Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 13 suspicious items this week.]

Monday, March 15

8:34 a.m. Business owner wants motor vehicle parked in his lot removed, Main St. Probably belongs to a student
10:02 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at business, Main St.
10:20 a.m. Civil issue, Timber Ln.
10:46 a.m. Motor vehicle with hazards on by side of road, Chapel St.; OK, delivering phone books
3:33 p.m. Crosswalk violations at Highland St. and Orchard Rd.
3:50 p.m. Disabled motor vehicle with blown motor blocking traffic, Manning St.
4:44 p.m. Tree down on wires, Bryant Rd.
4:46 p.m. Tree blocking Causeway St.

Tuesday, March 16

7:29 a.m. Private investigator working in town
8:04 a.m. Coyote in Brattle Street area
10:33 a.m. 911 caller reports son didn’t show up at Dawson School; OK, clerical error reported him absent
12:20 p.m. Dumpster removed from property on Zottoli Rd. returned damaged
12:55 p.m. Report of outside burning in a bucket, Laurel Hill Ln.
3:27 p.m. Disturbing picture sent to caller’s cell phone
6:14 p.m. Vehicle trailed driver from Rutland, made obscene gestures
7:18 p.m. 911 hang-up, Shrewsbury St.; child playing with phone
8:57 p.m. Resident said she received call about repossession of vehicle

Wednesday, March 17

6:07 p.m. 911 caller looking for counseling for mother; advised to contact doctor
6:17 p.m. Canoe broke free and is in Dawson Pond
7:45 p.m. Report of open manhole, Shady Ln.; not in street, on private property
10:44 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.; OK, on cell phone giving directions
10:46 p.m. Party sleeping in vehicle in lot, Main St.; sent on his way
11:00 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unattended behind business, Industrial Dr.
11:52 p.m. Yard waste dumped at roadside, Princeton St.

Thursday, March 18

11:29 a.m. Disruptive female at business, Main St.
4:02 p.m. Children and bus driver spotted man wearing red dress giving them the finger near Saffron Dr./Winter Hill
5:28 p.m. Couple with infant sitting on train tracks, Pleasant St.
6:05 p.m. Sedan with pie signs and boards hanging out of side windows, Main St.; party adjusting boards
7:14 p.m. Vehicle did doughnut on cul de sac while kids in street playing
10:56 p.m. 911 caller upset that boyfriend didn’t pay her back for cigarettes

Friday, March 19

3:31 a.m. Caller reports individuals, possibly teens, banging on her doors and windows, Fisher Road; OK, seeking help for disabled vehicle
7:43 a.m. Dog stuck in Eagle Lake; returned to owner
8:26 a.m. Caller heard loud boom, cloud of smoke, Industrial Dr.
8:30 a.m. Worcester PD calling about individuals on Fisher Rd. last night
9:47 a.m. Caller believes someone went through her vehicle overnight, Cook St.
11:12 a.m. Caller heard of Cook St. incident and reports noticing suspicious fingerprints on her vehicle
11:33 a.m. Cook St. resident says owner’s manual the only thing stolen from vehicle
1:18 p.m. Caller complaining about fee for police report; told insurance company will pay it on his behalf
2:02 p.m. Elderly female driving vehicle with blownout tire
2:06 p.m. Moose near Sterling/W. Boylston line, Manning St.; area blocked off to corral moose
2:52 p.m. Paint can in road, Main St.
4:50 p.m. Vehicle parked in handicapped spot, Main St.
5:32 p.m. Resident reports neighbors screaming and someone saying “owww,” Mayflower Cir.
6:07 p.m. Two moose attempting to cross South Rd.
9:58 p.m. Suspicious males at Senior Center; OK, eating across the street, will be leaving
10:53 p.m. Cars parked on private road to tennis courts, Brattle St.

Saturday, March 20

9:02 a.m. Caller attacked by dog not on leash, Mill St., owner left scene in vehicle
11:09 a.m. Inquiry about hunting in Holden conservation area
3:45 p.m. Teen on bike almost hit vehicle, Nelson St.; vehicle parked on wrong side of road
4:02 p.m. Request for extra patrols due to dumpster in yard, Main St.; caller doesn’t want people throwing garbage in it
5:14 p.m. Caller found bones/remains in back yard, Cook St.; doctor tried to identify them; probably animal
7:12 p.m. Resident extinguished small fire behind house that may have been started by neighborhood kids, Holden St.

Sunday, March 21

2:50 a.m. Taxi beeped at someone as they passed on Broad St., possibly in trouble
11:06 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with lights on sitting in home driveway, Salisbury St.

