Fun Orange County Parks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
×
Home » Play Ideas » Cooking

Be Thankful for Good Neighbors

Every time I drive into our neighborhood, I'm reminded how lucky I am to live amongst such good neighbors. Sure, we have HOA issues, pet issues, parking issues, personality issues, etc. -- but I know if there were ever a crisis we'd come together and be okay.  We smile at each other and our kids play together.  A couple of my close neighbors and I go out for dinner together every couple of months.  When someone leaves their garage door open, a neighbor notifies them or closes it for the owner. It amazes me that my neighbors come from all corners of the globe, yet we all chose this tiny pocket of Orange County to live. I am thankful for good neighbors.

It's a special treat in the fall when our Hungarian neighbors invite us for a Goulash Party at the beach.  My kids have come to look forward to it.

It starts with a pot over the fire.

The kids play with children they haven't seen since last year - and the adults chat. I especially love to hear the stories. Families spend the day outside together. The table is beautifully set for the simple feast to come.

The rich aroma of the stew spreads around the campfire site.

Guests come together to make "Pinchies" which are small pinches of dough that go into the soup at the last minute before serving.  It's a long and joyful process punctuated with sharing, jokes, and laughter.

Finally, the stew is ready.  Our host thanks us for gathering together to share this meal.

We bring our own mugs to fill and sit down with our neighbors to eat and enjoy the sun setting over the Pacific.  How lucky we are to have our health, our friends, and a lovely 80+ degree day at the beach in November!

More Cooking

  • Make-Ahead Winter Chili
  • daffodils
    39 Stay-at-Home Kids Activities for Parents Who Need a Break
  • Twice Baked
    Make-Ahead Twice-Baked Potatoes
  • how to barbecue at the beach title with sunset
    How to Barbecue Near the Beach: Places and Tips for Grilling in OC

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

Popular

  • 2025 Wildflowers and Best Kid-Friendly Spots to See Them in Orange County

  • San Clemente Aquatics Center and Vista Hermosa Sports Park

  • 10 Best Orange County Playgrounds (by Feature)

  • Trestles: Beach Walking for Families in a Surfer's Paradise

Seasonal

  • 36 Favorite Picnic Spots in OC

  • colorful stackable blocks on dirt surface at Irvine Adventure Playground with blue sky and thin white clouds on a sunny day
    Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park

  • Nature Book Library: Animal Fables

  • Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach Central Park 2025

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About + Start Here

Newsletter

  • Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2008-2025 Play Parks Creative LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclosure