Community.

 

Billy and I left the house, as usual, by the back gate. A lady I know waved as soon as we appeared; she was heading in the other direction, so we didn't talk.

Around the corner we met 'Bluebeard'. He has 'gardenified' the twitten behind our garages (above), with flower-filled planters. I call him 'Bluebeard' because he dyes his beard different colours (possibly according to his mood), and more often than not it's blue. He calls me 'darling', and we chat about his one Potato plant that he's mixed-in with all his flowers. He does a really great job. He was watering as we spoke.

Up by the church, I see Father Dominic rushing towards the vestry door, He waves and says a cheery 'Hello'; I reply with my usual 'Hello Father'.

Once in the 'Rest Garden' I release Billy from his lead and he rushes off to play with his friends. I chat to a few fellow dog-walkers, mostly women, then bask in the warm sunshine as I slowly walk my usual circuit.

Half way round I meet John and his skateboarding Black Lab'. He tells me of doing Shakespeare in New York, and some other thespian pursuits. He's quite a character.

I chat to a few more dog owners as I finish my circuit. Just small-talk, but very pleasant.

I leave the Rest Garden, cross the road, and enter the churchyard near where the German Messerschmidt crashed 82 years ago. I spot two soberly dressed men by the church tower, and see Father Dominic heading their way. 'Funeral?' I ask. He nods.

As I head for the exit of the churchyard, I spot my black friend with his nose stuck in his phone (as usual). He waves and I go over for a chat. He tells me that he used to live in Glasgow, and said what lovely people they are up there. We natter about the state of the world, and I leave the churchyard with Billy back on his lead.

On the other side of the road are a bunch of workmen sitting on the steps of the house they're working on. They all stroke Billy, and make light conversation. 

I head a few metres further down the hill then turn left into my road. One of my neighbours who is working on The Bishop's house stops for a chat, then I'm home; by the front door.

I sit down indoors and feel very contented. Our little community has come-up trumps. I'm very happy with where I live.