Alex’s dad loves restoring old bikes, so both he and I have the most amazing beach cruisers. His is cobalt blue with original Schwinn decals, tank, and white wall tires on shiny chrome wheels. Mine is lavender, with soft green accents, brown leather seat and grips, and a French basket on the handle bars. They are beautiful, and fun. The same could not be said about Alisha’s old black and red Huffy. It was dingy, dirty and deflated. Given that Alex had inherited some of his dad’s skills, he offered to fix it up for her. He worked on this bike all day. He went back and forth to the bike store multiple times. He polished every chrome surface. He got new tires, a new basket, a new bell, and even a cup holder. Once it was sparkling clean, it was ready for delivery. We examined the bike. It was missing one thing. A drink in the cup holder. In the cup holder we placed a cold hard cider, and around the cup holder we tied red and black ribbons to match the red and black flower decals. Now it was delivery time. We rolled the bike down the street.

How to be Neighborly: Fill thine neighbor’s cupholder.

I think it’s safe to say she was blown away. I know I was. I didn’t have much faith in this old bike when I saw it, but seeing it now, it was perfect. He was just as proud as she was of this bike. I guess that’s similar to a lot of these old homes. They may get run down, but there’s always someone willing to put in the effort to make it beautiful again. Good thing Alex is that guy.

The next day we received a thank you card. It said “Thanks for pimping my ride.” Our pleasure Alisha. We’ll see you on the street.

Here’s what we made after our last ride:

Summer & Alisha’s Pimped Out Green Sauce

• 1 poblano pepper
• 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 c white wine
• 1/4 c cilantro
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (preferable “Awesome Sauce“)
• 1/2 tbsp salsa verde
• 1/8 tsp salt

Roast the poblano pepper over the fire.  When the skin is black and charred, wrap it with a paper towel and put it in a plastic bag to soften for about 5 minutes.  Remove the pepper from the bag and wipe off the charred skin with the paper towel.  Slice the top off the pepper and remove the seeds.  Put the pepper in the blender with the juice of 1 lime, garlic, white wine, cilantro, hot sauce, salsa verde and salt.  Blend until smooth.

Serve over grilled fish, chicken, veggies, steak… what ever needs some flava.