Sunday, January 29, 2012

It Takes a Village: I have a new neighbor!

Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when I moved into a new housing development?

I think it's fun to move to a new place. You can kind of reinvent yourself and how you want to live. I decided to go all "green" and "save the environment," so I bought a bike and started hanging my laundry on the line.

Well, yesterday, my friend, Dotty, moved next door. I'm so excited. We have been friends for a long time. We share a love of reading, and in fact, she even formally started me on my quilting journey.
I really like her new home. Dotty and her husband, Al, have four kids, all married, with lots of cool grandchildren. So when they moved next door, they decided to get a snazzy new sports car. And Al is a Master Gardener, so it looks like they are starting their landscaping project with wildflowers.

Here is a funny true-life story. Years ago when they built their home, they were on the outskirts of Fresno, with lots of acreage around them. A nearby neighbor had peacocks. Al and Dotty hated the peacocks. The peacocks would come into their yard, make a big mess, eat the vegetables in their garden. Really. They are not fans of the peacock.

So imagine my surprise when they decided to build a fancy new fence on the side of their house and then decided to have a peacock as a pet!! Very odd...
Oh, and I think another new neighbor's house will be done today. The interesting things you find out about your friends when they move next door. Just like Dotty, she is making some "interesting" decisions...
And in case you were wondering...do you live in a neighborhood that has a lot of CC&R codes? Stuff like the color you are allowed to paint your front door, or how many cars you can park at your house? Well, this particular housing development has only one: it is a requirement that you wear a kerchief at all times...

20 comments:

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Janine @ Rainbow Hare said... #

Love your blocks and your story:)

Teje Karjalainen said... #

Hi! I love your house blocks and funny village story! x Teje

Patti said... #

Such a fun story!You must have had a great time doing the blocks. Can I move into your neighbourhood?!!

Susan said... #

Looks like a fun place to live! Great story telling!

Amy Friend said... #

You know, a local farm has a peacock and I love going there with the kids to see it so much. I keep wishing for one to strut around my flower garden. Perhaps it is not a wise wish? I love your houses! Keep having fun!

FlourishingPalms said... #

Sounds like a tough neighborhood association! But, I love, love, love hanging laundry outdoors - I do it as much as possible - and would thrive in your kerchief-clad community. What a charming place!

Katy Cameron said... #

Yep, back to you winning on the nuttiness score!

Wacky Woman said... #

A lovely neighborhood. Oh, and I grew up in Fresno. hehe

Gayle Bong said... #

So happy for you that your friend moved next door. Mine are MILES away. Well, maybe not that many.
Have fun.

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

Brilliant!!
I want to live there too!

forkdot said... #

Love the story, but the peacock part--it ain't gonna happen. Not only do they eat all your plants, they poop all over your porch and patio. Big birds: big poop.
Dotty

forkdot said... #

Love the story, but the peacock part ain't gonna happen. Not only do they eat all your plants, they poop all over your porch and patio. Big birds: big poop.
Dotty

Mama Pea said... #

You are so creative! Both in your piecing and in your story telling. You have the coolest fabric stash to be able to pull this off. I would never in a million years think to do what you're doing. I love it, Cindy!

Dotty cracks me up. Love her comment.

Carla said... #

I just know that all of your new neighbors are going to love living near you...and YOU will never be bored! You clever girl....am looking forward to keeping up with all the Jones's!

CitricSugar said... #

Oh, Cindy, I am in stitches over here! Too cute. I adore your blocks but I truly appreciate the creativity that comes with your storytelling. Love it.

Kris from Duke Says Sew What said... #

Surely someone with a dog will move in soon?

PNW Quilts said... #

i think you should put a book together with the blocks neighborhood, they make my day!

Cindy Sharp said... #

Oh yeah! Will the be businesses in your development?

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

I want to live in your neighbourhood - it looks like a wonderful place to live and I'm sure Archie would love Dotty's peacock!

Letterpress said... #

So now who is the writer? YOU ARE! Fun to read your stories as you make your blocks. So how many do you have to make? I"m impressed you got some sewing time. I did school stuff ALL day long on Saturday, and I'm still at it. I figure if I can make myself grade tonight, I can play tomorrow. You can see how well that plan is going. . .

Elizabeth E.
opquilt.com

(My son got me a new address!)