In a sudden burst of unbridled energy, I went out and finished up my fairy garden.
I have a dilemma, which is why I’m not out there enjoying it. Listen up, my confidantes. My neighbors from Aruba are driving me crazy. I don’t know anything about their culture. But dozens of people are over at that little house day and night.
(That poor sawed-off looking plant there is a red canna Walli, my Texas neighbor, sent me in the mail this week. It was droopy, so I finally cut it off and stuck it in the back of the fairy garden. Hopefully it will surge back and be a lovely backdrop…but I digress from this fit I’m having…)
They hold some sort of ceremonies (I think that’s what it is) in the morning in which I hear a man shouting. And women in the background. How they all fit into that little room next to the garage, which is right by my hog fence, I’ll never know.
I don’t know what they’re saying, because I don’t understand their language. BUT IT IS LOUD. So I don’t give a tinker’s damn what they’re saying. I just wish they’d tone it down over there.
(It makes the poor birds nervous too.)
Not to mention the dogs. Charlie Ross, I think, is trying to decipher what is being said with such obvious drama.
I tell you, I’m at my wit’s end. It makes the dogs bark to high heaven. My blood pressure curdles I’m sure, as I’m sitting out there in my hopeful zen mood, arranging my little container gardens. While some sort of ritualistic-sounding stuff is going on full steam just about eight feet from me.
Now I’m not known for my patience. And a fence would not tune these people out. I keep fans and sound machines going all the time indoors just so I can stand it. But I so badly want to be out there enjoying my little gardens. I’m just flat too old for this stuff, folks.
Here I am…at the tail end of the last knot in my rope.
WHAT ON EARTH ARE THEY DOING OVER THERE?
Many people seem to spend the night. I know this because they all end up parking up and down in front of my house and up and down in the other direction. And in the morning, I see them take their bundles and get in the car and depart. (And not a minute too soon.)
I know I’m about two steps away from some sort of fit or open anarchy. And the sad thing is, we probably won’t know what the other is fussing about either. Guess there would be a whole lot of hand gesturing going on. Wouldn’t that just be a lovely sight?
PLEASE. HELP. ME. (And you’re damned right I’m shouting. I’ve got a bee or two in my bonnet and I’m not far from the stinging stage.)
Oh Brenda!,Well now,I first have to say that fairy garden is gorgeous-so colorful,bright and happy.Oh my goodness,how strange irritating and a little scary,but I have to tell you,I don’t get such a good laugh often enough.My sister is the only one that makes Me laugh like that.I know it’s not funny to you,and I think I would might even call the police,but hearing you tell the story made Me laugh
You poor thing! I KNOW it’s not a laughing matter (but if you didn’t laugh, you’d cry….).
Now that fairy garden is something ELSE! Clearly you’ve put the bit of your sanity that is left to good use. I am inspired. Yes, I am!
Great fairy garden! Sorry about the neighbors, we have issues from time to time!
That fairy garden is the sweetest thing I have ever seen! Sooooooooo cute! I think this neighbor issue sounds very odd. Something seems wrong, illegal, or weird..I would call the police and at least alert them to the odd goings on. Noise like that is not legal..I think.
I love your fairy garden to pieces!!! I’m even a tiny bit envious! Love that you have a red canna-hope you can post a picture of it later on in the growing season.
I can totally relate about the neighbors-I’ve had a few that just made my blood boil…but most of mine are true gems!
We have to call the police when a Vietnamese church, that is a mile from our house, has an annual celebration. The ‘music’ they play is WAY above the legal noise level, so they have to go tell them to knock it off. They do get permits for this celebration, but they still are not supposed to be that loud and the police step in to make them stop.
Now. . . for a pleasant subject. I love your fairy garden!!! I have been looking at blogs and pinterest to get ideas to make one, but short of ordering on line, I don’t know where to look for the little decorations to put in it. This year might just be for getting ideas, and next year I’ll take action.
Love the fairy garden!!! You’ve inspired me to make one of my own for my garden.
I agree with Terri that the police should be alerted. Before 8AM and after 10pm here where I live you can get in trouble for disturbing the peace. All your other neighbors would probably be ever-so-thankful to you!
