Monday, February 25, 2013

Snooping in the Neighborhood


I try to go for a bike ride every day. I ride in my own and adjoining neighborhoods. On my rides I see what is happening by the garbage put out, the lawn care, the flowers and vegetables plantings, the Christmas decorations, the remodeling, the recycling.

Yes it is a bit nosy, but I am just riding past. I am not stopping for a close snoop, just what is visible from the road at a slower speed than a car.  I am trying not to make judgments, who am I kidding, not toot many at least!   Garbage day is a gold mine for snooping, I’m just saying. Here is what I notice:

In the glass-recycling container, many people will neatly stack their wine bottles standing upright. They only fill the bin to how many bottles fit in the bottom. Do they realize the garbage/recycling guys just chug them?

In the paper recycling bin and garbage bins some folks shove in so much that the lids of the container won’t close. Sure enough, a raccoon or dog or wind gust will knock it over and there is a big messy mess.

Gardening projects sometimes are done without completion. I wonder if the residents had a well thought through plan or a goal when they bought all the mulch, gravel, sod, dirt, or plants?

Those Christmas lights were fantastic, but now it is Spring. When will they come down? How many Dishes attached to the house are needed? Should I wave at your security cameras? 

There is moss growing on the roof. I have even noticed some seedlings sprouting on roofs! Some one needs to clean the roof and gutters or a new roof will be needed soon.

What are those pictures in your living room? If I can see a wedding photo that is 48
X 36 from the street, what other self-pictures are throughout your houses?

I will be the first to admit it is fun to speculate as I bike my through the neighborhoods. Do you ride or walk in your neighborhood and notice your neighbor’s activities? Are you  a bit of a snoop?




10 comments:

Lee Aka The Diamond Gal said...

I am a snoop, but at night, when the lights are on and you can see through the windows. I believe they call that a peeping tom though...

Haralee said...

That is a good time for snooping Lee. I always try to close my shades that time of day!

Anonymous said...

I am one of those people who starts gardening with no plan. Sometimes I wish a "real gardener" would notice and take pity on me.

Haralee said...

I know what you are saying FadedGinger, but don't give me any ideas!

Laura Lee Carter aka the Midlife Crisis Queen said...

FUNNY! I thought I was the only one snooping around...
I also keep track of what all the houses in my neighborhood sell for... just checking for future reference. That helped me set the price of the last house I sold, and it sold for full price on the very first day!

Haralee said...

Laura Lee, Productive/Effective/Practical snooper. I love that!!

Bonnie said...

Love the note about the wine bottles! The first year I was married and we hosted the holidays, my husband was ASHAMED of the number of bottles of wine my family went through!
He wanted to hold some back - and put them out next week!

Haralee said...

Bonnie, I think that still goes on. I can tell who had a party or who entertained but week after week full and then nothing?
I don't think the recycling collectors care!

rachel said...

this is what I love about running outside - the snooping -- the longer I run, the more I see. I especially like to see front porches.

Haralee said...

Rachel you are right about the front porches. Their purpose is to be looked at most of the time!