Neighbor Exchange

In more than 22 years at This D*mn House, only one neighbor hasn't changed. And that may be changing soon.

The B Family, who live caticornered across the street, have been in their home for around 30 years. But a company relocation may whisk them away to the southwest. That remains to be seen.

More of a sure thing is the house directly across the street. They put a for sale sign in the yard a few weeks ago. They bought the house about six or seven years ago. They're the third owner since we've been here.

All afternoon there has been a steady stream of traffic over there, apparently friends I don't recognize and family that I do. One car drove up and homeowner Mrs. P pulled out throw pillows, a lamp and a big vase. A little while later, she and Mr. P cleaned out the trunk of another car, emptying it of tons of fresh mums which now adorn the front steps.

Like I said, busy place today. And finally, the crowning touch which confirmed what I'd suspected all along: an open house sign was placed next to the for sale sign. So, looks like they're expecting to see some folks tomorrow.

It will be interesting to see how they fare. They tried unsuccessfully last year to sell the house on their own (FSBO)in a vain attempt to buy my great aunt and uncle's house next door (on the other side of the Ps, now home to country music from hell).

It always makes me a little nervous when nearby properties go on the market. We've been through it plenty. Twice on one side, once on the other. And twice at each of two of the three properties across the street. I always think of Forrest Gump and his infamous box o' chocolates: You never know what you gonna git.

A nice, good-lookin', 40-ish single straight guy wouldn't be hard to take ...