Block party!

Block Party on our street last evening. Big portable barbecue, portable fire pit in the centre of the street, kids everywhere, tons of good food…and fattening food as well. Many folks from two streets gathered and became better acquainted with one another. I spent some time ‘evangelizing’ two guys into the world of Scots whiskey. Perhaps we’ll share a snifter at Christmas time, when there will be another event.

The weather wasn’t fine, but it didn’t rain, and the chill was kept at bay by the potable fire-pit, which blazed away all evening, giving off warmth and smoke. A few of us sucked up the smoke, and were transported back to youthful days around campfires, roasting potatoes and corn filched from someone’s garden.

The food, of course, was abundant and calorie laden, apart from the table full of salads that were to be had. I quite enjoyed the event for a while. I talked with a couple of not-so-near neighbours whom I hadn’t met before, as well the young guys I tempted into thinking about Scots whiskey.

After about an hour and half, I was stiff and ready to walk the four houses to our door. I volunteered to take our camp chairs home, assuming that Beatrix would be along shortly. Of course, in that hope I was mistaken. It was after dusk had turned into near-darkness, another hour at least, before she came in, brimming with neighbourhood news and gossip. Apparently, quite a few folks had hung around the fire and visited after I left.

I was surprised, because I had come in feeling tired and a bit overwhelmed by all the socializing. The whole thing reminded me that I have still some distance to go to be ready for such sustained, and for me, intense, interaction. Had I tried to remain with Beatrix, I would have been exhausted, and I’m sure would have drawn further and further into myself for “protection.”

I’m not so fragile and anxious as I was in the days after the stroke when a few minutes with a handful of people had me scrambling for isolation. But I can take the presence of a large number of strangers for only a short time, and then my emotional energy gives out, and I need solitude, and more silence. Still an area of needed recovery for me. Part of the way home, but not there yet.