Once upon a time, in Small Town, AL, not too far from where I live, there was this house. The house was very run-down and the neighbors (see pretty brick house next door in picture) complained to the owner. The owner chose not to do anything about fixing up the pitiful house. A year went by with the neighbors complaining to the owner and still nothing was done. Finally, the neighbors all got together and complained to the city counsel about the house and the owners apathy. Their property values were decreasing and they demanded that something be done.....and so it was. The city officials cited the owner and told him he had 30 days to paint the house....and paint his house he did. The owner was a shyster and he followed the letter of the law and painted his house. What the neighbors did not realize was that....paint was all he had to do. It was near Easter so he painted the house a pale pink and then painted a sky with clouds on the front gable of the house, he painted grass at the base with a tree....several bunnies, and some Easter eggs. The neighbors were livid and immediately called the city officials and complained.....but much to their distress....there was nothing they could do.....the owner had followed the ruling....and painted the house. After that....the neighbors complained....and the owner changed the house seasonally. In the fall the tree had fall leaves on it.....and at Halloween....there were Halloween pictures painted on it. During the 4th of July there was a huge America flag and that is when the Statue of Libery was added to the front porch. This vindictiveness went on for years....and it fascinated me. I would drive out of my way just to see what the house looked like. I could kick myself for never having photographed it. The owner is long since passed away and whoever lives in the house....has placed the statue in the yard. The house is painted a pale shade of something....and is once again in a sad state of disrepair. I don't know who I feel sorrier for....the house....or the neighbors. I love old houses and hate to see them sit and just die. Do you have a weird tale like mine about where you live that you would love to share with me???? I would love to hear it. Happy Tuesday!
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