldn't...

still thinking about that trade in for chocolate...it would have to be a LOT of chocolate :)

I think it would be cool if we could divert this thread back to the topic. :)

chocolate is good, but a good dog...... well, that's a toss up in my books...

sue, i thought i was on topic; i'm sorry (if your post was meant for me).

Actually, we have a much higher chance of being beat up by our own mate than ever getting harmed by a stranger.

I know people do not like hearing that, but it is statistically true.

trackinsand, no just want to get the thread back on topic specific. I won't reply anymore to this thread, sometimes threads take on a different life, and I was just interested in this topic specific, that's all.

(as the wonderful Tim Gunn might say "Carry on!")

IMHO I've always loved when threads get "off" track, in a good way of course. They always go in such intresting directions. I mean only so much one can say on any one topic with a limited group of people to poll from. Course I'm very ADD so my mind tends to wander so that might be why I like it....

My better half just got back from grocery shopping and he brought me a mochajavalanche, a cranberry white chocochip cookie and flowers..sucha good boy. lol

Is that on track? :p

*drool* the cookie sounds sooo good.

I want one! I got giddy just reading about it! What brand and where...oh...where did he get it?!!

lol

He found out about Javacity mixed ice mochas a few weeks ago and now he is a junky. He doesn't like coffee but he LOVES these things.

I think he brought the flowers because he knew I would not be pleased with the mochas all around and bag full of cookies.....

Taco Bell sounds good though. lol

omg, taco bell.....i'll bet it's been five years. i really need to get out more.