Head Start To Fall?

I woke up this morning to the sound of a neighbor getting a head start on those Fall chores. There seems to be an unwritten code of conduct in this neighborhood that states, "Thou shall not have one leaf in Thy yard and Thou shall covet Thy neighbor's leaf- free grass."

Last year, since we were new to the area, we were unaware of this code. Since then we have been ostracized by our surrounding dwellers.

We no longer get the friendly wave when driving by, but instead a disgruntled nod. Most often, they look away in disgust. For we are the neighbors who don't rake our leaves. There, I admitted it.

Perhaps, there is a support group hidden in the outskirts of town. Where other neighbors can share in their neglectful ways . I love this season, don't get me wrong. But, the minute I saw the first leave fall, I felt all those feelings of inadequacy come rushing in.

We are not good enough neighbors.

This year we vow to abide by the code and also get a head start.

We bought a leaf blower.