What neighbours do for each other

[pmsmechanic]

So I thought it would be interesting to read about good neighbours.

So in our case this is some of what we do for each other. If my driveway is snowed in and I'm not home I have several neighbours that I can phone to come and clear the driveway for my wife. I am also one of those neighbours that will come and clear your driveway for you when I'm home.

We keep an eye out on each others property's to make sure nothing is out of place. Like lights left on in implements standing in the field. Or if someone is helping them selves to gas or what ever when they shouldn't be. Ie. stealing.

One neighbour lady has chickens just for the joy of having chickens. A by product of having chickens is eggs. We get all the eggs we need for free.

Some of the neighbours feel free enough to come and borrow tools etc. even when I'm not home. Usually I get a phone call but sometimes all see is a note on the work bench that so and so borrowed what ever. They'll return it in a few days after they are done with it.

Just thought that this might be an interesting topic. I'll probably add a few more ideas as I think of them.

 

[MossRoad]

When we lived in town, we lived on a corner. Our neighbor would mow our side yard so it would be the same height as his. He'd also weed and feed it. They were elderly. So in winter, I'd snowblow his sidewalks, his driveway in the alley, and the alley all the way to the corner. We'd also watch each other's houses when someone went out of town. He'd take me fishing and the 4 of us would take rides on Sundays. It got around that I knew how to repair TVs, so I'd repair all of the older people on the block TVs for free. There was also an old gentleman that lived several houses down who I mowed his lawn, and his girlfriend's lawn just because they were too old to do it themselves.

In our current house, all of the neighbors (about 7-8 of them) know each other, talk to each other, watch each other's houses, and help if needed. We borrow and/or share yard tools.

It's nice being part of a community.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Sounds like an idyllic world there where you live. Here not so much. Nothing bad, I just wouldn't want anyone coming onto my property and getting what they wanted to borrow etc. I would want them to ask me up front first. I would pretty much say yes, but its knowing...

As for doing for the neighbors, absolutely I would/have helped neighbors. I hadn't needed anything so it has only been a one way street thus far, but I am ok with that.

I do keep an eye out for my neighbors and they for my property and if something is suspicious its communicated to each other.

I do remember the days of people coming over and sitting on the front porches and miss it. It's a busy world out there so I understand that too.

 

[deserteagle71]

I have elderly neighbors next door living on 20 acres with a few goats but they grow a huge garden every year. But they have no tractor so every summer I mow about 5 of their acres as wildfire control, and if we have a big snowfall I plow their driveway (1/4 mile long) and areas around their house and garage. And whenever they need trees taken out or trimmed, I come over with my chainsaws. In return I'm well supplied with fresh produce from their garden and canned veggies also. The dill pickles they make are wonderful!

And yes, we keep an eye on each other's properties. Whenever I'm leaving for one of my extended trips I let them know. And vice versa.

 

[NorTracNY]

I had a few good neighbors when we first moved in, but they have since moved or passed on. One would always come over on his lawn mower. He'd mow both sides of my long driveway as he came and left. I was the one with the big tractor, so I helped them with little projects every so often. Two of them helped me build my deck. Compost we produced was delivered to them whenever they wanted. One of their kids baby sat for mine and when mine were old enough, they took care of their pets when they were away.

Sadly, now there is little contact with the current neighbors in the area. I rarely see anyone outside their homes and I have just one's phone number.

 

[B7510HSD]

When I travel South for 2 months during the winter my neighbor drives my driveway everyday to keep an eye on my place! Can't get any better neighbors.

 

[jmc]

Good thread.

 

[RjCorazza]

I occasionally watch "Neighbor Wars" on TV, and am grateful for the neighbors that we have.

 

[FullMetalBucket]

I love to fire up the smoker with a nice pastrami or brisket and give them something nice to smell . Sometimes I’ll cook bacon out on the flattop on the deck.

Seriously though I’ve will snow blow driveways if I’m out and already dressed. Last storm I did 3 neighbors driveways.

The biggest thing I do is respect their property and hope they return the favor. That’s really the only rule people need to get along.

 

[ning]

One side neighbor, I tried to be neighborly when he moved in and offered to help with his water system (well -> holding tank -> pump -> house) which was having problems. He basically ignored me; I tried. He moved but has renters which don't show their faces...
Back neighbor I've mentioned before, he likes? to start burn piles he can't immediately control. Hasn't burned the place down yet. I wouldn't lend him tools for what should be obvious reasons.

New neighbors on the other side though are very nice, and I've volunteered and helped a few times already since they moved in last year. Particularly, pulling big scotch broom plants in their meadow... it's not altruism though as those will "infect" my land .They're super busy with a bunch of kids+work but regardless I don't expect anything in return, but they're nice to talk to here and there, very friendly - that's worth a lot IMO.