Zoe, the slices of your own life in Thailand are so fascinating! Thank you for giving the rest of us a glimpse.

Kool Aid, if you ever have a chance to live in a neighborhood with the kind of pedestrian activity mine sees, DO IT! I really think it increases my quality of life, in significant ways. (I'm glad you're enjoying my blog, too!)

Ari, I couldn't agree more. This is the third house I've owned, and for all three, being able to walk to stores, etc. was my #1 priority. Many days, our second car doesn't leave the driveway, because we can walk to the bank, library, food co-op, farmer's market, post office, bakery, etc. Our 10 and 12 year-old girls have even started to go on little adventures together, like to the library for an hour. Such a wonderful freedom.

V-Grrrl, as I said to Zoe, I love getting glimpses of life in other countries. It's so colorful, and refreshingly different from what we see—not better, just different. Thanks for sharing your memories of Brussels.

LisaNewton, you are so right about how often we overlook and fail to appreciate the beauty around us. And I often think the beauty depends on the scenery, and forget the people and moments that populate the surroundings, whether they're stunning mountains or flat prairies. 

Jody, you're smart to go off in search of activity, if it doesn't come to you. (And I wish I knew what that girl with the i-Pod was singing!)

JR, I hope you're writing your own porch post. :) It sounds like you have a great start. I love the way you described the sense of place you long for in your own life. Thanks for being open to inspiration, and for sharing with the rest of us.

Rachel, yes, it is all good. As long as we're aware, and taking it all in, right? I also think different people are drawn to different settings and scenes, which is only right and natural. 

Daisy, you really should put that porch back! What a noble cause that would be. :) 

Jenx67, the photo is of my street—our house is about halfway down the block. (Didn't you say to Chuck that he found your soul mate when he picked my blog? Sounds like we live parallel lives!) But back to porches, I think attached garages, privacy fences and big back decks are evil! I know that sounds extreme, but when you think about what it's done to our neighborhoods and interactions with others, I don't think it's too strong a statement.

Barbara, that wrap-around porch sounds like a good dream to have. :)

Christine, we have the rockers on our porch. And a small table, where I set up shop with my laptop on days that aren't too hot. I should also clarify that we're big fans of margaritas on our porch, too. Mojitos are our signature porch drink, though, which is fitting because the mint and our other herbs grow in the garden surrounding the porch. (OK, now I'm really longing for summer. Look what you've done!)