​I am bombarded with a gamut of emotions and sights as I take walks in the morning or evening, depending on the weather. Same route, meeting new and old faces. My feeble attempts at reading people’s faces, even under the guise of the mandatory mask, fall short many times. Some of my fellow walkers make eye contact, like a firm handshake.  Very few strain their necks in the opposite direction in order to avoid locking eyes with a mask - wearing female (stranger). But for those who genuinely smile back at me, our warm feeling of bonding is but temporal. For those who give a big salute with a wave, a word or phrase, I wait in anticipation of that friendly recognition. We are all camaraderie, with one goal in mind – power or leisurely walk, run or jog for our health, definitely not for our height. Even the different species of dogs (pure and mixed breeds) have their codes of conduct. They tug, wag their tails and pull on their leashes when they catch a glimpse of another canine mate. Friendly neighborhood!