Inviting the new neighbors to a BBQ
I had lived in my home for some 20 years, located in a quiet cul-de-sac nestled in a small but friendly community. We would often get together through the summer months for a neighborly BBQ party gathered around the pool. The youngsters would romp and entertain themselves in the water, begging the occasional soda or hot-dog, while the guys over-indulged ourselves on beers and steaks, sitting around, smoking the occasional joint, debating sports, and generally relaxing, the women chatting about kids, fashion, and how annoying or great their respective husbands were. I had divorced about 5 years ago; my ex having chosen to move to another city in the name of a significant career advancement, before ending up having an affair with a colleague. I blamed myself partly, because I had been reluctant to relocate …