June 28, 2026: Front Porches

I have always loved front porches.  Growing up, of the two homes I lived in, only one had a front porch.  It was not big or wrap around, but it was large enough to accommodate a couple of chairs, and pots of flowers in the spring and summer.

         Of the four homes my husband and I have owned during our 47 year marriage, only one had a traditional front porch.

         While I do not have a traditional front porch now, I do have a front patio, complete with blooming geraniums and rocking chairs.

         I read something recently about how our modern lifestyles have created a great deal of isolation, even amid the technological phenomenon of social media. They said that our modern homes and neighborhoods were being designed to add to that physical isolation.  And that one of the ways to help break down that isolation is to get into spaces where you will naturally see and interact with neighbors.  Parks, community centers, front yards.

         Front porches seem to also be a great space to counter some of that isolation.  

         So, I decided to conduct an experiment this summer. I am going to try to get out into my front yard every day.  Not just walking to the mailbox, but for a little bit of time.  I will putter around the flower beds or sit on my rocking chair for at least 15-30 minutes a day.  I have been doing it for about a week now.

         What did I discover?  That just being in your front yard is a conduit to connecting. 

         No matter what time of day I was there, eventually someone passed by. And I was almost always able to make some sort of connection.   Whether they were walking, running, or biking.  Whether they were alone or with a dog, child, or friend.  Whether they were a neighbor I already knew, or a new face.  I made an effort to make a connection.  A wave, a hello, or a lengthy chat. 

         Unscientifically, I believe that these encounters, however brief and fleeting, did counter isolation.  Without data, I know that my conclusions are simply anecdotal, but I have developed a new appreciation for front yards and front porches.