Citrus Grove / Chair at end of driveway

[RobertScott]

I often sit in a chair, at the end of the driveway, facing the house. Friday 13 December I left it there after I sat in it in the morning, as I was going to sit in it again later.
A contractor in a white pickup, pulling a white trailer, mistook the chair for "curb alert", even though it was not trash day nor did it have a "free / take me" sign on it. He even waved at my camera.
I can understand how this misunderstanding took place. I would say in fact that most reasonable people would conclude that it was in fact being offered up. Who sits way at the end of the driveway and looks at their house ? Me, watching the pets.
So if this is your contractor, or you are the contractor, the reappearance of said chair, would be a most pleasant development.

[HIgolfers]

I often sit in a chair, at the end of the driveway, facing the house. Friday 13 December I left it there after I sat in it in the morning, as I was going to sit in it again later.
A contractor in a white pickup, pulling a white trailer, mistook the chair for "curb alert", even though it was not trash day nor did it have a "free / take me" sign on it. He even waved at my camera.
I can understand how this misunderstanding took place. I would say in fact that most reasonable people would conclude that it was in fact being offered up. Who sits way at the end of the driveway and looks at their house ? Me, watching the pets.
So if this is your contractor, or you are the contractor, the reappearance of said chair, would be a most pleasant development.

Theft. Pure and simple.

[Arctic Fox]

Theft. Pure and simple.

My interpretation would be the same as the OP - he thought it was out for collection (or why else would it be there?) and waved to say "thank you"

Of course, of more interest is why the OP would want to sit there and look back at his house, but since that is none of my business...

[tophcfa]

I wouldn’t call it theft, just a misunderstanding. The second picture shows the guy waving at the house as if to say thanks for the chair. A while back I brought out an old bicycle and put it at the end of the driveway. I went back into the house and quickly made a “free” sign to put on the bike, but it was already gone when I went back to put the sign on it.

[CarlR33]

Think of it this time of year as Christmas for them...Christmas for you......get a new camouflage chair and next time they won't see it out there.

[mraines]

I wouldn’t call it theft, just a misunderstanding. The second picture shows the guy waving at the house as if to say thanks for the chair. A while back I brought out an old bicycle and put it at the end of the driveway. I went back into the house and quickly made a “free” sign to put on the bike, but it was already gone when I went back to put the sign on it.

Most times, if it is at the end of the driveway, it is there for the taking. But not always. I almost took a plant that someone had at the end of the driveway, but it was not there for the taking. I try to ask first.

[RobertScott]

Well Artic Fox, perhaps I like to sit and admire the dwelling, and savor my success at having moved to The Villages, as it seemed at one point I wasn't going to pull it off.
In fact however, as stated , it is to make sure pets stay in bounds.
I will take 75 percent of the blame for this misunderstanding. If the chair doesn't come back, it will give me an excuse to go back to Harbor Freight.

[Bogie Shooter]

It was established a long time ago and not only in TV…. things left at the end of the driveway are there for the taking.

[Stu from NYC]

Well Artic Fox, perhaps I like to sit and admire the dwelling, and savor my success at having moved to The Villages, as it seemed at one point I wasn't going to pull it off.
In fact however, as stated , it is to make sure pets stay in bounds.
I will take 75 percent of the blame for this misunderstanding. If the chair doesn't come back, it will give me an excuse to go back to Harbor Freight.

Thats fine but once you get up and walk away it is there for the taking.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yeah that's always a given. If it's at the end of the driveway in the general vicinity of the spot you normally leave the trash for pickup, then it's free for the taking. UNLESS there's a sign on it that says "FOR SALE."

[BrianL99]

It was established a long time ago and not only in TV…. things left at the end of the driveway are there for the taking.

You must live in a different world than most of us.

The real world……why even that old real place up north it was understood.
Check with your employee that puts out you trash!������

I've never lived in a community where folks put "free stuff" at the end of their driveway or where folks drove around picking up "free stuff" that was in people's yards.

I guess there's a lot to be learned, living in a place like TV.

[Marathon Man]

Theft. Pure and simple.

Nope. Not pure. Not simple. Items left at the end of the driveway are not wanted by the home owner. Been that way for a long time. The OP is correct.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Yesterday my hubby moved an old microwave stand out to the end of the driveway. By noon it was gone.

[MsPCGenius]

.... be it the upper or lower end, is private property. In the absence of a sign offering something for free or a pre-arrangement between the owner and a receiver, taking an item is theft -- pure and simple.

The notion that items on the driveway are assumed to be up for grabs because that "is a Village understanding" is just nuts. :ohdear:

[CybrSage]

.... be it the upper or lower end, is private property. In the absence of a sign offering something for free or a pre-arrangement between the owner and a receiver, taking an item is theft -- pure and simple.

