Last week, I came home to find a note slipped through my mail slot.  It was from a neighbor who lives on the other side of my back alley.  It said that on Saturday (that would be today) he was having a huge birthday party for his wife in their back yard.  There would, he said, be lots of noise, his friends' cars taking up a lot of the parking places on the street, and he wanted to ask forgiveness ahead of time. 

I thought that notes  alerting all of us ahead of time was a very thoughtful move. 

Then this afternoon, they started to test out the sound system.  It works.  It's really,, really loud. 

Now it's ten o'clock and their sound system is even louder.  It's going to be a very long night!

This is a quiet neighborhood.  Under normal circumstances, neighbors would be dropping by to complain, or perhaps dialing the police, and Officer Friendly would drop by to have a chat with the host. 

But what the heck?  It's his wife's birthday.  And he did have the courtesy to let his neighbors know ahead of time. 

So, it's sort of like real estate.  As long as our clients know what's going to happen, they are less likely to get annoyed.

I'm not annoyed.  In a few hours, I might be. 

But for now, Happy Birthday back yard neighbor's wife!

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Posted by Patricia Kennedy on 06/09/2012 08:05 PM   Comments (17)   Miscellaneous Topic in the ActiveRain Channel   noisy neighbors  
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17 Comments on Party Time!

JUN
09
319,713 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You are right, sometimes the more information we have does make it easier to adjust or adapt. As for parties keeping people awake, I think it is a different story. Hopefully you have some ear plugs handy!
8:09pm • #1
553,241 Points 147 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That was nice, Pat.  At least he was a stand up guy and warned you.  It has to be better than barking dog,  At least she won't have another birthday until 2015.  You're a good sport.  
8:10pm • #2
392,692 Points Outside Blog

What's a little noise now and then, it's like living in a senior community where the streets roll up at 8pm.
8:11pm • #3
478,520 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
I have found tbat out the hard way, keeping things quiet to protect my client is not always the best move.
8:12pm • #4
865,945 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think I would have invited the neighbors to drop by for part of the celebrations... Hope it doesn't go on too long.
8:17pm • #5
1,911,858 Points 385 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Emily, I've been looking for ear plugs and may have to settle for a pillow wrapped around y head.

Mike,  um, I'm the one with the barking dog.

Winston, not ready for not enough noise just yet.

Ivy, I so agree!

And Joan, if they don't turn down the bass amp soon, I might just drop by for a beer. 

8:43pm • #6
114,733 Points Localism Sponsor

Sounds like he has some good contacts just waiting for you. 

Did he have a band that it was loud or was it outside?
8:54pm • #7
570,707 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Pat - I think if more people thought like that, things would be a lot more pleasant for all of us.
8:56pm • #8
217,054 Points 2 Featured Posts

He should have invited you too.  Kristine
8:56pm • #9
1,584,552 Points 429 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat

His actionsshowed respect and concern, and who can argue with that. Setting expectations can make such a difference.

So why aren't YOU at the partee?!

Jeff
10:45pm • #10
JUN
10
778,346 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

If he were really smart, he would have invited the neighbors too Pat.
12:14am • #11
1,137,611 Points 153 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

LOL, I was thinking what Tom just said.  But, you are right, forewarning people abt the noise goes a long way in terms of how people react to it.
2:37am • #12
974,515 Points 349 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

If he makes it a block, um, alley party, and everyone is there, nobody minds the noise so much!  What does he do Fourth of July?  Oh wait, it's Washington!  You can't do anything for the 4th!  Except schlep over the the Monument and take in the Beach Boys!
3:19am • #13
1,345,426 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I would also be waiting and hoping it was over soon. He did let you know in advance. That said, I have gone to one of my neighbor's homes more than once when he was playing music loudly after my 10 pm bedtime and it was keeping me up..............not a pretty sight, I am sure, me in a bathroom and slippers with no makeup and my hair everywhere, knocking on his door to complain.
3:58am • #14
275,890 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

There is the saying that "the death of communication is the birth of resentment".  Communication can do wonders to solve a myriad of problems.
4:48am • #15
234,664 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Pat.  Smart of him to let you all know.  I hope you enjoyed the music!
5:26am • #16
1,052,405 Points 285 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Pat, Like you said, that warning note went a long ways towards gaining tolerance for his party!  You can bet without it someone would have dropped the hammer pretty early in the process.
6:06am • #17

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Patricia Kennedy

Washington, DC

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Evers & Company Realtors

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Pat Kennedy -- author of The Irreverent Guide to Real Estate -- gives you a look at life on the streets as a real estate broker in our nation's capital. And her blog is peppered with great advice combined with humor!


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