Paranoid Yankee on Next Door

Next Door is a treasure trove of madness. This post from a proud New Jersey transplant made me laugh:

This morning, I decided not to go to my usual walking track but walk around my neighborhood.  I love my home and have great neighbors and for those who wave and smile - that's what I love and enjoy.  

But for other interested parties who don't know me, let me assure you because I know it is sooo very important to many here - that Black woman in the black sweatpants, with the white stripe, white tee shirt and baseball cap – that was me.  

Yes, I did stop and look at some of the nicer homes and yards; but let’s be clear, I was not casing your home - I have my own, Thank You very much., and it's better than many I saw.  

Some of y’all need to tighten up your lawns. though. 

Oh, and I passed by some of your cars, which you had parked on the street, which makes no sense.  

Though I looked at your vehicle, mine is better, and suits me fine.  Clear your driveway so you don't have to park on the street; the driveway is yours; the street is not. You can reduce the chance that you think someone is looking at it suspiciously.  

Oh, and while I was out, some of your kids were waiting for the school bus.  Empty nester here who has NOOOO interest in even engaging with your child; just walking by; but I did have to pass by 2x - going and coming back.

However, having heard how some of them speak to YOU as you encourage them to 'freely express’ themselves translates into the vulgarity they use on the bus with the other kids out of your earshot.   

Oh, and the big Black Ford 250 that passed me several times, plate number I won’t disclose, you did remind me that walking while Black is real. 

However, I may just walk this path tomorrow, ... just so you know...

After 97 comments some apologetic others pointing out her attitude was showing the writer decided to close the post to further comments but left with this final thought:

So to close this out...So much love to all who responded.  My post was a pre-emptive recognition against the suspicion and paranoia that gets shared by those who make assumptions that strangers in the neighborhood are casing houses or cars or looking at children for predatorial purposes if they pass by more than once.  

Too often assumptions have been made and posted because someone different is in the area; yet with no due diligence before setting off panic messages. 

I have no issue with those who disagree or were offended by my post; differences of opinion is who we all are, and so truly welcome and invited.  

However, I knew love would be the first response and the last response, - the alpha and omega - that of loving they neighbor…