Do neighbors ever think that they are helping - when in fact they are not?
Years ago I bought a Weeping Cherry Tree and planted it in a half whiskey barrel (Knew I was moving and would want to take it with).
A few weeks later the tree was dying. I was flummoxed. Its not that easy to kill a tree. And not so quickly.
Turns out three different neighbors had all been watering it - plus me! We drown the poor thing.
Just now - my neighbor came in carrying a black cat and said "Look who I found!" My black cat has been missing for 5 weeks.
The dogs were watching her intently.
When I said "That's not my cat." the cat hissed and reared up. The dogs went insane. The neighbor had to run to the door avoiding flying claws and dogs.
I am also making small family history books for everyone. We recently connected with a cousin who knows no family history whatsoever . . didn't even know he had a uncle or an aunt.
RE: opinions about dates
I would chose friends.We can be ourselves with friends. Not always true with family.