Not much going on today - it is chilly and gray. Better than yesterday - oh my it was wet. We got so much rain over Sunday night and Monday.
I figured today I would share a tip and just catch you up on what is going on in my little world.
You all know I live in an older neighborhood (built 1947). MOST keep their homes up and decent - others do not. We tend to have a lot of rentals now and they are owned by investors - so they do not keep up on things. It is very discouraging. There are some houses on the next street that are just the pits. I can see them from my backyard across the alley.
Well, last summer one burned and is boarded up. Sadly, I have to say YAY on it being boarded and no one living there (all painted white). We had the poorest excuse of people (people was not what I called them) living there. When their govt. help on rent ended last year - they had to move and by golly the A -hole set fire to the house! Yup.
He didn't realize it, but it was a favor to us all. Boarded up - so no crappy people living there - we called board of health and the entire premises were cleaned up and the city mows. Win-win in my book!
Sometimes bad things have good outcomes! P.S. - it will be demolished at some point - so a clean slate.
The house next to it - just couldn't get rented because of it - so the investor sold it. It must have been purchased for a steal - as 2 gals bought it and moved in. It was a sound looking house - just not much upkeep of the outdoors. They are doing SO much work on it and it is wonderful!!!! They have had a new fence and privacy fence put up in the past week. Wooden and it is lovely. They are having a porch and ramp put in front. They had the house 'treated' for who knows what. They have had the outside cleaned up and trashy brush and trees cut away. The property has truly improved 100%.
A house about 6 down on the opposite side of my street burned near the holidays - gutted. They are rebuilding it! They must have had good insurance. These people are replacing each and every board one at a time (keeping the same floorplan). I can only imagine the smoke smell - so they are replacing it all. They have removed dumpster after dumpster of burned materials and insulation. It will be a brand new house when done. Bless them,
The kids next door bought a house! They will be moving the end of this month! Sadly. They have been there for 5 years and the previous folks were there about 25. I hate the idea of getting new neighbors. You never know what you may get. It is truly scary. I am happy for the kids - but not for me.
Let's just say this girl is contemplating, spending a chunk of change for a wooden privacy fence here! This may be the year.
I think I will remove the ramp this year. It needs lot of work, paint and boards repaired/replaced - it just isn't needed any more. So I may remove it and just make a nice flower garden or shrubs across the front of the porch. So many things to do!
So little by little things around here are improving and good changes have happened. I sure hope it continues.
OK here is my tip! My kitchen sink has been running very sluggish every since we had that water shut-off back in Feb. The other faucets are fine - just the kitchen messed up. I figured 'gunk' built up in the filter for some reason. Well, I couldn't get that darned thing off - so I fastened a small bowl of vinegar to it!!!!
Let us just say - when there is a will there is a way. Being a gal alone - doesn't mean you can't come up with your own fixes. It may be unconventional, but who cares? It worked.
So there you have my little world in a nutshell. Little things happen, and just make things better at times. It doesn't always seem so at the time - but often it just works out.
It is going to be chilly a lot this week, with a chance of snowy stuff on Saturday! ICK. Nothing that will last, as the next day it will warm some - Oh March you are fickle!!!!! The lake out back is slowly going down - so all is good!
Hope you are having a good start to your week. Take care my friends.
Cheryl, getting new neighbors strikes terror in me! No matter the age or income of the area, I've had great ones and stinkers! We're in a very peaceful state right now, for which I am grateful!! We all don't chat regularly or anything, but we all keep a good watch. I wish you good luck! When we left Cali, our next door neighbors cried. They were a single woman in her 50s and her college aged daughter. Well, the woman that bought our home was also a 50ish single and they became quite good friends. I was glad for all.
ReplyDeleteWe've reduced the daytime thermostat to 60 and are turning it off at night. Our gas bill more than doubled from last year. We're on level pay but I can see the actual amount and usage. The usage is similar but the cost is crazy high.
Husband is stopping at Aldi this afternoon to get some stuff. I really like to go but it's right near his work so it'll save about a gallon of gas for him to do it.
We're expecting snow on Thursday. Shouldn't be much but the moisture is welcome.
It scares me a lot too. I had a slight anxiety attack the day they told me they got accepted for house. I am praying an older couple or another person around my age - just never know. If I see what looks to be scary people - I will take it upon myself to tell them all the things wrong with the house!!
DeleteHeat bills will be going up for sure. Glad we are close to the end of cold weather. I am on the level pay as well. It sure is nice.
Smart thinking about having hubby go and save gas. I think we will probably have to rethink a lot of decisions for a while!
Your neighborhood sounds like mine Cheryl except they are directly across the street. We grow our bushes very tall in the summer so we don't have to look at it. No matter who lives there it's always been like this. We love living here for the most part so we try not to look across the street. I expect more houses to look like this soon.
