Setting myself the goal of photographing local food for 30 days has it's perks. We have been buying and eating local more than usual, and in the process have mixed up our usual shopping habits. Most days I have been motivated to seek something out.

Most days.

Yesterday I had no idea what I would photograph today, and I have the kind of day doesn't leave me time or motivation to get on it.

Apparently that's what neighbours are for.

Now, I have blogged about my neighbours before and I am going to do it again - because they deserve top billing.  Through our over the fence conversation we have developed a great rapport and I appreciate them just for that.

But, yesterday our neighbour relationship went to a whole new level.

If you read the blog you know I am now on a wheat free, sugar free diet - and temporarily knocking out the dairy as well.  This of course led me to complain a bit to the neighbours.

Well, last night when I got home there on the kitchen counter was two containers, one full of the most amazing  lamb curry (local meat,) and the other full of lovely rice.

I sat there eating it and felt warm and fuzzy. I felt so nurtered - my wonderful neighbours made me this delicious dairy free meal just for me. and that folks I think leads me to my favorite thing about food.

Food is a gift on so many levels. The love one puts into creating it can make another feel so good.

Now folks, I have something to ask of you. If you haven't been to Greenwood Pies and tried their new curries head on down. Christine things you should try the butter chicken, but for me it is all about the prawns or the lamb.

I had three inspiring maternity sessions this past week - all so different. A couple who have been together for ten years, building careers and surfing, and now they are adding to the family. A younger woman who came in glowing with her mom and best friend who kept her giggling the whole time. Then I headed to the beach for a couple expecting their second child who went au naturel  for some beautiful maternity session.

Of course I can't share any of these sessions.

So instead here is a photo of a pie.

Why?

We love our neighbourhood and it got even better when Mark, Clare and Ionia moved in next door and then proceeded to take over Greenwood Pies in downtown Courtenay.

Mark had already developed a reputation with local foodies for the great sausages that he makes and that are available at Brambles (and now Greenwood Pies) But there is more to know.  Being the friendly neighbours that we are, John and I have volunteered  our services to sample some of the new offerings at Greenwood Pies.

Mark has put his own spin on some of the pies and also makes amazing curries. You can go in and have them for lunch or do the take out thing. We have a few bags of it in our freezer and for about $9 they serve both John and I. They are as good as any curry I have had and are perfect for those evenings when we have a later dinner and want to feel a little spoiled. 

Oh the pie?

Yes, Ionia, who is  6 made these up for our kids as a today present. Being nice to your neighbours pays off.