New Neighbors

"This door frame is solid oak. I would rather you didn't drill any holes into it."
But oak is strong. It will hold the screws that much better.
"It's a selling point. If you don't buy the house, I lose part of my investment."
Oh...
O.K.
(No, I didn't. This is business. Any alterations on my part are submitted for his approval beforehand.)
Though I am free to make any 'improvements' I seem fit according to my lifestyle, Ed and I don't always agree on what qualifies as an 'improvement', so I bring it to him first.
Example: To me, Cat Doors (any Cat Door, anywhere), are an improvement. Ed is not always so sure about that. I am also a fan of bi-fold doors. Call me weird, but were it up to me, every door in the house would be a folding door. It's a fetish, I guess.
Like I said: This is business first. Friendship comes last in the list of priorities. I will not have it any other way.
If a buddy is willing to invest his cash in my future, I will honor that in every way possible.
I don't want him to lose a dime on my behalf, and I will remain committed to that principle.
I'm just amused at some of our differences. We don't see the property through the same lens, therefore I'm learning a lot.
This is a good thing.

One of the neighbor couples came over to present themselves and welcome me to the neighborhood.
"I hear you're into construction."
They lied.
"hahahahahahahahaha..."
I'm into de-wallpapering and painting.
"We heard the saw going late the other night."
Yeah, I was building some risers so my father-in-law could get into the house.

The neighbor directly across came by three days ago:
"Have you seen my cat?"
Umm... No.
What's it look like?
"She got out three days ago. I hope a coyote didn't get her."
It's a rural area. Maybe she's just enjoying the freedom.
(Yeah, right. Even I know his cat will most likely be found in a pile of 'yote scat.)
Same guy, name is 'Bob', came by again this morning, walking his fat little dog on a rope.
My home backs on to a greenbelt, and there is no back fence (yet.)
The dog had a noticeable gash/bite/puncture wound in it's side.
Hi, Bob!
"Every morning, we take a walk. Usually, we go through the yard into the greenbelt. She likes to walk there. Would it be OK if we went through there?" (The house has been empty for over a year.)
I'm thinking... this idiot wants to continue to use my yard to walk his dog?
Well Bob... I expect to be moving in full time in a couple more days. And it is my home, ya know?
(Sure, I could have, maybe should have, gotten snippy at this request. But I gotta live across from this guy for a while. I decided diplomacy was the best route.)
So, instead of 'are fucking crazy!?'...
I continued:
I officially took possession May 1st, but after you see the U-Haul this Thursday, I would rather you didn't. Thank you for asking, though. I appreciate that.
What happened to the pooch? She looks injured.
"She got attacked last night."
Huh?
"I put her out to go potty, and something... a coyote or a wild cat, attacked her. We have an appointment in a little while to get her stitched up."
Examining the dog, I offered:
Likely a coyote. No scratch marks.
What time did you put her out?
"It was about 10:30 last night."
Don't do that.
(It turns out, he's a recent resident from the city. Moved in about five months ago. He don't know shit about rural life.)
Yer lucky she's so fat. Damn 'yote didn't know what he was biting into and she had time to escape. If you want to keep her, don't let her out after dark, or you go with her and carry a heavy stick.
The 'yote has your yard scoped out now. He won't make the same mistake next time.
"It was a rough night. Me and my wife didn't get any sleep, taking care of her..."
Dude, don't do that. Keep her in after dark.
"Yeah. I will now."
(Whatta dumbass.)
**Update: the vet thought the wound may have come from an owl talon. After more thought, I think an owl might be more likely.

The neighbors next door came by a few days ago. Kurt and Melinda.
He's a general contractor. She's a MILF.
Really, really, super-nice 30-something couple with three kids who seemed genuinely glad to meet me.
They were tight with the previous occupant and know all about the TLC issues that affect my new home.
"You were here at 10:00 last night. We heard the commotion."
That was just the drill and the hammer. I try to keep the saw quiet after dark. Sound seems to echo through the canyon.
"If you need anything, or need any help, just come on over."
Hehehehe... Dude... Your life will never be the same, again.