Would you be my neighbor?

Back in the day, when I lived in the big city, going grocery shopping involved a forty-five minute crowded bus ride into town.  One of the things I loved most about moving to my current city was the fact that I could buy almost everything I needed in my neighborhood.  I love the fact that I have my egg lady and my fruit sellers.  My egg lady, with her infectious laugh and grin is guaranteed to brighten my day.  Her love for me has grown as I bring new teachers to her each year to buy eggs from her.  When the packaging was changed on the salt bags, and I didn’t know what to buy, she was the one who took the time to explain the change to me.  Anytime I walk past her, she always gives me a big grin and a friendly greeting.  However, I discovered the other day that she’s not a big fan of having her picture taken.

First, she just laughed at me. Then she gave me the evil eye.And then she waved her hands at me.  And I finally gave up…content that I had already captured her spunk and personality.

The other people in my neighborhood that I adore are my fruit sellers.  They’re a husband and wife who I’ve nicknamed my Chinese mom & dad.  They are constantly concerned with me wearing enough clothes and getting enough rest.  They also never fail to round down the price or throw in a few extra pieces of fruit.  Whenever I walk past, they always engage me in conversation…even though my ability to have conversation is quite limited.

Here’s my “Chinese mama”…doesn’t kindness just ooze out of her eyes?And her husband, who wasn’t too keen on looking at the camera, but still gave me a smile.

In case you’re wondering what’s in the rusty garbage can, those are roasted sweet potatoes cooked over hot coals.  It’s a favorite fall and winter treat here in the northeast.