A cactus in the backyard with a bee enjoying the one-day bloom.
I learned something nice the first week of my husband’s surgery. We have a lot of kind and thoughtful neighbors. My husband got phone calls. People called me for updates on his surgery.
Then our friends from Palm Springs who moved a mile from us, three months after we moved here, called to say they were bringing over a treat. It was a pork loin roast with apple chutney and polenta. The husband is following Chef Jean-Pierre and is getting some amazing results from the chef’s recipes. What a treat. We got several meals. And I didn’t have to cook.
You can check out Chef Jean-Pierre at his website HERE.
Then another friend/neighbor came over to visit my husband and sit and chat. He’s been having his own medical challenges. He’s had a variety of diagnoses the last few months from rare autoimmune disorders to the doctors not having a clue. He said he finally got a diagnosis and it was something quite simple. Iron Deficiency.
When I heard that, I told him I would make him pate. Post my DIL’s surgery and six months of chemo, she was suffering from Iron Deficiency too. Our kids and DIL were coming to visit and I found a recipe for pate that she said she could feel the iron rushing into her blood. It includes chicken livers, butter, scallions, garlic, capers, thyme, brandy and heavy cream.
He was thrilled and said he’d be over with his famous ribs and corn and we’d exchange goodies.
Now those are good neighbors!
Another cactus with a one-day bloom I captured.
A hummingbird sat still and posed so I could get a few shots.
What do your neighbors or friends do for you to help out when needed?
Those are amazing neighbors! Daughter has filled the feeders so we have hummers visiting everyday, all day.
As neighbors go I think most here keep to themselves except for the ones who have kids the same ages as my grands. This area also has a lot of rental homes so people come and go often.
We’ve been here five years so it took a little time to build up these relationships with our neighbors. Except for our Palm Springs friends of 25 years who moved here. We have a lot of part time people from the east coast and midwest, so there are a lot of empty homes for months and we don’t know who lives there. I tried hummingbird feeders but the gila woodpeckers attach themselves to them and drain them. The hummingbirds don’t get a chance.
The hummingbird capture is amazing!
We have the same neighbors for a long time. Over time, we have shared comfort, information, dishes, watched the house when someone goes away. George read my novel “The Bayou Heist” and offered me lengthy discussions! Now that I am at home more, I notice we have more people in the area who are new, and out working but the older neighbors are still around. I think we tend to keep to ourself more when we have challenges as we all get older. George’s health also has changed, things change but we know they are still there. It is good to know your area. I am glad things are working well for you!
We lived in our last house for 28 years and knew many people well. Starting over in Arizona was hard, especially during COVID. But I feel we do have people we can count on and we can extend the caring and friendships.
That is wonderful Sometimes you must reach out during the right time. We also share handyman and everyone knows our pugs! And we share the name of the lawn guy we found. Sometimes in communities, these services are provided, but it helps to have my husband who is not shy about sharing information. Have a good day!
I know everyone by their dogs. I would feature a dog in each newsletter. I’d spot them out walking and take their photos. We share all our workers too. Five us typed up lists of who we use with phone numbers and exchanged it. We didn’t like our gardener and a neighbor said she had the best. We hired him and our yard looks so much better. Then she hired our pool man and is happy with him, too.
A good neighborhood! We are more out of a neighborhood in an independent area, so glad it still works well for us but it took a little bit of time. It is interesting the dynamics-the husband is able to speak more easily with the men and the women seem to seek him out. Just noticing, and the pug, everyone is his friend! This morning, now that I am home more I met a few new people and their dogs. Perhaps it is all about timing….and yes, once you find a good worker, or handyman that is like gold to everyone.
Oh my gosh, you have the most wonderful neighbours, Elizabeth!! Such a blessing. 🙏🏻 Beautiful photos too, a Hummingbird sitting still long enough for a photo is a rare thing. Happy Monday, have a great week. 🙏🏻❤️😊
Thank you so much. I’ve been trying to get a hummingbird photo for the last few weeks but they move so fast. It was amazing to see this one sitting still. I am so grateful for our neighbors.
First…thank you for the update on your hubby. Glad to know you’re on the other side of his surgery and how lovely to have dear friends and neighbors helping both of you — with their good company and tasty meals. A reminder to all of us about how important it is to lean in, stay connected. And your photos? Just extra goodness on top of goodness this morning! Thanks, Elizabeth! 💝💝💝
Thank you, Vicki. Yes, it’s nice to know a few neighbors and be willing to help them as well when the time arises. I’m glad you enjoyed my photos! 💕
I always do! Sending big hugs! 💝😊💝
Thanks! Hugs to you, too! 😊
You are so lucky to have such great neighbors, Elizabeth! I hope your husband’s recovery continues smoothly. Also, I love the hummingbird shots! They rarely sit still for long, so that’s such a treat.
We do have some great neighbors and have built friendships with them in the few years we’ve been here. I appreciate them so much. I was taking photos of the hummingbird flitting from flower to flower and then he stopped and sat. I was so surprised. The earlier photos were all a blur.