So today, I celebrate neighborly blessings. We have been blessed with mostly good neighbors in every place we’ve lived. Thank you, Jesus! (In our last house, our neighbor actually cried when we left.)

In our current neighborhood, the houses are very close together. So I’m especially grateful for good neighbors, like Joann, who is the loveliest woman. She has a couple little dogs, and of course, I have my barky little Schnoodle, and every time we go outside my Schnoodle barks at her. (This is her way of saying hello.)

Joann loves to garden, and I can’t grow a thing but I do love to cook. She is always giving me vegetables, and it makes me feel very spoiled. Of course, I love it! And when I get a bunch from her, it becomes like a mission of mine to use up everything she gives me in new recipes. I’ve made so many things from her garden. Breads, soups (including a very nice butternut squash version with granny smith apples), stir fries, gratins….

This past weekend I was out with the dog and normally I avoid talking to people because my dog barks more when I do that (maybe she thinks she needs to add to the conversation?) but this time Joann called me over and asked if I’d like some veggies. Um, hello! The answer to that is always yes! (I have mentioned she is a really good gardener, right?)

Would you take a look at that bounty she blessed me with! Today, I’ll be thinking about ways to use these in recipes.