Jack’s Winning Words 7/5/16
“The weird thing about houses is that they almost always look like nothing is happening inside of them.”  (John Green)  Architect Philip Johnson designed a house with glass walls.  Would you like to live in such a place?  Most people want privacy.  A welcome mat reads:  “As far as anyone knows, we’re a nice happy family.”  A house just sold across from us.  I wonder what the new neighbors will be like?  Will I be nosy if I go over and find out?    ;-)  Jack

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  Absolutely!  Take a cake, always welcome I find.  I would like a very modern house with lots of glass.====JACK:  I wonder where the saying, "You take the cake" comes from?

FROM TARMART REV:  ...depends upon whether you're carrying a plate full of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies or not?!====JACK:  Since I don't bake, it might be a package of Oreos instead.====REV:  ...its the thought that counts of course...maybe a bag of Panera's Chocolate Chip Muffies!?====JACK:  My Panera favorite is sticky caramel pecan rolls.

FROM QUILTING CAROL:  We’ve commented about this too driving past houses in our community; some put out pretty flowers; some let dead trees continue to stand in their yards; some have children outside playing; some are closed up tight-curtains drawn; others have the curtains open letting light and life come in.  Often wonder about those with closed drapes – what are they hiding from; are they lonely and don’t know how to make friends or just don’t want to be bothered?  No, I don’t think you are being nosy going over to meet your new neighbors…you might all become good friends.  We have great neighbors – curtains open – lots of life in and out.  However, we have acquired two male turkeys who are frequenting our yard and they are NOT such good neighbors!  They offer entertainment at times when our neighbors cats stalk them – cat and turkey game. ====JACK:  Maybe if the turkeys stay around until November, Bob can invite them to stay for Thanksgiving dinner.  I smelled skunk in our yard this morning.  I'd rather have the birds.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  We love our neighbors and neighborhood.  I'm sure you will do the right thing and meet your new neighbors/ friends.====JACK:  Their names are Noah and Rachel.  How much more Biblical can that be?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  bring them a pan of brownies and welcome them warmly....unless you think it will soon become a crack house!====JACK:  When the previous owner mover in, his first visit was from someone who wanted to sell him drugs.  When I heard of that, the matter was taken care of promptly.====SP:  wow!  glad to hear it all turned out okay...  
   
FROM SA IN WASHINGTON:  In Las Vegas garage doors stay closed because of Home Owners' Association (HOA) rules that prohibit 'unsightly' views. We always left ours open, as did a few of our neighbors. It's a welcome sign. I say go over and say hello.====JACK:  I'll keep my eyes peeled (have you ever heard that expression before?) for the moving van, but I'll probably wait a day or two until they're somewhat settled.  BTW, our Homeowner's rules say, "No clotheslines!"  Do you know what a clothesline is?====SA:  Allowing for a few days rest; good call. Yes, I remember clotheslines in Antioch. Bedsheets were fun to walk through. I remember feeling the soft cotton on my hands and face.

FROM JB AT LSTC:  I’m in the process of moving (it’s been quite a process). I close on my new house this Friday – and I hope that my new neighbors come over to say hello.====JACK:  Let me know if they do stop by to greet you.  They'd probably be surprised IF you stopped at their house to introduce yourself.

FROM JB AT LSTC:  I’m in the process of moving (it’s been quite a process). I close on my new house this Friday – and I hope that my new neighbors come over to say hello.====JACK:  Let me know if they do stop by to greet you.  They'd probably be surprised IF you stopped at their house to introduce yourself.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  You will be a good neighbor.====JACK:  The Parable of the Good Samaritan was told in response to the question asked of Jesus: "Who is my neighbor?"  And that was preceded by another question, "How do I gain eternal life?"  Jesus' response to that was, "Love the Lord and love your neighbor."  Of course, I'm sure you already knew that.