Know your neighbors

A neighborhood is more than the area you
live in. It's also a community you develop.
While frequent moves, hectic schedules, and
electric garage door openers have all taken
their toll on modern-day neighborhoods, that
doesn't mean borrowing a cup of sugar from
the next door is old-fashioned. In fact,
caring for your nieghbors is a good thing, it
teached your children how to make friends.

To draw your neighborhood closer together,
reach out. Get to know your neighbor's name.
Personally deliver cards around the holidays.
Volunteer to watch your neighbors' house when
they are on vacation.

Feed the birds

The hummingbird's wings move like a living helicopter
as it hovers over the red bird feeder. Shy sparrows and
sassy blue jays compete for the seeds you toss out on
the snow. The simple pleasure of feeding the birds
creates a moment of wonder in the day. You can spread
a feast for fine feathered friends in your backyard,
whether you have elaborate birdhouses and feeders or
whether you just sprinkle some birdseed on the lawn.
Or you can take bread to feed ducks and enjoy the show
at a local lake.