Because I like to cook and take care of people, and animals, I try to help out those who are moving. I know what a pain it is to move, and always leave toilet paper when moving out because it’s tough driving all day, drinking water and soda and finally getting to your new home.
I may greet a new neighbor with a pot to cook in, a box of pasta and homemade sauce. This week I took care of a dog and made a cold plate for his owners. I made a meat loaf with aged local cheese, potato salad with ancho chili in the mayo/sauce, sliced tomatoes with olive oil and fresh oregano. What else? Something with pesto. Ah yes, it was a fresh corn on the cob and tomato salad with pesto.
I got their keys and placed two assembled plates in their refrigerator, plus a six-pack of local beer. I also left the traditional bread, salt and wine for a new home with a card and a quote from the 1946 movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” that starred Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
Years ago I was forced to learn how to walk with a book on my head, and all about silverware and which fork to use. Today, I find that people honk their horns and try to run me and my elderly dog over and I believe they either never learned manners or forgot them entirely.
My husband grew up in the great state of Texas and says “yes, ma’am” and “thank you, sir” every day. He opened my car door, took my hand and never let go for 11 years now. Yes, a man opened a car door for a first date. Imagine that. He’s taken, gals.
When someone moves in next door, bring over that bundt cake. Offer to take care of their dog while the movers are there. I love cats, too but they’re a different story and would be better locked in a bathroom.
n-e-i-g-h-b-o-r is a word we need to remember. I only remember to eat from the outside in and the dessert fork/spoon may be horizontal across the back of the plate. My husband doesn’t know Tiffanys’ Table Manners for Teenagers but I do. I still bet I can walk across a room with a dictionary on my head. If he needs a clue all I have to do is nod or pick up the correct utensil. He does calculus in his head. I cook and know manners.
Please get to know your neighbors, and when you go to a foreign country learn several things: please and thank you; excuse me; where is the nearest lavatory; and hello and goodbye/good night/good afternoon/good morning.
Kalinikta, parakalo, Dee
p.s. Thanks Auntie L!
pps That was good night and thank you in Greek. Bon soir, or Buonna Notte, Dee
Cooking with Dee 