Years ago whenever the woods (that are now a subdivision) caught fire, or there was a torrential rainstorm and the streets flooded, all the neighbors would gather together and socialize.

This evening I heard the siren coming down my way and got to the front of the house in time to see the ambulance go by. I had a pretty good idea where it would go, and I was right.

By the time I'd hobbled to the adjoining road, my neighbor was also outside and we walked over together. Luckily, the elderly man (he may be about my age?) was headed for the hospital as a precaution. He waved at all of us, and his wife didn't seem too worried. Their daughter had handled the situation quite calmly. We all sent our good wishes, and then introduced ourselves to people we didn't know.

My neighbor and I, of course, talked a bunch more. Her big news was that she thought that a nearby used book store in town was going to have J. K. Rowling there in the morning.

Should be interesting if it's true.

She and I were also bemoaning my pool, but I pointed out that if I got it fixed there would be a bunch of homeless turtles--and who knows what else.

So, this evening was Neighborhood Social Night.

And now to take a quick shower to wash off the sweat.