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Walking the apartment building hallways during times of inclement weather is a benefit of apartment living. The scenery is decidedly less exciting than walking along a “normal” neighborhood. Yet there are interesting sights and sounds to stimulate the senses. The beeping of the elevator, barking dogs. The sound of video gaming or music behind closed doors.

Instead of concrete sidewalks traversing double-wide driveways, apartment building hallways are nearly void of obstacles. There are the occasional unique identifiers for various residences. Just like those encountered along the streets of a former home. Mostly door mats along with hanging wreaths and signs.

Door mats give a glimpse of the lifestyle of the neighbors who live within. I found this one either funny or disturbing depending on your outlook on life.

Signs and wreaths suggest religious, cultural, and social proclivities of those who dwell within. And so with walking the streets of my former neighborhood. Seasonal holiday lights and yard ornaments delighted, and sometimes disgusted me. Apartment strolling evokes much the same emotions. Some door ornaments are normal and expected. This one surely seems appropriate at this time.

Like the door mat, signs can also vie for attention.

As does this holiday wreath. Though certainly not my style.

This ones seems out of season, though still enjoyable on the whole.

Others are curious and have meanings that escape me. Like this contrasting wreath. Though it, too, oddly enough I like.

As with single/double family dwelling neighborhoods, apartment buildings have other business going on. I don’t see for sale or for rent signs here. But evidence of comings and goings abound. Houses are sold. Movers move. Upgrades abound. Maintenance is ongoing. Apartment buildings have their own evidence of changing occupancy.

I’m probably guilty of nicking sheetrock corners during my past moves. But most of the time I see “professional” movers here. I wonder if management gets upset, or just figures S**t happens! I found this patchwork on every floor.

I suppose every neighborhood has its demonstrations of human nature. There are occasional abandoned vehicles, yard clutter, unsightly yards and landscaping. Apartment buildings have their own style of individuality.

Months ago, my neighbors across the hall started putting their garbage bags outside their door. They left them there for days before taking them out to the dumpsters. Not only were they unsightly, they often began to smell. Maybe they were trying to keep the garbage away from the dog. This dog often barks at me when I leave or enter my apartment. I finally put a sticky note on their door, “PLEASE TAKE YOUR GARBAGE OUT!” It was all caps because that’s how I often write anyway.

That seems to have worked. Occasionally I find a bag in waiting. But it doesn’t stay there very long. Unfortunately, another frustrating exhibit manifested. It’s been about three months since what appears to be a uniform showed up outside their door. I’m pretty sure it hasn’t moved since.

A pair of boots sometimes keeps the uniform company. Though only for short visits. I wonder if these clothes are lonely or feel neglected sitting outside the door all the time.

I gave up trying to do anything about this neighbor. I will, however, inform management if their droppings once again start to smell!

One last thing before I go for another walk around my neighborhood. I might see something similar in any neighborhood. However, I am aware that the majority of the tenants here are much younger than I. People enjoy life. They party too fervently. I get it. The difference here is that the rain doesn’t wash the evidence away! I wonder what their apartments look like inside. No, not really. I don’t want to know!

Apparently the cleaning crew only vacuums the hallway carpet. They must not even spot clean at all. For a few weeks now, I have been stepping around this neighborhood landmark. I suspect I will see it again when I am done writing today and once again go walking the hallways.

Last Minute Addendum

As with any neighborhood, drama takes place in various ways. Often it comes in the form of sirens and emergency vehicles. Though no sirens sounded, excitement came to within feet of my apartment door yesterday morning.

I opened the door to leave for the grocery. Two uniformed policemen stood in the hallway between me and the stairwell. There was also a woman who I did not recognize, wearing a long winter coat. None seemed in a hurry or too anxious. One of the policemen walked into the stairwell, then turned and walked back. I asked if it was okay to use the stairs and was assured there was no problem.

On to the grocery and back again. I saw a fire rescue vehicle and fire truck now parked in front of the building. Another two policemen on the first floor hallway. “Is it okay to be in here”, I asked. “Yes. No danger.”

Up the elevator to the fourth floor (no stairs because I was carrying groceries in my cart). An EMT and another policeman met me as I got off. But no worries. Then, I turned the hallway corner. The original pair of uniforms were still outside the door across the hall and down one unit from my apartment. Asking again if everything was alright, one said, “I really can’t discuss it. But there is no danger.”

If I remember correctly, an older man lives(d) across the hall. I suspect this all began as a welfare check. Apparently it turned out to be more than a check.

There is a fire station just a couple blocks from here. There was a fire station on the same street as my former home, just about a half mile away. Sirens and emergency vehicles are commonplace for me. Sometimes they stop in the neighborhood. This, too, is now a part of walking the hallways.