Am I A Good Neighbor?

 SNOWED IN 2025 Submitted by Deana Dothage, 03.02.2025, Warrenton, MO January and February 2025 brought some significant snowfalls. My neighborhood has a mix of young and old and a few in between. Acts of kindness during the snowstorms were numerous as always.  My son drove to my house and spent 90 minutes shoveling the 9" of snow completely off my driveway. 💖 My daughter-in-law slid in a ditch on her way to work. My son drove to her location, drove her truck back on the road, and got her turned around so she could get back on the road to work. 💗 Every time a 91-year-old neighbor began shoveling her driveway, two neighbors took turns getting out to help her. She would not quit, but she did allow them to assist. 😁❄⛄❆ A neighbor with a gas snow blower braved the cold and cleared off a few driveways of our older neighbors.  My brother tackled our driveway every time it snowed and did his best to keep up, despite my health warnings to him.  Submitted by Gregg Sartoriu...

PUZZLED #2 submitted by Deana Dothage, 03.02.2025 Several months ago, a neighbor asked me to help her look for 300 piece puzzles, which have larger pieces. On Amazon, Ebay, and Marketplace they are easy to find. Over the past several months I've been able to deliver several puzzles to my friend/neighbor. Recently, she invited me to work one with her. Puzzling and conversation was a perfect way to spend a winter evening. She has been a model of neighboring for the past 21 years. One of the most appreciated acts of kindness are the fabulous pies she delivers.  Look around your neighborhood. Are there fun things you can do together or small acts of kindness that you can deliver?    Neighboring matters!

Almost 60 years ago, my mom and I went to Forest Laundromat in St. Charles, MO. The owner, Edna Smith, greeted and welcomed us. We were new to the community and new customers.  I loved Edna on site. I returned her greeting, “Hi, I’m Deana and I’m 5 years old. I’m going to be your friend.” We did become friends.  Her husband Henry and her son Mark become lifelong friends of the family. My mom and I were at their funerals and Mark recently was present during my mom’s Celebration of Life.  Until Henry and Edna’s deaths, my childhood photos were on their refrigerator alongside family photos. Mark and my brother Mark were close friends until my brother’s death.  My mom worked part time in the laundromat. We boated with them and enjoyed many river sandbar picnics. As a new teen driver I often visited Edna and Henry for advice. They were mentors and bonus parents. 💗 They lived and worked 8 blocks away from us until we moved a few miles away. This family taught me about nei...

  Puzzled to Pieces My neighbor, "RT," has delivered meals and desserts to my house many times during the past few years as my mother's health declined and before and after her Celebration of Life in April 2024. She joined family and friends at the service and continues looking for ways to reach out. She has taken me out for dinner and listens patiently.  One day, she invited me indoors to show her puzzle collection. She was hoping to find more of a particular variety. FINALLY, something I could do for her! I went online, searched, and ordered a "FEW" puzzle. They've been delivered, and I'd like to join her during the winter months to work on a few with her.  A friend and I put this one together BEFORE I gave it to RT. It has been a long time since I've pieced a puzzle together. It was very relaxing and led to conversations and storytelling. I'm looking forward to spending time with my neighbor. Puzzling slows you down and allows you to relax and...

This video popped up in my Facebook feed. Mr. Roger sings his famous song to the Boston University Class of 1992.  It is a fabulous neighboring message.   https://fb.watch/sJi6i1WKbr/

  Hannah This week, a visiting guest offered to bring my Beagle Hannah from the backyard kennel into the house for the night. When the guest opened the gate, Hannah took advantage of the opportunity for an evening run.  While looking for Hannah, I noticed a young neighbor in the front yard of his parents' house. I walked across and down the street to ask him to watch for Hannah and let me know if he saw her. He kindly agreed and offered to look for her.  Two hours later, Hannah arrived at the front door and was welcomed inside with a treat. Later that evening, the doorbell rang. On the front porch was the neighbor, who introduced himself. He asked if Hannah had returned because if not, he was going to walk through the neighborhood to find her. I thanked him and showed him that Hannah was home.  His family moved into our neighborhood in the fall of 2023. I had met him once and spoken with his parents a few times, but I didn't know them well. I stepped outside, and "R"...