A neighborly nudge

Altus has issues. Water issues. About a year ago, we received notice in the mail informing us that long-term consumption of Altusian water can be dangerous to one's health. When we received that notice, we took steps to investigate our options for accessing clean drinking water. The absolute best choice is the instillation of a reverse-osmosis water system, which we are not interested in doing at this point. We opted to install a Brita water filter on our sink. Since that time, we've been informed that the filter really only reduces the strong smell of chlorine, but that the dangerous byproducts are still very much present in our drinking water. Back to the drawing board we went... 

I recently realized that there is a reverse-osmosis water system on base where I can refill plastic bottles. Since that time, I've been making weekly trips to fill gallons of water from the watering hole on base and haul it home. This simple (albeit tedious when you grow up taking drinking water for granted) task reminds me of days past or of days present depending on your country of residence/socioeconomic status. 

Anyway, I digress. I tell you that so I can tell you this story:

The other day as I filled my car with my empty water receptacles (I cant bring myself to write "jugs") in preparation for my weekly watering hole adventure, my neighbor across the street hollered, 

"I knocked on your door, you didn't answer, I thought you were asleep! Come over here, I have something for you."

"For me? Golly, this is an exciting turn of events," I thought to myself as I crossed the street. I walked into her kitchen and was immediately taken aback by a delightful scene.

An entire sushi factory neatly sprawled across her counter top.  Sushi ingredients and rolls at various stages of production. I felt like I'd stumbled upon heaven.

"Do you like it?" She asked me. 

"Do I like it?! I love it! We love it! Oh my gosh, this is so exciting." I replied.

She placed two rolls on a plate, sliced them into pieces and sent me on my way.

"Have a great day!" she exclaimed as I walked back across the street. She had no idea how great our day had just gotten. Have I mentioned we love sushi? 

Eric and I devoured a delicious lunch.

And because my momma taught me never to return an empty plate, I spent this morning baking!

Originally, I had planned on making a recipe for Butterfinger cookies that I'd come across on Pinterest. However, upon realizing I'd forgotten my shopping list when I got to Walmart, I turned to an oldie but goodie. You can always count on Nestle Toll House.

Shout out to another lovely neighbor who saved the day when I realized I didn't have vanilla extract!

 
Even though this entry is primarily about things other than sushi, it was my desire to celebrate sushi that inspired me to write. Thanks to our lovely neighbor for a delicious lunch, which also gave me the push I needed to get back in the blogging saddle.

More to come! Just because I haven't been writing doesn't mean I haven't been cooking!