Oh Brenda I am so sorry! My daughter and her family had the very same GROUP live behind them (in Oregon). The neighbors got together and took them to court and won! I do not know the details but they had to tone down all the loud voices and people. It was all hours of the day, shouting, loud sounds, many sleeping over and they even had a outdoor shower for them! It was awful! The people were actually renting the house and finally moved.
You might need to get the other neighbors involved to help put a stop to the sound. They called the police many times which nothing happen. That’s when they decided to take them to court.
Good luck Brenda! I LOVE your fairy garden and hope to start making some soon!
Hugs,
maryjane
As soon as this noise starts, call the police and ask them to come and listen to what’s going on. The noisy neighbors may be breaking some sort of zoning ordinance. Complain to the owner, not renter, of the house. Encourage all of your neighbors to fo the same. As the weather becomes hotter the people may deceide to hold their parties in the yard. Also find out if the house is certified for occupancy by that large a number of people.
Love your fairy gardens. The little owl on the garden chair is just a delight!
You have a right to a peaceful existence. They are disturbing the peace, and it seems to me the police need to be brought in when they are being noisy. Have you thought of talking to them? At least if you had a 6 ft. fence between you and them, you would not be able to see them.
I would bug the police until something is done. This is America, and home owners do have rights.
Love your little garden. So cute.
I would check into noise ordinances in your area and consult the police. It does sound ‘strange’ to me and I think you are right to be concerned!
Your Fairy Garden is adorable…now I want one! LOL!
Good luck! Linda
I love the fairy garden, Brenda. I’ve never even heard of such but now I want to make one!
So sorry about the neighbors. I know they can sure be a pain. I think I would (anonymously) alert the police too. Maybe often!
betty
I hope it is not some voodoo ceremony! I would call the police and get them to turn it down. Who knows what the heck they are doing.
The garden turned out great. xo
Call the police – you may find out other neighbors are filing complaints too. Loud noise and many people coming and going at all hours every day doesn’t sound above board to me. I would think your community would have some rules and regulations regarding gatherings in a neighborhood home that cause a disturbance. You have rights! I would keep track of the number of people and cars coming and going to show to the police. Video the noise too. That’s speaks volumes. They may need a permit to have a large gathering…and I don’t think a community would issue a permit for every day. Good luck!
Love your fairy garden! It’s adorable.
WOW! That stinks. I would check on noise ordinates in your city and then see if the police will come out and talk to them.
I do hope you can get it resolved before it gets too hot to enjoy your garden.
Hugs, Lisa
Sounds like the neighbors are holding religious services without a permit. Yes, America is the land of the free but, you also have rights to peace & quiet. They are disturbing the peace. With all of those folks attending, there must be another choice of location that they can hold these gatherings, a more remote home.
It is highly likely that they get reported for noise a lot and have to keep relocating. The police probably know them already. I’d make a call.
Best Wishes.
Your fairy garden is beautiful and I feel so sad that you can’t enjoy it. It makes me want to cry when I read your story, because we were in the same predicament 8 years ago and finally ended selling our beloved house. It was not just one, but MOST of our neighbors (many renters)! I think you received many good tips today and remember you DO have rights! Try to enjoy every moment that THEY aren’t making noise. If I could sign a petition for you I would!!!
Your garden is very pretty, so it’s a shame you can’t enjoy it.
Let me echo what the others have said. The next time this starts, call the police. Don’t just tell them about the noise, but of all the suspcious activity you are seeing. Considering there are so many people staying the night, I tend to wonder if they are renting rooms. I think there are laws on the number of people allowed in a rented home.
Regardless of what is going on, I hope you are able to get to the bottom of it and find peace soon.
something must be done right away. you so need to enjoy this garden. so gorgeous. i love the colors & all pretties … so cool!!! i would definitely call the police. that is nuts & needs to stop immediately. poor you & your doggies. & don’t forget the birds they need quiet too!! i sure hope it will be over soon. now would be nice. (:
Hi, The fairy garden is lovely particularly the owl!
The noisy neighbours and their rituals scandal would drive me absolutely crazy! If possible perhaps you could discretely find out from other neighbours what’s going on and as a first step call on them and ask them to please keep the noise down…someone there must speak English. If you get no joy from that and its after hours then its the police who should sort it for you. Sorry to hear you have such bother nothing worse than having to put up with noisy neighbours.
