AWESOME happy hour!

Wow! I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who came by our first unofficial happy hour. I think at the peak, we had about 35 people here, and it really was fun getting to meet and talk to neighbors. There was good conversation, yummy food, and even jello shots, for God's sake! I feel so grateful to have such open, warm, and fun neighbors right here in my own neighborhood.

I am planning to tell my in-town friends to watch out! Grogan's Bluff has got it going on, and I am so happy to be here.

What do you guys think about an oyster fest sometime in the next 3 or 4 weeks? We would, of course, have some non seafood items, for the land lovers, but we would order fresh seafood. Maybe we could all contribute some money and plan it together. What do you think? Any ideas?? I am happy to host that if you like.

Also, Grogan's Bluff does not have a community outreach division. Maybe we could each bring a book we no longer want to donate to the library? I think it would be wonderful to support our local community and also our own neighborhood one at the same time. Any thoughts on that?

There was some great interest in a mini boot camp in the neighborhood with a trainer. I will make the calls and see if we can set something up starting the week after next. Let me know if you want to be on the list.

I will talk to you all soon! Remember, if you want me to post something for you, please just email it to me, and I will post it for you on this site. (Mariegraham1970@aol.com)

Marie

A couple of things...

The meet and greet was so nice... I loved the fact that it was outside and that there were flickering candles. I thought it was well done.

Happy hour this week at my house (95 Grogan's Landing), and I DO have the flag posted outside. I have seen a couple walkers stop and check it out. Even if you come for 10 minutes, it would still be great to see you. If you can bring a beverage or snack to share, please do. If not, no worries! Kids are welcome, and so are friends, as long as they are nice. :) Please let as many neighbors as you can know about this small, informal event.

Our little boot camp sounds like it has generating some interest, and I am so exited. I will call the trainer tomorrow and see if she can meet next week. When would the best time be for you guys?

Please email me if you want to share anything on the blog. I will post whatever you wish. No editing!

Hope to see you soon!
Marie

Group Exercise!

Would anyone be interested in getting a group together to exercise? I work with a trainer that I may be able to talk into working out a "mini-boot camp" once or twice a week in our neighborhood. Maybe we could pool our funds and each pay like ten bucks or so and have her work with us. What do you think?

FIRST neighborhood happy hour!

On Friday, April 25th starting around 6ish, we will have our first neighborhood, super casual drop-in happy hour at Heath and Marie Grahams' house at 95 Grogans Landing. I expect that the time will run sometime between 6ish and 8ish- so drop-in whenever you like. Mark this on your calender!!!

Please send me a quick email or just post a comment here if you plan to come, so I can plan a little. If you don't let me know and do decide to come, PLEASE STILL DO COME! :) I want these to be informal, as stress free as possible, and fun-

We are towards the very end of the road on the left. If you have kids, please feel free to bring them and bring either a snack or drink to share. We will have a flag in the yard, and the next person to host will simply take the flag with them when they leave.

I am going to try and get the web site out to as many people as possible, but please let as many others know as you can.

Also, if you have anything you would like me to post for you on the website, and you would rather not just leave a comment, let me know; I will post it for you!

I look forward to seeing you...

Marie

Friday Happy Hour Idea!

What do you think of this?

Each Friday, someone will host a very informal happy hour at their house. I will purchase a flag that you will place in your yard that will signal where the happy hour will be.

The hosting family will provide some casual snacks, and those who attend should bring their favorite drink to share. (a two liter of Coke, beer, wine, juice boxes, vodka...) whatever The host family should not scour their house. It is casual, and we are JUST the neighbors! The snacks could just be chips and dip, whatever.

Do you think we should start off having each street having their own or do you think we should start neighborhood wide?

We, the Grahams, at 95 Grogans Landing, will host the first one. I will check for a date...

Welcome to Grogan's Underground!

When we moved to Sandy Springs from the Virginia Highlands in-town, we were excited to have a bigger home, to have my husband's work closer, and to be near trees and water. We also felt that it would be better for our children to be raised amongst the safe, comfort of a suburban neighborhood.

We have found all of this to be true, but what we have missed most has been the companionship and familiarity that comes from having frequent contact with our neighbors. Ahhh! The luxury of garages... It was one of the things we desired most. Every time I pull into the garage in the pouring rain with a trunk full of groceries and three crying children, I am so grateful for that garage. But with the convenience of the garage comes a type of isolation from our environment. We can no longer see who is home as we pull into our neighborhood. There is no more idle chat and casual invitations as we pull into our drive-way. I have grumbled about this to my friends, complained to my husband, and now, finally, decided to try and elicit a change. I hate to be cheesy, but wasn't it Gandhi who said to BE the change you want to see?

I have created this blog to try and engage neighbors who are interested in honest conversation, share of ideas, and in making our neighborhood a warmer, kinder place to live. I would love to have your ideas and comments. I do not really have a master plan, as I think it is more appropriate for this forum to take its own shape. I think the only rule, if you will, should be that we are to be kind to one another. We are neighbors, after all!