I-hope-you-don't-think-I'm-being-nosey: but!!!

The first summer I moved here, I bought chickens. Now, I adore my neighbour: kind, thoughtful, polite, no trouble at all.

Year One: "I hope you don't think I'm being nosey ... but ... we adore watching your chickens in the garden!".

Second year, we introduced ducks.

Year Two: "I hope you don't think we're being nosey ... but ... we love sitting at our bedroom window watching the ducks! Even my clients enjoy watching while they work from the 'workshop'!"

Last Autumn, we acquired our rescue dog.

Third year: "I hope you don't think we're nosey ... but ... it's wonderful watching your dog in the garden!"

Polite response: "No! Of course not!"
Year one, thoughts: Really? You're watching my garden?
Year two, thoughts: Really, really? You are making an appointment, to gather as a family to stare into my garden? And, encouraging your clients, too?
Year three, thoughts: Really? Really! Really!!!????? Yes, you are nosey! Stop staring in my garden!!! (I just haven't found a way to actually say this though )

Being overlooked is one thing - it happens no matter where you live; being "told" you are being overlooked/watched is a bit ... hmm ... uncomfortable, I think!

Not something I have encountered before.

Any thoughts?

 

I think it's better that the neighbours like your chickens, ducks and rescue dog! I can imagine the moaning from my neighbours if there were chickens and ducks in my garden. Still, it's a bit creepy that you're being watched though - I think it would make me feel just a touch uncomfortable!

 

That's nearly as creepy as "Please hold the line while we try to connect you, the number you're calling knows you are waiting."

Try saying back to them, I hope you don't think i'm nosey, but I've been using Google street view to look in your upstairs bedroom.

See how they like it

 

Yeah, on the one hand, it does have an "uncomfortable" feel about it; but, by that same token, if we were being watched for any "unsavoury" reasons ... then, I'm sure he wouldn't even have mentioned it?

And you are quite right, I am very fortunate that the neighbour enjoys my chooks, quackers and woofer; without complaint! Oh the joys of having a large garden!

 

That's true, I guess they mean well Still like to mess with them a bit though

 

Trouble is, Zigs, wouldn't be much of a head-mess when they realise Google isn't (yet!) *that* clever

 

Dig a hole about 7ft long, 3ft wide and just a few feet deep. Do it at dusk. Stand there for a moment admiring it, then turn to face them as they watch from their bedroom window and give them a big cheesy grin. Do it on a rainy night. Better still if its thundering.

 

Mr M is on a full 8 night stretch of shifts ... that could prove interesting! Very, interesting!!!

 

We moved away from overly-nosey neighbours. They even built a 'spy house' that completely overlooked our back garden & our bedroom. I like my privacy, we're overlooked by cows & sheep now

 

You want to watch them you know.

 

That's the thing, Ellen. I'm not convinced they are "overly" nosey, and, at least they are upfront about it (which is saying something!) - they could spy in my bedroom anytime they like: they would be very disappointed! I'm hardly "Babe Station" material! Yet, they would have to work hard just to achieve a 'glimmer' in that particular direction!

Prior to moving here, my neighbour(s!) were intrusive, noisy, couldn't care less, selfish, n'er do wells; so, reducing the direct neighbour encounter to just one is sheer luxury! The fact that, aside from admitting they have moments of staring into my garden, on the whole they are the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful and least offensive people I have ever encountered.

Hmm, maybe they are a telling me, that in a subtle way of reminding me, that I am still overlooked and should, perhaps, do something about it? (NOT that I do anything in my garden that would cause any offense if overlooked! )

 

Now that IS creepy.

 

Maybe they are just letting you know in a very nice way that they don't have any problems with your chickens, ducks, dog, etc. in your garden, when some awkward sods would be complaining to Environmental Health/Planning Department/DEFRA/etc.

 

Thank you, Scrungee: good point; well presented!

 

I totally agree with Scrungee, just be VERY thankful that they are friendly, and upfront about the fact that they like watching your animals, so just don't think about it, at least it would be hard for anyone to break in and steal from you without them seeing!!!! Seriously, you have a lot to be thankful for, I wouldn't mind living next to friendly folk like those!!

Val