View From the Neighbours

Our neighbours in Oroville just sit and fish all day long.

This is their view as they sit and fish.

We are often so busy watching our neighbours that we forget the fact that they may be busy watching us too. We are fortunate in that we live in a neighbourhood where we watch out for each other and that does require some 'spying'. Knowing habits and schedules helps alert us to unusual goings on. From the odd false alarm, our neighbours know that we have an alarm system, but they also know that if the horn does not quit within 20 seconds, there is a problem. This has paid off at least once.

But then there is the snooping that goes on. We are constantly confronted with a very messy and weedy backyard to our west. We have gone so far as to plant shrubs and trees to block the ugly view and it has worked, at least in summer when the leaves are verdant. These neighbours sit a little higher than us in elevation so we know that they see more of us than we see of them. At least they have a good view, but to date, it has not inspired them.

We often wonder what our neighbours know about us from simple observation. We are not trying to send any messages, but I am sure our day to day routine tells them something. Whatever the signals are, they are all very friendly toward us and us to them. The true test was last winter when we had continual snowfall which required endless snow removal. The spirit of community really came out and we found out just what a blessing it is to have good neighbours who don't sit around and fish all day.