THe other day an anonymous note was left on our door. It said: "We are trying to keep our neighborhood beautiful. Would you please help by removing the pile of woodchips on your front lawn?" It was signed "[Name of Street] Neighbors"
so here's the deal -- we had a tree cut down in the spring, and have stacked the wood along the fence in our backyard, away from the street. The pile of woodchips left over is by the curb, underneath a pair of cherry trees. Our plan is to use it as mulch and bedding for plants that we've been putting in over the past four or five months, on the time we have available on the weekends. Our progress has been slow, but we are making progress. The woodchip pile is approximately 2.5 feet high and six feet wide -- looks like a pile of mulch, which it is.
The funny thing is that the "anonymous" note was typed on Corrasable Bond -- remember that stuff? -- on a typewriter. This is a dead giveaway to the ancient couple down the street as the culprits.
Would you respond? If so, how? I'm really curious to know what other people think.
Full Version: Anonymous Hate Mail From Neighbors
Reply on a computer-printed sheet of plain paper, delivered by hand:
"We are trying to keep our neighborhood upfront. Would you please help by next time stating the problem directly to our face? We are indeed trying our best to accomodate and will be finished soon."
Signed "offenders to [Name of Street] beauty"
"We are trying to keep our neighborhood upfront. Would you please help by next time stating the problem directly to our face? We are indeed trying our best to accomodate and will be finished soon."
Signed "offenders to [Name of Street] beauty"
That's a pretty big pile of woodchips. I would think that a pile that size, left in the back of your yard, might not be a problem, but a woodchip pile (2.5 ft x 6 ft) left by the curb....well, I think it should be moved. Or removed. This is not to say that the anonymous letter was in any way the correct thing to do, in regards to approaching this situation, but it might be that more than one neighbor is upset about your woodchip pile. In order to keep peace (and improve the appearance of your neighborhood), I'd move the pile to a place that is less visible.
QUOTE (Cathleen56 @ Aug 16 2008, 12:01 AM) 
THe other day an anonymous note was left on our door. It said: "We are trying to keep our neighborhood beautiful. Would you please help by removing the pile of woodchips on your front lawn?" It was signed "[Name of Street] Neighbors"
so here's the deal -- we had a tree cut down in the spring, and have stacked the wood along the fence in our backyard, away from the street. The pile of woodchips left over is by the curb, underneath a pair of cherry trees. Our plan is to use it as mulch and bedding for plants that we've been putting in over the past four or five months, on the time we have available on the weekends. Our progress has been slow, but we are making progress. The woodchip pile is approximately 2.5 feet high and six feet wide -- looks like a pile of mulch, which it is.
The funny thing is that the "anonymous" note was typed on Corrasable Bond -- remember that stuff? -- on a typewriter. This is a dead giveaway to the ancient couple down the street as the culprits.
Would you respond? If so, how? I'm really curious to know what other people think.
so here's the deal -- we had a tree cut down in the spring, and have stacked the wood along the fence in our backyard, away from the street. The pile of woodchips left over is by the curb, underneath a pair of cherry trees. Our plan is to use it as mulch and bedding for plants that we've been putting in over the past four or five months, on the time we have available on the weekends. Our progress has been slow, but we are making progress. The woodchip pile is approximately 2.5 feet high and six feet wide -- looks like a pile of mulch, which it is.
The funny thing is that the "anonymous" note was typed on Corrasable Bond -- remember that stuff? -- on a typewriter. This is a dead giveaway to the ancient couple down the street as the culprits.
Would you respond? If so, how? I'm really curious to know what other people think.
I think I'd be bugged if a neighbor left a pile that large for over 3 weeks. Speaking to you, or offering to help,
is definately preferable to an unsigned note.
is definately preferable to an unsigned note.
I like Helg's suggestion, but I'd kick it up a notch.
Instead of the computer-printed note, cut the words out of the newspaper like a ransom demand.
Instead of the computer-printed note, cut the words out of the newspaper like a ransom demand.
It's much easier to shoot the messenger when you don't like the message.
But the question is, how would "I" handle it. I'd talk to them directly, as they should have done with you, and then I'd move the pile. That's a big pile and a very long time for it to be hanging around. Were it my neighborhood, someone would have confronted the offender a lot sooner than 4 or 5 months after the fact.
But the question is, how would "I" handle it. I'd talk to them directly, as they should have done with you, and then I'd move the pile. That's a big pile and a very long time for it to be hanging around. Were it my neighborhood, someone would have confronted the offender a lot sooner than 4 or 5 months after the fact.
If it were me, I would just get rid of the chips (that's a huge pile) as soon as I could. I wouldn't confront the couple. They're elderly and obviously don't want any sort of altercation. Hence the anonymous note. Yes, it would have been better had they just knocked on your door and spoke with you about it, but ah well, that would be in a perfect world. ;-)
I like living on a farm with no close neighbors...problems like these among neighbors can only grow unless they are nipped in the bud.
But, if I were in your place, I'd put a smile on my face and invite the whole street to a cook out and wood chip moving "party" and get the job done while "mending fences" at the same time.
But, if I were in your place, I'd put a smile on my face and invite the whole street to a cook out and wood chip moving "party" and get the job done while "mending fences" at the same time.
QUOTE (isabellabird @ Aug 16 2008, 06:52 AM)
I like Helg's suggestion, but I'd kick it up a notch.
Instead of the computer-printed note, cut the words out of the newspaper like a ransom demand.
Instead of the computer-printed note, cut the words out of the newspaper like a ransom demand.
A fun idea! And then move the pile.
I agree that your neighbors tactic was probably not the best, but on the other hand, I see their point.
If the wood chips had been there for just a few weeks, not a problem.
Giant pile of wood chips unmoving for MONTHS? not such a good idea.
For one, isn't it damaging your lawn? as in, won't it leave a giant bare spot in the grass? And what about termites? Stuff like that is a termite magnet, and no joke where I live.
I say, get busy. Move those wood chips where they're intended to be USED, and use them. If you know approximately where you want to put in bushes and plants, make an intermediate step and prepare the ground (using the mulch) so that when the new plants arrive you have less work to do. Get it over with, and move on.
If the wood chips had been there for just a few weeks, not a problem.
Giant pile of wood chips unmoving for MONTHS? not such a good idea.
For one, isn't it damaging your lawn? as in, won't it leave a giant bare spot in the grass? And what about termites? Stuff like that is a termite magnet, and no joke where I live.
I say, get busy. Move those wood chips where they're intended to be USED, and use them. If you know approximately where you want to put in bushes and plants, make an intermediate step and prepare the ground (using the mulch) so that when the new plants arrive you have less work to do. Get it over with, and move on.
