Tid Bits

Our new neighbor has been slow to friendship but he came over today and I didn't know who he was. Thought he was going to try to sell me something I didn't want. He introduced himself with no last name and said he was going out of town for a few days and would John or I get his paper in. I said be glad to. He kept standing there grinning so I ask him how he likes Texas. He said he loves it and you couldn't get him to move. He didn't move from the doorstep either and that surprised me. He wasn't making any effort at conversation or leaving so I ask how he likes this heat. He said actually I like it. Still grinning but not saying anything I felt a little awkard so I ask how he likes our neighborhood and he said he likes it. Not knowing what to say I chatted like a magpie about how the neighborhood was when we moved here and how it has grown. He listened and grinned and stood. Finally he said well I better let you get back to what you were doing. So I confirmed we would pick his paper up. I wonder if this will be a neighborly friendship after about eight months. Maybe he wanted to make sure we weren't axe murderers before he made the plunge. I guess it always payes to be careful but we Texans usually plow right in. Mama Mary, John's renter in the big duplex who has lived there many years passed away a few days ago. Her husband died last month and she just couldn't seem to accept it plus she has had health problems. All the kids and grandkids said they were going to get all her belongings out in a week or two and vacate. Too many memories they said but yesterday a grandson came to ask if he could rent it and wants to raise a younger brother (about 10 who Mama Mary was raising). John was relieved as he was in a quandry as to what to do. The duplex needs a lot of work to sell or rent. The kids are used to it the way it is and the little boy probably doesn't want to leave the only home he has known. Odd how things work out sometime. Rest in peace Mama Mary.