Rick, in my experience, in really HOT weather lettuce appreciates some shade. I like growing it in containers that I can move to a sunny spot or into some shade, as the weather dictates; it also stays much cleaner in the containers and less problems with bugs and slugs.
Not sure about this, but it seems that most plants that are supposed to be red, like the Ruby and other red-leaf lettuces, need pretty much full sun to "color up."
i was really surprised to find recently that I can grow nice lettuce under my fluorescent lights -- I start lots of plants that way, but right now I have some beautiful 'Winter Density" and "Black Seeded Simpson" growing that I started in February, I have pics on my camera that I'll put on the computer tomorrow and post here for you to see; next winter I am going to make MUCH better use of my lights !
I would take your neighbor up on her offer and make a nice raised bed there and share the lettuce - and maybe try some in your shady spot and see how it does !
