Four of us sat on neighbor Shawn’s lawn, happy to chat outdoors while keeping our distance. I’ve not written about neighbor Holly before. Normally I wave at her as she drives to work while I’m walking, and that is the only contact we’ve had. During the virus lock-down, she has been working from home. Shawn’s last chicken, Ariel, was wandering near us. This chicken likes to be around people, though perhaps there were too many strangers for her. Holly lured her closer with a piece of bread that Logan brought out for that purpose. I was sure I had a good photo of her, but she veered just as I pressed the button.

Someone saw on Facebook that May 2 was Front Yard Neighborhood Cookout. People were encouraged to bring grills to their driveways to cook and visit at a distance. Shawn took up the cause and asked us if we’d do it. Holly hoped to wheel her mother out to take part, and Joyce said she’d drive down and stay on one side of my drive. We texted Dawn, and husband Jeff’s response was a yes. The party was on! We chatted a while longer until we began to shiver.

The next day we assembled near two driveways. Neighbors included Jeff, Holly, Bob, the “awns” (Shawn and Dawn), Logan, and Joyce. It was wonderful to be together again within hearing distance of each other. Jeff cooked the meat we brought on his gas grill. Dawn shared macaroni and cheese, and both Holly and I brought Brownies. There are never too many Brownies at a party!

Joyce had her neat newspaper grill. She wadded up ten pieces of newspaper and cooked her hamburger in five minutes. If we still had a newspaper delivered, I’d want one of those little grills. There was no muss or fuss,and the meat was ready almost instantly.

After we ate our dogs and burgers, we walked up to Holly’s house to visit with her mother Jean. Jean is on oxygen and needed to stay a good distance from the rest of us. We stood around at a safe distance from each other to chat.

Logan loves dogs, and he clung to the railing at Jean’s house to pet the two little dogs. I never got a good photo of the fast-moving animals, but Logan was able to pose for me. I really appreciate his willingness to be photographed. It’s what boosts my readership on the blog.

When dog Mazie settled down a bit, Logan held her quietly for a long time. I loved this shot of them.

Everyone scattered quickly, leaving Joyce and me looking at each other and wanting more visiting time. We sat on my porch until the silvery half-moon and Venus shown down on us. I enjoyed hearing about some of the dogs she owned and the period when she raised Chows.

I hope all of you have had a chance to be with or talk to someone special. It can make a big difference!