Paxton

Monday, March 15

1:16 a.m. Caller requesting welfare check on person who shouldn’t be driving, Grove St.
8:25 a.m. Assist person locked out of home, Richards Ave.
1:22 p.m. Caller reports her truck is stuck as well as the tow truck, Howard St. Road is impassable
2:44 p.m. Caller reports water coming into her basement from water main, Center Dr.
3:53 p.m. 911 hang-up call, Ridgewood Rd. Phone problem
6:59 p.m. Van stuck in driveway, Asnebumskit Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

8:55 a.m. Elderly person disabled, West St. Ran out of gas

Wednesday, March 17

4:36 p.m. Caller requesting welfare check on person, Lincoln Circle. All set, trouble with phone
5:24 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Knollwood Rd.
6:43 p.m. Erratic driver and people throwing bottles out car window, West St.

Thursday, March 18

2:47 p.m. Loose pitbull in area, West St.
4:44 p.m. Police check for people riding motorized scooters in road, West/Suomi Sts.
7:24 p.m. Dog hit by vehicle, Pleasant St.

Friday, March 19

Saturday, March 20

11:45 a.m. Assist citizen stuck in the cemetery
2:14 p.m. 911 hang-up, Streeter Rd. Child playing with phone
2:59 p.m. Small dog in area of Brigham Rd.
4:16 p.m. Caller reports vicious dog chases and attempts to attack her and her dog, Asnebumskit Rd.

Sunday, March 21

12:55 a.m. Person at station for assistance, Pleasant St.
11:08 a.m. Loud dog barking in area, Suomi St.
9:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in neighborhood for several hours, Elizabeth Ln.

Princeton

Monday, March 15

12:32 p.m. Provide lift assist to person that fell, Boylston Ave.
4:24 p.m. Large sinkhole in Gleason Rd.
4:35 p.m. Highway dept. requested, Gleason Rd.
5:19 p.m. Tree branch on wires, Gleason Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

11:39 a.m. Injured beaver beside road, Main St.
1:46 p.m. Assist person locked out of residence, Boylston Ave.
1:52 p.m. Stray cat about to have kittens in yard, Hubbardston Rd.
2:23 p.m. Complaint about neighbor’s dog being a nuisance, Dowds Ln.

Wednesday, March 17

12:39 p.m. Police attempt to stop vehicle for violation. Stopped in Sterling; driver denies seeing police
4:35 p.m. Caller locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.

Thursday, March 18

2:42 p.m. Stray white dog with blue eyes found, Rte. 140

Friday, March 19

8:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in lot, Fitchburg Rd.
7:42 p.m. Caller’s doorbell rang but no one there., Mirick Rd. Two youths rode away on bikes
8:07 p.m. Caller’s doorbell rang but no one there, Laurel Ln. One male riding away on bike. Police transport two males to their residences

Sunday, March 21

4:11 p.m. Suspicious male at business, Worcester Rd. Left vehicle running while in store
4:57 p.m. Caller’s vehicle locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.
8:37 p.m. Bear lying in common area of complex, Boylston Ave.
10:47 p.m. Police transport person to station to make arrangements for a ride, Hubbardston Rd.

Rutland

Monday, March 15

7:22 p.m. Purse found in North Brookfield
8:43 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about eviction notice
9:19 p.m. Tree limb in roadway, Pleasantdale Rd.
9:23 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about ongoing issue with tenants
9:25 p.m. Coyote hit by car, Glenwood Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

11:53 a.m. Two males at station to speak with officer, Main St.
12:25 p.m. Person at station looking for vehicle title that was in car when it was towed, Main St.
2:51 p.m. Police speak to person about vicious dog, Pommogussett Rd.
3:19 p.m. Assist other agency on follow-up, Pommogussett Rd.

Wednesday,
March 17

9:06 a.m. Complaint about multiple families living in single family home, Carly Cir.
12:22 p.m. Caller charged at by barking and growling dog, Main St./Watson Ave.
4:07 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about bones found in woods, Charnock Hill Rd.
10:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle reported, Tanglewood Cir.

Thursday, March 18

7:02 a.m. Caller hit deer, Main St./Kenwood Dr.
10:18 a.m. Services rendered, Prescott St.
10:55 a.m. Person at station to speak to officer about speeding cars and traffic, Glenwood Rd.
1:49 p.m. Assist person locked out of her car, Main St.
2:20 p.m. Person at station wanting to speak to a “detective” about being harassed, Main St.
2:52 p.m. Male hitchhiking, Main St.
5:33 p.m. Person at station reporting that rubbish has been thrown on her property, Main St.
6:57 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with two occupants, Rolling Ridge Rd.
7:10 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
8:33 p.m. Person at station regarding ongoing case, Main St.

