We didn’t lock the door

“If we were not at home, we used to leave the broom against the door as a sign.  If our neighbours wanted to drop by for a coffee, they saw that no one was at home.”

Different place, different time.  I love this post from pkettunen.

I grew up in the countryside too, though I think not as remote as North Karelia.

I also remember, as a small child, not locking the door when we went out.  Or rather, I remember the day my mother and grandmother agreed that “we must remember to lock our doors when we go out” – the day it changed, because of a local burglary.