Holidays In The Suburbs: Of Discord & Delivery Trucks & Discernment

/ Ally Bean

WELP, considering what a year this has been…

it’s no surprise, really, that as we approach the end of December there is discord amongst the ± 3,000 suburbanites here in Mom Trails.

Some residents are not happy with what the HOA has done. This time.

The story of this holiday discord is set in our multi-acre hilly subdivision where, from what I can tell, no one shops in stores, everyone shops online.  From mid-November through December, UPS & FedEx deliver here almost daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

~ ~ • ~ ~

“When I’m worried and cannot sleep, 

I count my blessings instead of sheep, 

And I fall asleep counting my blessings.”

~ ~ • ~ ~

TO KEEP things simple… 

UPS & FedEx have put large plain storage units in the four flat pool parking lots.  These storage units have all been discretely placed away from the street, close to the pool houses where you barely notice them as you go by.

Then multiple times throughout the day the large delivery trucks, that we usually see on our curvy streets, go to these units where the drivers drop-off copious amounts of stuff, while door-to-door delivery people drive around the subdivision in cute energy-efficient golf carts delivering the stuff to each house.

~ ~ • ~ ~

“When my bankroll is getting small, 

I think of when I had none at all, 

And I fall asleep counting my blessings.”

~ ~ • ~ ~

I LOVE this idea because…

1) it keeps the large delivery trucks from blocking traffic on our streets during the day [safety];  and 2) these companies have paid the HOA for the right to put these storage units in the unused pool parking lots [cha-ching].

However, neighbors who do not know how to count their blessings are displeased to see the allegedly tacky storage units around the subdivision, and are trying to stop what the HOA has already contracted to do.

*shakes head at the stupid*

So it is with this little glimpse into my holiday suburban world, that I leave you, my gentle readers, with the following musical number that melodiously encapsulates my opinion on this latest HOA controversy.

~ • ~

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE

I’ll catch up with you in January. 

~ • ~

70 thoughts on “Holidays In The Suburbs: Of Discord & Delivery Trucks & Discernment”

  2. The delivery services have a very clever idea there, and the arrangement will probably have to continue well into January (returns and exchanges). But, you can’t please all the people all the time. Counting blessings does help. Have a great Holidays.

    Liked by 1 person

    • bobcabkings, I think this delivery idea is genius. I see no downside, but then I’m not a Fussy McWhinypants so I would like it! Nothing better than a little HOA controversy to get me chuckling. Happy Holidays to you and yours, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I had two criteria when we started looking for houses earlier this year. 1, I needed an office space, and 2, no HOA. It invites trouble from snooty residents that complain when an efficiency (that probably makes money for the HOA that results in lower fees) is perceived as negative. They should stop ordering crap online and having it shipped, then the containers would go away…. but that’s too logical.

    Liked by 4 people

    • w1nt3l, now you know you can’t use logic to solve a problem like this one. 😉 Fussy people gotta fuss.

      Overall I have no problem with our HOA and I like the idea that this arrangement is giving us some extra money. But I’m practical… so what do expect?

      Liked by 2 people

  4. I could not agree more with the previous commenter…. HOA’s are evil and infringe on the rights of people to live on their property as they wish. To be fair, I’m also not that happy about city ordinances (You must keep your grass shorter than yea high or risk being fined into poverty) that effectively act as a city-wide HOA to harass homeowners and collect Christmas party money for City Hall.

    This inability to count blessings that you described is exactly what I think of when someone mentions a Homeowners Association….

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    • evilsquirrel13, I hear what you’re saying. I never thought of city ordinances as being a form of HOA but they are. That being said, this particular HOA is the mellowest one we’ve lived with [under?]. They seem most concerned with safety, indifferent to all the other superficial crap that some HOAs go goofy over. I like this delivery truck arrangement, so on this point I give the HOA a thumbs up.

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  5. What a great idea! I don’t know how those people can complain. Some people don’t like change. They’ll just have to get used to it. They need to think of the people that have limited incomes and can’t even think about ordering online. Blessings, blessings, blessings! Merry Christmas Ally and Zen Den!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Beth, I knew that you’d see the wisdom in this one. WE’RE MAKING MONEY FOR DOING NOTHING. How is this not a blessing? But Fussy McWhinypants neighbors see it differently. Honestly…

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    • nancy, that’s it exactly. If you’ve got a bit of logic in your brain and a bit of perspective on life, then this is a wonderful idea. Blessings, people! Count your blessings.

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  7. HOAs aren’t all bad. I like neighbors who keep their property clean and prefer that someone else nudges them. The only bad part is that they are run by people and it all depends on who those people are. I think this was ingenious. Has anyone pointed out to the McWhinypants that they will end up with BIG trucks rumbling down their road multiple times a day. On day I had two DIFFERENT FedEx trucks deliver different packages simultaneously. One delivery guy said “I know this looks weird and inefficient but there’s a logical explanation.” I never found out what it was but I got both packages and I was happy. There are bigger problems to worry about. Merry Christmas!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Kate, I’ve lived in subdivisions with good HOAs [this one] and bad HOAs [elsewhere] so I agree with you. This group has their priorities straight [safety is #1] and helps smooth over those awkward homeowner moments when a neighbor is being a complete ass about something.

