My neighbour keeps giving me gifts to show how much she appreciates the gifts I give her!
Wholesome because, of course! How can this situation (each neighbour wanting to let the other know how much we appreciate each other) be anything other than wholesome?
I'm struggling a bit. I love my neighbour: we live in a small group of units and she's been here as long as I have. We've never been especially close because she's older and retired and I work away a lot but we've always had a 'please water my plants' type situation and always got on so well, chatting when we met. She's my favourite out of the immediate neighbours.
About 18 months ago she was diagnosed with some sort of cancer: it came on suddenly and she went from fully well to not so much. At the time I volunteered my services, although she never took me up on it. I used to cook meals and leave them for her.
I think she's had a relapse. There was an ambulance when I was away and she was in hospital for ten days. I made a whole box of food - sandwiches that could be eaten fresh or toasted, soup, fruit, bread and milk...
Tonight there was a bag outside my back door. My containers and a bottle of wine. I really don't want her to think she has to repay me every time. I've told her in the past how much I love cooking and how happy I am to help my neighbours out. But then again, I would feel awkward about accepting help from anyone.
I've decided to rename the wine the "Bottle of Friendship" and I'm returning it tonight with cookies.