Having moved from a small island where everyone knows everything about anyone (…and liking it) the big city life style holds few attractions. One of the deciding factors for the houseboat was the idea of being part of a small community – a tiny village – of water residents. I am happy to say that the hope for this small community has held true.

I have not met all of the houseboat owners in the bay yet – but every single one of my immediate neighbors has become sort of a friend and has helped me in one way or another…. small gestures such bringing flowers, looking after my cats, sharing a contact, lending a pair of snow shoes, having a friendly chat – to downright rescue situations.

Especially my multi talented handymen neighbors Oli and Benny have saved me from all kind of panic attacks… tying down the boat after a storm loosened the ropes, fixing the water leak on a sunday, working until midnight to repair the heating system when it broke down in the beginning of the winter. Just a few days ago the water pipe froze because the accompanying heating coil stopped working… in rides knight Oli on a white horse and gets it going again.

Good neighborhood communities exist in many places and I am very grateful to be part of mine!