So many thoughts, opinions and attitudes. I still think everything boils down to communication and respect, not just rights and ownership, it is a package deal. No one "has" to tell their neighbors anythng that they are doing within restrictions and covenants on their own property, but sometimes it is good to share before things are done to help people overcome fear, speculation, wonderment, or to hear any specific concerns that can ruin relationships for decades to come. Does not mean you cannot, should not do what is within your rights on your own land, just means you build trust and friendship and neighborhood goodwill. While not there yet but on our way soon to our new home, we still have our old home. Today I am having a party for all my staff at my home with 60 plus people coming over at 3 pm, a BBQ catering truck coming and setting up a smoker, a handicapped porta potti delivered on the property as one of my staff uses an electric wheelchair for her CP. Rather than upset everyone, even though it is not their business, I sent an email to all my neighbors letting them know the score so they were prepared and understood what was going on. I have a half acre, no one can see anything, but people do see anyway, if you know what I mean. On August 25, we are having an evening party with a live band and about 60-70 people (our last bash but no one knows the real reason why the party is happening including the attendees as we have not announced our move yet!). Aside from inviting some neighbors, everyone in the neighborhood will get an email with details so they again know what is going on and be assured the music will be quiter at the 10 pm town curfew for noise. They will be aware of why the cars are out on our lane, and why they may here music and a crowd. I do not have to tell them, I am within all guidelines. But it brings peace and harmony and people feel respected. When our neighbors built a fence between us after the tall hedge died, we fully consulted on how to remedy the situation and also gave them money to help out. We are all adults. We can do what we want but we live in community. It is not about who can do what, but about how we live in harmony together, reach out to one another in times or distress or emergency, have one another over for visits, care for pets or yard or homes or elderly or whatever when someone is away, and mostly have long term relationships that are at minimum respectful and pleasant for all of our happiness. If we cannot have peace together in our little villages, what does that mean for the world? Well, I guess we see that on the news everyday.
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