Honestly, though the tone and the way the message was delivered seems snotty; I would never call that hate mail. Perhaps they are not comfortable with confronting you in person. Remember, different generations and different personalities are involved.
I truly would not overract by upping the ante. I'd wait until cooled off and go have a nice talk with them about it. I mean, they did say please and I've reread the contents of the note several times looking for any true malice and I don't see any. I say have a civil talk about it or merely ignore it.
I truly would not overract by upping the ante. I'd wait until cooled off and go have a nice talk with them about it. I mean, they did say please and I've reread the contents of the note several times looking for any true malice and I don't see any. I say have a civil talk about it or merely ignore it.
Thanks for your comments, everybody. To clarify a couple of things, I agree with you, Sharil, that hatemail was not a the most accurate term, but it did fit into the headline for this post. "Nastygram" would have been a better word choice. And I'm not upset -- I'm more amused by the whole thing. And yes, my inclination is to just ignore it.
Rococo, the pile IS where we want to use it, right by the curb beneath two cherry trees. It's not killing any grass, and it's not near enough to our house or anyone else's house to worry about termites. Our plan is to distribute it on either side and in between the trees once we finish selecting and planting plants for that area. Part of the problem is it's too hot to plant things in DC during the summer -- too hot for the plants, and too hot for the workers (ie, us).
Yes, we could move the pile of chips to the side yard, and then move it back again, and I would certainly do this if it was a rusted auto engine instead of a mulch pile, but hey, that's why I asked all of you for your opinion. Personally, I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch in someone else's yard, but that's me.
Rococo, the pile IS where we want to use it, right by the curb beneath two cherry trees. It's not killing any grass, and it's not near enough to our house or anyone else's house to worry about termites. Our plan is to distribute it on either side and in between the trees once we finish selecting and planting plants for that area. Part of the problem is it's too hot to plant things in DC during the summer -- too hot for the plants, and too hot for the workers (ie, us).
Yes, we could move the pile of chips to the side yard, and then move it back again, and I would certainly do this if it was a rusted auto engine instead of a mulch pile, but hey, that's why I asked all of you for your opinion. Personally, I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch in someone else's yard, but that's me.
QUOTE (Cathleen56 @ Aug 16 2008, 12:34 PM)
Thanks for your comments, everybody. To clarify a couple of things, I agree with you, Sharil, that hatemail was not a the most accurate term, but it did fit into the headline for this post. "Nastygram" would have been a better word choice. And I'm not upset -- I'm more amused by the whole thing. And yes, my inclination is to just ignore it.
Rococo, the pile IS where we want to use it, right by the curb beneath two cherry trees. It's not killing any grass, and it's not near enough to our house or anyone else's house to worry about termites. Our plan is to distribute it on either side and in between the trees once we finish selecting and planting plants for that area. Part of the problem is it's too hot to plant things in DC during the summer -- too hot for the plants, and too hot for the workers (ie, us).
Yes, we could move the pile of chips to the side yard, and then move it back again, and I would certainly do this if it was a rusted auto engine instead of a mulch pile, but hey, that's why I asked all of you for your opinion. Personally, I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch in someone else's yard, but that's me.
Rococo, the pile IS where we want to use it, right by the curb beneath two cherry trees. It's not killing any grass, and it's not near enough to our house or anyone else's house to worry about termites. Our plan is to distribute it on either side and in between the trees once we finish selecting and planting plants for that area. Part of the problem is it's too hot to plant things in DC during the summer -- too hot for the plants, and too hot for the workers (ie, us).
Yes, we could move the pile of chips to the side yard, and then move it back again, and I would certainly do this if it was a rusted auto engine instead of a mulch pile, but hey, that's why I asked all of you for your opinion. Personally, I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch in someone else's yard, but that's me.
I would not be so bothered with it myself , heck , I am not bothered by much unless it is a rusty old heap and even then I am disinclined to say a thing and yes there was a heap right next to me thanks to a former neighbour! I was asked about it by others on several occasions and made it clear that I was not meddlesome enough , also I was confident that in time the thing would be gone and all would be restored and I am happy to report this it is all sorted with no bother.
I suggest you send them a nice cake ( get in touch with that blog person at cake wreck ASAP), finish your project sharpish and then order the pink flamingoes at once so the neighbourhood "beauty" can be restored ..... a couple of gnomes would be just the right touch
I think your neighbors are a bit intolerant. I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch. As you say, it's not a rusted car.
But then my perspective may be skewed. I'm the woman who had a pile of dirt delivered to our driveway, where it sat for months. Like you, we slowly whittled away at it on weekends as we created planting beds all around the house. Sorry if the retired folks in the area didn't like that, but dang it I work for a living. And I don't have thousands to spend on a landscaper to come in and do it all in one weekend.
And guess what... we covered our dirt with a bright blue tarp held down by rocks. Yes, it was a thing of beauty. But we figured a dry pile of blue dirt was better than a muddy swamp.
I say ignore them. You're working on it, and eventually the pile will be gone. Your neighbor's knickers will magically unbunch and life will go on...
But then my perspective may be skewed. I'm the woman who had a pile of dirt delivered to our driveway, where it sat for months. Like you, we slowly whittled away at it on weekends as we created planting beds all around the house. Sorry if the retired folks in the area didn't like that, but dang it I work for a living. And I don't have thousands to spend on a landscaper to come in and do it all in one weekend.
And guess what... we covered our dirt with a bright blue tarp held down by rocks. Yes, it was a thing of beauty. But we figured a dry pile of blue dirt was better than a muddy swamp.
I say ignore them. You're working on it, and eventually the pile will be gone. Your neighbor's knickers will magically unbunch and life will go on...
Where I live ........there are city ordinances and associations to deal with. You could never get away with that. Property values etc.
QUOTE (glorious1 @ Aug 16 2008, 01:37 PM)
Where I live ........there are city ordinances and associations to deal with. You could never get away with that. Property values etc.
I suppose if something is bad enough they can call the city , check the bylaws and see if they have a leg to stand on , all cities are different in this regard and have thier own unique bylaws.
After reading a blurb about some local"neighbourhood association" looking into banning clotheslines , my normally grim view of them grew grimmer and I infrormed my husband that if this is even a shawdow of things to come I want to go live in the sticks.
I get where you're coming from. If you live in a more rural area you can do a lot more. Like you say.......everywhere is different. Florida is a different animal.
