Greetings! We have lived in our ‘neighborhood’ for 20 + years. I have developed a “mailing & Contact list” of any neighbors willing to participate, in case of cougar, bear and other sightings or problems, as well as Fire! This past season we had Fires very close, and we were all able to set up sort of a plan to help each other, (moving large equipment, for example,) but noticed that several folks packed themselves and went into town, with nary a word to the rest of any of us. It’s a small list, and the out of towners- Did respond wanting updates, (was Their Land threatened??) So basically, people are pretty Self-serving, and if you’ve a mind to help, there will always be those who will take advantage. So, set boundaries early with these folks. We can tell who they are; “communication”, via a phone list or email or texting goes usually only one way with them. We still help when we can, but we use our discernment and caution with most of the folks. If they are willing to help say, with road maintenance, or contributions to the costs of gravel or using equipment for clearing in heavy snows, it goes a long way to being a good neighbor. We have to be Ourselves regardless. The saying, “It’s just with them”, means just that! Be Kind, but use Discretion.
