Reading the posts on this subject has left me flummoxed on how Irish Living has declined. There are those who do not want any contact with anybody to those who want others to contact them and not the other way round. Then there are those who make contact.
During the Big Freeze last winter I organised an outside barbeque evening on our road. It was a great success, people came in coats, duffel coats, eskimo gear etc. There were all kinds, Eastern Europeans, Irish-Africans, an American, a Spaniard, some Irish. We had a great evening and a great laugh. Those whose pipes had froze suddenly had a supply of water from their neighbour whose pipes were not frozen. People suddenly had contact and we learned that those from outside Ireland are just the same as us. They learned the same. I am glad to say the contact is still there. Kids were brilliant, they have little inhibitions and break ice much better than us adults.
All it took was one leprous Paddy who went out on the frozen road and lit a barbeque, threw on some sausages, rashers, black puddings, burgers, onions, spuds, soup and everything I could get my hands on. Others arrived with beer, soft drinks, more food and above all, smiles, friendship, comradeship and handshakes. One even brought a guitar. People need contact and if we had more perhaps life would be better all round?