QUOTE (Cathleen56 @ Aug 16 2008, 11:34 AM)
Thanks for your comments, everybody. To clarify a couple of things, I agree with you, Sharil, that hatemail was not a the most accurate term, but it did fit into the headline for this post. "Nastygram" would have been a better word choice. And I'm not upset -- I'm more amused by the whole thing. And yes, my inclination is to just ignore it.
Rococo, the pile IS where we want to use it, right by the curb beneath two cherry trees. It's not killing any grass, and it's not near enough to our house or anyone else's house to worry about termites. Our plan is to distribute it on either side and in between the trees once we finish selecting and planting plants for that area. Part of the problem is it's too hot to plant things in DC during the summer -- too hot for the plants, and too hot for the workers (ie, us).
Yes, we could move the pile of chips to the side yard, and then move it back again, and I would certainly do this if it was a rusted auto engine instead of a mulch pile, but hey, that's why I asked all of you for your opinion. Personally, I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch in someone else's yard, but that's me.
Rococo, the pile IS where we want to use it, right by the curb beneath two cherry trees. It's not killing any grass, and it's not near enough to our house or anyone else's house to worry about termites. Our plan is to distribute it on either side and in between the trees once we finish selecting and planting plants for that area. Part of the problem is it's too hot to plant things in DC during the summer -- too hot for the plants, and too hot for the workers (ie, us).
Yes, we could move the pile of chips to the side yard, and then move it back again, and I would certainly do this if it was a rusted auto engine instead of a mulch pile, but hey, that's why I asked all of you for your opinion. Personally, I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch in someone else's yard, but that's me.
When I first read your post I was shocked that someone else could tell a person what to do in their own yard/house/garden/driveway. But then I saw that it seems that other people could understand it and were surprised that you hadn't been asked earlier. I can't imagine not being able to do what I wanted to my house and garden. WOW!
We live in Galway City, right in a really posh part of the city too and we regularly light a little wood fires in our backyard and cook salmon on it just like we were camping. Nobody would be so impolite as to interfere.
Another example to give you the level of tolerance in Galway: The bishop of Galway lives in a posh area of the city, highest priced houses I believe. Anyway in Ireland there is a ethnic minority group called 'Irish Travellers'. They live in trailers and own horses and dogs and collect scrap for a living (we call it recycling) so the bishop of Galway decides that there is enough room in his estate to build a halting site (a trailer park basically). It went ahead and for the last 20 years there is a halting site complete with horses, dogs and scrap metal in one of the poshest areas of the city. And it's still the poshest area of the city, the house values have not gone down in that area for that reason.
I am shocked that you are expected to conform. I mean you bought and paid for your house so it's yours, surely you can do what you want?
What on earth is the world coming to that you have to hide a pile of dirt, woodchips or even a rusty old car.
There is a woman down the street from us who is a bit of a recluse (she's a nice woman she just keeps to herself) Her hedges are over 7 foot high, her walls and gate are painted lilac, and her gate stays locked, she has lots of cats and keeps pillows stuffed into the gates to stop them getting out. The postman has to throw her mail over her hedge as he is not permitted inside her gate. It doesn't bother anybody. Two doors down lives a surgeon and next door lives a solicitor. What she does is nobody's business but her own and how her home looks certainly doesn't affect the prices of the properties next door. I can imagine how troublesome noisy or violent neighbours would be a problem.
Around the corner from us there is a mansion owned by a Galway Business man, it has huge gates with intercom etc. The trees around the grounds are huge, they tower over our garden and I love them although they do block the light. I heard that he loves his trees and every year a tree surgeon arrives and looks after them. I heard that one time a neighbour rang his intercom one day asking if she could talk to him about a couple of the trees that over hang her garden, he told her in no uncertain terms where to go with her request. His garden, his trees, go to hell!
If I were you I'd leave the mulch there and perhaps stick a flag with a photo of someone showing their butt on the top of the pile!
QUOTE (whitewitchzita @ Aug 16 2008, 03:12 PM)
When I first read your post I was shocked that someone else could tell a person what to do in their own yard/house/garden/driveway. But then I saw that it seems that other people could understand it and were surprised that you hadn't been asked earlier. I can't imagine not being able to do what I wanted to my house and garden. WOW!
We live in Galway City, right in a really posh part of the city too and we regularly light a little wood fires in our backyard and cook salmon on it just like we were camping. Nobody would be so impolite as to interfere.
Another example to give you the level of tolerance in Galway: The bishop of Galway lives in a posh area of the city, highest priced houses I believe. Anyway in Ireland there is a ethnic minority group called 'Irish Travellers'. They live in trailers and own horses and dogs and collect scrap for a living (we call it recycling) so the bishop of Galway decides that there is enough room in his estate to build a halting site (a trailer park basically). It went ahead and for the last 20 years there is a halting site complete with horses, dogs and scrap metal in one of the poshest areas of the city. And it's still the poshest area of the city, the house values have not gone down in that area for that reason.
I am shocked that you are expected to conform. I mean you bought and paid for your house so it's yours, surely you can do what you want?
What on earth is the world coming to that you have to hide a pile of dirt, woodchips or even a rusty old car.
There is a woman down the street from us who is a bit of a recluse (she's a nice woman she just keeps to herself) Her hedges are over 7 foot high, her walls and gate are painted lilac, and her gate stays locked, she has lots of cats and keeps pillows stuffed into the gates to stop them getting out. The postman has to throw her mail over her hedge as he is not permitted inside her gate. It doesn't bother anybody. Two doors down lives a surgeon and next door lives a solicitor. What she does is nobody's business but her own and how her home looks certainly doesn't affect the prices of the properties next door. I can imagine how troublesome noisy or violent neighbours would be a problem but if it's inside your own walls why would it bother anybody.
Around the corner from us there is a mansion owned by a Galway Business man, it has huge gates with intercom etc. The trees around the grounds are huge, they tower over our garden and I love them although they do block the light. I heard that he loves his trees and every year a tree surgeon arrives and looks after them. I heard that one time a neighbour rang his intercom one day asking if she could talk to him about a couple of the trees that over hang her garden, he told her in no uncertain terms where to go with her request. His garden, his trees, go to hell!
If I were you I'd leave the mulch there and perhaps stick a flag with a photo of someone showing their butt on the top of the pile!
We live in Galway City, right in a really posh part of the city too and we regularly light a little wood fires in our backyard and cook salmon on it just like we were camping. Nobody would be so impolite as to interfere.
Another example to give you the level of tolerance in Galway: The bishop of Galway lives in a posh area of the city, highest priced houses I believe. Anyway in Ireland there is a ethnic minority group called 'Irish Travellers'. They live in trailers and own horses and dogs and collect scrap for a living (we call it recycling) so the bishop of Galway decides that there is enough room in his estate to build a halting site (a trailer park basically). It went ahead and for the last 20 years there is a halting site complete with horses, dogs and scrap metal in one of the poshest areas of the city. And it's still the poshest area of the city, the house values have not gone down in that area for that reason.
