When we moved into this house in the winter of 2004 we were told that the three lots to our left would most likely be sold and built on within eighteen months. Six years went by and there was absolutely no activity on those lots other than kids riding loud motor bikes, building dirt ramps for their bicycles, and a host of other stuff by bratty neighborhood kids.
That all changed this spring when signs appeared on the three lots and before long the one in the middle was marked "sold".
Crap. We were going to get new neighbors.
And my view was going to be gone. Now, to be fair, it wasn't really a view but more an open space/sky "view" that provided us privacy and a clearer shot of the sunset.
At first I was annoyed. I realize that annoyance was misdirected, but I was annoyed that someone was building on the lot next to me (how dare they!). I was annoyed that we would have neighbors on that side with noisy kids (our neighbors to the right of us are about as ideal as they get!). I was annoyed that a certain level of privacy, while I still have plenty, would be lost. (I did feel better when I realized the windows facing our house are limited to very high...and very small...family room windows, master bedroom windows, and a sliding glass door. Luckily, our house has almost no windows that face the west except for a window in our master "foyer" and our back door. However, it definitely affects our "outdoor living".)
Then, I was jealous. Ah, a new house again. The thrill of watching your house being built. All the newness of floors, cabinets, and carpets. The empty canvas of landscaping possibilities. The excitement of moving stuff into a brand new house. Suddenly my floors seemed more scratched, my cabinets in desperate need of cleaning, and my entire house in need of a fresh paint job (thanks in part to our renters...thanks guys). Sigh.
I got over the jealousy part and I have also got accustomed to the ugly brown house being there now too. What I did realize is that we need to plant some new trees in that corner that we have put off for too long and probably shouldn't have (oh well). Our plan over the next year would be to plant a total of six new trees...all along the one fence line...with three of them in direct relation to the new house...not only to cover up some of their house and windows, but to provide us with more privacy in our own yard.
The "view" before...again, not so much of a view as it is an open feeling of unlimited privacy. There is one plus side to this house being built: it will limit almost entirely the wild neighbor boys who cause havoc on these dirt lots!!!
The "view" from our back door.
The "view" from our patio...
Goodbye empty lots...
This is the shot of our new neighbors from the only other window that faces that side...our master bedroom "foyer".
And up, up it goes. Dammit.
There it is. The "view" we have now. Boo.
It'll never be quite the same, but we'll survive.
The just-about-completed house as it looks from our patio/back door now. At least they have some trees that provide some privacy for both of us.
(I still prefer an empty lot...)
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