One of the coolest things that has just randomly happened to me in a long time took place this weekend. I was out in the yard taking a typical Fall mow, when an elderly man stopped in the driveway of the old house and started walking towards me.  He asked me my name and I told him, I asked him his, we shook hands and he said, "Murray."  (Not his real name)

He told me he lived down the street for 56 years in the same house.  His wife of 54 years died two years ago and HE would be "moving soon."  I didn't ask where, it was time to listen.  He only stopped to thank me for for being a good neighbor.  He thanked me for always shoveling the sidewalks so kids could get to school (clearly not his own)  He thanked me for taking such good care of my house and yard. 

But what he most liked was seeing me and Juneau on front porch and yard together.  He called her, "The Husky."  He said you "guys" are out there all the time, and it makes him happy.  He said it was a pleasure to live on the same street as me.  All unsolicited.  I thanked him, shook his hand again and wished him well with a back pat.

I went back to finishing the lawn misty eyed, and grateful for people like Murray.