I am shocked that you are expected to conform. I mean you bought and paid for your house so it's yours, surely you can do what you want?
What on earth is the world coming to that you have to hide a pile of dirt, woodchips or even a rusty old car.
There is a woman down the street from us who is a bit of a recluse (she's a nice woman she just keeps to herself) Her hedges are over 7 foot high, her walls and gate are painted lilac, and her gate stays locked, she has lots of cats and keeps pillows stuffed into the gates to stop them getting out. The postman has to throw her mail over her hedge as he is not permitted inside her gate. It doesn't bother anybody. Two doors down lives a surgeon and next door lives a solicitor. What she does is nobody's business but her own and how her home looks certainly doesn't affect the prices of the properties next door. I can imagine how troublesome noisy or violent neighbours would be a problem but if it's inside your own walls why would it bother anybody.
Around the corner from us there is a mansion owned by a Galway Business man, it has huge gates with intercom etc. The trees around the grounds are huge, they tower over our garden and I love them although they do block the light. I heard that he loves his trees and every year a tree surgeon arrives and looks after them. I heard that one time a neighbour rang his intercom one day asking if she could talk to him about a couple of the trees that over hang her garden, he told her in no uncertain terms where to go with her request. His garden, his trees, go to hell!
If I were you I'd leave the mulch there and perhaps stick a flag with a photo of someone showing their butt on the top of the pile!
There will be a woman turning up on your doorstep , she is portly and wears glasses and speaks with an odd accent , just smile and say howdy to your new lodger
This trend of telling neighbours what to do with thier own property is on the increase here , a disturbing trend indeed so relish that wonderful place in which you live.
QUOTE (helg @ Aug 16 2008, 03:39 AM)
Reply on a computer-printed sheet of plain paper, delivered by hand:
"We are trying to keep our neighborhood upfront. Would you please help by next time stating the problem directly to our face? We are indeed trying our best to accomodate and will be finished soon."
Signed "offenders to [Name of Street] beauty"
"We are trying to keep our neighborhood upfront. Would you please help by next time stating the problem directly to our face? We are indeed trying our best to accomodate and will be finished soon."
Signed "offenders to [Name of Street] beauty"
I like this. I would add a line here explaining that leaving unsigned notes which can be easily traced to their source might create a more serious problem for the writer than a pile of woodchips.
Or you could just leave a (computer printed, yes) page that says "WAR". Or "Think you're anonymous?"
QUOTE (glorious1 @ Aug 16 2008, 12:37 PM)
Where I live ........there are city ordinances and associations to deal with. You could never get away with that. Property values etc.
Yes, same here. The neighbors wouldn't have to complain, although they would.
QUOTE (mrs veneering @ Aug 16 2008, 02:24 PM)
There will be a woman turning up on your doorstep , she is portly and wears glasses and speaks with an odd accent , just smile and say howdy to your new lodger
This trend of telling neighbours what to do with their own property is on the increase here , a disturbing trend indeed so relish that wonderful place in which you live.
This trend of telling neighbours what to do with their own property is on the increase here , a disturbing trend indeed so relish that wonderful place in which you live.
You know something that's exactly what I would do, we'd have the sofa pulled out and the bed made up and the tea and the hot scones on the table before you had finished saying hello to all the children
. The Irish are notorious for not being able to say no, sometimes a good thing and sometimes not. The only problem here is the weather. But aside from that...Please God Ireland always stays so laid back.QUOTE (Cathleen56 @ Aug 16 2008, 12:01 AM)
THe other day an anonymous note was left on our door. It said: "We are trying to keep our neighborhood beautiful. Would you please help by removing the pile of woodchips on your front lawn?" It was signed "[Name of Street] Neighbors"
so here's the deal -- we had a tree cut down in the spring, and have stacked the wood along the fence in our backyard, away from the street. The pile of woodchips left over is by the curb, underneath a pair of cherry trees. Our plan is to use it as mulch and bedding for plants that we've been putting in over the past four or five months, on the time we have available on the weekends. Our progress has been slow, but we are making progress. The woodchip pile is approximately 2.5 feet high and six feet wide -- looks like a pile of mulch, which it is.
The funny thing is that the "anonymous" note was typed on Corrasable Bond -- remember that stuff? -- on a typewriter. This is a dead giveaway to the ancient couple down the street as the culprits.
Would you respond? If so, how? I'm really curious to know what other people think.
so here's the deal -- we had a tree cut down in the spring, and have stacked the wood along the fence in our backyard, away from the street. The pile of woodchips left over is by the curb, underneath a pair of cherry trees. Our plan is to use it as mulch and bedding for plants that we've been putting in over the past four or five months, on the time we have available on the weekends. Our progress has been slow, but we are making progress. The woodchip pile is approximately 2.5 feet high and six feet wide -- looks like a pile of mulch, which it is.
The funny thing is that the "anonymous" note was typed on Corrasable Bond -- remember that stuff? -- on a typewriter. This is a dead giveaway to the ancient couple down the street as the culprits.
Would you respond? If so, how? I'm really curious to know what other people think.
Cathleen56, people have all kinds of ideas and differences.
Take the high road, especially with older people. You may feel insulted but it's really no big deal. Just do what you were planning to do anyway and IGNORE the anonymous note. You have nothing to gain by getting 'ticked off' and responding in a bitchy way or being aggravated.
With older ('ancient' as you describe them) people and children, patience pays.
QUOTE (whitewitchzita @ Aug 16 2008, 11:41 AM)
You know something that's exactly what I would do, we'd have the sofa pulled out and the bed made up and the tea and the hot scones on the table before you had finished saying hello to all the children . The Irish are notorious for not being able to say no, sometimes a good thing and sometimes not. The only problem here is the weather. But aside from that...Please God Ireland always stays so laid back.
. The Irish are notorious for not being able to say no, sometimes a good thing and sometimes not. The only problem here is the weather. But aside from that...Please God Ireland always stays so laid back.Well, I'm delighted to hear of Galway's tolerance level. But now you add tea and hot scones! Now that's what I call civilization.
"Dear, we're moving to Ireland...!"
