Category Archives: Social

I’m grateful for my community!

Dec 31, 2021 Editorial, Social

In reflecting on the year and thinking ahead to next year, I’ve thought about the many ways we support each other in the community. My heart is full when I think of how much we care about each other and the many ways we show it. Even as we continue to work through this tough pandemic time, we are finding new and innovative ways of connecting and supporting one another.

Thank you to every one of my cohousing neighbors. I am happy to have enjoyed another year here with you and am looking forward to more. Here is a list of many small kindnesses I’ve experienced this year in no particular order. (And there are probably many others I forgot to list.) I am grateful to each of you, and I’m very grateful to be a part of this community!

  • Helping carry groceries from the parking lot to my unit
  • Picking up groceries for me while you were out
  • Giving me a ride to or from an appointment
  • Taking care of my pet
  • Trusting me and my kids to take care of your pet
  • Handy-person help and troubleshooting
  • Going for walks or hikes
  • Babysitting my kids
  • Playing board games
  • Sharing a meal together
  • Watching a movie together
  • Letting me borrow a book, appliance, clothing, etc
  • Giving me a book recommendation
  • Taking books back to the library to save me a trip
  • Sewing something for me, and letting me use your sewing machine
  • Really listening when I am pouring my heart out
  • Remembering my birthday and sending a greeting
  • Bringing your ideas and fully participating at meetings
  • Keeping the common spaces clean and safe by mowing, sweeping, shoveling and sanding
  • Telling jokes
  • Making coffee
  • Keeping the community updated when something has happened to another neighbor
  • Checking in with each other and empty houses during extreme heat and cold snaps
  • Walking with my kids to the school bus stop
  • Decorating for holiday celebrations

Winter Lights

Dec 10, 2020 Celebration, Social, Uncategorized
Winter Lights

The southsiders have done a tremendous job decorating the courtyard for the holidays. The trees and houses are lit up beautifully, and there’s a laser light display that’s a lot of fun. I must applaud them for this collaborative effort, since this is a lot more decorating than in years past. Because of the pandemic, we are still not planning any indoor activities together, so it’s really nice to have something so beautiful outdoors.

Drop by for some cookies and cocktails any day after dark. There is a latke party coming up- be sure to stop by for some homemade goodies. Later this month we will participate in the physically distanced night parade up the street, so get your battery operated lights out and we will light up the whole neighborhood.

There will also be some exciting lights in the night sky. I heard about the “Christmas Star” which is the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn. We should be able to see it even with all the holiday lights. I expect our resident astronomer will bring out the big telescope for a viewing party.

Get Your Hat On

Jul 25, 2020 Celebration, Creativity, Social

As part of Sue’s upcoming virtual retirement party, she is hosting a hat making contest and asking people to submit a photo of their entry. While I’m usually not keen on costumes and dress up, I decided to go for the gold in submitting my Carmen Miranda inspired entry.

Cycling With Friends

Jul 2, 2020 Play, Social

Ken, Emily, the Sommers, and I were cycling buddies; before Rich took a spill and bumped his head real bad. While Rich is recuperating, he drives with Lori to meet us at the Symposium in Tigard for coffee, after our seven mile bicycle ride.

About this web log

Jul 1, 2020 Social
News and views from the Cascadia Commons community

ne of the things that people enjoy about living in community is the presence and participation of someone else with whom they share something important: a profession, personality style, household make-up, activity/hobby, age, relationship style/sexual orientation, special need/medical condition, etc.  Below are stories, musings, and meditations from our community members.