Could you play that inside? It’s vibrating in my house.

[Highlander31]

We had one of our two area pipers over to the house yesterday. He graduated high school this year (after winning the John Phillip Souza award.) He played on the back deck, on and off, for most of the day. It was a rare day here on the coast with clear skies and a light breeze blowing across the lake behind the house (the lake is situated next to the beach.)

At approximately 5PM he started his last song. A Ceol Mohr piece entitled "Glengarry's Lament," composed by Archibald Munroe. As the music began to fill the air, I spotted one of the bald eagles that nests here on the lake flying out from the far shore. Watching the eagle as it soared over the water, its climbing and diving appeared to flow with the rhythm of the music. The gentle breeze on the water and sound it made through the trees became a counterpoint to the pipes, while the sound of the pounding surf became the underlying beat for the music.

As the last of the music drifted over the lake, a soft silence enveloped us. Suddenly, a disembodied voice came from behind the trees. “Hello, it’s your neighbor. Could you play that inside? It’s vibrating in my house.” I informed him the young man had just finished. We heard a “Thank you” and the sound of his door closing.

Unfortunately, this didn’t surprise me. This particular neighbor is only here for one month out of the summer. I spent many years having to deal with people like him, while doing my job quietly behind the scenes. The piper was surprised that somebody didn’t like the pipes. My wife’s reaction was to the point, she said; “He has no soul!” After he left my daughter came up to me and quietly said; “Thank you.” Being a little confused I asked her why the thank you. Her answer showed wisdom past her 15 years. She said; “Dad, you could have used his rudeness and lack of understanding in asking us to stop playing, to tell him off and pick a fight. I am proud you were better than him.” I dare say more than one life lesson was taught yesterday. That young piper is always welcome on our deck.

I didn't take any photos yesterday, however, here's one I took a while back.

[Bugbear]

That's a good description.

[Highlander31]

That's a good description.

Thanks.

[Tobus]

Actually, if his request was worded as you stated, I think it was pretty polite. The man has a right to ask that he be able to enjoy peace and quiet in his own home. I'm glad politeness was kept all around.

Nice view you have there!

[Mickey]

Nice story! I do have to agree with Tobus though. I like to listen to music when I want to, not when my neighbors want me to, regardless of what style it is. If I can hear somebody else playing music when I'm in my house, even if it is my style of music, I kind of have of problem with that. If they let me know in advance that it might happen, then I'm cool with it.

I once had a neighbor who liked to play his rap so loud that it moved stuff in my house. So I put my best bagpipe music CD on, turned the speakers towards his place and let it rip on #11. (because it was one louder than 10). We didn't have music appreciation night ever again. It does work both ways.

[Highlander31]

Actually, if his request was worded as you stated, I think it was pretty polite. The man has a right to ask that he be able to enjoy peace and quiet in his own home. I'm glad politeness was kept all around.

Nice view you have there!

Thank you, it does wonders for the spirit.

I agree, he has the right to ask, and my reaction would be the same as yours. However, there is a back story that makes this a more frustrating experience. When we first moved in a little over a year ago the house had stood empty for 2 1/2 years the walls and rugs were molding, it was overgrown and the grass was literally four feet tall. The gardener we hired was cutting the weeds and brush, and accidentally went over the property line. He came out yelling we were cutting his weeds. He has complained the boys swimming in the lake are on his property (state law says the water is public property.) The topper for my wife was when he was gone, his alarm went off in the middle of the night. My wife called the Sheriff and I headed over to check his property. The deputy stated that judging by the footprints, the intruder fled, probably due to the combination of the alarm and my response. He never acknowledged what we did for him.

We have tried to be friendly, however, he isn't interested. He is a professional and has written two books on his field. Because I gave up custom suits and a Porsche for Land Rovers and jeans (along with kilts), we dress like those he wouldn't associate with outside of work. The irony here is, I have run investigations and other operations in seven countries, and have been personally involved in the protection teams of two heads of state and a half dozen ceo's. Personnel at his level were too low on the chain for me to deal with, unless they were part of the operation.

In hind sight, I should have probably left out the reference to him in the post above. Oh well,...it was still a beautiful day.

[Father Bill]

My favourite local noise story: Stopped at a red light, second in line. Car beside me also second in his line, with rock music turned up full blast. From the car in front of him, HUGE, well-dressed man, cream shirt, long sleeves, nice tie, expensive slacks and shoes, came back and tapped on the window of the offender. Guy cranked down his window and turned down his music. Big guy politely asks if HIS radio was bothering the noisy fellow. Noisy fellow says "Nah, I can't even hear it." Big guy with very straight face says "Neither can I." Gets back in his car. Noisy guy turns red. Light turns green. Big guy doesn't move. Neither do the rest of us, thus keeping noisy guy boxed in. Light turns red. Noisy guy stays quiet. Green light, and we all move forward... VER-R-R-RY SLOWLY!

No problem!

[Piobair]

Interesting timing - same topic came up on Dunsire the other day:

http://forums.bobdunsire.com/forums/...d.php?t=139831

[MacMillans son]

In reading your post I imagined myself sitting on the deck with the view in your photo, and listening to him pipe the sun down. Certainly worth the neighbor's rightful, though unfortunate, response.

Thanks for posting.

[seanachie]

My favourite local noise story: Stopped at a red light, second in line. Car beside me also second in his line, with rock music turned up full blast. From the car in front of him, HUGE, well-dressed man, cream shirt, long sleeves, nice tie, expensive slacks and shoes, came back and tapped on the window of the offender. Guy cranked down his window and turned down his music. Big guy politely asks if HIS radio was bothering the noisy fellow. Noisy fellow says "Nah, I can't even hear it." Big guy with very straight face says "Neither can I." Gets back in his car. Noisy guy turns red. Light turns green. Big guy doesn't move. Neither do the rest of us, thus keeping noisy guy boxed in. Light turns red. Noisy guy stays quiet. Green light, and we all move forward... VER-R-R-RY SLOWLY!

No problem!

I would be very careful about doing something like that in places like So. Cal. My wife and I witnessed someone in a similar situation spit all over someone's windshield and then attempt to drag them out of the driver's window. The driver quickly rolled up the window and the guy tried to bust the window. This was during commute traffic with tons of people around