Around here someone would have already called the city after around 3 weeks if a mulch pile was still sitting on someone's front lawn. There are both city ordinances and homeowners covenants that mandate that any "yard waste" needs to be brought to the curb by garbage day or the city will come to your home, "clean" your front yard for you, and charge you for the privilege. If you let your front yard grass and weeds spring up, you will be cited and given a deadline to mow or the city will come and do it for you and charge you for the job. You can basically do whatever you want in the backyard, but front yard is lawn and/or landscaping - no fences, no cars, no mulch piles, no leaf piles, no mattresses, no kiddies toys, no tarps.
The issue here is not whether the woodchips should be there or not, it is what to do about neighbors who leave anonymous, vaguely threatening notes (the message here is also, "we are watching you" and "we are numerous" even though it is one couple who are presuming here to speak for the whole neighborhood).
Whether the woodchips should be removed or not, letting these neighbors, whatever their age (their age is irrelevant), get away with this is setting the stage for many more anonymous notes. Even if there are local ordinances, anonymous notes are not appropriate. Giving these folks what they want will be encouraging and even rewarding (reinforcing!) this bad behavior, and they'll step it up. Cathleen, do you want to get a note every day from these people? With their anonymous opinions and directives about eveything from your choice of wallpaper, to when your visitors arrive and leave, to the number of bills in your mailbox?
I say it should be made very clear to them, and right away, that they need to stop with the notes.
Another solution? Photocopy the note and leave it on their door, with no additions. Or leave a copy of the note on every door in the neighborhood. If these folks are, as they say, speaking for the whole neighborhood...then let the whole neighborhood know what they are saying.
Whether the woodchips should be removed or not, letting these neighbors, whatever their age (their age is irrelevant), get away with this is setting the stage for many more anonymous notes. Even if there are local ordinances, anonymous notes are not appropriate. Giving these folks what they want will be encouraging and even rewarding (reinforcing!) this bad behavior, and they'll step it up. Cathleen, do you want to get a note every day from these people? With their anonymous opinions and directives about eveything from your choice of wallpaper, to when your visitors arrive and leave, to the number of bills in your mailbox?
I say it should be made very clear to them, and right away, that they need to stop with the notes.
Another solution? Photocopy the note and leave it on their door, with no additions. Or leave a copy of the note on every door in the neighborhood. If these folks are, as they say, speaking for the whole neighborhood...then let the whole neighborhood know what they are saying.
Ellen, amping up imagined hostility by responding to just one note from a very elderly couple would be about as nutty as a person can get. Umm, Father Time will take care of any perceived problem since the sender was probably a VERY OLD LADY. So will completing the planned landscaping.
I've lived in neighbourhoods most of my life. Every RARE now and then either me or some neighbour received an anonymous note. You can't respond to what you don't know for certain, anyhow.
EllenNYC, if Cathleen took your advice to spread notes all over the neighbourhood she would appear quite nutty, over the top. The anonymous note was sad and the other neighbours doubtlessly don't even know about it. It would be pointless and graceless to involve them.
I've lived in neighbourhoods most of my life. Every RARE now and then either me or some neighbour received an anonymous note. You can't respond to what you don't know for certain, anyhow.
EllenNYC, if Cathleen took your advice to spread notes all over the neighbourhood she would appear quite nutty, over the top. The anonymous note was sad and the other neighbours doubtlessly don't even know about it. It would be pointless and graceless to involve them.
Since 1. the note is anonymous and 2. you don't really know who sent it (you're just guessing) there is nothing further that needs to be done on your part. If you are disobeying an ordinance, then let the city send you a letter, but if you're not doing anything illegal and the complainers won't out themselves, then there really is no one to respond to, so carry on with your landscaping plans and don't worry about it.
Presumably, neither local ordinances nor local HOA covenants aren't being violated since neither communicate via anonymous notes.
This is her property and she's not doing anything dangerous or permanent.
The way I see it is to either ignore it if you're non-confrontational or confront the neighborhood via your own signed note.
I'm not surprised to read this. There are neighborhoods here where people can't park their pick-up trucks because we wouldn't want it to look like working-class people live here. I recently read an article about neighbors complaining about one person parking their RV on the street. Can't have clotheslines either because heaven forbid people who can't afford a dryer live here. I hate HOAs in neighborhoods with detached single-family homes. Like it's anybody else's business what you do on your own property.
This is her property and she's not doing anything dangerous or permanent.
The way I see it is to either ignore it if you're non-confrontational or confront the neighborhood via your own signed note.
I'm not surprised to read this. There are neighborhoods here where people can't park their pick-up trucks because we wouldn't want it to look like working-class people live here. I recently read an article about neighbors complaining about one person parking their RV on the street. Can't have clotheslines either because heaven forbid people who can't afford a dryer live here. I hate HOAs in neighborhoods with detached single-family homes. Like it's anybody else's business what you do on your own property.
Sgupta, I know what you mean. Townhome community and condo HOAs are always involved in every pissant minute matter they can stick their noses in.
I hate the prejudice against hanging clothes outdoors, for instance, as doing so is a good way to save energy. People hung clotheslines in backyards for DECADES and I've never found it aesthetically unappealing. Only bourgeois snobs could come up with such a petty restriction.
I do understand restrictions against parking RVs, small trailers and BOATS on the streets or in the front driveway. One can't see from the sidewalk to the street or vice versa when there are boats and RVs parked on streets. Kids could run out and get hit by a driver who couldn't see them. A whole street full of boats and RVs starts looking like a parking lot/marina. I'd seen that in some Metairie neighbourhoods before Katrina.
I hate the prejudice against hanging clothes outdoors, for instance, as doing so is a good way to save energy. People hung clotheslines in backyards for DECADES and I've never found it aesthetically unappealing. Only bourgeois snobs could come up with such a petty restriction.
I do understand restrictions against parking RVs, small trailers and BOATS on the streets or in the front driveway. One can't see from the sidewalk to the street or vice versa when there are boats and RVs parked on streets. Kids could run out and get hit by a driver who couldn't see them. A whole street full of boats and RVs starts looking like a parking lot/marina. I'd seen that in some Metairie neighbourhoods before Katrina.
QUOTE (Demetrue @ Aug 16 2008, 04:53 PM)
Since 1. the note is anonymous and 2. you don't really know who sent it (you're just guessing) there is nothing further that needs to be done on your part. If you are disobeying an ordinance, then let the city send you a letter, but if you're not doing anything illegal and the complainers won't out themselves, then there really is no one to respond to, so carry on with your landscaping plans and don't worry about it.
This sounds like the best, and most rational, response.
In the meantime, you could always stick a sign in the middle of the mulch pile: "Work in Progress -- Please be Patient!"
QUOTE (Morticia Addams @ Aug 16 2008, 05:12 PM)
Sgupta, I know what you mean. Townhome community and condo HOAs are always involved in every pissant minute matter they can stick their noses in.
