Here’s a post-Halloween blog post from Winter Commuting Blogger and downtown employee S. George

Two years ago, on a Halloween night, a terrible fire took away the life of three of my neighbors. Until that day, I did not know their names who had lived next door to me for several years. Since then I have made a conscious effort to greet my neighbors whenever we cross each other’s path.

What gets me to the bus stop on cold winter mornings is that same spirit – I want to see those I have acquainted with on the bus. I want to start my day with some friendly greetings.  And I don’t want to miss another opportunity to say hi to a neighbor walking his dog.

Though I am shy and reserved in nature, this year I invited my bus buddies and my neighbors for a casual cookout at my backyard. We spent a nice somewhat chilly evening around a cozy warm fire, talking about how nice it is to actually get together. And I am proud that I know their names, recognize their spouses, and their children.

This Halloween, instead of being scared, I dressed up, gave out candies to princesses, bumble bees, and monsters, and visited my neighbors…..