Welcome a New Neighbor Tomorrow

I can still remember the day we sat in our new house, with no furniture, exhausted from cleaning, when the doorbell rang. There was my neighbor holding a large plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies! We made our introductions, exchanged some phone numbers. She offered to be of assistance whenever we needed anything and went on her way. I was literally changed by this event. It is now many years later...and I still look back fondly on that day...and won't ever forget it.

I was cleaning, up to my eyeballs in dirt and was just tired as all get out. My kids were getting on my nerves and my hubby was already at work. I kept saying...one more thing, one more thing. The kids were so hungry, but I didn't want to stop just yet...and they were little back then too. And then my neighbor appeared.

Through the years, we exchanged cookies on holidays, waved to each other in the driveway, called upon one another when we needed help. But for the most part, we didn't interact on a daily basis. During those long deployments and getting locked out of my house in a rainstorm, she was there for us. And to me, that was the clincher. Just knowing that someone is there for you...that they can help you in a bind...watch your house while you are gone, that you feel comfortable enough calling them and asking for help. Isn't that what neighbors should be all about? I was so touched and affected by her service...because that's what it was more than a friendship, I vowed to do the same.

Start off the new year by welcoming your new neighbor. It doesn't take much. It'll make you feel good, and you'll be rewarded back, because that's how life usually works itself out.

Before you say...but I'm too busy...or, I don't know how to bake! Hey, even with the worst cook in the kitchen, this can be done. Here are some ideas of what you can bring over. And no need to put a lot of fancy thought in packaging! Get a nice disposable or plastic plate from the dollar store and get some colored cellophane wrap. I've even gotten the heavy duty cellophane basket wrap stuff (get it in bulk on eBay instead of your local craft store), and I've tied up everything from baskets of food items, toiletry items, stuffed animals..you name it....anything looks pretty tied up in this stuff with a nice ribbon and bow attached.

So, here are some ideas:

• Buy some ready-made cookie dough, bake as per directed and arrange (slightly cooled) on on a nice plate covered with some colored cellophane.

• A loaf of bread machine bread wrapped the same way. I sometimes put this in a basket with some teas and jams and a decorative spreader.

• A basket of candies, gum and a bundle of local sightseeing attractions and stuff from your local Chamber of Commerce.

• A large bag of popcorn nicely packaged with the names and phone numbers of local businesses you recommend attached on a card (such as your plumber, electrician, yard guy and such).

• A nice potted plant, something they can put at their door or eventually plant in their yard.

• If it's a hot summer and their stuff hasn't gotten here yet, how about a tub of cold drinks and water on ice.

Whatever you bring over, be sure to include a smile, a friendly handshake, an introduction to you and who is in your family, a bit about the neighborhood, any phone numbers and resources you'd like to share and just a big welcome.

What ideas do you have to share?