I live in a condominium community with an HOA. In such a situation with so many people living one on top of the other, I can accept an HOA but in a neighborhood of single-family homes, I hate them and don't understand their purpose except to butt into other people's private business.
Bloody hell Cathleen! I would leave it there! Its your yard and its not like its a run down old car or tons of old crap just chucked out.
I do not think if I had a pile of mulch that large that anyone here would tell me off!
I like Helgs idea and I fancy Nathans too - but on my sign in the pile I would have "this is a piece of Sculpture, I am working on the matching piece - COMING SOON!"
I do not think if I had a pile of mulch that large that anyone here would tell me off!
I like Helgs idea and I fancy Nathans too - but on my sign in the pile I would have "this is a piece of Sculpture, I am working on the matching piece - COMING SOON!"
QUOTE (Lady jicky @ Aug 16 2008, 05:26 PM)
but on my sign in the pile I would have "this is a piece of Sculpture, I am working on the matching piece - COMING SOON!"
That would put such a fright in the anonymous note sender's heart, and probably make the rest of the neighbor's laugh.
Sharil's right. No need to "up the ante".
I once wrote such an anonymous note to a neighbor here in my apartments. Every morning, at 5:00am, she would use the toilet, and she would let the seat of it fall unaided... just let it go THWACK! real loud on its own. Yes, I could hear it plainly. It used to drive me batty.
Know what I did? I wrote her a very nice letter asking her to cease-and-desist, but to disguise my identity, I hand-wrote the whole thing using my left (non-dominant) hand.
I'm fixin' to possibly write another such of these letters: One of my neighbors will fry, for breakfast, some ROTTEN FISH.
Yes, you're reading this right: ROTTEN FISH. ROTTEN, SPOILED, FREEZER-BURNT, GAG-A-MAGGIT FISH. If that's what they like to eat, more power to 'em, but the ghastly smell is so strong it permeates my apartment as well.
If it happens again, I REALLY am going to write them a letter.
I once wrote such an anonymous note to a neighbor here in my apartments.
Every morning, at 5:00am, she would use the toilet, and she would let the seat of it fall unaided... just let it go THWACK! real loud on its own. Yes, I could hear it plainly. It used to drive me batty.Know what I did? I wrote her a very nice letter asking her to cease-and-desist, but to disguise my identity, I hand-wrote the whole thing using my left (non-dominant) hand.
I'm fixin' to possibly write another such of these letters: One of my neighbors will fry, for breakfast, some ROTTEN FISH.
Yes, you're reading this right: ROTTEN FISH. ROTTEN, SPOILED, FREEZER-BURNT, GAG-A-MAGGIT FISH. If that's what they like to eat, more power to 'em, but the ghastly smell is so strong it permeates my apartment as well.
If it happens again, I REALLY am going to write them a letter.
Rasputin, my heart goes out to you. ~HUG~ Living in apartments is hell, even ones which don't take Section 8 and are 'nice.' I found that out during the year after Katrina. I'd rather live in a trailer than live in an apt. complex. At least in a trailer or a shack if it gets set fire it would be ME to blame instead of some crack or meth smoking moron.
Dave, can you tell us which ethnicity the neighbour is who eats rotten fish? It could be a cultural thing. But, YES, you have a right to complain. If the neighbour is Vietnamese or something, maybe she will politely change her ways. IN that case an anonymous note might well be appropriate.
I'm going to confess here about my one anonymous letter to a neighbour who lived at the end of our street on the cross street. I am a very shy person. And around Christmas I nearly always get a case of SAD (more in the last few years in NOLA because even though we had friends DH and my families lived far away.)
Anyhow, we lived in a neighbourhood where quite a few homeowners decorated their houses and front yards. During the nights three weeks before and a week after Christmas our neighbourhood was often bright as daylight, a sparkling winter wonderland we'd stroll through at least 3 nights a week.
I knew many neighbours on our street but not the ones on the cross street whose home was so delighfully decorated. Very late at night I'd sit on my front porch and gaze at the lights all around their trees and the decorations. I wrote them a short handwritten note on a Christmas card and thanked them for the beautiful Christmas decorations which were so lovely they made me want to cry. I was too shy to sign my name, and just wrote 'your neighbour' and slipped it into their mailbox.
We had a neighbour who let his dog run loose and chase our cats who were staying in their (OUR) own darned yard. This was truly aggravating! We asked him to obey the leash law but he ignored us. If it had kept up, I would've risked permanent state of war by calling animal control. I think his dog got old and sick, so he started keeping him in the fenced back yard.
Dave, can you tell us which ethnicity the neighbour is who eats rotten fish? It could be a cultural thing. But, YES, you have a right to complain. If the neighbour is Vietnamese or something, maybe she will politely change her ways. IN that case an anonymous note might well be appropriate.
I'm going to confess here about my one anonymous letter to a neighbour who lived at the end of our street on the cross street. I am a very shy person. And around Christmas I nearly always get a case of SAD (more in the last few years in NOLA because even though we had friends DH and my families lived far away.)
Anyhow, we lived in a neighbourhood where quite a few homeowners decorated their houses and front yards. During the nights three weeks before and a week after Christmas our neighbourhood was often bright as daylight, a sparkling winter wonderland we'd stroll through at least 3 nights a week.
I knew many neighbours on our street but not the ones on the cross street whose home was so delighfully decorated. Very late at night I'd sit on my front porch and gaze at the lights all around their trees and the decorations. I wrote them a short handwritten note on a Christmas card and thanked them for the beautiful Christmas decorations which were so lovely they made me want to cry. I was too shy to sign my name, and just wrote 'your neighbour' and slipped it into their mailbox.
We had a neighbour who let his dog run loose and chase our cats who were staying in their (OUR) own darned yard. This was truly aggravating! We asked him to obey the leash law but he ignored us. If it had kept up, I would've risked permanent state of war by calling animal control. I think his dog got old and sick, so he started keeping him in the fenced back yard.
So many good answers here -- POL never disappoints!
When I said "respond" in my initial post, I meant to include actually moving the woodchip pile as a response, not just fantasies of revenge or responding directly to the "suspects," amusing as that might be. Demetrue is right, I can't be sure that the couple I think wrote the letter actually wrote it, so I can't accuse. But there is something so offensive about an anonymous note, isn't there?
Nathan -- my husband had exactly the same response as you did -- put a big old "DO NOT REMOVE" sign in the woodchip pile. Mr. 56's father was Irish and spent his whole life as a gardener on a private estate in Connecticut, so Mr. 56 has always had a flair for gardening. I'm sure that when he finishes the project it will have been worth waiting for. It's just that it's too damn hot here to work outside and we both work full time and travel for work very frequently, so it's taking more time than we had expected.