Keep well
Amanda
at Crafty in the Med
I don’t know what to say, Brenda or how to help. I don’t even know who you could talk to but I sure hope you can figure something out for your peace of mind. Your sweet fairy garden is lovely and just what I needed for my Sunday evening! Sending soft…quiet hugs to you tonight!
I’m sorry you are within earshot of all the chaos, Brenda! Is it possible that the house next door is a rental? If it is, I’d imagine the house was rented to a certain number of people…not the entire island of Aruba. I’d pursue finding that out…and, hopefully a third party (landlord) can handle this…not you!
Carolynn
This comment has been removed by the author.
It is Cinco De Mayo weekend. It is loud here too. Go to the police and make a private complaint.
Has this disturbance just started? Maybe it is a ceremony of some sort, like a memorial service or wake. If is ongoing, then it may be some religious services, and that would probably be against zoning laws. Check with nearby neighbors. I doubt that you are the only one who hears this and is disturbed by it. Notify the City, or the police, if this continues. It may not be legal.
1. Your fairy garden is adorable, and you have inspired me to create one in our homes. TFS
2. So sorry you have to deal with pesky neighbors. I was lucky enough that Hubby and I were able to move. While we were living in our old neighborhood (which changed drastically and I loved my huge kitchen and home) Hubbs and I were constantly calling in to the police to complain…it got so old! But you have to do it until “they” get the picture!!!
The fairy garden is lovely!! And good luck with the neighbors!!
chris
cute garden!
We had terrible neighbors several years ago. They were from the Marshall Islands (our little town made the national news because one of them shot and killed his minister and 2 others in a church service). they partied all night long. Their language sounded like squaking birds! We called the police regularly to ask them to tone it down. It was bad! They also listened to bad 80′s music turned up very loud.
Hope it ends soon.
Love the little garden.
I would be frightened.
that is adorable! love the little blue chair in there
x
Sorry to hear about all the crazy noise going on over there! I do love how your fairy garden turned out…I hope you get some peace to enjoy it soon.
Love the fairy garden, everything about it. I didn’t get mine finished today, I hope to tommorrow. It won’t look nearly as cute as yours.
How scary about the neighbors. Something is not right at all. Take the others advice. Call or stop by the police station. Stay safe and get some help to get those people to calm down. Scares me what they are doing. Geez Louise can’t you get a break……you deserve to be able to enjoy your yard. (((((HUGS))))
Seriously. Do call the police EVERY time. Get your neighbors to join in. Call the local news channel and ask if they will do a report if the city doesn’t respond to your complaints. Also, YOU have a landlord who can also make a complaint. Be relentless, your neighbors obviously are.
Neighbor issues are SOOO stressful.
Brenda, I am so sorry about your neighbors. It seems there might be a noise ordinance they could be violating. Please don’t put yourself in a position for retaliation.
Love the fairy garden. My fairies are going to be asking for one if they see it. Bonnie
Totally agree with some of the others who said to call the police and report this noise and goings-on. They should come over and witness it while it’s going on so they can see how loud and disturbing it is to the neighbors. They also may be breaking some other kind of ordinance with all the cars and too many people in one small dwelling.
On another subject, I am loving your fairy garden! You are so creative in many area.
…if after a while the police isn’t doing much, or unable to do anything maybe get in touch with your local media, have your neighbors support.
Your fairy garden is an absolute delight Brenda!!
For the neighbors could they be having some kind of Zumba Dance Classes or something similar?
Before you call the police, what if you go over with a little pot of flowers and try to find out what exactly is going on..at least you will have more info for the cops!
Ha! Sorry I know it’s not funny!
I have featured an Interview on my site with Tina from The Enchanted Home…
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
There’s nothing like bad neighbours!!!! Why don’t you talk to the neighbours on the other side of them and perhaps approach the people as a group and tell them of your concerns. Safety in numbers!! Good luck,
Suzyq
The fairy garden is so cute! Just magical and sweet as can be.
I am no help in the neighbor department… that sort of stuff makes me crazy! Hope it’s just family in for a visit and not a everyday thing. Best wishes for peace and quiet!!
Absolutely call the sheriff or constable or police or whatever patrols your neighborhood/city. And if it’s too loud, they are definitely breaking the law. It’s called “disturbing the peace.” You should call every single day that this continues. Don’t worry about being a pest. I believe, in time, they will get the message.
