Across America|News|
If It’s On The Curb Or Stoop, It's Yours — Mostly: [Block Talk]
“It’s the greatest thing ever,” one reader says of “curb mining.” Others concur, but point out a difference between usable items and junk.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![If It’s On The Curb Or Stoop, It's Yours — Mostly: [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230405/075536/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-184851647___05195138351.jpg)
Block Talk
Block Talk is a regular Patch series on neighborhood etiquette — and readers provide the answers. If you have a topic you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com with "Block Talk" as the subject line.
Across America|News|
‘Not A Drag Strip’: Things Neighbors Want To Tell Drivers [Block Talk]
Describing close calls between kids playing outdoors and speeding drivers, readers share frustrations that little is being done to stop it.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![‘Not A Drag Strip’: Things Neighbors Want To Tell Drivers [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230323/074310/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-471078105___23193627679.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Poop On Free-Range Cats — And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk]
Many readers practically hissed their disdain for outdoor cats, but a few think felines should hang wherever it suits their fancy.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Poop On Free-Range Cats — And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230302/043551/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1224128588___02163329709.jpg)
Across America|News|
Feeding Geese Makes Messy Walks And Neighbor Relations [Block Talk]
Geese, ducks and swans not only get along fine without our help, even in cold weather, they’re better off without it, Patch readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Feeding Geese Makes Messy Walks And Neighbor Relations [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230217/111830/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1006854858___17111500963.jpg)
Across America|News|
Package Delivery Mistakes: Be Neighborly, With Exceptions [Block Talk]
For many readers, fetching and delivering packages that end up at the wrong address is part of being a good neighbor. Thieves, though.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Package Delivery Mistakes: Be Neighborly, With Exceptions [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230202/054427/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1221264208___02173542817.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighbors Talk Trash About Garbage Totes Left At The Curb [Block Talk]
Trash toters abandoned at the curb trigger some folks. But, one reader pointed out, “life is bigger than a garbage can left at the street.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbors Talk Trash About Garbage Totes Left At The Curb [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230119/021915/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-35972236___19141546198.jpg)
Across America|News|
We Got A Shovelful When We Asked About Snow Removal [Block Talk]
People help their neighbors — unless the person is a “known jerk,” one guy pointed out — but it’s not just a neighborhood issue, some said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![We Got A Shovelful When We Asked About Snow Removal [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230106/015805/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-52052141___06134611954.jpg)
Across America|News|
Door-To-Door School Fundraisers Ring Some People’s Bells [Block Talk]
To kids selling magazines, “I say I never learned to read,” one reader cracked. The pressure to support fundraising isn’t a joke, though.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Door-To-Door School Fundraisers Ring Some People’s Bells [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221221/044932/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-610877066___21164510627.jpg)
Across America|News|
To Rake Or Not To Rake: Neighbors Weigh In On Leaf Cleanup Etiquette
Readers blow off steam about neighbors who leave leaves on their lawns— and others who get up in their business over how they tend theirs.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Outdoor Christmas Displays: What’s Tacky, What’s Not? [Block Talk]
One reader detests inflatables “with every fiber of my being.” Another wonders what Mickey Mouse, tin soldiers have to do with Christmas.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Outdoor Christmas Displays: What’s Tacky, What’s Not? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20221123/113908/styles/patch_image/public/christmas-house-lights-1___23113056245.jpg)
Across America|News|
Tipping People ‘Just For Doing Their Job’ Strikes A Nerve [Block Talk]
Some people think tipping is out of control in the pandemic era, but others continue to tip, sometimes adding as much as the original bill.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Tipping People ‘Just For Doing Their Job’ Strikes A Nerve [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221111/010253/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-938547524___11125757323.jpg)
Across America|News|
What People Really Think About Trick-Or-Treaters [Block Talk]
People aren’t hiding because they’re Halloween-hating misanthropes, but because kids don’t show up. Also, who says a treat has to be candy?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What People Really Think About Trick-Or-Treaters [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221027/012212/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1229385442___27131901548.jpg)
Across America|News|
Political Yard Signs: 7 Takeaways From Patch Readers [Block Talk]
