Good on you Choc
It's funny how simple proximity can create a friendship. If you just smile and wave at her and perhaps give her opportunities to catch you out the front, eventually things will become easier. I always remember how at the beginning of a new year the people who caught my bus were complete strangers. After a few days of catching the same bus, you smile at each other, a few more days then you say hello, and then a few days after that you are having a conversation. The same goes for neighbours.