The notion that items on the driveway are assumed to be up for grabs because that "is a Village understanding" is just nuts. :ohdear:

I have lived in 8 different states and it was that way in all 8 of them.
Items left at the end of the driveway are considered free in all 8.
As long as it is not in use, of course.

[CybrSage]

I guess there's a lot to be learned, living in a place like TV.

Yep, things that are commonly found throughout most of the US happen in the Villages as well.

[MandoMan]

I often sit in a chair, at the end of the driveway, facing the house. Friday 13 December I left it there after I sat in it in the morning, as I was going to sit in it again later.
A contractor in a white pickup, pulling a white trailer, mistook the chair for "curb alert", even though it was not trash day nor did it have a "free / take me" sign on it. He even waved at my camera.
I can understand how this misunderstanding took place. I would say in fact that most reasonable people would conclude that it was in fact being offered up. Who sits way at the end of the driveway and looks at their house ? Me, watching the pets.
So if this is your contractor, or you are the contractor, the reappearance of said chair, would be a most pleasant development.

You are right. Most people here would take that as a giveaway, even without a sign. Now the contractor is probably sitting on it while eating lunch. I hope you get it back. Next time you may need to keep the chair on your porch when not out there. Alas.

[Jeanne wilson]

I put my free items by the curb but on the grass, they are gone the same day.

[Rocksnap]

Theft. Pure and simple.

Mistaken as being thrown out. Plain and simple.

[Rocksnap]

You must live in a different world than most of us.
Bogie Shooter is correct. As are most responding here. End of driveway means it’s out for the taking.

[kayak]

The OP wrote: "So if this is your contractor, or you are the contractor, the reappearance of said chair, would be a most pleasant development." Hence, the reason for this post. So far zero replies.

[Desiderata]

Most times, if it is at the end of the driveway, it is there for the taking. But not always. I almost took a plant that someone had at the end of the driveway, but it was not there for the taking. I try to ask first.

Very true! I once came home in time to see a lady struggling to pick up my flower pot that was at the end of my driveway. I asked her what she was doing. She said since it was at the end of my driveway she assumed I was discarding it. Nope!

[PugMom]

I've never lived in a community where folks put "free stuff" at the end of their driveway or where folks drove around picking up "free stuff" that was in people's yards.

I guess there's a lot to be learned, living in a place like TV.

it was like that no matter where we lived. don't leave it out, or you run the risk

[Byte1]

Hmmm, so if the OP had left the chair out there next to trash to be picked up the next day, he is supposed to assume that the chair would still be there after trash pickup, as long as he did not put a sign on it? That seems to be the theme of some on here. Personally, I have picked up furniture items left at the end of driveways, to repurpose them. In 12 years as a resident of the Villages, I never heard a complaint regarding stuff left at the end of the driveway. I once left a washing machine at the end of the driveway to be picked up by the folks delivering and installing a new one, and I glanced out the window within five minutes and it was gone. Saved $35 removal fee. Just realized that I am currently sitting in a desk chair that I picked up that was left at the end of someone's driveway. I've used it for a few years now and it is really great on my back. Thanks.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

And the other side of the legal argument, which "might" be argued, is that the county owns the three feet of land from the curb, or some such zoning ordinance, so is it really on your property or the county property? I am not sure if I am correct, but there is something about not building out to the curb for some ordinance reason. "ask the trolls"

[gbs317]

Well Artic Fox, perhaps I like to sit and admire the dwelling, and savor my success at having moved to The Villages, as it seemed at one point I wasn't going to pull it off.
In fact however, as stated , it is to make sure pets stay in bounds.
I will take 75 percent of the blame for this misunderstanding. If the chair doesn't come back, it will give me an excuse to go back to Harbor Freight.
I like your thinking on going back to Harbor Freight. Now that’s a positive attitude!

[sharonl7340]

.... be it the upper or lower end, is private property. In the absence of a sign offering something for free or a pre-arrangement between the owner and a receiver, taking an item is theft -- pure and simple.

The notion that items on the driveway are assumed to be up for grabs because that "is a Village understanding" is just nuts. :ohdear:

Nope, not just in the Villages--everywhere. It is true in Huntsville, AL, Alexandria VA, DC, NYC...everywhere I have ever lived.

[Kevco]

Why has no one ever taken the man and the chair while he sits at the end of the driveway? Why not take one, take all?

[opinionist]

There was one time I cleaned out the attic and put a mountain of stuff by the road. Most of it was gone in a day. I finished cleaning the attic and put an enormous mountain by the road. It was gone in two days except for one item.

