happy shiny neighbors

Every neighborhood has its pros and cons. Good location, friendly neighbors, nearby gang activity, overabundance of a particular ethnic group, chickens running free next door. I tend to think that my NB is pretty nice. The people are pleasant, the yards look nice - typical suburbia. I don't mind much of the crap that goes on, as long as it doesn't affect me too much.

However - when I know kids are in the 'hood, and little ones at that, I expect my neighbors to comport themselves accordingly: don't drive like Andretti, don't swear like a sailor on leave in public, keep broken bottles/trash out of the yards...the easy stuff.

So imagine my surprise to see a sign in a yard that said, in BIG BLACK MARKER:

"Don't Shit in My Yard"

Yeah - I know, dog owners can be stupid. And this guy probably has had his share of poo bombs left on the porch. However - his front yard slopes. Steep. It's covered in iceplant. And it's about 3 feet deep. Not so much a yard as a landing strip, and most dogs I see pass it by.

Now, the sign itself would not matter too much (free speech and all). However - my kids play across the street. Lots of kids play near that house. And Wife was livid. So, being the Dutiful Dad, I sauntered up to the door to ask politely if the sign could be removed. Hmmmm - now I know how the sign got such a potty mouth.

So, last night, Kid #1 and Wife made a commando raid to the house to remove the sign in the dead of night. It went out with the trash today. And our daily dog walks will be passing that house regularly to make sure no further vulgarity threatens our children.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to our family TV hour - it's time for True Blood.