Political signs have First Amendment protections, but some say they’re an outdated way to reach voters and provoke neighborhood conflict.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Political Yard Signs: 7 Takeaways From Patch Readers [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221013/020959/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1283401353___13140350566.jpg)
Across America|News|
For Good Neighbor Day, Readers Share Stories Of The Best [Block Talk]
From “Mr. Neighbuhr” — yes, really! — to Mr. J, good neighbors help out without being asked, Patch readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![For Good Neighbor Day, Readers Share Stories Of The Best [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20220927/011546/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1334660356___27131458718.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Is It OK To Use Leaf Blowers? Or Are They The Devil? [Block Talk]
Leaf blowers, especially those with gas-powered engines, can be as loud as a motorcycle. Patch readers made a lot of noise about their use.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Is It OK To Use Leaf Blowers? Or Are They The Devil? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20220915/064101/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1144041080-1___15183717219.jpg)
Across America|News|
Your Neighbor’s Dog Poo: What To Do About The Doo [Block Talk]
It’s proper etiquette everywhere to curb dogs. But what do you do about neighbors who don’t clean up after their dogs do the deed?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Your Neighbor’s Dog Poo: What To Do About The Doo [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20220825/015258/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1164939048___25132524224.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighbor Borrows But Doesn’t Return Stuff: What To Do? [Block Talk]
Your neighbor may have forgotten about borrowing a weed trimmer — or may have broken it. In any case, it can be awkward to ask for it back.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbor Borrows But Doesn’t Return Stuff: What To Do? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20220803/114000/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1325790116___03233607502.jpg)
Across America|News|
Get Off My Lawn? Not So Much. Let Kids Be Kids. [Block Talk]
“Love the laughter, giggles and shrieks of joy,” one reader wrote. “Kids are the heart of a neighborhood” another said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Get Off My Lawn? Not So Much. Let Kids Be Kids. [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20220722/011152/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-2115453___22130806405.jpg)
Across America|News|
What’s The Best Gift Your Neighbor Ever Gave You? [Block Talk]
Patch readers say the best gifts from neighbors don’t cost a lot — or anything at all. And new moms may not want what you think they do.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What’s The Best Gift Your Neighbor Ever Gave You? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20220708/092439/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1510585994___08092156605.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Is It OK To Set Off Fireworks In The Neighborhood? [Block Talk]
As America’s birthday approaches, is it fair to ask neighbors to end fireworks shows by 11 and confine them to the 4th of July weekend?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Is It OK To Set Off Fireworks In The Neighborhood? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20220624/093655/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1332317171___24093219680.jpg)
Across America|News|
How Late Should You Play Loud Music At Outdoor Parties? [Block Talk]
What should you do if the party drags on? Join the fun and request a song? Call the police? Retaliate and mow the lawn at 5 in the morning?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How Late Should You Play Loud Music At Outdoor Parties? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20220609/090356/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-592709111___09205144086.jpg)
Across America|News|
That Neighbor Who Feeds Stray Cats: The Fur Flies On Block Talk
Readers advise: Get a dog. Move to a high-rise condo and never see a cat again. Promote TNR—that is, trap-neuter-release. Don’t be a Karen.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
When Is It Too Early To Mow The Lawn? Block Talk Wades Into The Weeds
Let’s negotiate, one reader suggested. Some declared individual sovereignty. Park your privilege, others said. Or how about no mow weekends?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
‘The Perfect Neighbor’: Block Talk Explores Who You Want Next Door
Some Patch readers want friendly neighbors. Others want them to keep to themselves. Neighbors with in-ground swimming pools are good, too.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Uncut Grass, Junked Car Graveyards, Blight: Block Talk Hears Your Pain
From unkempt lawns to “junked car graveyards” to the “actual dirty,” Patch readers talk about what’s annoying them in the neighborhood.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Cars Parked In Front Of Your Home? Block Talk Explores What To Do
Whatever you do, there’s no need to “get petty and get the whole neighborhood involved,” a Patch reader responded to Block Talk's question.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Let's Talk About Waving: A Block Talk Exploration
Some people are serial wavers. Others barely nod and say their neighbors shouldn’t take it personally. Some kids don’t know what to think.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Block Talk: What To Do When Neighbors Keep Unloading Stuff On You
Patch readers discuss: Is it better to say yes and quietly get rid of your neighbor’s castoffs, “normalize saying no” or even give it back?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Block Talk: My Neighbor’s Dog Barks Incessantly. What Do I Do?
Readers offer real-world advice on getting along in the neighborhood in Block Talk, a new regular feature on Patch.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