ReplyDeleteIt is awful when you try to take care of things. Sad. Sorry you have to go through that too. Most right around me on my street are pretty good - it is the street behind!
DeleteI agree about getting new neighbors. The couple three doors down moved to assisted living, and the trailer park had the trailer renovated to sell. A woman living six doors the other way passed away a month ago. I'm very concerned about what will be moving in.
ReplyDeleteA privacy fence is a great idea and is very doable even if you have to do it by yourself. Check your local codes regarding fences first. Many municipalities are banning privacy fences because the police can't see through them when they're hunting suspects. You don't want to have to take it down. I doubt a building permit is required, but check to be sure. Also have a company come out to check for buried utilities, especially if you will be digging new holes. Calling "811" is usually all you need to do. Don't assume there aren't any just because you have overhead lines. I almost completely replaced my privacy fence, including nearly all posts, by myself. Used individual pickets instead of panels. I would suggest cedar pickets with pressure-treated posts and stringers. I used pressure-treated pickets to save money but have had to replace a number of them when they warped and cracked. Be sure to dig your post holes below the frost line if at all possible. It wasn't possible here, being on a slag heap, and I had to have some posts re-set after about 10 years.
On a completely OT note: my state taxes were accepted by the state. Looking at my forms again, it looks like I checked the option to let the state figure my tax amount, and that would be why the second page of the return was blank. Why do taxes have to be so darn difficult?! I remember when I was a child, my father always did the taxes the first weekend in February. No computers, of course, so he had to do them by hand. We kids always had to play outside no matter the weather until he was finished. Now I understand why!
Good tips and advice. They are legal here and I and another neighbor are going to get the name and number of the people that did the one behind. They have done a fantastic job.
DeleteNo utilities underground back there. All in the front.
I will either do cedar or white vinyl - I like that look too - but it would probably cost a lot more.
I used to do my taxes in afternoon all the time. Then Glen started doing them online. Once he passed, I used a company, as the first couple years, there were a lot of different things to remember and list
We have white vinyl at this house--required by our HOA. We have had cedar and redwood fences in the past. They are not nearly as durable as vinyl. Depending on lumber prices, they may be cheaper (or not). If you go with a wood fence, use metal fenceposts (which can be camouflaged). We have had wood (including pressure treated) posts rot off at every house we've ever owned. It's the water, freezing and thawing that does it.
DeleteI can’t believe those renters burned the house. That is just terrible and so sad. I’m glad you have a couple of new neighbors in your neighborhood fixing things up as they go, that sounds like good news.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you on fixing your gunky faucet. I did the same thing with our shower head before. It’s amazing the gunk that comes out of them.
Yeah, the people renting were not exactly upstanding citizens if you know what I mean. Truthfully, I doubt that they even paid rent for months. Just trashy, trashy folks.
DeleteI was amazed the stuff in the vinegar!!! Sure is clean now.
So happy to hear that your neighborhood has some improvements! For the most part our area is in pretty good shape. These investment companies come in and basically destroy the neighborhood. We haven't gotten a call for a while to buy our house. Vultures...
ReplyDeleteWhite vinegar is a necessity with our hard water. Sounds like you have some good projects lined up. Seems there is always something to do!
Stay warm!
I get a call a few times a week. I get fliers as well. I just shake my head.
DeleteVinegar is wonderful.
My list is getting longer by the day - so much to do!
A lot of rental houses are owned by everyday people like you and me. Most keep up their properties because they can't afford not to. Just sayin'.
DeleteThank you, Cheryl, for a peek into your neighborhood. I'll be praying you get GOOD neighbors moving in next door. Until the past 8-10 years, we were always blessed with good neighbors, which is so important to general peace of mind. It's another of the main reasons we're retiring elsewhere. Some would find it hard to believe, but a family that moved in a few years ago has had men smash in a pick up truck (parked on the street) with a sledge hammer in broad daylight, beat on their door with a baseball bat, etc. We now have neighbors that rifle through trash and recycle bins up and down the street before trash pick up. Loud parties. That sort of thing. And we're right on top of each other here. So... I "get" it.
ReplyDeleteNice work on your faucet! --Elise
We are right on each other here as well. Oh my goodness, what a horrible mess. I would be leaving too. I mean you can't really complain - without them knowing WHO is complaining. That would be trouble for sure.
DeleteIt sure makes you wonder about people and WHY they appear to have no brains!!!!! Peace of mind is everything!
Thanks.
Good to hear of your neighborhood improvements, Cheryl, and praying you get equally good neighbors. I was one of the ones that moved away from our neighborhood after 35+ years. You can't pick who buys your place, and one of my neighbors was none-too-happy about my sale and is still not talking to me (her loss ...). In my current location, it is soooooo private and quiet. I like it, but sometimes wonder if it's too quiet. Sunny now, so I need to get the pup outside for a bit.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I sure hope I get some good ones.
