Part 3. Friends and Neighbors

Chapter 6. Neighborhood Issues

Introduction to new neighbor

Tom and Peggy Thompson

Dear Tom and Peggy,

I want to welcome you to the neighborhood. Jim and I live across the street from you, 68 Spruce Lane.

I am sure you will find our little block to be a warm and friendly place.

Jim and I have been here for thirty-five years and there is nowhere else I would rather live. When you are settled in, please give us a call or wave at us—we spend most evenings unwinding on our front porch and we’d be happy to have you over for a cool drink.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Whalen

Asking neighbor to cut tree

Stephen Denton

Rolling Meadow

Dear Steve,

Once again we have had to hire someone to clean our rain gutters, which have become clogged with leaves and pods from the maple tree on your property that hangs over into our yard.

When I mentioned this to you last fall you said you would have the tree pruned; this was not done.

I want to maintain good relations with you as our neighbor, but I also am unhappy at the expense and inconvenience caused by this tree. I have consulted with our attorney and he informs me that we have the right to trim or remove any branches that cross the property line.

Before we make that sort of arrangement, we would like to ask you one more time to do it yourself. It may save the tree, and it would certainly save our friendship.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Craig Hennessy

Declining to split costs of landscaping

Ted and Aileen Egan

Rolling Meadow

Dear Ted and Aileen,

Several weeks ago you asked if Marie and I would like to split the costs of planting some trees and doing some landscaping along the property line between our houses.

We met with your landscaper and he detailed the plans that you were interested in. We certainly liked what we saw, but the cost is much more than we are prepared to spend at this time.

If you’d like to discuss a more modest plan we would be happy to do so.

Sincerely,

Ben Noel

Offer to buy shared equipment

Jim Thompson

Dear Jim,

I wanted to wish you and your family the best of luck in your move south—down where the snow doesn’t pile up to the window sills. We will miss you; it’s been great having you as neighbors.

Three years ago we purchased a snowblower together, an arrangement that has worked out well. The other day you suggested I buy out your share, and I think this is a good idea.

However, I think the price you placed on the machine is too high. I checked with two dealers here in town about the value of a used snowblower as well as a new model, and they suggested the unit we have is worth no more than $400.

If it is agreeable to you, I will pay you $200 for your share of the machine. Otherwise, I suppose the only other solution is to put the snowblower on the market and see how much we can get for it from someone else.

Sincerely,

John

Apologizing for family argument at dinner

Alex Barrows

Rolling Meadow

Dear Alex,

I want to apologize for subjecting you to a bit of family disharmony at Christmas dinner.

My intentions were good; you are a dear friend and Greg and I did not want you to spend the day alone. I imagine there were a few times when you might have wished you were elsewhere.

In any case, I’m sure you understand that the holidays do not necessarily bring out the best in people. Some of those arguments you heard have been going on since I was a child and I am sure will continue long into the future.

I’d like to make it up to you. Can I invite you to a civilized dinner with carefully selected friends? (As they say, you can pick your friends but not your family.)

Sincerely,

Paula

Asking parents to supervise dog

Dear Sue,

My son Dillon enjoys playing with your son Alex very much, and my husband and I think Alex is a really good kid.

However, the last couple of times Dillon has come home from your house he has had scratches and even a few small bite marks on his arm. Dillon tells me they are from your new puppy, Buster.

We love dogs, and we want Dillon to be comfortable with them. But at this time we have to ask that there be adult supervision when Dillon is in your home to prevent this sort of injury; we also want to make sure that the puppy is not harmed.

Please let me know your plans. I’d be glad to speak with you about this matter before the next time Alex and Dillon (and Buster) get together.

Sincerely,

Claire Thomas

Complaint about neighbor’s dog

Peter and Susan Whitman

Rolling Meadow

Dear Peter and Susan,

We enjoy your dog Tucker almost as much as you do, but I am afraid we have lately been having some problems with him.

For the past few weeks, Tucker has come on to our property and has broken into garbage bags left out on Sunday night for pickup on Monday morning. Before you ask, we know it was Tucker because we caught him in the act.

