29 October 2009

Just "Leaf" The House Alone...
Here in Fort Wayne, we're into the first week of our "leaf removal" process, which usually runs for the better part of 45 days (give or take).
It's a good system...it works, as long as those removing the leaves take some care to not destroy property, or do a half-assed job.
This year, instead of three pickups, we'll only be getting TWO (austerity program, no doubt), with MY part of town beginning next Monday (for the week). The last pickup will be early December...then we're done.
Now, went out a few years back, got a great deal on an electric leaf blower (Craftsman - cost under $30 - helluva bargain), and it does a rather decent job of getting all that leafy schmutz off the lawn onto the curb line, where it belongs.
Today will be another day of toil for me in that regard...
For others around the neighborhood, they either DO NOTHING (a favorite pastime), or they hand rake all the leaves INTO the gutter (past the curb). That's NOT what they're supposed to do.
Think about it...
it you place the leaves (for pickup, mind you) INTO the street, what happens *if* we have rain (which we usually do this time of year)?
Well, it IS one helluva way to clog the culverts (when these same people aren't tossing booze bottles and other trash down them, that is).
And clogged culverts leads to pooling of water.
Now...*if* we get a freeze overnight, we wind up with a ready-made ICE RINK at most intersections.
(whoever said the citizens have no appreciation for winter "activities"?)
Yeah, it's the old "cause and effect" at work here, people.
So, no matter HOW MANY TIMES the city tells people through the media sources (newspapers and radio/TV), they STILL do whatever they WANT to do.
This is called PROGRESS.
At least, that what those in City Hall want us to believe.
Now, I said all that to say this:
Since the advent of leaves falling from trees, I've had TWO (count 'em...2) "visits" from people wanting to rake my lawn.
I don't know who the hell these people are either, but one young boy lives down the street (at a house where pot is smoked).
He showed up last weekend (midday) on a bike...WITH NO RAKE, asking if we needed our leaves removed.
I don't know about YOU, but doing it BY HAND would take considerable time...and effort. My "confidence" in his ability was less than positive.
(maybe he was gonna run home and get the rake...yeah, that's it)
And yesterday, around 1400 hours, another guy shows up on another bicycle (this time WITH a rake, so he appeared more "reputable" than the last one), but I told him "I have a LEAF BLOWER...thanks anyway"...end of story there.
I find it SO damn amazing that these people seemingly "come out of the woodwork" whenever a "fast buck" might be made, and especially when they come ONLY to OUR house (scoping us out?). I didn't see EITHER person ride to ANY other house on the block...interesting.
I'm sorry, but "back in the day", you KNEW who was showing up to rake leaves (if you had trees, that is...we didn't) or cut your lawn...you knew all the kids on the block (and on a street with over SIXTY row homes on it, that was a lot of kids).
I might be older...and move with less cat-like speed and dexterity, but I can still get the job done...I ain't dead yet, folks...I just get a lot more "dead tired" than I used to....LOL.
And speaking of houses...
We're still seeing more foreclosures...thought we bailed everyone out on that one...guess not.
I suppose that's what happens when folks take that (free?) $8000 for "first-time home buyers" and go and get a house they can't possibly AFFORD. It's little wonder they find themselves in hock up to their eye teeth within a short span of time, especially in such a stagnant economy.
And speaking of the economy...
SEARS is planning an early start to the holiday season with a special "Black Friday" today...
Go to their website, and you'll see sales abounding, as if it were the day after Thanksgiving.
Nice ploy...and it might work for them.
I still say we're getting WAY too far ahead of ourselves, regarding the holiday season.
Chicago is ALREADY putting up the holiday lighting downtown...
Our city is putting up it's display as well.
And speaking of cities...
Fort Wayne currently has FOUR "neighborhood advocates", covering the 4 quadrants of the city.
Well, that's gonna change...
The city wants to eliminate TWO of the positions, due to budgetary issues.
Personally, I'm OK with that. The person covering MY part of town (one Cherise Dixie - successor to Brent Dufor, another do-nothing) NEVER returned emails. Get rid of her for starters.
In fact, since the rollout of this advocate program (over 8 years ago), I have not seen ANY improvement in MY neighborhood, or in surrounding neighborhoods.
It has gotten worse over the years...not better.
This is (also) called PROGRESS.
Of course, I base my conclusions on the FACT that you need a viable NEIGHBORHOOD in order to make any "neighborhood-related" program WORK, don't you?
Block after block of renters, who usually live in the area for a few years before they move elsewhere (gots to stay ahead of the PO-lease) have absolutely NO vested interest in the neighborhood they crib in.
I've seen the rentals roll over tenants year after year (and there's a few I wanted to roll over myself...with MY CAR...a lot).
Drug houses crop up, close down, move somewhere else, and another bunch of human refuse takes their place...
And yes, THIS is called PROGRESS, too.
But at least we're not staring at a foreclosure...
(We take our victories wherever we can find 'em these days).
Finally, today the government rolls out this "health-care" bill...
(not gonna be a pretty sight, I can assure you).
I would point to the city of GALVESTON, TX when it comes to how to properly manage something...say like...social security.
Here's a link to what THEY have done by "opting out" of the government-run SSI program:
http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba514/
Now, with this health care plan, it seems that even*if* a state "opts out" of the federal plan, they cannot be free of the TAXES associated WITH this plan...so where the hell is the "benefits" from not taking this form of socialized medicine, anyway?
Short answer: There IS none.
I cannot, with good conscience support such ridiculous notions as government-run health care.
No one saves any money, we get taxed more, and care becomes worse than before. Watch BOTH hands here, people!
But...THIS is (you guessed it)...called PROGRESS.
If we argued the PROS and CONS of such issues, would it not be correct for us to say that he opposite of PROGRESS could be called CONGRESS?
Just some things to think about...as you have your morning cup of joe.
Enjoy the day...and, as always...
Stay safe out there, America.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good one, Bob. Some ppl in your neighborhood FINALLY want to EARN some money by doing something that is not just sitting on their ass, and you berate them for that too. Don't get bitter or anything, buddy.

