The daffodils just lifted their heads this week. Irises are grinning, and the crocuses are popping up all over.

The next door neighbors moved to New York for a couple years. They were great neighbors, always willing to chat with Rose in the garden or play jump rope with her. But, they were both grown-ups. The person renting the house has a son exactly Rose’s age. Yippee! We already spent an afternoon running back and forth between the houses. He’s only here every other week, but it’s going to be great.

The across-the-street neighbors moved out and are selling their house. I think I talked to them once in the eight years we’ve lived here, so we won’t be missing them. I’m a little nervous about the amount of construction that house is going to take. Still, we’re hoping for kids, more kids!

The storefront under the condos, which has been empty for years, has finally rented. The sign says “playmatters.” I googled them and they are either a grant giving organization or a toy store. Either could be interesting.

The countertop store at the bottom of the hill has been replaced by, drum roll please, an organic gelato store. That’s a fancy way of saying ice-cream. Now that’s the kind of neighbor we like.