[BlackHarley]

I think I'll try the chair thingy.....with the wife sitting in it.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Theft. Pure and simple.

And that’s why you’re not a LEO or never have been one. Ever get out and see the ends of driveways with furniture and such on it to give away with no signs on it?

[retiredguy123]

And the other side of the legal argument, which "might" be argued, is that the county owns the three feet of land from the curb, or some such zoning ordinance, so is it really on your property or the county property? I am not sure if I am correct, but there is something about not building out to the curb for some ordinance reason. "ask the trolls"
You are correct, but in my neighborhood, it is about 5 feet. The distance from the curb to the front lotline is owned by the county or The Villages, depending if it is a private street. So, the chair was not on the OP's property. This is definitely a legal distinction.

[jimleas]

Here's an idea. Since your chair is gone, why don't you park your golf cart at the end of your driveway instead. Much more comfortable than a chair. And you could leave the key in the ignition so you know where it is.

[JanRoberts]

I agree about items at the end of the driveway. I thought it was "a thing" too signaling they were there for the taking. I wouldn't without a sign saying so, but I can easily see someone mistakenly taking it. I hope you get it back!

[MrFlorida]

Don't leave wanted stuff at the end of your driveway..... lesson learned...

[Road-Runner]

We've picked up a few things, and put out many more at the end of our driveway with no complaints. While walking our dogs I've seen brand new grills, NICE furniture and too many other things to list here put out at the ends of driveways and almost all of them were gone quickly. Community-wise, no different than putting things out for garbage the night before. Original poster accepted responsibility for this as they should.

[tophcfa]

It is not uncommon to see dumpster divers scouring our neighborhood the evening before trash pick up day, with the back of a pickup truck loaded with stuff Villagers discarded at the end of their driveways.

[Kelevision]

Theft. Pure and simple.

Clearly they mistook it for a “take me” item. As the OP said, who in the world would put and leave a chair at the end of their driveway. He also waved thank you to the camera. Not everyone is out to get you.

[NotGolfer]

I'd bet the OP is new to our community! I wouldn't count this as a theft but many others have said the same. A few years ago, we set a broken recliner out next to our front door as later the "haul-away trash" people were to pick it up and it was too heavy for us to put at the end of the driveway. Not long after we set it out our doorbell rang and a worker asked if he could take it. I said "sure, but it's broken" but he didn't care. I still don't totally understand why the explanation of sitting outside at the end of a driveway is a thing to do but to each his own. NOW you know what the results of leaving anything outside is. Oh---when we 1st moved here 15 yrs ago---we had a ladder up against the side of our garage until we could move it inside. Went out to do so and it was gone----lesson learned!

[MsPCGenius]

Odd that you put a free sign on the trash bags you put out.
You know, since it is theft for anyone to take the garbage bags without a free sign.
You, the owner, does not have an agreememt with the guy who takes the trash (receiver). TV did that, not you.
Odd way to live, but since it makes you happy,go ahead and keep writing free on the trash bags.

There is a contractual arrangement (monies exchanged) for the trash pickup....

[sowilts]

The real world……why even that old real place up north it was understood.
Check with your employee that puts out you trash!😀
Agree, my wife does the same thing at our home at Annapolis. Gone in less than a day.

[Bogie Shooter]

It is not uncommon to see dumpster divers scouring our neighborhood the evening before trash pick up day, with the back of a pickup truck loaded with stuff Villagers discarded at the end of their driveways.

Dumpster divers are just that. Scouring the neighborhood is called street shopping.:wave::smiley:

[Grill Meister]

I can certainly understand what "probably/possibly" happened. I have done the same thing many, many times in my neighborhood. So many times neighbors will leave such things in their driveways, or at the curb, for someone to pickup....not necessarily trash-pick-up, but for other reasons. I have picked up many things and taken the over to Bargains & Blessings in Wildwood. B&B is run by New Covenant United Methodist Church and B&B sells used items. The moneys from the sales goes 100 percent to various church sponsored ministries. Let's pray that your chair will show up at B&B.:bowdown::bowdown:

[SoCalGal]

I live in southern CA. Anything at the end of a driveway is a curb alert.

[jimjamuser]

I often sit in a chair, at the end of the driveway, facing the house. Friday 13 December I left it there after I sat in it in the morning, as I was going to sit in it again later.
A contractor in a white pickup, pulling a white trailer, mistook the chair for "curb alert", even though it was not trash day nor did it have a "free / take me" sign on it. He even waved at my camera.
I can understand how this misunderstanding took place. I would say in fact that most reasonable people would conclude that it was in fact being offered up. Who sits way at the end of the driveway and looks at their house ? Me, watching the pets.
So if this is your contractor, or you are the contractor, the reappearance of said chair, would be a most pleasant development.
I hope that they return it. My neighbor left a rake near the street in front of his house. And like magic it disappeared.