      The McWhinypants are put out because they don’t like how things look, and seem oblivious to the pleasure one can take from not having large trucks around all day. They just want to be in a snit, from what I can tell.

      If you ever find out why the 2 trucks arrived simultaneously, I’d love to know. Years ago I had the same thing happen. Weird.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I suspect that they were contracted for the holiday rush and as such each received a shipment that slightly (?) overlapped. I can’t remember if they were driving the standard FedEx trucks or not. It happened 2 years ago and I barely remember what I had for breakfast! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  8. Definitely a great idea. City ordinances can be just as cumbersome as HOA’s but are less frequently enforced I think because after all a city is more difficult to police for small things. One more blessing for you to count, gave you a great topic for a post 🙂 Have a joyous Christmas, Ally, it has been fun getting to “know” you!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I think White Christmas has to be my second favorite Christmas movie. Good choice for a neighborly reminder. Perhaps hooking up a set of loud speakers and blasting the song through out the neighborhood might help give folks some perspective? ;-).

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dana, now there’s an idea! When I first heard about this disagreement, this song is what immediately popped into my head. Seems like it has the proper attitude for the holiday season and this newfangled way of delivering packages. *eye roll*

      Liked by 1 person

  12. First world problems for your neighbors, eh? I’m amazed that UPS and FedEx would do something that cool – but sadly not shocked that some of the neighbors are whining about it. Have yourself a merry little Christmas and keep counting those blessings instead of sheep.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I think that is a WONDERFUL idea. The delivery trucks, all of whom are trying to race around the clock to make drop-offs before guaranteed shipments expire have come close to taking me, my kids, and especially the dog out as they weave through our streets.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Allie P, while out walking I’ve had the same close encounter with those trucks, so I love this idea, too. And when it comes to driving around those large trucks on our hilly streets… well, it’s dicey. So to take away a hazard AND to get some money in the process seems smart to me. But there are always those naysayers who have to whine.

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        • I think that decorating these storage units is the perfect solution to this nonsensical problem. Next year, if the HOA does this again, I’m going to suggest it. Would love to see photo of the port-a-john a la Christmas– for inspiration, of course. 😉

          Liked by 2 people

  14. Wait. You mean the residents are crabbing EVEN THOUGH THEY STILL GET PORCH DELIVERY OF THEIR PACKAGES?

    GIVE ME STRENGTH.

    Here’s what happens where we have our lakehouse:

    Mail is delivered to a central building in the neighborhood where we have a box. If we get a package, it is left in a locker and a key for the locker is put in our box. If it is too large or there are no lockers left, WE HAVE TO DRIVE INTO TOWN AND GO TO THE POST OFFICE FOR IT.

    Holy crap, people, get a grip on your Sense Of Entitlement.

    Liked by 1 person

    • nance, yes our packages are delivered to our front doors OR in front of our garage doors, depending on size. It’s wonderful, and this arrangement with the delivery companies is also bringing in $$$ to the HOA.

      We lived in apartments where what you described was the only way to get packages. Once you live with that for a few years, this suburban delivery is a dream… as long as you have the sense to count your blessings.

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  15. It’s hard to believe that someone would have a snit about something so minor (was their view affected?) and temporary. The way you described it, it appears to be a good solution to a larger problem. Oh well, I guess I’m just glad not to live in an HOA development… although it is nice when they “encourage” the homeowners to keep their properties in good repair.

    But, some people need to complain to feel better about themselves, I guess. I agree with you, I am happier when I’m counting my blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Retirementallychallenged, yes, some of the homeowners look out their windows at the pool parking lots, so they’re seeing these storage units. Of course, these same people see cars and bikes and noodles all summer long at the pool which doesn’t seem to bug them.

      I think that you’re right, some people just have to complain to feel good about themselves. Not me. I like counting blessings. So much easier to do!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Good gravy.
    After having an HOA in suburbia, we decided neither was suited to us. The things people get their knickers in a twist about. I mean, really. People, people, people.

    Liked by 1 person

    • joey, this particular HOA has been the best one we’ve experienced. They have one concern, really, and that concern is safety. But neighbors who are Fussy McWhinypants have to fuss, so this delivery truck situation is made for their grumbling. Like you said, Good gravy!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. HOAs and suburban snits. Sounds like one in our neighborhood who wanted to force everyone to straighten up any leaning trees in their yards….it got into “Just what is the acceptable degree of leaning?” before the board finaly ran screaming away from the busybody.
    Keeping so many big trucks off the neighborhood streets sounds like a great idea to me – epecially with all the school kids out (It’s good enough weather for them to be outside most of the time here.)
    The big problem here is porch pirates stealing boxes as fast as they are put by the door….the same people would probably hijack the golf carts and hurt the drivers. Always grinches ruining everything. Sigh.
    Box up this year and have a very Merry Christmas!

