There is a Reason

When conversations turn to discussions of the negatives of where we live, I always find myself re-evaluating our choice of residency. Here are some of the reasons why we enjoy living in Small Town America, Pennsylvania: 1. You can say hello and have a friendly conversation with strangers. 2. Our children are experiencing life as big fish in a small pond. 3. Our neighbors share food with us, whether it be a cup of sugar, egg or extras from a prepared meal. 4. You only have to drive a few miles to see farm animals such as cows, sheep, horses, and donkeys. (or is it donkei?) 5. You can walk down the street carrying an ironing board and get random acknowledgements such as "have iron will travel". 6. There is nothing better than the views from the ridges. 7. Life is very plush and green all over in the spring. 8. You have to be creative in your entertainment activities because there is not a Chuck E. Cheese and Starbucks on every corner. 9. For the most part there are a lot of good, kind-hearted people living around us. 10. When you drive your son to school in your pajamas and slippers and he forgets his lunch in the van, a friendly appropriately dressed acquaintance walking into the school agrees to deliver it for you. 11. You don't spend endless hours of time commuting in grid lock traffic and waiting in line. 12. Neighbors watch out for each other. 13. You feel safe walking down the street with your children. 14. It's fun to discover the local flair....grouchy librarian, friendliest and most efficient check-out person, etc. 15. No pressure to keep up with the Jones's. They are actually very nice, humble and down to earth! Just some random thoughts that are on my mind. Sure, it's not perfect, but no where is.