Several doors down from me is a neighbor that I have come to know and love.  She's highly creative and artistic, outspoken, intelligent, straightforward and a free spirit.  She's a little crazy around the edges.  She appeared at my door one morning seeking Pepsi.  She had run out and didn't feel up to dressing and going to the store.  Knowing we also enjoyed the liquid effervescent bottled chemicals, she decided to tap into our supply.  It has become a comfortable custom that now and again she appears to select a liter bottle of Pepsi One from our stock.

On the Fourth of July we have a family tradition.  We make homemade ice cream and sit out on the deck and watch the fireworks.  Redding puts on a world class fireworks display.  My daughter and her family join us, along with any friends who want a ringside seat. My neighbor stopped by in the afternoon to ask when the ice cream would be ready.  As the family arrived and visited, played board games and waited for dark to fall so the show could begin, the knock on the door signaled my neighbor's arrival, bowl in hand.  We scooped up a generous portion and off she went back home with a smile.

Now at this point, she may sound like a mooch, but she has a loving and giving heart.  I complimented her front landscaping one day.  It is lush and beautiful and looks so inviting.  She immediately said, "Would you like me to do something for you?" Well, since everything she does is gorgeous, I promptly agreed.  That was all the encouragement she needed. 

Several days later she handed me a beautifully illustrated plan of what she had in mind and I loved it.  Then she set to work - she dug up old, ugly things and wrestled with roots and rocks.  She was dirt from head to toe and was having the time of her life. She finally asked, "Do you know any young men with muscles?"  Well, it so happens I have a couple strapping grandsons and Josh was available to come over and help us. 

Next day she pulled her truck up loaded with planting mix and mulch and plants of every description.  She worked for two days, planting, putting in a stone path, buying pots, and adding the decorative touches.  I have received so many compliments about my "garden."  Thank you, Diane.

Now the story does not stop here.  Now that she designed the plan, did most of the work, and orchestrated the entire "look," she has claimed custody rights as gardener extraordinaire.  She prunes and tells me how much to water and when to fertilize.  It's a marvelous arrangement.  I reward her with Cherry Garcia ice cream and she is happy for days.

Now don't you wish you had a crazy neighbor?