As for me, I entertained more amusing fantasies, including finishing the landscaping project........ and then stringing a clothesline between the trees (I love clotheslines! I love the way clothes smell coming off of them). I also thought of whether it would be possible to get handy with a gluegun and make a big five foot swan or something out of woodchips and glue, like those ice sculptures at weddings and bar mitzvahs. But that's tame compared to the creative and hilarious revenge scenarios some of you supplied!
Seriously, that's how it is here... a trend toward feeling more and more entitled to tell others what to do when just aesthetics and personal preferences are involved (as opposed to rules dictating public safety). It's just not part of me to do that, so I'll admit that when I was on the receiving end of it, my feelings were hurt a little.
When I said "respond" in my initial post, I meant to include actually moving the woodchip pile as a response, not just fantasies of revenge or responding directly to the "suspects," amusing as that might be. Demetrue is right, I can't be sure that the couple I think wrote the letter actually wrote it, so I can't accuse. But there is something so offensive about an anonymous note, isn't there?
Nathan -- my husband had exactly the same response as you did -- put a big old "DO NOT REMOVE" sign in the woodchip pile. Mr. 56's father was Irish and spent his whole life as a gardener on a private estate in Connecticut, so Mr. 56 has always had a flair for gardening. I'm sure that when he finishes the project it will have been worth waiting for. It's just that it's too damn hot here to work outside and we both work full time and travel for work very frequently, so it's taking more time than we had expected.
As for me, I entertained more amusing fantasies, including finishing the landscaping project........ and then stringing a clothesline between the trees (I love clotheslines! I love the way clothes smell coming off of them). I also thought of whether it would be possible to get handy with a gluegun and make a big five foot swan or something out of woodchips and glue, like those ice sculptures at weddings and bar mitzvahs. But that's tame compared to the creative and hilarious revenge scenarios some of you supplied!
Seriously, that's how it is here... a trend toward feeling more and more entitled to tell others what to do when just aesthetics and personal preferences are involved (as opposed to rules dictating public safety). It's just not part of me to do that, so I'll admit that when I was on the receiving end of it, my feelings were hurt a little.
Cathleen, I understand and sympathise with your post. I think you accidentally exaggerated the note's import when you termed a grumpy, cranky anonymous note 'hate mail.' Hate mail would be if you and your family were targeted for being black, Asian, gay or whatever.
Your topic title saying HATE MAIL is really misleading. Hate mail is truly threatening and is based on race, religion, ethnicity. REAL HATE MAIL cannot be mistaken with a cranky anonymous note regarding a BIG PILE of wood chips.
The note about wood chips is just a cranky note fron an old person who wishes people were as motivated to take care of their front yards as people were back in the 1950s and 1960s. That's why I've been having the hardest time about people getting wound up on the topic. It's as if we (collective Americans) have lost the understanding that there is no 'collective.' There are individuals and some are getting old and cranky.
Maybe the USA needs more shows on TV such as 'The Waltons' and less 'Desperate Housewives.' I really had a problem with calling an anonymous note about wood chips 'Hate mail.' Hate mail is threatening based on race, sex, ethnicity or religion. In retrospect I think EllenNYC got 'thrown' by the term 'hate mail.' She responded as if 'hate' was behind a cranky old lady note. My own response came from (rightfully) dismissing the 'hate mail' title and reading the substance of the anonymous note.
Your topic title saying HATE MAIL is really misleading. Hate mail is truly threatening and is based on race, religion, ethnicity. REAL HATE MAIL cannot be mistaken with a cranky anonymous note regarding a BIG PILE of wood chips.
The note about wood chips is just a cranky note fron an old person who wishes people were as motivated to take care of their front yards as people were back in the 1950s and 1960s. That's why I've been having the hardest time about people getting wound up on the topic. It's as if we (collective Americans) have lost the understanding that there is no 'collective.' There are individuals and some are getting old and cranky.
Maybe the USA needs more shows on TV such as 'The Waltons' and less 'Desperate Housewives.' I really had a problem with calling an anonymous note about wood chips 'Hate mail.' Hate mail is threatening based on race, sex, ethnicity or religion. In retrospect I think EllenNYC got 'thrown' by the term 'hate mail.' She responded as if 'hate' was behind a cranky old lady note. My own response came from (rightfully) dismissing the 'hate mail' title and reading the substance of the anonymous note.
After five months, I wonder what sort of critters are living in the pile.
In a few more months, it will be too cold to plant and then the pile will be covered with snow and just look like a snow bank. Problem solved.
In a few more months, it will be too cold to plant and then the pile will be covered with snow and just look like a snow bank. Problem solved.
QUOTE (ellennyc @ Aug 16 2008, 03:29 PM)
The issue here is not whether the woodchips should be there or not, it is what to do about neighbors who leave anonymous, vaguely threatening notes (the message here is also, "we are watching you" and "we are numerous" even though it is one couple who are presuming here to speak for the whole neighborhood).
Whether the woodchips should be removed or not, letting these neighbors, whatever their age (their age is irrelevant), get away with this is setting the stage for many more anonymous notes. Even if there are local ordinances, anonymous notes are not appropriate. Giving these folks what they want will be encouraging and even rewarding (reinforcing!) this bad behavior, and they'll step it up. Cathleen, do you want to get a note every day from these people? With their anonymous opinions and directives about eveything from your choice of wallpaper, to when your visitors arrive and leave, to the number of bills in your mailbox?
I say it should be made very clear to them, and right away, that they need to stop with the notes.
Another solution? Photocopy the note and leave it on their door, with no additions. Or leave a copy of the note on every door in the neighborhood. If these folks are, as they say, speaking for the whole neighborhood...then let the whole neighborhood know what they are saying.
Whether the woodchips should be removed or not, letting these neighbors, whatever their age (their age is irrelevant), get away with this is setting the stage for many more anonymous notes. Even if there are local ordinances, anonymous notes are not appropriate. Giving these folks what they want will be encouraging and even rewarding (reinforcing!) this bad behavior, and they'll step it up. Cathleen, do you want to get a note every day from these people? With their anonymous opinions and directives about eveything from your choice of wallpaper, to when your visitors arrive and leave, to the number of bills in your mailbox?
I say it should be made very clear to them, and right away, that they need to stop with the notes.
Another solution? Photocopy the note and leave it on their door, with no additions. Or leave a copy of the note on every door in the neighborhood. If these folks are, as they say, speaking for the whole neighborhood...then let the whole neighborhood know what they are saying.
