I’ve written about my awesome neighbours a number of times. We’ve had some new additions to our neighbourhood recently. One is a couple we’ve known for a year and another is an ex-army member. The men all work for R, my neighbourly contractor.

For the last few weekends they guys have been getting together on their off-time to put up a wooden gazebo at E & V’s (two doors down). L was calling a case of gazebo envy as he, Drew and E2 built one for R while he was in Vietnam last September. Ever since we’ve all wanted one. After finishing the roofing and installing lights and a ceiling fan, E & V are now happily sitting under theirs. Drew and I won’t be able to put one up in our yard until next summer. We need to have the concrete pad laid first and that won’t be before next year. This year all the renovation budget is being spent on a new garage. I’m really looking forward to its completion. Soon I’ll no longer be able to direct people to my house by telling them that once they see the ugliest garage in Edmonton, they’ve arrived.

But I wasn’t planning on blogging about gazebos and garages today.

Years ago, long before we moved into this area, E & V used to host a pretty regular poker games with their friends and neighbours. While I was out of country, they held a few and Drew would drop by for a game. Recently we’ve restarted the tradition and it’ll been a lot of fun. We usually have 8 players – of varying experience levels – and to date, have had at least one new person joining in each night. Friends and neighbours who don’t play drop by for short visits . It’s a perfect opportunity to grab a drink and some conversation.

Last night was our night to host a game. We often talk about the small size of our house. It’s perfect for the two of us, cats and mid-sized dogs. By today’s building standards, we’re pretty much living in a 2 car garage as opposed to a house, but I much prefer it that way. We use every room in the house – as opposed to many of our friends with larger homes that rarely enter all the rooms in their homes on an average week. Besides we have old hardwood floors, stained glass french doors, and cove ceilings. Things you don’t see in most modern homes. Yeah, I’m house proud. What of it?

Ummm, I appear to be off topic again. Where was I? Small house. Lots of people. Most in the kitchen. Dogs sleeping under the kitchen table. When they weren’t trying to scam their way to some food. When everyone is having a good time a small room becomes a cozy centre of the universe.

Can’t wait until next week.

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