Had A Desperate Housewife Moment Yesterday...

[Brer_Claire]

I am also subscribing, I think you did the right thing BTW. Better to be safe than sorry!

 

[Launchpad11B]

Is it possible that kids broke into your neighbors house and had a party while he is away? That's pretty common. Just a thought.

 

[mommyceratops]

Is it possible that kids broke into your neighbors house and had a party while he is away? That's pretty common. Just a thought.

Speaking from experience?

That is true...my father is a builder and that is a common problem for empty houses. So, I would assume true for vacationing houses.

Just hope all is ok. I thought of it this morning.....and had to check and see!

 

[pklein09]

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I will also say that while it is admirable that so many people are truly concerned that the man may be in need of aid due to illness or injury, the signs don't really point to that. The OP's description of the house, the cigarette butts ground into the floor, the clothes all over, the trash, it all points to a slovenly person. If someone was simply hurt, the house would be dusty, there may be bugs or rodents, the mail and papers would be piling up outside, and there may be dishes from the last meal in the sink. And, to be brutally frank, if something REALLY horrible had happened, there would be a smell. I REALLY think he's just a pig. But certainly call the police if your conscience won't let you rest.

My husband had a coworker a few years ago who fell off the bed one night and slipped between the nightstand and the bed. He had been drinking, and didn't wake up, and the pressure of the nightstand closed off his breathing and he died. Everyone at work wondered where he was, even his close friends, but they figured he just blew off work. After three days, one of them went to the door, noticed a smell, and called the police. The neighbors were not the ones who should have been checking on him, his friends and coworkers, the people who knew him were.

OK-I am sure I've totally alienated someone, and I am sorry for it. This is a topic that has managed to ALWAYS affect me in some way, and I feel strongly about it. I hope that the man is fine, that he calls the OP, they laugh about it, and everyone gets together for a picnic.

You haven't alienated me, in any case. Your opinions are well-presented and based in your own experience and situation, therefore valid. I do understand your point of view. And I believe you understand mine. Success!

Even if one is disinclined to get involved in a neighbor's situation, however, there is the very real and somewhat self-serving notion of a neighbor's property affecting the value of the neighborhood. When a neighbor has issues with cleanliness, it can attract all sorts of pests and rodents to the area, causing a public health nightmare in the surrounding homes. We've all seen the stories on the news...a person falls on a bad patch, or his health (mental or otherwise) declines, and by the time the authorities are alerted, it has become a major public health concern. Maybe if there had been an early intervention, this wouldn't have developed so drastically.

Please don't think I'm saying that we should all become involved in our neighbors' housekeeping skills...that would have gotten me locked up YEARS ago! But a situation in which it's clear there is a major change in the living situation of a close neighbor which might affect the neighborhood should probably be looked into by the authorities.

 

[kimbac3]

This is fascinating to me. I live in a rural area yet I know my neighbors well. Shoot I have the key to my "next door" neighbors house! I think because we are so rural we depend on each more so we get to know each better. Not judging, just saying how it is here.


At any rate..keep us posted.


Kimba

 

[jjms97]

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Nothing exciting or unusual to report...neighbor has removed the advertising stuff that's been sitting on his doorstep for several days and did not return the call. At this point I'm just going to assume he has some "issues" and not bother him again. If he ever brings it up I will reassure him what he does is his business and we were just trying to be good neighbors.

For the record, I just wanted to mention that although I am embarrassed we got involved, I'm still glad we did as the family member I have that has similar issues lives alone and is several hours away. For her sake, I hope she's got a neighbor (somebody/anybody) that notices if something doesn't seem "right" as it could be the difference between life and death (not trying to be dramatic, but she is diabetic as well).

 

[WaltD4Me]

Nothing exciting or unusual to report...neighbor has removed the advertising stuff that's been sitting on his doorstep for several days and did not return the call. At this point I'm just going to assume he has some "issues" and not bother him again. If he ever brings it up I will reassure him what he does is his business and we were just trying to be good neighbors.

For the record, I just wanted to mention that although I am embarrassed we got involved, I'm still glad we did as the family member I have that has similar issues lives alone and is several hours away. For her sake, I hope she's got a neighbor (somebody/anybody) that notices if something doesn't seem "right" as it could be the difference between life and death (not trying to be dramatic, but she is diabetic as well).

Well, the advertising stuff being removed is a good thing. At least a sign of activity. I'm sure it's a relief. A situation like that is stessful...waiting, wondering.

The lady next door to me is older and an alcoholic. She has blinds on all her windows so you can't even tell if the lights are on or not. Her son lives in Boston and the last time he was here I met him and he gave me his phone number...just in case. Ever since I've kept an eye out, not anything major, but I just sort of watch to make sure she is picking up her mail and newspapers. She doesn't drive, so I can't tell anything about a car coming and going. She also gets Meals on Wheels and I always worry a bit when she doesn't answer the door when they come. It's sad really. Funnily when I went out of town once (and left my car at home) turns out she was worried about ME. My car was here, but no activity (obviously) my neighbor on the other side said she had stopped over and mentioned she hadn't seen me or any lights, ect...I had told the neighbors on the other side I would be gone a couple days, so they let her know I was just out of town.

 

[2BusyPlanning]

I wish you were my neighbor! I agree - you have been a nice, concerned neighbor. Nothing else.