P.S. Your little garden is adorable. I’m using galvanized containers this year. Hope to finish up soon.
Oh, Brenda!!! Of all the neighbors! You are surrounded by difficult ones.. college kids who litter all over on one side and some sort of cult on the other? I dont know what the better advise would be… to go over politely and ask what’s going on and could they please keep it down… or to call the police to complain. I fear retaliation, and then more bad neighbor karma. Let us know what you find out!… you shouldn’t have to put up with that and it doesn’t sound “legal”.
Your talent and creativity continues to awe and inspire and make me smile! this was great oxox
sweet fairy garden, brenda:) we live in a housing division and when our neighbor started a log cutting business (seriously)10 ft from our bedroom, we went to the city counsel office…maybe they could give you avenues to pursue, if the police don’t help.
I know just have you feel. We have had 3 empty houses for some time and now all at once hey all get filled. That puts 7 and more cars in our court. With about 16 or more new people around with little tots running in the street. It’s always scary having to back out. Never know if someone is hanging out hiding. But yes I agree I’d call the police and they can patrol and check out the sound out themselves. Hang a voodoo doll out. Just joking. Look up on google and see what you might be able to find out. Maybe a death has been in the family and this is what they do. Or a birth, wedding. Good luck. I put you in my prayers. And I did get a laugh out of your story. But feel the pain.
PS Oh yes I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the fairy garden. I tell my grand kids I have them living in my Wisteria. Always good for a conversation.
Lots of good advice about the neighbor. Not a laughing matter – it can ruin your life – I’ve been there. Definitely video tape with sound if you can. Call police when noise is going on, and tell them to come ASAP. SPEAK TO NEIGHBORS – the more on your side the better – you can appeal to your local council or community city hall (not sure where you live).And also, the advice about contacting the owner of the home (if the Arubans are renters) is good – the owner may not realize how many people are in the house. The may not have been told. Good Luck, and keep calling the police when necessary, even if they don’t help, it will be on record that you have made complaints ……Praying for you !
So sorry for the stress of neighbors. We had neighbors who did nasty things to use for years. Egging our house, tacks in are driveway. Shooting fireworks at our house which we got on film and the police did not help at all. We gave up sold the house that we had worked on for 14 years and moved to a nice quiet place on 3 acres with pine trees on 2 sides of us and we planted a row of pine across the front of our lot. We have been lucky enough to move. I feel your pain.
Hey Brenda,
Your post really got me to thinking about the practices of such places…if your neighbors are really from Aruba…then at least one of the explanations for their odd behavior would be (according to wikipedia) this:
—Once a man is bound by marriage, he must be home broken and undergo treatment to assure his fidelity and his leave of nocturnal escapades, a process referred to as domestication (Papiamento: manza).—
Of course, I don’t think the activity you mentioned coming from your neighbors house will work on said man, but I guess desperate situations often do require desperate measures.
Just my thoughts on your situation!
P.S. haven’t forgotten your red rick-rack – spent the week & weekend preparing and having a yard sale! Also your zen garden is coming along nicely in spite of said circumstances. Take care…Vicki
(info from en.wicipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Aruba — Superstition and pagan beliefs)
I usually play catch up on a few posts at a time, and I have to admit it was amusing to go from ‘Scattering Seeds of Kindness’ to hating the neighbors…. I was thinking…if they’re having some sort of get together, maybe it’s better that they’re sleeping over…I wouldn’t want to hear of drunk driving accidents..
….think I will start some fairy gardens this summer, because with the Texas heat, I don’t see a real garden in my future…
phone the police … you don’t have to take that!!! Nice fairy garden!
I agree with everyone…
first it is a darling fairy garden.
Second, have you tried going over and asking them to be quiet? Do check the noise ordinance in the area…
Check with the other neighbors in the area, they may be saying the same thing….
Who knows, maybe someone knows them…has already tried talking to them??
Then, call the police….
Wishing you the best
Nancy
http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
Your garden is lovely! Charlie is very cute!
Re: the neighbors – bake some cookies and go over to the house when it is quiet (if it is ever quiet). Tell them that you are new to the neighborhood and would like to know about their customs. Ask them to explain what they are doing that is causing the noise. Admire something about their house or yard. If there are children, comment on how cute they are. Ask if there is anything that you can do for them. Then, and only then, tell them that the noise bothers you. Ask if they can keep it down.
