Neighbors
Farewell Shiela P!
We were lucky to have a nice neighbor like you.
Let me get back on track here and finish what I had to say/write about, before going on my memory lane. 
Ms.Shiela P is our next door neighbor. She is a senior citizen, and had lived in the same house for about 35 yrs. We became her neighbors when we bought our house next to hers some eleven years ago. And, she insisted that all of us call her Shiela, that was meant for our kids too. Here in America, the "aunty/uncle" concept kicks in only through relation. Otherwise, it is only Mr/Mrs. And if they are separated/divorced, most people prefer to be called by their first names.
Over the years, we met Shiela's three grown kids, during their short visits to their mom's home. I didn't know she was Jewish, until she invited me over one day, and during or lengthy conversation, let me know that she didn't celebrate Christmas. Silly me, I use to assume that all Caucasians are Christians, and so sent her a Christmas card my first year in this house. I'm glad, she didn't get mad at me for the mistake.
We kept an eye on each other's houses during vacation trips. Most importantly, we never had any kind of "neighbor issues" in these eleven years, which in my opinion is a blessing. Shiela had always talked about moving to Arizona, to be closer to her younger child. Shiela's house was put on sale two weeks ago, and is already sold. I'm getting curious to find out who bought it. I can't find it out yet, since Shiela had moved out a few months ago to Arizona, and had assigned her agent to take care of disposing off her property. So, I have no choice, but to wait, and pray for "nice neighbors"!
I'm sure all of you have had the pleasure of living, or having lived next to an understanding neighbor. Would you like to take a minute to share your experiences?
rajamma_2
Sun, 2009-08-09 06:45
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Lata it is a gift to get a good neighbor.In my old house everything was good except the neighbor... the flowering garden and trees vanished because of them.
But now here, we have a couple with twin daughters one year elder to Neel.He and the girls are mad about of each others company. So we r having fun. Hope they continue here for long time.
Lata
Sun, 2009-08-09 10:38
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I remember you mentioning somewhere in the site about how you had to part with your plants and trees. Plants take a few months to develop, and can be raised in different sized containers, depending on the varieties, but, trees are not easy to grow. If it was me, I don't think I could've done what you did madam. If it were me, I would've kept all my trees, referred the neighbor "friend" to a good allergy-specialist, and if that wouldn't have worked, would've let go of my friendship! Cruel thought, isn't it? What to do madam? I'm a plants payithiyam.
Lata
Sun, 2009-08-09 10:53
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A big announcement from one of our kids (Aarushi) who just walked in from our driveway:
"Mom, I think our new neighbors are here, and guess what? That aunty looks like an Indian lady".
I felt excited, for a moment, but quickly recovered from that to ask, "what does an Indian lady look like?"
Aarushi:" umm, you know, she was dressed pretty much like you, has your hair color, I can tell it is an indian aunty, mom, don't ask me such questions!".
In the meantime, Surya moves the draperies from the windows facing our driveway, hoping to catch a glimpse. Now it was her turn to ask her share of questions,"What else did you see? Did you see any kids?"
Aarushi:"Yes Surya, there was a girl, about your age".
Surya:"Yay!! Finally! I get a girl my size!!".
As for me, where do you think I was? I knew what was going to follow, so I quickly moved in towards the front door, right on time, to prevent Surya from dashing outside.
Sumathi.v
Sun, 2009-08-16 02:16
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Rasiga is my good neighbor(who did the Welcome Baby Krishna kolam on Krishnajayanthi )who shares all the traditional dishes( appam ,kozhukatai.moorkali,puttu,kaimurukku)that she prepares with our family .I inturn send her, Chinese and the tandoori foods for her kids Swetha and Lokesh.This sort of a healthy relationship with a traditional orthodox family helps you to learn good values . In fact we all celebrate New year together in our street with about 5 to 6 families having a joint participation
Purni
Sun, 2009-08-16 22:00
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A book may be compared to your neighbour: if it be good it cannot last too long; if bad, you cannot get rid of it too early.
Henry Brooke
It sure is very true.
Commited to so many responsibilities that come with every Dawn
Staying away from Our Family in a different place, is something hard to keep on.
New Place, New House, New Faces, New Chores.
Sometimes feeling INdependent, sometimes feeling sad.
Sometimes feeling secured, sometimes feeling bad.
Fitting into a Stranger Crowd is sure a Challenge, which only God Himself could possibly manage.
With everything new in and around You, some of Your Neighbours appear as Angels to You. Whereas there always would be another Gang who always would be ready to give You a Bang.
But as one of the Toughest Survivor in the Journey of Life, just keep in mind that nothing comes to You till there is a good strife.
Have seen many types of people in many places. Some are Ultimate Heroes. Some are typical Cartoons. Admire the Heroes, Laugh at the Cartoons. Just making sure we are not cartoonising ourselves is the Important Part we hv to take care of.
The Heroes here in our Neighbourhood make sure that every new comer is feeling comfortable in their new community. Whereas the Cartoon Characters here in our Neighbourhood would look for a Honda City Car being parked in front of your house.
What to say, What to do, There is nothing to mourn as Life has to move on....
hoping not have bored you all...
judelined
Tue, 2009-08-18 23:46
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Wow Purni - nice reading, thanks...
Purni
Fri, 2009-08-21 02:44
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Thanks for Your Time, Judy Ma'am..... My Personal Experience given out in my own words...