Our neighborhood is gathering soon to celebrate a good neighbor who helps all of us on a daily basis. That neighbor makes the time to care for each of us. That's valuable, and a call for celebration.
Our neighborhood has a healthy dose of privacy as we don't know a lot about each other, but we do live peacefully (most of the time) together and we are there for one another should an emergency occur.
Now it's time to ready for the celebration. What does that include?
Food
It's a pot-luck gathering which means that everyone will bring a food of some kind. I made a couple crock pots full of veggie chili and turkey chili. I also made a few dozen cookies, corn bread, and a salad. In addition, I made our special neighbor's favorite dessert, chocolate mousse with whipped cream topping. We'll have plenty of food.
Drinks
We'll set up a little drink area in the kitchen with a myriad of different kinds of drinks.
House clean-up/set-up
There's work to do to get the house ready. I put a few lights out on the deck where people are invited to carve pumpkins. I have a container of pumpkin carving tools as well. There's lots of project supplies to put away and a general clean up to do. I need to remember to turn on the front lights as well before the party starts.
Activities
For the most part we'll simply catch up with our neighbors, but some may carve pumpkins on the deck--hopefully there's enough light for that.
There's lots to do before people come. Onward.
Reflections on the Neighborhood Gathering
It's important to know your neighbors. We had a house full of people and all kinds of foods and drink. There was a lot of cheer and I got to know my neighbors better. Pairing down my home to a few things made it easier to prepare for the party. I missed the pumpkin carving that we did the year before and hope to back up the party start next year to the late afternoon so we can carve pumpkins prior to the start of the party.
Notes for next year's gathering:
- start around 3pm with pumpkin carving
- have a couple pots of chili, toppings, salad, cookies, and perhaps, chocolate mousse--our kind neighbor's favorite dessert
- find a date that works for most people
