Neighbors from you-know-where, anyone?

[leggo_my_legs]

The cameras seem to be working already. Your hideous neighbors don't know the cameras don't record.

Maybe I could have gotten the same result with entirely fake cameras! A guilty mind works overtime. Yeah, it is a bummer to have to spend time documenting, but I agree with you, such things are hugely helpful if one needs them. My gardener is going to write a letter to me describing the cigarettes on my property, as he noticed them too. Today I wrote a second letter to the landlord, sent her a copy of the first which she claimed never to have received, and basically requested an immediate resolution. Not holding my breath on that one, but I needed to request it.

Yawny, yes there is great relief in having the installation! I thought I'd be sorry I got the more expensive HD cameras, but I'm actually glad. I love them. It gives me a feeling of control that is difficult to find when I am struggling with feeling off balance by others' unpredictable actions. You are sage in your advice to try to distance myself from it. It's hard because I feel like I constantly have to protect myself so it's always on my mind (i.e. recording on my cell phone every time I take the dog out, have to maintain myself in a certain state of mind all the time, on guard, don't respond whatever they do, etc. Pain in the butt!).

[badnights]

leggo, you've already touched on this, but the more I read what you write about them, the more I worry that their paranoid and erratic behavior and extreme aggressiveness means they're using/making meth. Or something that causes the same kind of behavior. Meth heads are very scary people to be around because of their paranoia and unpredictability. The best bet is to avoid any and all interactions with them, and if there is any evidence that their kids are in danger, get the appropriate Child Welfare / Social Services agency involved. Hopefully eviction would follow. Easier said than done. At least you can avoid all direct interactions.

[Yankiwi]

… the more I read what you write about them, the more I worry that their paranoid and erratic behavior and extreme aggressiveness means they're using/making meth.

That would make an entirely new level of neighbors from hell. Meth (called P in New Zealand) is prevalent these days but I really hope they are not making/using.

[leggo_my_legs]

Hi Beth,

Thanks, I've had that thought as well. The camera guy that they were harassing said one was very skinny and he suspected drugs.

Tonight there was another incident. As I was returning from walking my dog, one of the men started filming me on his cell phone and saying loudly, "I've got you on camera! I'm filmin'! I'm filmin'!" I didn't say anything. They are very much trying to get me to engage verbally. But I never do. I always have my cell phone on and videoing when I'm outside now to protect myself, so I filmed him filming me for a brief second, went inside, and promptly filed another sheriff report for harassment. It's legal to video someone where I live, but why would you do it in such an antagonizing way after going off about them having video cameras installed a few days ago? For just walking? Really? I wasn't even walking BY their house, I was coming from the other direction. They are retaliating because they are SO MAD about my video cameras. They swore they were getting their own cameras. They are like a mad nest of hornets.

It really is hellish, I can't go outside without fearing verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, etc. It's totally unpredictable. To the point where I dread coming home, going outside, etc.

[badnights]

They might not last long...

How old are the kids? teens?

[leggo_my_legs]

No, they're little. The little one I hear screaming is about 4 I think. Does not seem to be doing well at all emotionally. Screams all the time out of rage and frustration; doesn't use words much. I actually heard an incident tonight when I was taking out my trash that I called in, she was screaming and I heard thuds, like being hit, or throwing things. The other kid is maybe 6 or 7 and seems better off.

Reminded me I heard the little girl screaming over the weekend at 1:45 am!!! I suppose it could have been a night terror or something but given how she is during the day I'm concerned. I was hesitant to report for fear of further retaliation. Normally I would straight up call the cops if I heard screaming like that. I reported it tonight and now I'm freaking terrified. Tried to write it neutrally so they don't know it's me but of course they will. Afraid for myself and my dog.

Glad you said something though badnights because I was having those concerns and thought maybe I was over-reacting.

Now I *really* can't sleep. I guess I should be hopeful that they won't try to hurt me or my property because the no trespassing signs stopped the cigarettes, ie at least they realize they don't want to go to jail. But I don't know, when kids are involved people freak out and do crazy things. Hopefully they will just try to make an accusation that I'm abusing my dog or something (my vet will definitely refute this) and we'll be done with it.

[peanut1]

Leggo,
This sounds like a very stressful situation! I do congratulate you on reporting the child incident to the proper authorities as stressful as that may be.
Kathy

[leggo_my_legs]

Thanks. I was able to check in with another neighbor, who agrees about the safety concerns, which made me feel a lot more sane. This neighbor is willing to step up and advocate to a degree.

One amazing thing is how short my neighbors' memory is. Today they were out there griping loudly about their perception that they can't even walk around their own backyard without being videotaped. They read me the riot act in expletives and then think they're being persecuted when I take steps to secure my property. Bizarre-o.

[badnights]

Believe me, you did the right thing about the kids. Do what you can to ensure their safety.

[ViewsAskew]

How's the neighbor situation now? Any better?

[peanut1]

Yes, how is it going for you now leggo?

Kathy

[leggo_my_legs]

Views & peanut, how sweet of you to think of me. Thanks.

I still can't stand them. I use my earplugs when it gets to be too much. They haven't threatened me recently. They are, I think, barely holding it together.

They're not worth my time or energy...That's my new attitude. I went away two weekends in a row awhile back, and that helped me get some perspective. It's very uncomfortable living next to them since they're so disrespectful. But whatever. I figure eventually their screaming kids will grow up in a few years and not scream as much. Also we've had a heat wave, so they haven't been outside as much which is nice.

When I stopped letting them get to me so much and just started treating them as irrelevant as they actually are, it got better. They do still stop what they're doing and stare when I walk by with my dog, which is annoying and intimidating.

[ViewsAskew]

Sounds like you are doing the best you can to control your part of it. Good to hear.

[badnights]

Bizarre, isn't it, how things get better once we cease to care. "Darn it all, now that I don't care, it doesn't matter that things are better!" Or so I often think that I should think; but I don't really think it, because I no longer care.

[legsbestill]

If only we could bottle that 'I don't care' attitude and sell it.