Cultural differences are difficult, but it is only by seeking to understand one another that we can grow as a human family.
After reading all the above comments I am not sure what the right thing to do is. I think you should keep it annonymous if you do call the police. You don’t want to be targeted. You seem to be surrounded by unsavory neighbors on all sides. It may sound drastic, but you may want to consider selling the house and moving to a 55+ community, where there are homeowners associations and conduct like your neighbors would never occur, and you would probably feel a lot safer.
Your tranquility is definitely gone, shattered Brenda. Call the police as has been stated above. They are disturbing the peace.
Oh Branda,
What a lovely Fairy Garden…I am so sorry to hear you can’t enjoy it though because of your neighbors. Hope your situation betters soon. Thank you for stopping by.
Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana
I have had a similar dilemma before and so can well identify with you. I understand how some people are offering the advice of going over and discussing the problem…and that could be good advice in some situations. However, if these people are foreigners that are having religious rituals, they probably wouldn’t be open to stopping their rituals just because a neighbor doesn’t like them. I think I would call the police. That way these people would not know which neighbor had complained. We once had neighbors (in our nice neighborhood) that we felt sure were dealing drugs…and they were! There was lots of noise and traffic. Thankfully, they moved shortly after my complaints. Hope this helps.
I have had a similar dilemma before and so can well identify with you. I understand how some people are offering the advice of going over and discussing the problem…and that could be good advice in some situations. However, if these people are foreigners that are having religious rituals, they probably wouldn’t be open to stopping their rituals just because a neighbor doesn’t like them. I think I would call the police. That way these people would not know which neighbor had complained. We once had neighbors (in our nice neighborhood) that we felt sure were dealing drugs…and they were! There was lots of noise and traffic. Thankfully, they moved shortly after my complaints. Hope this helps.
Brenda –
Fairy garden is beautiful. Hopefully, you’ll soon be able to enjoy it as it should be enjoyed.
Just a suggestion about the neighbors. Definately call the local law enforcement folks but don’t complain about the noise alone. Tell them about the numerous visitors and the number of cars in the neighborhood. “Suggest” that you think they may be up to something drug related (the large influx of people who stay overnight and then leave in the morning is a classic sign of a meth lab operation.). Embellish a bit if you have to but DO get the officials in on it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Lovely fairy garden Brenda..I certainly would not go knocking on the door of strangers who are acting so oddly..Police Officers are paid & trained to handle such things so that ordinary people like us do not get hurt by trying to handle it ourselves..You must ask their help to get this stopped now and not let it continue to upset you..You have every right to live peacefully in your little blue home..Please do not go there alone Brenda!!
Wow, what a deal. I wouldn’t confront strangers in large numbers if I was living alone next door. I would ask a real estate agent and the police about occupancy regulations. I know our local PD will knock on a door and talk to a neighbor about a barking dog – but they can’t do anything about it (follow through) unless we are willing to press charges and follow through in court. Do you know the landlord? I’d talk to him and the police, explain my frustration and see what the next step should be. I can’t imagine any of your neighbors changing their ways just because you say please. Are you acquainted well enough with any of your other neighbors to bounce any of this off them? I feel for you because I know you’re there all the time. I hope you find a resolution to this situation.
I read Sunday’s post before I read this one. I laughed until I cried. I’m so sorry about your frustrating neighbor situation. It sounds aggravating and frightening all at the same time. But I do believe the Arubans have met their match in the little lady next door in the Little Blue House!
By the way, the fairy garden is adorable. You are such a talent. I hope you will eventually be able to enjoy your outdoor oasis in peace.
love the fairy garden…it’s on my short list to do one this spring/summer!
neighbors…ugh. mine were revving up their junky “race car” engines all weekend!!
I love your gardens and your pictures but I’m hearing the frustration in the midst of it and wondering WHO you can talk to? There must be somebody?! University officials? File a complaint with somebody – definitely the owner of the house. Send a registered letter to the owner of the house? I wish I knew what would help. It is so sad when the occupants of one house on the block make life miserable for everyone surrounding them – for I know the neighbors on all sides must hate the situation as much as you do! I know I would.
Blessings,
Dianne
http://www.mysouthernheart.com