A couple of notes:
Homeowner's Association Board= I agreed to go on the board because I wanted a say in how the thing is run. I've seen other HAB's run amok. That won't happen while I'm on the board. Consider it a form of infiltration.
Neighbor who offered to take in the knucklehead = It's not positive he'll take her up on the offer. She's generally a nice person, nice to talk with. I think she's extremely lonely, though. If she gets you stopped she'll talk your ear off. She's known for taking in strays who are down on their luck. This is the first one with a criminal/violent history that I've heard of.
I just can't for the life of me fathom how someone could invite trouble into their own house that way... when her grandkids stay with her for stretches at a time. There's just something in my head that refuses to rationalize bringing someone into the house who is nefarious, associates with criminals, and will be staying with you and your little grandkids. I don't think it's a romantic thing but rather companionship. Loneliness would only push me so far, though, but I'm solitary by nature. Heck, with my own family, job, and extended dependents I can't get enough alone time.
These characters aren't drug lords. They're small time punks. They aren't dealing in front of the houses. Around here they use cell phones and make housecalls... so I'm told by my students. They do bring in a lot of traffic at night and during the weekends and I've no doubt some of those are under the influence of chemicals. Obviously some of those people are armed, stupid, and have friends willing to gang up with them to intimidate/attack/rob/whatever. I really don't want to see the small time break-ins and vandalism we have around here from time to time escalate into something worse. I appreciate all the feedback. I'm not in panic mode, I'm just irked and confounded. Irked that other peoples' irresponsible choices mean that me and mine are at a higher risk, angry that I have to spend more energy and stress for such a stupid thing. I liked living in a quiet little neighborhood where the biggest problems were people not cleaning up after their dogs and people not maintaining their fences.
So, I'm making notes, keeping eyes open. When the kids are outside so am I. When my mom comes by for dinner or my wife is headed out I'm there. I've ramped up the vigilance a few notches.
I guess this isn't the time to start griping about the stripper who lives on the other side of me. <sigh>
