I love my neighbors.

Our neighbors had a back-to-school block party tonight. The weather was gorgeous - clear skies and pleasant temperatures, and we had a great turn out.



We have wonderful neighbors. Our street has three or four organized block parties each year, and we have frequent impromptu gatherings out front in someone's yard. At last count there were some 60-odd children on our block.


Dots, second from left, with some of her friends from the block

Tonight we all chipped in to rent a water slide for the kids. That was a BIG hit. The line up the stairs lasted all evening.



One neighbor wheeled out his big grill and fixed hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone.


The neighbor doing the grilling was my brother's golf partner in Houston. He and his family moved here a year ago and ended up buying a house just down the street from us - what a small world!

The rest of the dinner was potluck. I brought a corn casserole that has become a popular staple at these gatherings. The recipe came from my friend Priscilla in the early months of my marriage, and I have prepared it many, many times for potluck gatherings, always in this same dish that I received as a wedding present. The corn disappears quickly, and I think my neighbors would mutiny at this point if ever I didn't bring it.



I also made some Coconut Macaroons from my Cooking Club's new cookbook, How to Eat Supper by Lynne Rosetto Kasper and Sally Swift from NPR's Splendid Table. The watermelon tray that I served these on was also a wedding gift. (Sometimes I'm tempted to write a second thank-you note to tell people how much I have used and enjoyed the gift they gave us 21 years ago!) The macaroons were also a big hit, perhaps because Dots spread the word before I arrived that her mom was bringing some FABULOUS coconut macaroons. Everyone should have such a wonderful advocate and promoter. {smile}


I had a hard time keeping my family away from the macaroons before I took them to the party

Hockey Boy stopped by with some friends just long enough to snag a few burgers but not long enough to be caught on camera. Vivian shuns large gatherings, so she hung out inside until the crowd had somewhat dissipated, then she emerged and raided the dessert table.



Our family has lived on this block for almost 13 years (in two different houses). Often neighbors who have moved come back for our block parties. Everyone agrees that neighbors like ours are a rare and wonderful blessing.