He’s making a mess and causing us a lot of extra work. And we’re also concerned he might be harmed by bones and other things in the garbage.

We do have a town ordinance that prohibits free-roaming dogs. I’d hate to have to call the police.

Could you please find a way to keep him out of our yard?

Thank you.

Brad Kelly

Asking for cleanup after dog

Laura and Paul Foy

Rolling Meadow

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Foy,

It has been fun to see your children walk their new puppy these past few weeks. The dog is very cute.

Unfortunately, he seems to particularly enjoy our front lawn as a place to do his business. Your children have made no attempt to clean up after him.

As you may know, our town has an ordinance that requires animal owners to dispose of solid waste in approved containers.

I don’t want to take away your childrens’ joy with their new dog, but I must insist that the messes not be left behind. One of the lessons of having a pet (and a child, I might add) is that with the joy comes the responsibility.

I hope this letter is sufficient to deal with this problem.

Sincerely,

Liz Friedman

Complaining about teasing of dog

Bill and Jessica Brown

Rolling Meadow

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brown,

We live a block away from you, at 98 Somerset Lane. Our twelve-year-old Shetland sheepdog loves to roam our fenced-in yard; it’s his territory to protect.

I’m sorry to say, though, that for the past few weeks your two sons have decided it is entertaining to stop at the fence and tease our dog. Shelties are very gentle, but they can be easily riled up, and your boys have figured out exactly how to do so.

I have tried to ask the boys to stop several times, but instead they just ran away.

I am asking that you explain to your children that this is inappropriate behavior. I hope we can deal with this quickly and politely.

Thank you.

Susan Burke

Second letter to parents about teasing dog

Bill and Jessica Brown

Rolling Meadow

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brown,

It has been a week since I made you aware of the actions of your sons in regard to my dog.

They have not stopped teasing him. And when I confronted them yesterday and asked them to stop they were rude and used inappropriate language to me.

I have spoken with the community association and with the town animal control officer, and I have found there are some steps I can take to deal with the harassment of our dog.

I would like to ask you one more time to tell your children that they must act responsibly.

We are only asking that our dog be left alone. We would rather not file a complaint about your children, but if that is the only way to deal with this situation we will do so.

Susan Burke

Declining request to care for dog

Dale Tyler

Rolling Meadow

Dear Dale,

Your trip to South America sounds great. You’re lucky to be able to go somewhere warm in the middle of our winter.

You asked if I would be available again to take care of Buster while you are away.

As much as I enjoyed his company last year, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to do so at this time. I’ve taken a job working at the library and I am out of the house five days a week.

I don’t think that would be fair to Buster.

I do know of a woman across town who boards dogs at her farm. If you’d like, I’ll pass along her phone number. Some of my friends speak very highly of her.

Sincerely,

Karen

Declining request to house sit

Janet Stevens

Rolling Meadow

Dear Janet,

You asked if I would be available to housesit your apartment while you are away for a week in December. When you first asked, I told you I would be happy to do so.

In rereading your note, I realized that you were also expecting me to care for your two cats. I am terribly allergic and could not possibly spend time in a place where there were cats.

I’m afraid I’ll have to decline; I wish I could help but I can’t.

Sincerely,

Emily

Objecting to loud parties

Dear Jay and Suzanne,

We hope you are enjoying your time at your winter home in Florida; you are certainly missing some pretty awful weather up here.

I’m afraid, though, that I must pass along a complaint about some activities taking place in your house. Your son Jeff, who is living there while attending college, has been having parties several times a week.

The street fills up with cars, and there is loud noise and music late into the night; on Saturday the party began around 9 p.m. and kept us awake until after 3 a.m. We have found beer bottles on our property and in the street, and we also fear that some of the guests are driving after drinking.

As you know, the town by-laws say that no loud music or other disturbances are permitted after 10 p.m.

I have spoken to Jeff about this several times. He was very polite and said he would take care of the situation but nothing has changed.

