Who R the People in U'r Neighborhood?

So, 

Mrs. Datoc & Pat, my best friend's oldest bro
(both doctors)

growing up we had Italian neighbors & Asian friends all over the place.  In fact, I was so excited to learn our fav fam's doctor (Asian) lived in our neighborhood ~ when reconnecting w/ his son recently on FB!  It's interesting what you learn about people as adults.  Little did I know that the kind man (who terrorized me as a child ~ w/ shots) had sons who would not only end up providing much-needed rides to the airport, but would also admire me all these yrs for playing the violin in school.  Didn't know Dr. Chusuei's sons went to school w/ me!  

Michael Chusuei

In fact, when I was at home in Va. this past summer it was awesome getting to go over & visit Mrs. Venuto again.  She & my Mom used to love each other so much.  Took many trips back n' forth 'cross the lawn to borrow sugar & other things.  It was so nice ~ Lynn extended love to my Mom & told me how much they miss her.  Even tho we're all FB friends ~ it's still nice to see each other in person every once in a while.  Some of my funnest memories are of my bro & I posing for pic's in front of our neighbor's fancy cars, comparing our gardens, & cutting thru lawns greeting each other (one of which at one point taught me horse-back riding lessons ~ until I got bucked off ~ didn't dare get on a horse after that, but did finally manage it again ~ & loved it) en route daily to my best friend's house!  Used to buy my parents' anniversary & b-day gifts from the lady who made porcelain down a little ways from our bus top.  Ah the vid's we made as children!  Some include our current Utah Senator's younger sisters, who I used to babysit.  

Taking a tour

Thru Mike Lee's office

His Dad & mine were 2nd cousins growing up (in AZ); even roommates in college.  When Solicitor General & BYU Pres. Rex Lee moved his fam back (after living in Utah), my Dad helped them f(i/u)nd their moving into our neighborhood!  Their daughter, Wendy, drove me to early morn seminary & I took Michael.   In fact, let it not leak out that I was the one who told our Utah Senator there was no Santa Claus.   I remember sitting in the cultural hall of the church when he asked me to "wait for him" on his mission also.  We were 5!  Well, maybe I was slightly older.  You know what they say . . . kissin' kuzins!  

My Best Friend's (daughter's) Wedding!

Who are my neighbors now?  And do I know them?  Well . . . let's see.  When I first moved in, I was lucky.  Not only did I have the great fortune of having two of them (sisters) help me bring up boxes, but they also invited me over for dinner that evening.  It was wonderful b/c they gave me lots of pointers on how to buy furniture for my apt.  They also introduced me to other members of their fam who later moved in.  I gave them one of our Mo Tab CD's for being so nice & sic-ed (sent) the LDS missionaries on (to) them one day (knowing they were Catholic & also very Christian).  Shhh!  (They didn't know).
Turns out the neighbors across the hall work-out at the Clubhouse gym (met one of them while on the tread mill) & attend Institute w/ me.  One even works in the District!  I see her (almost) every morn.
Used to sit on the stairs w/ the man underneath me (who helped dump all of my boxes to recycling ~ gave him a CD also, even tho he was Mormon ~ Jack, that is) & learn about his failed marriages.  His son had recently been divorced himself ~ had a child that went to one of my sch's ~ but, he has since found someone & remarried.  Hence, they moved!  Their place is still empty.

Ro & Jack this summer

You can imagine how delighted I was to learn the neighbors (directly below me ~ who get complaints all the time for being loud, leaving their bikes out & using side-walk chalk ~ their children often greet me when I come home) have a girl who likes to play violin & joined my class!  I have her again this yr.  Speaking of stu's, I sometimes spot one of my loyal subjects (a senior who is graduating after yrs of studying now w/ me) walking around our neighborhood.  Her Dad (who displays a big red U blanket on his porch every season) owns a condo in the other bldg.

It's a good thing to get to know your neighbors b/c you never know who might come in handy . . . like the single cop I met while swimming in the pool.  I actually didn't meet him that way . . . I met my neighbors (in the bldg way over) while taking a dip who then invited me over to meet him (another recent divorcee).  Fun times playing card games!  I've gotten to meet many neighbors at the swimming pool . . . one time we all got scared from lightening, but that didn't stop us.  Another time, the young women came for an activity when I was there.  You get to meet lots of neighbors that way!  

Ride 'em cowgirl!

Used to take treats to the missionaries (before they ~ the MTC ~ were afraid of bombs).  Haven't made cookies for anyone in a long time . . . I give out Mo Tab CD's now instead.

Horse-bike riding w/ my dear friend I met at Institute

Btw, you can meet lots of people doing genealogy, too.  Didn't know half the state of Utah & much of the community in which I live are related to me!  That's another story . . .

Have you seen this movie?  So good!