My neighbor, John, has a long history of custodial jobs, interspersed with occasional gardening work. Along the way he’s learned a lot. History of upstate New York where he lived in Rome on the Erie Canal. Horticultural knowledge like the care and pruning of roses. Environmental issues through his brother’s work as Sierra Club staff in Missoula, Montana.

John does volunteer work here on the grounds of Elk Run.

Marsha, an elementary school teacher has lived in Evergreen for sixty-four years.  She eats at a familiar table with Mike who lived in her neighborhood as did Ruth who sits at the table across the way. They didn’t know each other.

Jim’s from Kansas City. Another Mike from Texas. One woman, who never gave me her name says she gets moved a lot. She likes Elk Run. One of the best according to her. I’ve met others. Paul. Gayle, originally from New Hampshire. Melanie who has dragons on her door. She volunteered that she leaves her door open and “blasts country music.”

Slowly meeting people.