Mrs. O has cracked the whip over the last three weekends, resulting in a nearly overhauled front yard. All the "dwarf" pines, mughos and barberries were yanked three weekends ago. The front boulevard dug out two weekends ago. Six yards of 1-1 1/2-inch rock wheelbarreled into place & new baby trees planted this weekend. It was the most time I've spent in front yard since installing the sprinkler system and original plants 25 years ago. I usually focus on the back yard & my garden. A serendipity to all of this was the number of neighbors who stopped by to visit and offer tips or thumbs up re: the upgrade. I live in a neighborhood chock full of nice people. In the process of all the impromptu visits, I realize how isolated I can make myself by going home & hiding out in the back yard. All the shrubs and trees that blocked my porch from the sidewalk are gone. So I expect to spend more time out in the porch and front yard, hoping for chance encounters with neighbors that are enriching.

Question: How about you? Do you spend much time with neighbors gabbing at the mailbox or while puttering around your front yard?