A Porch, of Course!

Remember front porches?

Like bell-bottoms and vinyl records, they're making a comeback. Well, maybe not bell-bottoms - I really don't know for sure about those. I'm no fashionista.

But front porches - they're hot right now.

It seems people are tired of not knowing their neighbors. As new urbanists take hold of their neighborhoods and try to recapture the lost art of conversing with the neighbors and leaving their cars at home, front porches are back en vogue.

And it couldn't have come at a better time.

With the uncertainty surrounding almost all aspects of our daily lives today, it's good to know that you can still count on your neighbor and have an authentic conversation on your front porch.

Of course, here at DotLoop, we talk an awful lot about community, because we believe a house is more than just bricks, mortar, and copper wiring. Homes help build neighborhoods, cities, and lives.

And sometimes, it all starts with a porch.

Friday Farewell - "CSA In The USA"

Earlier this month, my girlfriend and I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and this past weekend, we had a tour of the facilities. For a few hours a month of volunteer time and a few bucks a week, we'll be able to enjoy fresh, locally grown food every week until next fall.

My taste buds and stomach are smiling at the prospect of receiving fresh, local produce that I had a hand in growing, but the best part is that I'll know exactly where my food came from. In her amazing book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, author Barbara Kingslover talks about how most of us have no clue where our food actually comes from.

Of course, I'm among those who think that food comes from a well-lit grocery aisle, which is one of the reasons I joined the CSA, but after last weekend's tour, I'm more than ready to get my fingers muddy.

Have any of your joined a CSA? How have your experiences changed your ideas about food?

What Are YOU doing Saturday?

On Tuesday, I had an opportunity to listen to Brad Nix speak on blogtalkradio.com and he had this to say about my personal favorite day of the week: “Nothing defines your local community better than what people do on Saturday.”

He continued:

“Saturday’s the only day where you don’t have to work, and you don’t have to work the next day. Whether it’s going to little league or grilling out with your friends, or taking your wife or girlfriend out on a date, that’s what really goes on in your community.”

My Saturday includes volunteering at InkTank, a local no-profit and attending a friend's birthday party. Taking a look at what is going on here in Cincinnati in a few days – music, parades, art, food, and wine – I have to smile. Looks like I live in a pretty eclectic and cool community. So, to paraphrase Mr. Nix, what are you doing Saturday?