Friday, December 10

There is a Grinch in My Neighborhood

and I don't like it one bit.

In many ways I live in the perfect neighborhood; contained, quiet and filled with pleasant people. But a few years ago, a Grinch moved in. Although we didn't know he was a Grinch at the time,  we later learned he is the worst kind of Grinch, one who would spoil Christmas for everyone else and take great pleasure in doing it.

There had been no major controversy in the 29 years since we moved into the area, until two years ago, when some of the residents wanted to replace the  old signage at the entrance to the subdivision. Discussions arose about how to best obtain new signage; which would be considerably more elaborate and costly than the previous sign. After much discussion, some of it heated, a plan was put into place by several residents who were not officers of nor were they aligned with the Home Owner's Association. Most of us just wanted the new signs in place and for the construction to be finished - so we paid varying amounts (some more than others). After several hitches in the planning and construction, the signposts were completed early in 2010 and all was well - or so we thought.

Fast forward to today, when a group of us had gone on an outing and during lunch we discussed the lack of Christmas or Holiday decoration at our entrance. A resident offered to purchase wreaths and I offered to hang them and add festive red bows. The Grinch owns the property on the left of the entrance and we were attempting to hang a wreath on the opposite side of the street when the Grinch told us that we didn't have permission to touch the sign. He further stated that if we hung the wreath, he would remove it. The fact that we were on another person's property didn't seem to faze him. I have since obtained that homeowner's permission to hang the wreath on her side of the entrance, but we have no assurance that the Grinch won't remove it if we do.

What he said was ludicrous, from my point of view. It is a stupid problem he has created for any time of year - but especially here at Christmastime. For the life of me I cannot fathom how two or three residents, people who have spent the least amount of time living here, think they can dictate to all the rest of us - 70 households in all. And to top it all off, those three people have their houses up for sale and will be moving (the sooner the better.) I am not sure what legal leg we can stand on, but rest assured I will be trying to find out.

Any legal eagles have advice for me?

18 comments:

tiff said...

my expert advice? FARK 'em. :)

Star said...

Well, bah-humbug to them. There are always s few spoil sports. I'd put the wreath up anyway. Don't let them spoil your Christmas spirit,

kenju said...

TEST: several people have tried to leave comments and couldn't. I checked, and you should be able to leave them.

Hale McKay said...

I'm responding to you FB comment about leaving a comment here.

Those people have no right to question or to complain about how you celebrate the holidays.

Kay Dennison said...

I think that man is nuts. Do you have a neighborhood association? Is he a member? No matter -- he has no right to trespass on another person's property much less take down a decoration. I would ask your local law enforcement about his threat. They might stop by and spell out the facts of life to him.

Fran aka Redondowriter said...

You go, girl. Grinches must go to neighborhoods the Grinch ghetto. If you know where there is one, let me know. I have a few people I want to move there, too. (My own daddy was a Grinch.)

Arkansas Patti said...

No advice. Just be glad you don't have to go home with him and share a dinner table. Can you imagine what he is like to live with?

Evil Twin's Wife said...

Some people will never be happy with anything. Ugh!

Tracy said...

Goodness, certainly no advice, but he DEFINITELY need an attitude adjustment...BaHumBug to HIM!

Gilly said...

What a big old misery he is! Bet he says all sorts of nasty things about you to prospective buyers of his house. (Though on thinking of that remark, he wouldn't sell it if people thought you were all horrid!)

You put those wreaths up, and then pour coals on his head by sending him the nices Christmas card you can find, from all other 60 residents. Or however many are not Grinches!

Hope this posts!

Joy Des Jardins said...

Ludicrous isn't the word. He can't do that, can he? I don't know what legal action you can take either, but he has absolutely no legal backing on his side....that much I know. He really is a Grinch...especialy if he's moving. Some people just like to make problems and can't play nice with others. I hope you find out some facts and stop him dead in his tracks Judy. Bah Humbug to him...and a VERY Merry Xmas to you sweetie. Hugs, Joy

sage said...

Just be careful that you not make him into a martyr... Some people just like to throw a ripple into a still pond

Anonymous said...

Some miserable people are never happy enough until they've made everyone else miserable. I would find out the neighborhood rules for hanging things in "public" spaces or "mutually owned" spaces, and then act accordingly.

Mamie said...

I'm wondering why he objects? Is he not a religious person? I think sometimes we Christmas celebrants want to decorate the world without regard to others' relgious or non-religious beliefs. This is not a criticism of your actions, but rather it seems to be an opportunity to reach out to him and find out why he doesn't want you to do it.

Mamie said...

Kenju, Your explanation on my blog leads me to believe that he's mean :)

Granny Annie said...

Some persons seem to wake up in the morning and look for something to protest. They will select something minor with the best opportunity for them to prevail. They take the "enemy" (usually friendly, giving souls) by surprise. The attackers are called bullies and no one can change their dedication to directing all attention to themselves. Best to ignore and look forward to next year, hoping they move away. The lack of attention is the best way to defeat them.

Pat said...

Poor devil! Perhaps he has acid indigestion.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

It sounds like a job for the Homeowner's Association. One or two or even three Homeowner's should not outway 70...Ever!
I think that is really terrible! Where is the Christmas Spirit? He is a Grinch, Indeed!