Living in Pleasantville

My mother lives in a neighborhood that looks like it is from the movie set for Pleasantville. Every bush, tree and lawn is perfectly manicured. The streets look like they have been freshly painted black. It is very much like a traditional neighborhood design.

In the first half of last century, housing developments were built around neighbors visiting with each other. The kids played on the sidewalks and in the streets in front of the houses. Most often, homes were within walking distance to local markets where everybody gathered to learn the local news.

Neighborhoods today, however, are much more impersonal. Most of the time people drive their car into their “bat cave” (garage) and don’t emerge until they drive to work the next morning. In my Mom’s development, the cars are parked in their own small driveway. If someone’s car hasn’t been moved or if they haven’t been seen, the neighbors call to check if the person is okay. Her neighborhood is a 55 and older community. There are numerous activities like Bingo, Dominoes, Bridge, Water Aerobics and seasonal parties.

Today’s gift was to help Mom’s neighbor by offering her some of the food that we had made for dinner. Her neighbor and husband were so excited to have their dinner plans taken care of in “Pleasantville”.

In Giving,

Robin