By Paula Mitchell
Historically speaking, the front porches were seen as essential for health and community interaction. This allowed people to get out of the house and closer to nature. This represented small-town America. Sitting on the front porch offers a timeless, calming, and restorative escape, serving as a peaceful bridge between the privacy of home and the community outside. It encourages slowing down to enjoy simple pleasures like watching birds, feeling the breeze, and waving to neighbors, fostering a sense of safety and connection.
This was where neighbors gathered, where one waved to passing cars and chatted whilst watching the children chase lightning bugs at twilight. It was a time to watch thunderstorms, relishing the excitement of the wind and the damp rainy air as the lightning pierced through the dark clouds.
The charm of the front porch encompasses many things: simple pleasures of watching the world go by, listening to birds, offering a spot of quiet solitude, offering a chance for grounded reflection, acting as a welcome space to relax and still be connected with the neighborhood, providing a mental health break…offering a chance for grounded reflection. Potted plants, along with rocking chairs and cushions, enhance the inviting, cozy atmosphere of a front porch. Oh, the front porch!
With the absence of front porches, plus the addition of fences dividing yards, America has lost a small piece of its social identity. Sadly, not knowing one’s neighbor, or avoiding a neighbor, has become a new norm.
Life’s little instructions include the following:
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Be humble and kind.
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Never count one’s money in front of others.
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Leave notes in book bags/backpacks.
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Assist someone with heavy items.
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Use “please” and “thank you” to show respect.
Birds have returned with their song so sweet. Hummingbirds are darting towards the feeders. Bucks have shed their winter coats.
The community was extremely happy to have received around 4 tenths of an inch of rain Monday morning. One can easily notice the variety of green shades on mountains and hills. Soon they will merge into one color. All is well.
Quotes for the week are as follows:
“Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” — Albert Einstein
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
“Never yet was a springtime, when the buds forgot to bloom.” — Margaret Elizabeth Sangster
“Smile, it increases your face value.” — Dolly Parton
“If I had my career again? Maybe I’d say to myself, speed it up a little.” — James Stewart
Sitting by the fireplace is a warm place to hear the “Talk of The Grove.”
Celebrating Mother’s Day Saturday with a lunch at the Wood Grill were Judy Costello, Judy and Sam Waggy, Roger and Reda Shrewsbury, Irma Moats, Terry Harper, Janet Judy, Evelyn Varner, and Sunny and Steve Brooks. By all accounts, everyone had a great time.
Phil Downs motored to Winchester, Virginia, to attend his granddaughter’s, Amelia Gibson’s, graduation from Shenandoah University. Amelia graduated with a diploma in business administration tech and plans to work the summer at the university followed with a continuation in her education career with a master’s degree.
Bob and Marti Fisher of Romney were Sunday visitors in the home of Willard and Judy Rader.
A Mother’s Day Tea Party was held following worship service at St. John Lutheran Church. Tables were decked with finery, as well as delicious foods that were enjoyed by all. The ladies wore hats/fascinators, making it a nostalgic occasion. The youth helped serve tea and saw to the ladies’ comfort by replenishing the eateries. A wonderful time was had by all, allowing memories to linger in the minds for many days.
The reader may realize why this month is called May: It MAY rain. It MAY sleet or snow. It MAY be 80 degrees. It MAY be 20 degrees. Anything can occur!
This week’s clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
In some Native American cultures, it is believed the frog helps bring spring rains for crops.
A leech has 32 brains.
The longest highway in the United States is Route 20.
Martin Van Buren spoke English as a second language.
The fast-food restaurant Subway has the most locations in the world.
Continued birthdays for May are Missy Harrison, 14th; Liam Simmons, 15th; Tina Dia and Reagan McConnell, 16th; Norma Cunningham and Logan Godfrey, 17th; Andrea Williams, 18th; Nancy Pultz, 19th; Charlie Burgoyne, 20th; Cynthia Hurry and Kaia Jones, 24th; Alma Mallow, 25th; Bruce Hoover and Skyler Grogg, 26th; Dani Ruth Hoover, 28th; and Cooper Collins, 29th.
Concerns are for Debbie Alt, Dillion Armstrong, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, “Bo” Boggs, Larry Byers, Stanley Dahmer, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, Clyde Hamilton, Armanda Heavner, Keith Hoover, Cynthia Hurry, Gary Jamison, Tara Kelley, Lori Ann Lambert, Melissa Lambert, Paul Mallow, Roger Mallow, Yvonne Marsh, Dottie Mitchell, Peggy Pitsenbarger, Kinsley Price, Alda Propst, Sheldon Propst, Eldon Rexrode, Bernie and Margaret Sasscer, Robbie Sites, Kitty Waggy and Edwin Wimer.
