The Loveliest Thing, or The People in Logan Are So Nice

Sometime last week, one of our neighbors put some of their extra produce out in a basket for anyone to grab if they wanted it. So, I grabbed a couple of squash, and went on my way. 

Today, as Rich and I were out walking, we ran into this neighbor, and I thanked him for giving out his produce.

His response was, "Do you want some more?"

Now, normally in these situations, I clam up a little, feeling awkward, and I generally refuse taking things from strangers. But I gave myself a little talk last week, as I took those squash, that I wouldn't feel guilty accepting free food. We can certainly use it. 

So, I surprised myself (kind of) when I said, "Sure! We'd love some." I guess my self-pep-talk last week really worked. 

When our neighbor responded to me by asking how much I wanted I didn't know what to say. I mean what's an acceptable answer that isn't greedy? I mean, I was already feeling a little greedy by so readily accepting his offer of free produce. So I said something to the effect of, "Oh, just a couple." I really didn't want to be a bother. 

But instead of bringing me just a couple, he brought me a whole bag full of beautiful yellow squash.

AND THEN he brought me another TWO bags--one filled with green onions, and the other filled with green bell peppers. 

It was amazing, and so kind. I truly hadn't expected anything at all. I just wanted to say thanks for the produce I'd snagged earlier. 

One of the best parts of this experience was hearing his wife calling to him from inside their house (their windows were open) and encouraging him to share more than just their squash with me. 

I really just felt like I'd won the lottery. It was just so, so nice. And when I thanked our neighbor again for this new produce, he just smiled and said, "Well, our garden got away from us this year."

As I walked away, I really just felt awash in gratitude. I've gotten the impression before that those who plant gardens are never stingy with the fruits of their labor. (At least, not in my experience.) Maybe this is cliche, but as I walked away, I started thinking about all the blessings and generous gifts that so many of our friends and family (and neighbors) have given us over the years. It really was humbling, and it made me want to be better and more giving.

AND it made me excited for all the new recipes I can try. Or new twists on old recipes. (Like tonight. I made mac 'n cheese with a delicious squash crust. Even Rich loved it. He gobbled it down.) 

And in case you were wondering, yes, I have already been searching Pinterest for fun ideas with squash. 

Long story short: best neighbors ever.