A little game we play in my neighborhood.

[Mr.Bill]

I live in a Senior mobile home park and have really great neighbors. You must be 55 to live here. Ages range upward to the 80s. Many people are not physically able to get out and do much. Some of us like me are fortunate to be in pretty good shape.

Every Thursday, the garbage trucks make their rounds. Some people are not really able to put their cans out on the street or bring them back in after being emptied, so we customarily help out those who need help.

It has now morphed into a game to see who can rush out and bring the cans in not only for those who need help, but for anyone who may not be home, or aware that the truck has been there. I just rushed out and brought in the cans for about six homes, as none of them were home. I now have bragging rights until next Thursday that I got out there first. Now the wait for the next truck to pick up the recycle cans.

Retirement is so fun I can hardly stand it.

[ret5hd]

1. I think someone may have "Tom Sawyer'ed" you!!!

[Mr.Bill]

2. Not really, we all do it.

Those of us who are able bodied enough, that is. And since the spaces are small, what I did this morning took about five minutes.

[multigraincracker]

3. Been thinking that'd be my next move.

Do you recommend it?

[Mr.Bill]

4. If you can find a nice park

that is well managed, yes. Ask around about mangement. How long has the current manager been on the job? Do managers come and go frequently? This can be a red flag. Try and meet your neighbors before you move in. Living close to nasty people can be bad news. I've been fortunate so far. We all get along on my street and look out for each other.

Sadly, be prepared to have neighbors die a little more frequently than in a regular neighborhood. There are 14 mobile homes on my street and in the seven years I've been here there have been seven deaths. I wasn't expecting that but with the age of the people I guess it's to be expected.

[blueinredohio]

5. I do that for my elderly neighbor too.

[Mr.Bill]

6. Good for you.

It's a nice gesture and is easy to do.

[blueinredohio]

11. I have to take the dog for a walk in the mornings.

So it doesn't hurt to take a few seconds to push it up the driveway.

[Mr.Bill]

7. Alright!

I got all the recycle cans, too. I am the king of the garbage until next Thursday.

[gratuitous]

8. You should rig up a "weekly prize" thingamabob

An ersatz wreath or laurel crown or something that the weekly champion can hang next to the front door during their reign.

[Mr.Bill]

9. That's not out of the question with these folks.

One of the elder ladies who is very frail occasionally sends me thank you notes attached to little bags of candy for my efforts.

[Hekate]

10. You sound like my husband -- he always keeps an eye out

[Tree Lady]

12. I live in a nice court

Know all 6 houses, the two at the end are us and older guy who is a widower. Guy next door IT works at home, new renters finally good ones that keep up yard working on Hunter internet, next two teachers, then new couple from Eugene (more progressives yay!)

My old neighbors would leave their garbage cans out in street all week, don't know why but bugged me. They were young but lazy. Every once in awhile i would put by their house while they were at work. Maybe its the not liking to look at garbage can all week thing. Thankfully they moved out!