Nightmare return from Holiday

[Anna Marie]

Uggh we have just returned from a very peaceful week in Cornwall to discover that the house opposite us in a very quiet cul-de-sac has been rented to a Family with 5 yes FIVE children under the age of 8. They are very loud and very noisy and the worst bit is that it has attracted every other kid in the District and when the parents drag them in if they get out of hand all the little yobs that have turned up from elsewhere stay outside and make a nuisance of themselves. Needless to say they are all older and rowdier.

I was going to phone the council but apparently, according to my neighbour, they dont deal with these sort of pests just wasp nests and rats.

[mithila]

Just curious to know... what would you have expected this council to do?

[Anna Marie]

I was being flippant ref 'Pest Controller'

[mithila]

Ah! Thank you. I was thinking about muzzles and leashes. They haven't yet discovered you. That's one blessing anyway. :)

[Paulafv]

If you don't want to fight them, charm them. Sit outside and draw them. Draw them in a group and draw them individually, and as you draw determine who the most powerful is. Draw him/her in greater detail, and ask if he will sit for a more detailed picture. It doesn't matter if drawing people is your best skill, they will be so happy to have anyone take notice, you will have found friends. You will be happier and so will they. Where else would you go to get free models? Once you get to know them, you may find yourself charmed.
When life gives lemons, what do you make? Lemonade, or lemon pie, yum.

Good luck and happy drawing.

[mithila]

Hmmmm... Paula, while certain strategies like identifying the ring leader seem very sound, I don't know about letting them too close to art supplies. :D Anyway, we'll wait for the drama to unfold; plenty of lemonade to wash down dozens of lemon pies, I'm sure. :lol:

[Drumbeat-trish]

Geez girl!!!!!! Look at them - listen to them - photograph them. We were all kids once and made noise ;-) If you get a chance really watch what they do -their games, their interactions. You can make a game of it yourself. Kids ROCK, but yep they can be a pain. Why do you think the hanger-oners are there? Is it something about one of the particular kids? is it a need in the neighbourhood?
Make a game out of it for yourself -get to know them.
I kinda know how you feel in a different way though. When we moved into our street it was sooooooooo quiet and we brought our kids lol. That was 12 years ago and the street has changed, but my kids get on with MOST of the neighbours ;-)

[Anna Marie]

I got lemonade today. It poured down with rain and the little darlings couldnt play outside. First time I have ever been pleased that it rained it cheered me up no end.

Although I did spare a thought for the poor woman across the road. I have been in that house when previously let and its not a very big house at all especially not for 5 small children probably chanting that infamous phrase ' I'M BORED!'

[dropkick]

I like the sound of little kids playing. It actually relaxes me.
-Though I did grow up near a grade school - maybe I'm conditioned like Pavlovs' dogs.

[Anna Marie]

oops

[ianuk]

Hanging is against the law now so I don't know what to suggest,

You thought of turning your hearing aid down, or not putting it in when they're around? :D

I can understand that you like peace and quiet though, as a holiday to Cornwall is equilvilent to a visit to the cemetery for me.

[Pea]

It does all seem to be just what we choose to accept & what we don't. Coming to accept what you have a preconceived notion NOT to is sure a tough one. I think put on that embracing attitude fast as it's hard to force it into existance later!
I speak from experience living the last 15 years on property very open to the public. The gardens also surround OUR house with paths that B & B guests often use. (though it really looks like one ought not to... my husband won't let me put up private signs around our house...) For all these years I still bristle when someone looks in my kitchen door or even just walks in, yet, I have a completely different attitude with the art center clientel - go where you will, set up an easel & paint my bathroom window if you want! Very strange of me I know. But see I'd predetermined both mind sets. I so very much cherish privacy and quiet. Maybe just because I can't have it. I very much understand your thought process and I bet so many people just think you're being intolerant. (this morning on my walk, people ignoring the leash law with a dog that jumped up on me. Yes I have the "nerve" to be annoyed with it/them. I'm not a dog person. Dog person would have thought it cute.) Whatever. Good Luck to you,:) - PEA

[ianuk]

omg Pea! You just stated you're not a dog lover, I admire your courage... :D

[Pea]

Wait we already did that thread! (I've liked many dogs before, I just have rules: No jumping up on, licking, crotch sniffing, or barking at air. !)