I Heart My Neighborhood

This morning my friend Sue called to let me know that some flour I had ordered through church had come in. "Go get it at the silos," she said. I went down to the silos (a local landmark, and yes, I guess I do live in the boon docks), where pallets of flour were sitting out next to the road. A clipboard was sitting on a bale of hay with a note that said, "Cross off your name when you get your flour." Someone had even attached a check to the clipboard. Driving home I was thinking what a great neighborhood I live in. First of all, it was a huge job for some nice person to order flour for our whole neighborhood. Then, it's pretty cool that a level of trust exists between a group of people that would allow us all to be on the honor system to pick up only what we ordered. As for leaving a check by the side of the road...now that was kind of dumb.

The giant crafting activity I was in charge of was last night. If I had a nickel for every time I said, "I have the worst calling in the church," in the last month, I would have $3.45. I'd have $1.95 for all the times I said, "I can't wait until this night is over with," and for saying "What in the @#$%?" I'd have $ .60. Seriously though, we had good participation and people seemed to be pleased with their items. Between those who gave classes, brought food, and watched kids in the nursery, I had over 30 people who were willing to put forth the time and effort to help me out. That's another reason why I love my neighborhood.

I like to give back. So now I will give all of you the recipe for the best fudge I have ever, EVER eaten, and that is HANDS DOWN. Get your pencils ready (and whatever methods of preventative medicine you employ, because this is not health food):

TO DIE FOR FUDGE:

4 cups sugar
1 can evaporated milk
3 giant Hershey bars
1 cup butter
1 lb. walnuts

Over medium heat, stir sugar and milk until it boils. Boil 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add sliced butter and broken up chocolate bars. Stir until smooth and add walnuts. Pour into 8x11 foil lined and buttered pan. Cool until set up. Bask in the glow of the compliments you will inevitably receive.

The recipe came from a lovely lady in my NEIGHBORHOOD of course! And of course, now my mom lives in the neighborhood. Yay! You all should move here immediately. But you can't be cranky and harsh the vibe.