welcome

In an effort to be part of my new community, I've joined the local Google email group, which keeps you up to date on the local fete, offers advice on local electricians, tells you about church services, and welcomes new people to the village. My neighbors have been most welcoming, stopping me on the footpaths (I can't imagine that anyone else has a dalmatian, a Frenchie, and wears a Norwegian flag beanie) to say hello. People are very kind here. Although "I've just moved here from Los Angeles" seems to be a bit of a conversation stopper.