I grew up in a typical Chicago red brick bungalow with a generous stoop. All the houses on our block had them. We sat and chatted, played board games, and even played "off-the-wall" by throwing a rubber baseball against the steps. Now we live in a house with a nice front porch. We sit out there with a mug of coffee or a glass of wine and chat with the local birder about the Cooper's Hawks, or another neighbor about the pitiful state of Chicago sports teams, or another neighbor about neighborhood issues. Feels very similar to stoop sitting days, except I have to admit I do take my phone, and sometimes my laptop out there!
This piece is its own breath of fresh air! Love it! “Come set awhile” was the phrase used back in my day. Perhaps the “set” meant to set your cares aside.
In the summer, partially because of lack of air conditioning, it seemed more people sat outside instead of inside. Even as kids we knew who all of our neighbors were. It was a natural and pleasant part of growing up.
I grew up in a typical Chicago red brick bungalow with a generous stoop. All the houses on our block had them. We sat and chatted, played board games, and even played "off-the-wall" by throwing a rubber baseball against the steps. Now we live in a house with a nice front porch. We sit out there with a mug of coffee or a glass of wine and chat with the local birder about the Cooper's Hawks, or another neighbor about the pitiful state of Chicago sports teams, or another neighbor about neighborhood issues. Feels very similar to stoop sitting days, except I have to admit I do take my phone, and sometimes my laptop out there!
Oh, I forgot about "off-the-wall" -- thanks for reminding me.
Lovely!
This piece is its own breath of fresh air! Love it! “Come set awhile” was the phrase used back in my day. Perhaps the “set” meant to set your cares aside.
In the summer, partially because of lack of air conditioning, it seemed more people sat outside instead of inside. Even as kids we knew who all of our neighbors were. It was a natural and pleasant part of growing up.
Love this. We need human contact and fresh air.