Getting to know the neighbors

Ellen and I have lived in Reservoir Hill for almost two and a half years and it seems that we are just beginning to get to the neighborhood. People seem to be reserved but given the right opportunities, they will reach out. I discovered it accidentally this past summer and fall while working in the garden. A number of people, overcome by their curiosity, asked about the vegetables in my modest garden. In particular, some asked about the red Swiss chard with its striking red and green foliage. Many had never seen or heard of it. I had the opportunity to give some to a sister of a neighbor who visits often and we discuss different ways to cook this vegetable. In the course of a couple of hours yesterday afternoon, three different people stopped by to ask about the garden and about the house. A young couple who lives in one of the brownstone across the street were out walking their dog and stopped by to ask about the house. The husband works for the Voice of America and was acquainted with asylum seekers. His wife was interested in the Mennonites and was surprised that the Mennonites have a presence in the city. Shortly after, Glynice, a neighbor who lives in one of the row houses to the north stopped by to ask for advice about her little garden in front of her house. She was also interested in the Mennonite connection and said that her nephew in Jackson Mississippi attends a Mennonite church. I offered her some of my extra parsley and she accepted my offer. I look forward to many such encounters with the neighbors and to know the neighborhood better.