Friday, March 19

1:10 p.m. Dog rescued from ice, Turkey Hill Pond.
11:28 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on private property, Pommogussett Rd.

Saturday, March 20

7:18 p.m. Report that motorist hit moose, Rte. 122. Unable to find

Sunday, March 21

2:33 a.m. Taxi driver reporting unruly passenger. Holden PD confirms incident on Broad St., Holden
1:37 p.m. Kids skate boarding near library, Main St.
1:40 p.m. Two dirt bikes riding up and down Cameron Dr.
1:42 p.m. Dead porcupine in yard, Pleasantdale Rd.

Sterling

Monday, March 15

8:55 p.m. Dog found, Muddy Pond Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

9:56 a.m. Possibly rabid raccoon walking across yard, Wiles Rd.
3:31 p.m. Two loose goats wandering on Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
5:13 p.m. Caller reports sump pump hose was redirected back into house, Clinton Rd.
10:03 p.m. Callers reporting male beside road, kneeling, not responding to questions, Rowley Hill/Kilburn Rds. Religious pilgrimage

Wednesday, March 17

2:30 a.m. Driver sped into parking lot of business and dumped off box, Chocksett Rd.
10:21 a.m. Complaint about barking dog throughout night, Kitchener Rd.
7:28 p.m. Child bitten by dog, Kendall Hill Rd.

Thursday, March 18

2:12 a.m. Motor vehicle rollover accident, George Hill Rd. Found to be in Lancaster
4:39 a.m. Report of vehicle off the road, door and hood ripped off., Osgood Rd. Stolen vehicle, no accident
11:43 a.m. Bicycle appears to have been taken out of water, Waushacum Ave.
5:37 p.m. Escort service, assist person retrieving personal belongings, Patriots Way
6:18 p.m. Australian cattle dog found wandering in middle of road, Redemption Rock Trl.
6:18 p.m. Police search property on Worcester Road, no one found

Friday, March 19

8:41 a.m. Investigation regarding pickup truck passing school bus, Boutelle Rd.
11:10 a.m. Lost black and white kitten, Redemption Rock Trl.
12:29 p.m. Black and white cat found, Griffin Rd.
1:28 p.m. Holden PD reports calls regarding baby moose in area of Legg Rd. and Redemption Rock Trl. Environmental Police will relocate animal back in woods
1:55 p.m. Someone winched caller’s car, put it on tow truck and left. Car was repossessed, Leominster Rd.
2:14 p.m. Caller requesting an officer: neighbor moved trees and boulder on her property, Heywood Rd.

Saturday, March 20

5:17 p.m. Loose dog found, Redemption Rock Trl./N. Oakdale Cutoff

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 13 suspicious items this week.]

Monday, March 15

8:34 a.m. Business owner wants motor vehicle parked in his lot removed, Main St. Probably belongs to a student
10:02 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle at business, Main St.
10:20 a.m. Civil issue, Timber Ln.
10:46 a.m. Motor vehicle with hazards on by side of road, Chapel St.; OK, delivering phone books
3:33 p.m. Crosswalk violations at Highland St. and Orchard Rd.
3:50 p.m. Disabled motor vehicle with blown motor blocking traffic, Manning St.
4:44 p.m. Tree down on wires, Bryant Rd.
4:46 p.m. Tree blocking Causeway St.

Tuesday, March 16

7:29 a.m. Private investigator working in town
8:04 a.m. Coyote in Brattle Street area
10:33 a.m. 911 caller reports son didn’t show up at Dawson School; OK, clerical error reported him absent
12:20 p.m. Dumpster removed from property on Zottoli Rd. returned damaged
12:55 p.m. Report of outside burning in a bucket, Laurel Hill Ln.
3:27 p.m. Disturbing picture sent to caller’s cell phone
6:14 p.m. Vehicle trailed driver from Rutland, made obscene gestures
7:18 p.m. 911 hang-up, Shrewsbury St.; child playing with phone
8:57 p.m. Resident said she received call about repossession of vehicle

Wednesday, March 17

6:07 p.m. 911 caller looking for counseling for mother; advised to contact doctor
6:17 p.m. Canoe broke free and is in Dawson Pond
7:45 p.m. Report of open manhole, Shady Ln.; not in street, on private property
10:44 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Main St.; OK, on cell phone giving directions
10:46 p.m. Party sleeping in vehicle in lot, Main St.; sent on his way
11:00 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle unattended behind business, Industrial Dr.
11:52 p.m. Yard waste dumped at roadside, Princeton St.

