Friday, August 10, 2012

Knock at the Front Door


Notice the new wood on the right side of this picture. This is our new fence. 




We're redoing our twenty plus year old cedar fence before it falls down completely. The style is called a good neighbor fence like the last one - the slats are staggered and it looks the same on both sides. The new one is two feet higher for more privacy. It frames borders and yard with a warm, golden glow. Loverby did a splendid job - the results are enviable. He's a mathematical genius, a craftsman with wood. I love it. 

What we didn't replace were the two built in gates that led from our yard to the neighbor to the west, and the neighbor on the north side. What was common and normal way back then is no longer desirable in our culture at present. We can't even talk over the fence without a ladder anymore. Good neighbor fences need a new name. There is nothing neighborly about them. There will never be a beaten path through our yard to theirs. We all feel enclosed and safe, and isolated in our comfortable walls. We have complete privacy. I am both glad and sad about this. 

There never will be a fence out in the front. Please come knock on our front door. It is has a big welcome for you. Maybe a pot of soup is still warm. I'll put the tea kettle on and we'll sit on the porch swing and linger till the sun drops down over the roof, then the horizon. If you stay to linger longer, I'll light candles. I hope the path to the front door gets deep ruts and never gets overgrown. I want neighbors who need to borrow a cube of butter or a cup of flour once in a while.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kathleen--- we will be coming thru that front door soon!! We are looking forward to it very much--- I am anxious to see your yard, it looks like a park!! PS-- Craig did an excellent job !

Susan said...

With interest I noted no fences surrounding homes in TN and Kentucky. I ask a local about it and he couldn't understand why anyone would want to fence themselves in. 'How neighborly is that?, he asked? Different perspectives....
We live in a 'gated community (smirk) and although there are some people who no longer have access to my home (happy clapping), I know there are others who sadly drive on by b/c of no access.

Brazilla said...

I would drive a long way for that butter. This is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Your whole yard looks wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Kathleen, your front porch swing, the stories, and a cup of tea - the greatest treasures you willingly share are wonderful. I remember well, all three. love you,Karen S. from CA

Maureen said...

Beautiful yard. I love the sitting area!

Does Loverby hire out? What a beautiful fence he's built. I cannot say the same about the one our neighbor put up between our townhouses; it's already warping.

Monica Sharman said...

Wowza. Love the fence, and the rock work, too. I want to step barefoot on those. And sit under there with you and some of that soup and tea.

Anonymous said...

Wonderfully written, Yes your front yard and swing is so welcoming, but the back yard is like the hidden garden, one word say's it all "Magical" in every nook and cranny. I am sure fairy's live there.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful yard! I so wish I had WA's weather out here...or perhaps a greener thumb...