Thursday, July 23, 2020

Other Neighbors

Banana Bread and Chocolate Cake
Some neighbors (I suspect; I don't know for sure) dump their surplus trash in my newly emptied trash cans.

Other neighbors, however, call me up and offer me cake, homemade banana bread, pasta, and fresh tomatoes! 

Lasagna Noodles and Fram Fresh Tomatoes
Neighbor S called me, yesterday evening.  It had been her mother-in-law's birthday and would I like a piece of store bought chocolate cake and some homemade banana bread (made by S's sister-in-law)?  Of course, I said, "Yes, please" because I can't turn down an offer of cake and banana bread!   Then she continued - would I also like to have a packet of oven-ready lasagna noodles and some farm fresh tomatoes her husband had bought?  Well, I couldn't turn down that offer, either, now, could I?  Have I mentioned how blessed I am when it comes to neighbors?  At least the ones who shower me with goodies?

Yesterday, after relaxing most of the day, I practiced the piano for some time.  The new piece is challenging, but, S has assured me that I am able to play it, so, I will keep at it!  She played the piece for me so I could hear how it is supposed to sound and I know that what I am playing now doesn't sound anything like that, but, we shall persevere!  I also listened to the piece being played online to familiarize myself with it; I know I am supposed to learn how to read the music, but, it helps me to know the tune! 

In the evening, I went outside to see if I could catch a glimpse of the comet Neowise, but, I wasn't able to.  I shall try, again, tonight, but, I think, there is too much light pollution for me to see it from where I am (not to mention too many buildings and trees blocking my view).

Last night, I cooked spaghetti sauce with ground beef, mixed with grated zucchini and carrots, and canned pasta sauce.  Then, boiled some spaghetti to go with it.  I might freeze some of the pasta sauce for later.  Afterwards, I washed the dishes and wiped down the kitchen counters, stove top, etc. 

Later, I chatted on the phone with friend R, exchanged emails with another friend, and video chatted with my daughter.  We watched a cooking video, together, on how to make a dessert that was a favorite when I was growing up.  I think I will try to make it, one of these days. 

Plans for today include some sewing/mask making, piano practicing, and watering the garden.

Today, I am grateful for:
- The neighbors who bless me with treats and goodies
- Being able to watch videos and listen to music online
- Another ripe tomato from my volunteer plant
- The mail being delivered without a pause
- The scrap basket

Today's joyful activity will be sewing.


Thursday's To Do List:
- Vacuum
- Water the garden, front and back
- Practice the piano
- Sew more masks

How is your Thursday coming along?

14 comments:

  1. Your lovely neighbours more than make up for the trash can nuisances. Such generosity, you really are blessed.

    I haven't managed to see Neowise yet either. There's supposed to be a lot of cloud cover tonight so it's unlikely I'll see it which is a shame as this is supposed to be the night it's most visible in the UK sky.

    Good luck with your piano piece. Do you count the beat when you are playing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The kind and generous neighbors more than make up for the inconsiderate ones, definitely! I am blessed, aren't I?

      I think there is too much light, not to mention buildings and trees, for me to see the comet. But, I saw a picture someone had posted of the comet over Stonehenge, which was quite something to see!

      Thank you! Yes, I do count the beat, but, only after I figure out the notes! I don't know my notes, yet - the minute they go one or two leger lines above or below the standard octaves, I am lost! Then, I have to figure out the notes from the last note I know! LOL!

      Delete
  2. I would love to have neighbours like yours, especially ones who bring cake :) It must be reassuring to know you have people who look out for you in this way. Wouldn't the world be a wonderful place if everyone was like this. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do have some of the best neighbors, don't I? They are truly a blessing and, yes, the world would be a much better place if everyone was as kind and considerate.

      Delete
  3. HI Bless, Oh, those baked goods are making my mouth water! Yum! Your neighbor sounds so thoughtful and generous. Enjoy...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is one of the best neighbors and the cake and banana bread are both delicious! :)

      Delete
  4. Nice to receive some goodies to remind you that the world is still a kind place! I hope you do well with your new music. It sure helps to listen to it. When I belonged to a choir I would take along a wee recording device to record tricky sections of the sopranos' part so I could practice at home and get it right.
    I had coffee with a friend on a commercial outdoor patio this morning and this afternoon I visited another friend and we sat on her deck. We did well keeping distant until the last minute when she came out the front yard with me to say goodbye and spontaneously gave me a hug!! Oh well, she never goes anywhere so I guess I don't need to worry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was very nice to receive the goodies. :)

      Thank you; I will keep working at the new music!

      I'm sure you were taken by surprise when your friend hugged you! Old habits die hard, don't they? :)

      Delete
  5. Yum! How lovely to have such caring neighbours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am being spoiled by my neighbors, aren't I? :)

      Delete
  6. You definitely have great neighbors ( except for the large shoe/trashcan people)
    I like how the banana bread was cut smaller and put in the little decorative little paper cups - that was the banana bread right?
    Yum - lasagna
    Too hot to think about turning the oven on right now but cooler weather is coming.
    It's almost August :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that is the banana bread. I think they baked it in a cake pan, rather than a loaf pan. With the top sprinkled with powdered sugar, cut into diamond shapes, and served the pieces in cupcake liners, it becomes an elegant dessert, doesn't it?

      I will definitely be making some lasagna, later on. I love lasagna. :)

      Delete

Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting. Your comments are much appreciated. Please comment in English. Thank you.