I am super pumped up. I organized a neighborhood “People and Pets Potluck Picnic” this Saturday and I'm expecting a lot of people. We’re having games (volleyball, badminton, bocce balls) and a Pack Walk (dog walk) around the block. It’s the first time we’re doing this. A million things can go wrong --- exciting! We have a lot of kids and dogs so it’s gonna be chaos … fun chaos I hope. The neighbors will finally get to talk to one another. Our dogs will finally bark and smell each other.

It’s beginning to look a lot like summer. Goodbye winter coats! Hello Hawaiian shirts, tank tops, bikinis, sunglasses and suntan lotions! I don’t know about you but I kinda like the bright sunny skies. It’s like creation announcing its presence in all its glory. I feel like stepping outside in the heat and welcoming this bright day. So far, no forest fires. So far no earthquake. It’s a true gift from God.

These past weeks, with my wife gone visiting her Mom, I’ve been walking our dogs around the neighborhood. Since then, I’ve gotten to know my neighbors so much more. If you ever want to run for office, owning a dog is one way of meeting people and getting votes. I get all the local news --- crime, home repairs, trusted handymen, best places to eat, and the pooping habits of pets.

I'm as bored as an Amish electrician.

Hi Mark, This is Tom next door. I've got a confession to make. I've been riddled with guilt for a few months and have been trying to get the courage to tell you face-to-face.