I have enjoyed reading your blog for quite some time, as we seem to agree on many issues. However, you seem to have been taking a more and more negative turn.

I wish you the best, and hope that someday you find something positive to blog about...like neighborhood kids wanting to earn money by raking leaves...just like in the "good ole days."

Bob G. said...

Anon:
If YOU lived here, and were frequently BOTHERED by those that rented around you, you's SEE exactly what I'm talking about.

You obviously don't, so you simply have no real basis on which to determnine if I seem "bitter".
Those that have met me know differently.

I'd LOVE to blog about some GOOD things...if there were ANY around here.

And when people (read strangers that don't even know us)come around (to our house ONLY)when they need some quick cash...I have to draw the line.

You could chase back through my archives to see I've done plenty of "nice" posts.

Still, if ANY of these kids knew how to act RESPONSIBLY, instead of tossing rocks at peoples' houses (for lack of toys or something else to do)...MAYBE I'd have a tad more respect for THEM, as they surely don't for us.

I really love it when people "think" they KNOW what's going on down here when they really don't
But hey, that's just your OPINION...I happen to deal in FACTS, unless I ADMIT that MY opinion is expressed.

Thanks for commenting.

Dan Turkette said...

The lazy little shits in my neighborhood (Aboite) never come around looking for anything. Now, the drunk that does the guy's leaves across the street is always asking. Only $7 an hour. But that would take the fun out of burning them!

Bob G. said...

Dan:
That's exactly what I'm talking about...the DRUNK comes the f$ck by, but NOT any normal people...!

Yeah, there IS fun in leaf burning....it's the SMELL- purges the neighborhood "odor"...LOL!

I just have to be careful no one dimes on me (even WITH my firepit)...heh.

Glad you stopped by...always a pleasure.

kateykakes said...

Bah humbug. I don't even want to think about Christmas right now. It would nice if we could get through Halloween and Thanksgiving first.

Take care and be safe. :)


kk

Bob G. said...

KK:
I hear 'ya there...don't RUSH things...they'll all get here in their OWN good time...

(like a jail-on-wheels...LOL)

Thanks for stopping by

indy said...

1. leaf rakers. listen bob is right about this. people will come to your house to do "odd chores" to scope you out. this is a common thing. perhaps the kid with the rake was ok. but, if bob is moving then there is no need for the kid to be helping. how do i know this. well i am usually the one that the wrong people want to scope out. now that my daughter has made her presence known in the neighborhood here in indy we are seeming being left alone. but then my kid would kick butt if needed. you have to remember i was called to the principals office in 6th grade becouse she beat up the 8th grade boy that was over 6ft tall and she's kinda short.

2.leaf burning. we cant burn on sunday here in indy. and it seems this year there is alot of "diming" going on. we dont rake. we dont burn. we let the leaves set then the next year cut over them and pretty much use the mulching tool on the lawn mower. infact if it wasnt so wet out right now you could mulch happly away.

Bob G. said...

Indy:
Remind me to NEVER piss you off...Don't want to have MY butt kicked by your daughter...LOL!

ANd yes, people DO scope out houses...they don't do anything ELSE, so why not "check out" those who have something "they" might want for themselves...and that's how burglaries happen.

Amazing how these perps KNOW when people just aren't home...amazing.

Thanks for commenting.

Have a great weekend.