Distorted Balcony View

Our previous rental was a dump and was filled with people who weren't very nice. Unfortunately at that time in our lives, it was all we could afford. We got fed up with all the trash, loud music and yelling late at night, robbery, and the horrendous smell of cigarettes that crept inside our unit. To better our lives, my husband found a second job and our little family moved to a quiet apartment complex within our son's school district.

What won me over was the gorgeous view of the lake. In the center was a fountain that made the water ripple, and sparkle like diamonds in the sun. I initially thought the unit we were being shown was too small for us, but when I saw that it had a cute, small balcony with a breathtaking view of the lake, I accepted it in a heartbeat.

November  2011

My balcony has been my personal sanctuary. I love feeling the breeze up there, watching the birds fly around, and lounging around with my cats and coffee. Every morning, I feed the ducks some stale bread or plain crackers. After doing this for a year, it has been a ritual, so they always expect it. They wait outside, looking up at my apartment, ready to chow down. It's amusing to see ducks wag their tails like puppies when they're excited. To them, it must be like Mardi Gras. ("Throw me something, human!")

About six months ago, the fountain stopped working. The lake doesn't sparkle like it did before since the water is no longer moving. Residents have been asking about when it might be repaired, but management never seems to know the answer. At bedtime, especially now during these summer months, the frogs kept us awake. The traffic down the street is a bit louder than before as well. But that's okay; we bought a copper oscillating fan to block out the noise.

Oh well, at least the view is still beautiful¾until what I saw today changed the view.

I was going to water my plants, but stopped before I could even step outside. I saw our new first floor neighbors with their fishing rods, beer, and cigarettes.

Now I don't have a problem with anyone who wants to drink beer, smoke, and fish. Fine. Whatever. The problem I DO have is when people don't clean up their mess. Honestly, if I would have seen that upon moving in, I would have asked for my deposit back. The grass outside their balcony is littered with cigarette butts and beer tabs. I'd hate to see the inside of their home. Thank goodness I don't have to.

I really didn't mean to come across as rude, but I was completely caught off guard when I saw him fishing in the very lake I've come to love. The grand finale is when he tossed his cigarette into the water. I know I must have looked like a nosy neighbor, but I just HAD to say something to that man.

I wish that this sign was in front of our lake!

When I first moved in, I was told that fishing was not allowed; that the lake was only a feature that beautified the premises. Boy was I was shocked when he told me that he was allowed to fish. I asked him if he was ever told that throwing cigarettes into the lake was not allowed. He responded, "No, but thanks for being our watcher."

*Sigh*

I shouldn't have been so cross with the man. I wrote him a sincere letter explaining that I only meant to do the neighborly thing by helping him out before someone else ratted on him. I taped it to his door. Hopefully, he won't be throwing cigarettes in the lake anymore, but I somehow doubt it.

I'll update on this later.

Now for the update (June 19):
Well, I haven't seen any fishing going on. There are still cigarettes on the ground, but at least they're not throwing anything in the lake. It would be marvelous if they'd stop smoking altogether. Being smoke-free certainly helps Mother Nature and all her creatures, including us humans.