[HORNET]

How long have you lived here? Leaving things at the end of the driveway is for someone to take!

[HORNET]

I have lived several places around the country, leaving things at the end of driveway means “ take if you want” so don’t go down on The Villages!

[jimjamuser]

Very true! I once came home in time to see a lady struggling to pick up my flower pot that was at the end of my driveway. I asked her what she was doing. She said since it was at the end of my driveway she assumed I was discarding it. Nope!
An embarrassing moment there (for both parties).

[Vleka]

Actually I had the same thing happen to me.
I put some “free” stuff on top of two chairs and someone took it all.
I put out a sign the next day to please return my chairs and they brought them back.
Good luck, I’m sure it was a misunderstanding.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

You are correct, but in my neighborhood, it is about 5 feet. The distance from the curb to the front lotline is owned by the county or The Villages, depending if it is a private street. So, the chair was not on the OP's property. This is definitely a legal distinction.

There we go!

You put the chair on public property, so it's fair game. . .
Gotta love those ordinances, and it pays to read up on TOTV,
there is plenty of knowledge that sometimes is better than "experts" or those on a payroll!

New peeps need to keep reading here to learn all the nuances of the BUBBLE

[asianthree]

You must live in a different world than most of us.

Not sure about where your world is, but at all of our 5 villages since 2007, anything at the curb is for the taking. Up north at the lake house, the cabin, family home, within 10’ of the curb it’s trash. (10’ is to accommodate snow piles)

Now house on barrier island n NC, the hurricane will pick up anything in any part of the yard.

[HIgolfers]

Nope. Not pure. Not simple. Items left at the end of the driveway are not wanted by the home owner. Been that way for a long time. The OP is correct.

If it was intended as trash or to be given away it would not be set up as a chair. In the absence of being clearly identified as trash if you are not the trash collector you should at least stop and ask if it’s being given away.

[Marmaduke]

It was established a long time ago and not only in TV…. things left at the end of the driveway are there for the taking.
Absolutely. If the O.P. wants to do this form of sitting, perhaps it would be best to bring v it in about 10-15'.
Otherwise, I'm with the dumpster diver, it's totally up for grabs... and you made that guys day!

I'm laughing tho-
In all my live long day, I've never heard or seen anyone sit at the end of their driveway looking in at their pets...like in their front yard, or what? Your neighbors are perplexed too, i bet.

[Berwin]

Where we used to live in Norfolk VA, a neighbor was mowing his lawn and stopped to get a drink of water in the house leaving the mower next to the street. When he came back out, it was gone. He got no sympathy from us and even the police asked him what did he expect.

[westernrider75]

Very true! I once came home in time to see a lady struggling to pick up my flower pot that was at the end of my driveway. I asked her what she was doing. She said since it was at the end of my driveway she assumed I was discarding it. Nope!

Just curious why you would put something at the end of your driveway?

[Braddock]

Instead of a chair make it a sofa. That’ll be harder just to pick up and take.
Add a BBQ too.

[Marathon Man]

I think I was fairly clear.

It's trashy to leave your junk in public view, thinking some poor folk will pick it up and save you the disposal fee.

& it's far from acceptable behavior in most communities and neighborhoods.

Next thing you know, folks are going to be leaving 1/2 empty bags of dog food at the end of their driveways or 1/2 eaten apples. Why not just leave all your trash out on your driveway, for the poor folk to pick up? See if they can beat the trash truck to the treasure trove?

Not only is it completely acceptable, but it is also an act of kindness. Anyone who needs to make some money by picking up others' discarded items to sell in a yard sale is more than welcome to come by my house. I am more than happy to help them out by leaving my still usable items for them to take. Not sure what to think of someone who assumes that I am trying to avoid disposal costs.

[CybrSage]

There is a contractual arrangement (monies exchanged) for the trash pickup....

Not between you and the taker, which is the specific argument to which I replied.

The contract is between the Villages and the taker, which I clearly already stated.

Understand it the second time?

[Nell57]

Not only is it completely acceptable, but it is also an act of kindness. Anyone who needs to make some money by picking up others' discarded items to sell in a yard sale is more than welcome to come by my house. I am more than happy to help them out by leaving my still usable items for them to take. Not sure what to think of someone who assumes that I am trying to avoid disposal costs.

100% agree. I am thankful that I live in the lovely home in The Villages, with extra in my life. I am thankful that I am not supporting myself by street surfing on trash day, to pick up and resell others items.
But I admire this person. He is working. There is dignity in every job.