It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy (well, easier anyway). How true. Warm sunlight to invigorate my steps. No biting cold to chase me back into the house. There is only a slight breeze to cool my skin from the heat of the sun.

These are the sort of days when we can come out and spend some time chatting with the neighbours – no need to rush off to warm ourselves as we do in winter. I can catch up on what is going on in the neighbourhood. Most of the effects of summer are good but sometimes the noise level goes up with the thermostat. I guess that’s when I’m reminded that we are a diverse community and that some people from different cultures do have different “volume” levels. What seems very loud to me might just be part of their active social lives. So, I take a deep breath and accept our differences. I keep saying that’s part of what makes this neighbourhood great.

I’m asking myself what I can do to celebrate this great community. I’m thinking this summer the warm days will provide a good opportunity to walk to check out local restaurants. So, I’m planning every week to check out one or two eating places I haven’t been to yet in the area. Right now there are few places in Boyle Street but more in McCauley. If all of us, who can afford to, went out at least once a week it might encourage new businesses in the area. Ask your neighbours if there’s a place they can recommend you trying, open your phone app, or just bike around and see what you find.

Manon is a resident of Boyle Street and an active volunteer in the community. This column contains her own opinions, and is not affiliated with the Boyle Street Community League.