Because of our longstanding friendship, I am asking that you intervene and put a stop to these incidents. Otherwise, I feel I have no choice but to call the police and ask them to make a visit.

Sincerely,

Don

Withdrawing offer to help move

Tim Vaughn

Rolling Meadow

Dear Tim,

I really hate to do this to you, but I have to withdraw my offer to help you move to your new apartment next Friday.

As much as I would have enjoyed the activity, I hurt my back the other day doing ordinary housework and I don’t think it would be very smart for me to try and lift sofas and bookcases.

My truck is still available, though.

Please let me know if you want the truck; I’d be happy to let you fill it up, and I can drive it and act as the supervisor of the move.

Sincerely,

Dick

Asking for return of loaned item

Dear Karl,

I hope you and Janet had a wonderful time on your vacation; the itinerary sounded fantastic.

When you were planning your trip you asked if you could borrow my digital camera. There are not many people I would trust with my expensive toy; you’re one of just a few.

Can I come by soon to retrieve my camera? I’d like to use it for a family gathering next week.

Sincerely,

Chris

Asking for return or purchase of loaned item

Dear Mr. Rogers,

I am writing on behalf of my father, John Abbott.

As you may know he recently suffered a stroke and is recovering at a rehabilitation facility. When he is able, he will be moving to an assisted-living facility.

We are in the process of preparing his home for sale and getting his affairs in order.

About a year ago, when my father found he was no longer able to take care of his lawn, he loaned his riding mower to you and hired a landscaping service.

At this time, we would like to know if you would like to purchase the mower; the funds will help pay for his expenses at his new home. If you are not interested in buying the machine, please contact me to arrange its return.

Sincerely,

Clair Gordon

Reporting damage to loaned item

Dear Chris,

I am so appreciative of the loan of your camera. We used it through most of our trip.

But I’m afraid I have some bad news; despite my best efforts it was damaged in a fall in Switzerland. A careless waiter knocked it off the table in a restaurant.

But before you get worried, please know that I will take full responsibility.

I would like your permission to send the camera to the manufacturer for evaluation to see if it can be repaired to your satisfaction. If not, I guess I owe you a new camera.

I’ve already spoken to the manufacturer, and they say they will be able to give a quick report on the damage and tell us whether it can be fully fixed.

I appreciate your generosity in loaning me this valuable piece of equipment, and one way or another you’ll have a great camera soon.

Sincerely,

Karl

Complaint about condition of returned item

Dear Linda,

Thanks for returning the dress you borrowed from me to wear at the cocktail party for the theater guild. I appreciate that you had it dry-cleaned.

However, when I examined the dress, I found that several rows of sequins were missing from the lower panel. I don’t know if that damage occurred while you were wearing it or at the cleaner’s.

Either way, I consider the dress damaged and in need of repair by a professional.

If you believe the damage occurred at the dry cleaner’s facility, I would ask that you file a claim with them. Otherwise, please let me know and I will obtain an estimate from a seamstress here in town.

I was happy to be able to help you out with the loan of the dress. I’m sure you understand that I expect it to be returned in the same condition it was in when you picked it up.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

Asking replacement of damaged item

Dear Karl,

Thank you for sending me the report from the camera maker about the cost of repairs; they did quite a thorough diagnosis . . . and they’re asking for a lot of money.

I am sorry to say that I don’t feel comfortable with the proposed repairs. It doesn’t take much to ruin a delicate piece of electronics and a lens, and I’m not convinced that these items can be repaired fully.

As you know, the camera was only a few months old when you borrowed it. Replacement cost is about $1,200. Please call me to discuss.

Sincerely,

Chris

Telling of breakage of loaned item

Dear Gina,

I hardly know where to begin, except to say I am so sorry. The punch bowl you loaned us for our anniversary party has been seriously damaged in a fall.

The morning after the party, as we were cleaning up, we put aside the bowl for special treatment. We were really trying to take care of it, but somehow it fell to the tile floor in our kitchen.

I know the bowl was an important family heirloom. We kept all the pieces, but I’m pretty sure it is beyond repair.