    Liked by 1 person

    • philmouse, the story of the leaning trees made me laugh out loud. I soooo get that.

      [I have a similar story from decades ago about the acceptable size of mulch pieces around tree trunks vs bushes. WHATEVER!]

      I’m sorry to learn about porch pirates. We’ve not had that happen… yet, I suppose. In the meantime, I’m onboard with this arrangement of the golf carts on my streets instead of the big delivery trucks. I like feeling safe as I walk and drive around.

      Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you, too.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Just wrapping things up …
        Waiting for sunset on Christmas Eve is like standing toes-over-the-edge on a high diving board.
        Every year we’d cruise casually by the window to keep an eye on the sun’s progress until it was officially evening.
        Then the shout “Christmas Eve Gift!” would ring out.
        You see, the traditions says that the first person to voice that phrase on Christmas Eve to another would be graced with good fortune and joy all the next year.
        (And of course, whomever was first won. Everything was a contest…)
        It’s more difficult to be first now with caller ID.
        As all those who have become my friends in blogland are spread widely across time zones, I’d like to wish you all “Christmas Eve Gift” now.
        And as I already feel so fortunate to have such wonderful readers and writers in this neighborhood, I wish to share any phrase acquired good fortune and joy with you in thanks.
        No matter where you are or what you are guided by, hope you have a very merry Christmas and a new year full of adventure and joy.
        Peace on earth and goodwill towards all creatures great and small.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Great post Ally!

    Merry Christmas/Happy New Year/Happy Holidays… etc

    I live adjacent to a US highway (2 lane) with Wal-Mart to the east and the rest of town to the west. Snow plows have made frequent trips up down the hwy and the UPS and FedEx have visited the subdivision (including my home) on a regular basis, ice skating along with the rest of us around the 90 degree turns which intersect cul-de-sacs.

    Have a great week and see you in 2017!

    Regards

    Jim

    Liked by 1 person

  20. People, they are enough to drive us nuts, aren’t they? We had to fight our development police to paint our house a beautiful blue/gray with cedar and cream trim. Because it wasn’t a variation of beige. Can’t fix the stupid.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, I like how your house looks! It’s pretty. We’re lucky because our HOA has no power over color, they focus more on safety. Which is how this arrangement with the delivery services started. To keep large trucks off the streets. But wouldn’t you know, some of our neighbors aren’t pleased. Stupid, indeed.

      Like

  21. I was wondering what HOA stands for, now I know … I live in a complex in Johannesburg and we have a board of trustees who keep their beady eye/s on everything …

    Now that we’re down at the sea at our holiday home and our sons and daughter-in-law are with us, I’m fairly amazed at how often there are deliveries. It’s such a good service.

    I loved to read about golf carts doing the deliveries on the hilly and icy roads – ingenious. Decorating the ware-houses is a great idea too. Let the whinypants moan about that –

    A very merry Christmas to you and family Ally Bean – and may 2017 bring all sorts of surprises, unexpected and expected, and all good …

    Liked by 1 person

    • Susan, not all subdivisions around here have Home Owners Associations, and not all HOAs are terrible, but most people do not like them on principle. [Sorry I didn’t define this term earlier. My bad.]

      I think our HOA’s latest arrangement with the delivery services is brilliant. We’re making money and we’re making my life safer, so what’s not to like? However, there are always a few Fussy McWhinypants in every group, so who knows if we’ll do it next year.

      But if we do repeat this arrangement, I’m going to suggest that we have a contest in which the kids decorate the storage units. No would dare complain about what the kids did because this is, after all, Mom Trails. [My casual nickname for this subdivision with a more formal official name.]

      Happy Holidays to you, too. Make it a good one– and remember to count your blessings! 🙂

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  22. Sounds like an awesome idea to me. A lot of people are bitter about things changing even if it’s for the better but if it stays they’ll get used to it eventually. happy holidays to you 🙂

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    • lindsey, I like this idea, too. But I’m pragmatic, so I tend to like anything that helps the majority! Don’t know if the HOA will be doing this next year, but if it happens I’m sure there will be another blog post in it. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. HOA Controversy ha! That cracks me up … there seem to be plenty of those going around. Someone always finds something to complain about and then it becomes drama. But at least you can count your blessings and find a way to turn the corner when HOA gets crazy. Have a good holiday!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Your “mom’s” should count themselves lucky. We have a hilly and rolling large subdivision and we get a call from FED-EX/UPS to meet the delivery guy at the entrance from 4:30 to 5:30 and they ask us to RSVP. I guess that way the trucks don’t have to maneuver the snow and ice. I also think it is a good idea to keep packages from being stolen.

    Liked by 1 person

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