Nosy Neighbor Day

By Diane Forrest

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day.  Her mother recently became ill and was hospitalized.  When she was released from the hospital, she was transferred to a step down unit for rehab.   Her mother lives in an apartment, so she frequently goes to check the mail and check on other things, and usually she doesn't have much time to lollygag around.   When she is particularly in a hurry, that is the time when her mother's neighbor shows up, asking questions about what is going on, how her mother is...things like that. My friend states, "She is so nosy, but I know she means well".

Having a nosy neighbor can be a good thing, as well as an inconvenience.  When I moved into my home several years ago, I had a wonderful neighbor.  He is an elderly widower, who walked up and down the street, got to know all the neighbors, and what was going on with each of them.  If I had a question about anyone, he was the first one I would call.  Not only did he know everyone's "business" but he also knew when someone was sick, had a death in the family, was out of town.  He would pick up the newspapers and mail, even take in garbage cans and feed animals.  Knowing that he was across the street keeping an eye on my house always made me feel at ease when we left to go out of town.  I never worried about my home being broken into, or burning down.  He is also a member of my church, and sits behind my parents every Sunday, so if I didn't cut my grass or some other atrocity, he would inform them of my shortcomings.

Unfortunately my neighbor felt he was too old to keep up the home he had for so many years, and decided to give it to his granddaughter while he moved to a nearby apartment complex.   When I met her I informed her she had some huge shoes to fill, but I have to say, she is nothing like her grandpa.  In fact, I have hardly seen her in the year that she has been there.

Today is Nosy Neighbor Day.  If you have a nosy neighbor, consider yourself lucky, while they may pester you at time, they are always close by to help you out too.  So give them a call and let them know how much you appreciate their watchful eye.

(All images from Google) 

Nosy Neighbor Day

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest

I grew up watching Bewitched when I came home from school.  I loved that show, loved watching he spells Samantha cast, and loved the Kravitz's.  Mrs. Kravitz would always witness the strange goings on over at the Steven's home, but by the time she got her patient husband Abner to go check it out, things would magically be returned to normal, and Mrs. Kravitz was once again proven to be crazy.

(Google Image) 

Some neighbors can't help but be nosy, checking out to see what the neighbors are up to.  Sometimes it’s a good thing to have someone watching out for you.  They can alert you if strangers are prowling around, they can assist you if you go out of town, pick up your mail and newspaper.  I have always felt safe in my neighborhood.  Across the street lives a "nosy neighbor".  He is in his 80's a widower.  He watches out his front door, checking everyone's houses, making sure everything is ok.  He walks every morning through the neighborhood, and knows everyone's name.  He recently told me that he is moving out of his home and into an apartment.  He was just tired of the routine maintenance and upkeep of his home, so he gave it to his granddaughter as a wedding present.  I am very sad of his moving, but plan on informing the new residents that they have some very large shoes to fill.

(Google Image) 

I try not to be too nosy, however lately I have to admit I have become a little nosy.  My next door neighbor also recently moved, and she sold her home to some young newlyweds.  The whole transaction happened so fast that it was hard not to notice.  As my neighbor left with the last of her belongings on Saturday evening, I awoke on Sunday morning to see the new owners loading it up with their belongings.  The yard and street were full of cars and friends helping the couple move in, and I went to visit the following Tuesday.  They were still unpacking, so I didn't stay long, but I noticed several gift boxes that I’m sure were wedding gifts, and I was anxious to learn what they contained.  I have tried to give them their space, but it is hard not to glance over when I leave my home, to see what is going on over there.

(Google Image) 

Today is nosy neighbor day, and while I don't suggest you peeping over into a window, why not stop by with a batch of cookies and visit for a while to catch up and see how they are.

(Google Image)