Thursday, March 18

11:29 a.m. Disruptive female at business, Main St.
4:02 p.m. Children and bus driver spotted man wearing red dress giving them the finger near Saffron Dr./Winter Hill
5:28 p.m. Couple with infant sitting on train tracks, Pleasant St.
6:05 p.m. Sedan with pie signs and boards hanging out of side windows, Main St.; party adjusting boards
7:14 p.m. Vehicle did doughnut on cul de sac while kids in street playing
10:56 p.m. 911 caller upset that boyfriend didn’t pay her back for cigarettes

Friday, March 19

3:31 a.m. Caller reports individuals, possibly teens, banging on her doors and windows, Fisher Road; OK, seeking help for disabled vehicle
7:43 a.m. Dog stuck in Eagle Lake; returned to owner
8:26 a.m. Caller heard loud boom, cloud of smoke, Industrial Dr.
8:30 a.m. Worcester PD calling about individuals on Fisher Rd. last night
9:47 a.m. Caller believes someone went through her vehicle overnight, Cook St.
11:12 a.m. Caller heard of Cook St. incident and reports noticing suspicious fingerprints on her vehicle
11:33 a.m. Cook St. resident says owner’s manual the only thing stolen from vehicle
1:18 p.m. Caller complaining about fee for police report; told insurance company will pay it on his behalf
2:02 p.m. Elderly female driving vehicle with blownout tire
2:06 p.m. Moose near Sterling/W. Boylston line, Manning St.; area blocked off to corral moose
2:52 p.m. Paint can in road, Main St.
4:50 p.m. Vehicle parked in handicapped spot, Main St.
5:32 p.m. Resident reports neighbors screaming and someone saying “owww,” Mayflower Cir.
6:07 p.m. Two moose attempting to cross South Rd.
9:58 p.m. Suspicious males at Senior Center; OK, eating across the street, will be leaving
10:53 p.m. Cars parked on private road to tennis courts, Brattle St.

Saturday, March 20

9:02 a.m. Caller attacked by dog not on leash, Mill St., owner left scene in vehicle
11:09 a.m. Inquiry about hunting in Holden conservation area
3:45 p.m. Teen on bike almost hit vehicle, Nelson St.; vehicle parked on wrong side of road
4:02 p.m. Request for extra patrols due to dumpster in yard, Main St.; caller doesn’t want people throwing garbage in it
5:14 p.m. Caller found bones/remains in back yard, Cook St.; doctor tried to identify them; probably animal
7:12 p.m. Resident extinguished small fire behind house that may have been started by neighborhood kids, Holden St.

Sunday, March 21

2:50 a.m. Taxi beeped at someone as they passed on Broad St., possibly in trouble
11:06 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with lights on sitting in home driveway, Salisbury St.

Paxton

Monday, March 15

1:16 a.m. Caller requesting welfare check on person who shouldn’t be driving, Grove St.
8:25 a.m. Assist person locked out of home, Richards Ave.
1:22 p.m. Caller reports her truck is stuck as well as the tow truck, Howard St. Road is impassable
2:44 p.m. Caller reports water coming into her basement from water main, Center Dr.
3:53 p.m. 911 hang-up call, Ridgewood Rd. Phone problem
6:59 p.m. Van stuck in driveway, Asnebumskit Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

8:55 a.m. Elderly person disabled, West St. Ran out of gas

Wednesday, March 17

4:36 p.m. Caller requesting welfare check on person, Lincoln Circle. All set, trouble with phone
5:24 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Knollwood Rd.
6:43 p.m. Erratic driver and people throwing bottles out car window, West St.

Thursday, March 18

2:47 p.m. Loose pitbull in area, West St.
4:44 p.m. Police check for people riding motorized scooters in road, West/Suomi Sts.
7:24 p.m. Dog hit by vehicle, Pleasant St.

Friday, March 19

Saturday, March 20

11:45 a.m. Assist citizen stuck in the cemetery
2:14 p.m. 911 hang-up, Streeter Rd. Child playing with phone
2:59 p.m. Small dog in area of Brigham Rd.
4:16 p.m. Caller reports vicious dog chases and attempts to attack her and her dog, Asnebumskit Rd.

