The house next door attracts the worst neighbors. The worst were the drug dealers who would stand outside screaming at each other. The cops came by at least once a week. The first weekend they lived there, the cops showed up three times. Needless to say, we were thrilled when they were gone. Whether they were arrested, kicked out or moved, I don’t care. All that matters is that they are gone.
Now we have an odd family. Their son frequently comes to the door asking unusual questions, favors and whatnot. They also do not know how to be a considerate neighbor.
Last night, around 11:30, I could hear them outside screaming at each other. One person was crying. Why anyone would take a fight outside in four inches of snow and 19 degree weather is beyond me. Around six this morning, they were outside yelling again. The morning shout fests are nothing new.
I find myself thinking of an episode of “King of the Hill” I saw a few weeks ago. A bad neighbor comes to town, and through a series of events, is forced to move out. In the world of television, a bad neighbor moves away or is evicted fairly easily. If only that were possible. Instead, we are forced to ignore them or move.
During the week, certain hours of quiet are expected. Between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., be courteous. Standing outside screaming annoys everyone, but wake us up and it makes us dislike you even more.
Remember that next time you come by and ask for a plunger.
