Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?

This is my street.

Everyday I walk out of my house and this is what I see. It is a busy little street, lots of people walking up and down, cars going by, dogs being walked, people running and friendly conversations being had.

We have the MOST AMAZING neighbors on our street. I feel so lucky; we feel so lucky.

Charlotte lives across the street; she is a single elderly woman who lives alone. She has a daughter and 3 grandchildren, and she treats us just like family. She is an Italian Catholic woman and to her food and coupons are love. She is always making us Italian food for the special holidays. She lets us park in her drive way (unless you are from here, you don't understand what a HUGE blessing this is, especially in the winter). She always has treats for Berkeley and McDuff. She often invites us over for tea and cookies. She has a wonderful grassy backyard that Berkeley and McDuff love to play in often. She is so loving and kind and we adore her, I don't know what we would do without her.

Bob lives two houses up the street. He is a widower and lives with his 20 something son. He is retired and has always lived on the same street his entire life, but in different houses. He walks 3-5 miles a day and is the BEST dog sitter one could ask for. He and McDuff are kindred spirits. Bob takes our little white pup any time we are going on vacation or we will just have a long day away from home. Bob walks McDuff, takes naps with him and just loves having him around as a companion. I am pretty sure McDuff likes Bob better than us, but what can you do. Bob and Christian and pretty good buddies as well. They talk often and go on outings during the day with Berkeley. Little Berkey loves Bob, we all do.

Sis and Larry live next door; they are snow birds so we only see them 6 months out of the year. They are such sweet and good people who have been experiencing the failing body that old age can bring. They are so loving and friendly to us. During the winter they always send Berkeley cards with money for Christmas, his birthday and EVEN Valentine's Day this year. They love to have us over to their house just to visit and so they can play with Berkeley. Berkeley especially loves Larry's chair that has a remote control up and down, it is a pretty fun toy.

Dick and Agnus live across the street, next to Charlotte. They always have little surprises for Berkeley and McDuff. Agnus just loves Berkeley and always talks about how much cuter and smarter he is than her 2 sons were; it really makes me laugh. Agnus is the best neighbor hood watch woman anyone could ask for. She always watches for Berke to come outside in the summer so she can play with him, she really cant get enough of his blond hair and cute glasses.

It is hard to believe we have almost been here 5 years now. When we first arrived in this big crazy place I was not a big fan; I really hated it. There was no place to park, rent was crazy expensive, people drove aggressively, I was lost when I drove within minutes each time I got in the car. I struggled to find a job for so long. It was so hot and humid when we first arrived and had no form of AC in which to cool down. I felt so crowded as there was no space and everything seemed so old.

Over time this place makes you fall in love with it. You get use to the cost of living, you learn how to be an aggressive driver, you learn your way around the city (thank you GPS!). You just discover how amazing this place is, how rich the culture, the beauty, the history and how many great things there are to see and do.

We have really grown a lot here. I finally got my social work licensure, found a job that I love, had my precious baby boy and have gained a love for running while we have been here.

Christian has worked so hard on his PhD and had so many amazing opportunities with his music here.

We have made incredible friendships that are like family, and grown very close as a couple while we've been here.

We really love Boston/Cambridge/Somerville.

Wherever our road takes us, we will always look fondly at our time here. We have talked a lot about how we could never move anywhere nearly as cool as this place, which is sort of sad. There is just so much to see and do so close. There is always something fun and new going on.

Oh how I have fallen in love with you New England!

Sometimes I have to pinch myself that we live here. I seem to have those moments most when I am with my running group and we are running around the Charles River at Night and are able to see the beautiful Boston and Cambridge Skylines. It is truly breathtaking and there is no better run on earth as far as I am concerned.

Don't you want to visit or better yet move here?