It was a gorgeous morning outside so we took a little longer on our walk than normal, and stopped at the coffee shop down the street. Sal grabbed us a couple of morning beverages and a danish to split, and we sat down on a bench outside the shop.
What happened next is a great example of why I love this neighborhood.
A woman came out of the store and sat down on the bench next to us, and remarked that our dogs were pretty. We struck up a conversation, first about the beautiful weather, then about our plans for the afternoon, and finally about Broadway shows and auditions and such.
Eventually we decided to go — the dogs still hadn’t actually had their breakfast — and ambled on home. We walked past a couple outside our apartment who were loading some furniture into a vehicle, and they said hello and asked our how day was.
After going upstairs to our apartment, I exchanged text messages with a neighbor and confirmed our plans to check out a neighborhood barbecue place for dinner together this evening.
Have I mentioned that I love my neighborhood?! Sure, I’ve had the occasional disappointing encounter, but certainly far fewer than the pleasant surprises. When I pictured living in New York City, it was never with this sort of neighborhoody feel… I had worried that I left all that behind when I moved out of Charlotte.
Don’t worry, M Street neighbors, you’re still on the Neighbor All-Stars list and I miss you dearly. But if I have to live away from you all, I’m glad it’s in a place like this.
Not to mention a fantastic rooftop view!!