Viewpoints
Green Acres and Great Neighbors
By Ardath Piston
August 15, 2007
Wednesday PM
Good neighbors take care of each other: keeping an eye on children,
pets and homes. They are considerate, helpful, and receptive
to each other's needs. I am fortunate to live in just such a
neighborhood. So on the rare occasion when there is a noise disturbance
or some other sort of annoyance, I say something...the problem
has always been rectified.
I have two neighbors that raise chickens...one even has a goat
aptly named "Goat". These animals bring me joy on
a daily basis. Not only do my kind neighbors freely share their
eggs with me, they also provide excellent compost for my gardens.
I even have a special bucket labeled "Goat and Chicken
Snacks" that I fill with leavings from our salads and fruit.
Every few days I bring the snacks over to an appreciative goat
and a chatty bunch of hens. My days are filled with the sounds
of happy clucking and cheerful goat bleating, and I love it!
There is great value in forming a solid relationship with neighbors.
I have learned through trial
and error that going directly to a neighbor and nicely discussing
the problem is far more effective than harboring anger. Who
knows, you might find out you live next to an amazing person
with many talents, interests, or hobbies that you share. You
might even become (gasp) friends.
Ardath Piston
Ketchikan, AK
Received August 14, 2007 -
Published August 15, 2007
About: "15 year resident
of Ketchikan. Currently sunburned with at least 5000 bug bites.
Advocate of chickens, good neighbors, and strong bug dope."
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