For about a year, in an effort to challenge the forces determined on the deterioration of my body, 5 days a week I travel shank's mare down my hill (which is quite steep). Then I take an alternate and longer route up the hill (the hard part) back to my home. In the process of this walk, which is definitely not a stroll, I pass many homes. For the most part, I do not know the residents of these homes. However, I have become very aware of some details of these homes. To place the rest of my comments in context, my immediate neighborhood would be described as middle class, with most homes dating from the 1950's. The neighborhood is quiet, stable and home to a broad range of ethnicities. I love my neighborhood. But there are also a few things I would change. The following comments are directed to very few neighbors who have a large impact on the quality of life and the value of their homes and the homes around them. Although my comments are based on my neighborhood, I know they have application throughout Eagle Rock and probably most neighborhoods.

Like it or not, in a neighborhood we are "in this together", even when we don't know each other. How one maintains their home has the potential to increase or decrease the value of both their homes and surrounding homes. Most homes in my neighborhood have modest sized landscaped front yards. Some are maintained at prize-winning levels; many don't draw attention either way because they are maintained at a fair level (grass cut, shrubs trimmed, etc.). There are a few front yards that distinguish themselves by the utter lack of attention. Weeds barely grow because they aren't watered. In one yard, shingles have been loosely laid over the soil to prevent anything from growing. The owners earn high marks for innovation but not much for beauty. I do understand that economics can play a factor. I am appealing for front-yard care that is at least more than nothing.

Can anyone explain to me why anyone would keep multiple old vehicles (rusting, flat tires, paint gone) parked in the driveway of a home? There are not many in my immediate neighborhood, but I do see them here and there and in the wider area of Eagle Rock. To be clear, we're not talking about the situation where your child will be old enough to drive in one or two years, so you're holding onto your last car for him or her. Recently one resident removed two of the four cars from their drive. The improvement in the appeal of their home was remarkable. They immediately became better neighbors. Now I hope the remaining two autos will become lonely and soon join their recently departed buds.

A sadder aspect of the old car syndrome relates to one of the few residents that I encountered outside his home several times. Suddenly he was working on restoring an old car (rusting, flat tires) that had been sitting in his driveway for many years. For the first time I noticed the wonderful design of what appeared to be a 1965 Mustang. He told me it was a "special car" from much earlier in his life and he was now getting it ready to run again for his wife. On a subsequent walk by, I stopped and we talked about what color he might have it painted. His wife wanted grey, I encouraged him to think about "dynasty green, my favorite color for Mustangs of that vintage. A few days after that conversation, a "Bank Owned" sign was posted on the home and he and the Mustang were gone. Clearly, when we chatted he was on the brink of being forced out of his home. Although I barely knew him, I felt terrible. I hope his new situation will allow him to bring his dream car back to life.

One of the few residents I know on my "route" was an original owner. His home and yard, located on a large corner lot, was always maintained in pristine condition. "Pride of Ownership" was evident. Neighbors around him have told me that they were inspired and motivated in their home maintenance by this neighbor. Ownership changed about a month ago. Since the new owners moved in the grass is rarely watered, weeds are cropping up, and the lawn hasn't been mowed. Of course, there is the view that "it's my yard and I will do what I want to do". I hope they will soon be inspired to become better neighbors, at least from the landscaping perspective.

For most people, their home is often the most significant family investment. Logically, we all should protect our largest asset very carefully. Especially in these times of economic challenges, it is often necessary to delay painting the house, replacing the garage door, repairing a minor crack in a walkway. I simply encourage all to do the best you can and not simply give-up.

Fortunately, most residents do protect the value of their home and the homes around them. Kudos, congratulations and a huge thank you to them. Remember, as you make maintenance decisions, as you decide whether or not you should park that memory filled coupe in your front yard forever, we are all in this together. Take care of your home, be a role model to the neighbors around you. We all will benefit when you do that.