I have a neighbor. Across the street. He is the head of the homeowners association. Just the person you want to live across from right? Umm, no, in case you didn't know the answer to that one.
So James and friend playing catch outside with the football yesterday. He comes in. Mom, the guy across the street said I can’t play football in the street. Umm what? Yeah, he said I should stay on my lawn, and that I’ll hit cars and property if I play in the street. Umm, yeah, you can play in the street James. Then he told me the guy said he was going to come over and talk to me. Fun, thanks James.
Knock at door.
(he started this ALL wrong and you’re never going to get my cooperation coming at me like this):
I need your cooperation in keeping your children out of the street.
Me: (just making sure before I start a fight) Is there something with the association that says they need to stay out of the street?
(him not answering my question) I think it would be best if they stayed on your property.
Me: (again) Yeah, is there something that says they need to stay out of the street?
(him getting angry) They are going to hit something, they’ve already hit a tree (me, trying not to laugh, but failing), and they might hit a car or property.
Me: Yeah okay, I will tell them to be careful.
I think it would be best if they played in the lot down the street.
Me: Yeah, it probably is a better idea, but I’m not going to keep them out of the street, they’re kids.
(him, stumbling on words) If they hit something, I’m going to send you the bill.
Me: Yeah okay, I would expect that.
If the ball lands on my property, I’m going to call the police.
Me: (the laughter is no longer contained) Umm, yeah, let me know when you call them for a ball landing on your lawn, I want to watch when they get here.
He left.
THEN, James comes in a says dude is taking pictures of them.
I’m not going to go out and fight, but please note, grown man across street talking pictures of my children.
PLEASE call the police about a ball on your lawn, so that I can alert them to inappropriate pictures you are taking of young boys.
PLEASE.
So that’s that. James has made an enemy, which in turn means I made an enemy ... the homeowners association president. ugh. This should make life more fun in my neighborhood right? Thanks James on that one.
Don’t talk crap to my kid about playing. Umm, about anything. And even if he did something wrong, which he clearly did not … if you come at me like that, I will defend him always, and you will get no apologies. I will deal with him later.
Thoughts? I did right? Or I should have been nicer (which is usually the case)?
8 comments:
ummmm yeah, that guy is a spaz. You did the right thing. You should take pictures of him taking pictures of your kids...weirdo...
You totally did the right thing. He sounds like some guy who has WAY to much time on his hands.
I also think you should have taken pictures of him taking pics of your children. I think you handled it well...People like to join associations to boss other people around and you didnt let him , so good on you.
The neighbor has a stick up his butt...and it needs to be removed. I have heard horror stories about neighbor issues...I hope you don't have a new enemy. You did the right thing.
Love all the pictures of you and the boys..the family looks great. :)
You entertained his foolishness LONGER than I ever would have.
you need to go make it up to him by trimming his lawn with your nail clippers. make sure each blade is exactly 1 3/4 inches in length. that's how those guys like it.
Oh Ms. Katie...someone tells you that you need to keep your kids on your property and not to let them play football in the street and you are worried about NOT being nicer?? Sigh. What is this world coming to when we feel we have to be "nicer" while defending our children who have done absolutely nothing wrong. Silly girl.
I say send the guy a football!
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