In late 2019, the owners of the home next store moved out their renters. The renters were a nice multi-generational family whose friendship we enjoyed and we were disappointed to see them go. The owners claimed they were going to be moving back in after doing some work. The work didn’t start before the pandemic when it could have, and then didn’t start until December, by which time the pandemic seemed like some kind of excuse not to be doing the work. Finally, some work got done and the owner’s plans suddenly changed. They were approached by the neighbors from a few doors down, and a month later, the neighbors from a few doors down have become our next-door neighbors. There is now a car in the double-wide driveway we share, which is a bummer for the kids who had grown used to the extra space they’ve had for so long. There is now a teenager living in the garage apartment 10 feet from where I’m writing and the teenager’s stereo is now hooked up. I am anxious about things to come with the really loud bass emanating even with the doors closed, but for now, I’m reflecting on how nice it’s been for me and the family to have had so much space and quiet for the past year+.
