"It Takes A Village"

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Many of us here will be familiar with this saying. I literally grew up in a very small village (in Ontario). We knew most of the families on our street, and people didn't worry like they 'have to' today, about letting their children go out to play. In fact, I was allowed to roam freely along our street, calling on playmates, and whoever I pleased. Neighbourhood kids called on me without an invitation, all of the time. I often visited the home of a dear senior lady, a couple of doors down from my home. Her name was Mrs. Brown, and she lived alone, her only companion being a beautiful yellow canary. I loved to go there, and she'd invite me in most times, when I'd appear unannounced at her door. She was never too busy to spend time with me, and to offer me milk and cookies. Since my grandparents were all deceased, she was very important to me. Whenever I'd go over, she'd let her little canary out of his cage, and he'd perform for me. She'd actually taught him to use his beak, to pick up a penny. It was amazing to watch, and I never grew tired of this trick. This discussion is inspired by one of 'my friends' here, as she has just shared a special childhood memory with me, that I find very touching. Were you allowed to drop in on friends and neighbours as a child, without being invited? If so, do you feel that this experience helped to make your childhood meaningful? Is there one person from your neighbourhood, that holds a special place in your heart, to this day?