I hope you will forgive me, and I hope you will tell me what you want us to do. We can try to have it repaired or try to find a replacement to give to you.

I was so pleased that you loaned the beautiful bowl to us for our happy party. Again, I am so sorry about what happened.

Please call me.

Sincerely,

Judith

Apology for damage and offer to pay

Dear Veronica,

I am writing to again apologize for my unfortunate accident at your party. I can’t believe that I spilled red wine on your beautiful white sofa.

You told me not to worry about it, but that’s just about all I’ve been doing since Saturday, worrying. I am embarrassed and angry at myself for being so careless.

I have spoken with a local furniture restorer and he tells me he can clean the sofa or replace the cushion if necessary; I’d like to make this up to you.

Please give me a call to discuss.

Sincerely,

Lucy

Returned item not the right one

Dear Ralph,

Lisa told me that you brought back my scroll saw yesterday while I was at work.

I appreciate your effort in returning a borrowed tool, but I’m afraid you left with me a tool that is not mine.

The saw I loaned you was a Dewalt cordless circular saw; I’m looking at the box right here. The tool you left in my garage is a much lesser store-brand jig saw.

Perhaps you borrowed saws from two people. In any event, I am sure you can figure it out.

At your convenience, would you please pick this one up and return mine.

Sincerely,

Lou

Declining to lend vehicle

Stan Blanchard

Rolling Meadow

Dear Stan,

I have been rethinking your request to borrow our truck to move some furniture to your cottage on Eagle Mountain.

As much as I would love to be able to help out, I have come to the decision that my good old truck might not be up to the task. It’s twelve years old and the only trips it makes these days is to and from the dump, and sometimes I’m a bit worried about whether it will make it back.

I think it would be much safer and comfortable for you to rent a newer vehicle from an agency. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I am sure it would be a much bigger problem if the truck breaks down between here and the mountains.

Good luck!

Jim

Asking for more time with loaned item

Dear Tony,

I want to apologize for keeping your garden tiller longer than I had promised. I asked to borrow it for just two days and I still have it two weeks later.

First of all, all is well with the tiller.

But I ran into problems with the rainy weather and my own schedule, and I have not yet completed the work I wanted to do in the garden.

If it is okay with you, I’d like to ask your permission to hold on to the tiller for one more week. The weather for the next few days looks good for working in the garden.

I promise to return it by next Sunday, rain or shine. Please let me know if this presents any problems for you.

Sincerely,

Jeff

Declining more time with loaned item

Dear Jeff,

I’m sorry to hear you were not able to get your garden planted. I do, though, want to ask that you return my tiller as soon as possible.

I have been watching the weather forecast, and I need to get my own garden planted this week. Please arrange to return the tiller. I will probably be done with my work by Saturday, and if you want to call me then I expect I can lend it to you again at that time.

Sincerely,

Tony

Canceling trip because of financial difficulties

Ruth Andrews

Rolling Meadow

Dear Ruth,

When Jim and I signed up a year ago to accompany you on the trip to Norway we were really excited about the wonderful expedition through the fjords.

Unfortunately, a great deal has happened since then and it is with sadness we now find that we will not be able to go. We are faced with unanticipated health issues and expenses that we will not able to avoid.

According to the agreement, we are still within the time frame to receive a full refund of our deposit; I would appreciate your attention to getting the funds back to us.

We hope to be able to go with you on a future trip. Please keep us informed of plans you make for next year and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dolores Rector

Asking former roommate to remove items from apartment

Jonah Brennan

Rolling Meadow

Dear Jonah,

It has been six weeks since you moved out of the apartment. I hope your new job and rental unit are working out well for you.

When you left you said you would make arrangements to collect the remainder of your possessions, including your bed and treadmill. So far I have heard nothing from you, and your items are making it difficult for us.

A new roommate will be moving here at the beginning of the month. Would you please call me to arrange for me to let you in to remove your possessions? If I don’t hear from you by the end of the month I will hire a mover to take some of the items to the landfill.

Thank you.

Ray