DeleteWhat a shame that your former neighbor is not talking to you. YES, her loss.
I like quiet - but also like that we kind of watch out for each other. That is nice.
It's always sad when anyone (owner or renter) doesn't take care of their property. They must have been awfully angry about the eviction to take the step of setting it on fire. I suspect at least the male is housed now in a secure place and his family is suffering even more.
ReplyDeleteI had horrid neighbours at the old house. Constantly cutting branches from my trees and throwing them on my property for me to clean up. They had paved their entire back yard and he spent every Saturday morning vacuuming it. (I'm serious.) They parked on their lawn and eventually the city had to dig it up because the weight of the vehicles caused the water lines to fail. On the other side I had a lovely older lady who I missed when we moved.
Here the neighbours stick to themselves, though I've gotten to know the ones to the west of me. Nice couple - they travel in the winter but I see them in their yard in the summer. We're on the third set of neighbours on the other side, they seem nice but they seem to be away a lot as well.
Good luck with the new neighbours!
Well, I am hoping he that he has NEW secure living arrangements and as for the family - he was a boyfriend that just kind of moved in and wouldn't leave. Let's just say - they HAVE to be better off with him gone!
DeleteWow, on your old neighbors - that it awful. People can sure be crazy.
I would love to buy the house next door if it were cheap enough - but that would be doubtful. I'd like to just get rid of the house and keep the yard!
Thanks!
The way I read your post, the TENANTS set fire to the house, not the owner. If the owner set the fire, it was undoubtedly to collect the insurance...which is not only illegal, but just plain wrong.
DeleteYes the tenants set the fire. But the guy did get prosecuted. He was a hot mess of a person and then that. The owner never did anything to keep good people there. He was a slumlord for sure.
DeleteI think how sad that would be if you have to put up a privacy fence. I still have chain link on one side. On that side I have neighbors that also do. I really enjoy the open areas. I enjoy the neighbors 1 house down. They are avid gardeners and their yard is like a park front and back. My neighborhood is about 50 years old but is well kept. I have been here for 27 years, the house is way to big for just me. I could get by in an one bedroom apartment but it would cost more to rent than living here and I could not have my pets. I love it here, it is paid off, so here I will stay.
ReplyDeleteI did go out and get my loss leaders and some fresh produce for salads. The prices have jumped on everything again. I just don't know how the average family with children are going to get by. I saw many of our older folks carefully shopping. Only the basics in their cart. So many have to get by on just social security. It breaks my heart.
O have threatened for years about a privacy fence - but many neighbors walk pets down the alley and just love my yard. I hate to hide it. I have chain link around everything now.
DeleteYes, house being paid - no way could we live any cheaper.
Glad you got out for a while. I think everyone will have to be pickers and choosers for a while. Yes, it is sad.
I have always had to be the one to fix things or figure things out. My husband could do nothing, then I was single for years, still am. Now, Tommy cannot fix things.
ReplyDeleteI find it a challenge to figure out fixes and if they work, it saves money as well.
DeleteI do the same thing with my showerhead but use a ziploc bag with a rubber band!
ReplyDeleteSure does work! I love it that there are easy fixes we can do and it saves replacing!
DeleteNew neighbors are always a bit of a challenge. Where we live now we really don't have any. Those that are close to us are great. Hooray for the girls fixing up the house!. WHen you live alone you need to be resourceful and you certainly are my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to be farther apart in distance. I would love that. You are lucky.
DeleteI just love it when people upgrade and keep up.
I have affixed a baggie filled with vinegar or in very bad cases CLR to our faucets and showerhead. Works a dream.
ReplyDeleteI think the house that our youngest purchased was a rental (pretty sure as the previous renter knocked on the door and complained about the landlord) and was not well looked after by the renters or the landlord. I actually blame most of the mess on the renters and I have a good reason for that. I think Kris will be working a bit at a time on getting things fixed or repaired. He is starting with the more critical things and will slowly work on the cosmetics.
God bless.
He is smart. I believe you can usually get a better sale price on rental homes. At least around here. The house next door - where the kids are renting - may go on the market. Their rental company has voiced rumors of that. I really hope a nice couple or a nice single would buy it and fix it up as well.
DeleteKudos to your son!
Good idea to put a little bowl under that faucet. I unscrew the faucets every few months and leave them in vinegar overnight. In the morning I rinse them screw them back on and I'm good for a few months. We have hard water and the gunk on the faucets is like cement. Soaking them in vinegar does a good job. Too bad the kids next door didn't buy that house instead of another one. Maybe the next person who moves in will take care of the yard and property. You never know. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteThat was my plan - but I couldn't unscrew the end!!
DeleteThey want a different school district for their daughter who starts preschool this year. I can understand that.
I sure hope I get someone that cares. Makes me a bit anxious to think about it.