I'm with Ellen on this. In a neighborhood where I lived someone used to leave anonymous notes in mailboxes rather than speak civilly. It cast a terrible pall over the friendliness of the street. They (it was a couple and they happened to keep two uncontrollable Presario Canario dogs) also used to assume they spoke on everyone's part and the notes got very strange and invasive - much more disturbing than a pile of mulch. The first duty of neighbors is to communicate kindly. It's a priority. If the note really did come from an older couple, they might respond well to a personal visit with the intention of keeping a friendly spirit among the households.
QUOTE (Cathleen56 @ Aug 16 2008, 11:34 AM)
Yes, we could move the pile of chips to the side yard, and then move it back again, and I would certainly do this if it was a rusted auto engine instead of a mulch pile, but hey, that's why I asked all of you for your opinion. Personally, I wouldn't be bothered by a pile of mulch in someone else's yard, but that's me.
I tend to be the same way and am often surprised by what can bother some people. I doubt your pile would bother me
One of the reasons we moved from a colonial on 1/4th acre in a covenant-ruled neighborhood to 6.4 acres in a semi-rural area was to get away from persnickety neighbors
QUOTE (whitewitchzita @ Aug 16 2008, 02:12 PM)
and her gate stays locked, she has lots of cats and keeps pillows stuffed into the gates to stop them getting out.
I'd love to get a picture of that gate
QUOTE (BlueCedar @ Aug 16 2008, 03:04 PM)
Well, I'm delighted to hear of Galway's tolerance level. But now you add tea and hot scones! Now that's what I call civilization.
"Dear, we're moving to Ireland...!"
"Dear, we're moving to Ireland...!"
When we spent 2 weeks in Ireland with our 2 kids back in 1998 (oh my, has it been that long?) I knew that if there was a way to live there without giving up my family, livelihood, etc., I would love to do it. And I loved the weather! Of course, I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that my great-grandfather and mother came from counties Leitrim and Cavan back in 1884.
QUOTE (Morticia Addams @ Aug 16 2008, 04:12 PM)
Sgupta, I know what you mean. Townhome community and condo HOAs are always involved in every pissant minute matter they can stick their noses in.
I do understand restrictions against parking RVs, small trailers and BOATS on the streets or in the front driveway.
I do understand restrictions against parking RVs, small trailers and BOATS on the streets or in the front driveway.
Yeah, that's how it was in our old neighborhood, Montgomery Village, a planned community. The HOA actually has volunteer SPIES going around and checking to make sure that alles ist in ordnung.
One of those spies was our across-the-court neighbor who was obnoxious as hell. They must have gone crazy when those hybrid car/pick-up trucks became popular, like the Chevy Avalanche, trying to decide whether it was a car or a truck. Must have made their heads explode: Is it a car?? Is it a truck?? What to do??!
QUOTE (Cathleen56 @ Aug 16 2008, 06:59 PM)
But there is something so offensive about an anonymous note, isn't there?
Yes, there really is! I had a similar experience a long time ago, when we'd just moved into our new house here. I'm pretty sure the note was from an elderly couple who lived in my cul-de-sac. But there was something about it being anonymous--so cowardly--that made me shake when I read it. Our front lawn was longish because our riding mower was broken and I didn't yet know of a service to get it cut. Anyway, I wrote up various responses, not planning on sending them, but just to purge my anger.
QUOTE (Julia in Maryland @ Aug 17 2008, 09:10 AM)
Yeah, that's how it was in our old neighborhood, Montgomery Village, a planned community. The HOA actually has volunteer SPIES going around and checking to make sure that alles ist in ordnung. One of those spies was our across-the-court neighbor who was obnoxious as hell.
One of those spies was our across-the-court neighbor who was obnoxious as hell.You mean to say this place actually had appointed curtain spies , like proper ones instead of the self appointed variety so commonly known to mankind in da burbs?
QUOTE (NathanB @ Aug 16 2008, 09:14 PM)
This sounds like the best, and most rational, response.
In the meantime, you could always stick a sign in the middle of the mulch pile: "Work in Progress -- Please be Patient!"
In the meantime, you could always stick a sign in the middle of the mulch pile: "Work in Progress -- Please be Patient!"
I like this solution.
Quite frankly I would have been irritated by the note, particularly by the supercilious, snooty and interfering air, and regrettably my reaction would be to dig my heels in like the stubborn mule that I am! I think what would annoy me most is the fact that this person is not prepared to offer you the opportunity to respond and to explain that the wood chippings are temporary and not a permanent feature.
If you are not creating any sort of nuisance that will affect your neighbours property (other than a bit of an eyesore) and are not infringing any local byelaws, I say ignore the note.
A sign on the mulch heap would at least acknowledge the note and offer you a means of responding.
QUOTE (NathanB @ Aug 16 2008, 03:14 PM)
In the meantime, you could always stick a sign in the middle of the mulch pile: "Work in Progress -- Please be Patient!"
You know what. I REALLY like this idea! Without pointing any fingers or making anyone uncomfortable with a confrontation, you'd be addressing the issue by letting whomever is bothered by the pile know that you're aware that it is an eyesore for them, but that you're doing the best you can to make it go away.
QUOTE (mrs veneering @ Aug 17 2008, 08:37 AM)
You mean to say this place actually had appointed curtain spies , like proper ones instead of the self appointed variety so commonly known to mankind in da burbs?
They were volunteers but it was an official position. So the natural busybodies got to be "official".
QUOTE (mrs veneering @ Aug 17 2008, 09:37 AM)
You mean to say this place actually had appointed curtain spies , like proper ones instead of the self appointed variety so commonly known to mankind in da burbs?
Oh, you mean the Neighborhood Association? We have one, and most of the neighborhood is very greatful to them for helping raise our neighborhood from declining property values/growing crime/gang area to a friendly safe neighborhood with lots of young families moving in and restoring the mid-century houses. When people don't take care of the front of their homes and yards, it sends a message to criminals, drug dealers and gangs that we don't care - come on in and take over our neighborhood. By getting people to take their satellite dishes, pickup trucks and overgrown weeds out of the front yard and paint their peeling shutters, etc, it really upgraded the reputation of the neighborhood. So, while I'd prefer to live on 6 acres in the country, our codes and ordinances make sense to me and don't seem egregious.
PS I had a big wood pile in my backyard and my neighbor was always telling me I was going to get snakes. Well, sure enough, we started getting snakes! Once I found out they were harmless black rat snakes and that they ate mice, I was less alarmed by their appearance, but the first time I came across a huge one in my bathroom in the middle of the night, I had quite a fright!
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