Sunday, March 21

12:55 a.m. Person at station for assistance, Pleasant St.
11:08 a.m. Loud dog barking in area, Suomi St.
9:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in neighborhood for several hours, Elizabeth Ln.

Princeton

Monday, March 15

12:32 p.m. Provide lift assist to person that fell, Boylston Ave.
4:24 p.m. Large sinkhole in Gleason Rd.
4:35 p.m. Highway dept. requested, Gleason Rd.
5:19 p.m. Tree branch on wires, Gleason Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

11:39 a.m. Injured beaver beside road, Main St.
1:46 p.m. Assist person locked out of residence, Boylston Ave.
1:52 p.m. Stray cat about to have kittens in yard, Hubbardston Rd.
2:23 p.m. Complaint about neighbor’s dog being a nuisance, Dowds Ln.

Wednesday, March 17

12:39 p.m. Police attempt to stop vehicle for violation. Stopped in Sterling; driver denies seeing police
4:35 p.m. Caller locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.

Thursday, March 18

2:42 p.m. Stray white dog with blue eyes found, Rte. 140

Friday, March 19

8:42 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in lot, Fitchburg Rd.
7:42 p.m. Caller’s doorbell rang but no one there., Mirick Rd. Two youths rode away on bikes
8:07 p.m. Caller’s doorbell rang but no one there, Laurel Ln. One male riding away on bike. Police transport two males to their residences

Sunday, March 21

4:11 p.m. Suspicious male at business, Worcester Rd. Left vehicle running while in store
4:57 p.m. Caller’s vehicle locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.
8:37 p.m. Bear lying in common area of complex, Boylston Ave.
10:47 p.m. Police transport person to station to make arrangements for a ride, Hubbardston Rd.

Rutland

Monday, March 15

7:22 p.m. Purse found in North Brookfield
8:43 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about eviction notice
9:19 p.m. Tree limb in roadway, Pleasantdale Rd.
9:23 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about ongoing issue with tenants
9:25 p.m. Coyote hit by car, Glenwood Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

11:53 a.m. Two males at station to speak with officer, Main St.
12:25 p.m. Person at station looking for vehicle title that was in car when it was towed, Main St.
2:51 p.m. Police speak to person about vicious dog, Pommogussett Rd.
3:19 p.m. Assist other agency on follow-up, Pommogussett Rd.

Wednesday,
March 17

9:06 a.m. Complaint about multiple families living in single family home, Carly Cir.
12:22 p.m. Caller charged at by barking and growling dog, Main St./Watson Ave.
4:07 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about bones found in woods, Charnock Hill Rd.
10:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle reported, Tanglewood Cir.

Thursday, March 18

7:02 a.m. Caller hit deer, Main St./Kenwood Dr.
10:18 a.m. Services rendered, Prescott St.
10:55 a.m. Person at station to speak to officer about speeding cars and traffic, Glenwood Rd.
1:49 p.m. Assist person locked out of her car, Main St.
2:20 p.m. Person at station wanting to speak to a “detective” about being harassed, Main St.
2:52 p.m. Male hitchhiking, Main St.
5:33 p.m. Person at station reporting that rubbish has been thrown on her property, Main St.
6:57 p.m. Suspicious vehicle with two occupants, Rolling Ridge Rd.
7:10 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer, Main St.
8:33 p.m. Person at station regarding ongoing case, Main St.

Friday, March 19

1:10 p.m. Dog rescued from ice, Turkey Hill Pond.
11:28 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on private property, Pommogussett Rd.

Saturday, March 20

7:18 p.m. Report that motorist hit moose, Rte. 122. Unable to find

Sunday, March 21

2:33 a.m. Taxi driver reporting unruly passenger. Holden PD confirms incident on Broad St., Holden
1:37 p.m. Kids skate boarding near library, Main St.
1:40 p.m. Two dirt bikes riding up and down Cameron Dr.
1:42 p.m. Dead porcupine in yard, Pleasantdale Rd.

Sterling

Monday, March 15

8:55 p.m. Dog found, Muddy Pond Rd.

Tuesday, March 16

9:56 a.m. Possibly rabid raccoon walking across yard, Wiles Rd.
3:31 p.m. Two loose goats wandering on Meetinghouse Hill Rd.
5:13 p.m. Caller reports sump pump hose was redirected back into house, Clinton Rd.
10:03 p.m. Callers reporting male beside road, kneeling, not responding to questions, Rowley Hill/Kilburn Rds. Religious pilgrimage

Wednesday, March 17

2:30 a.m. Driver sped into parking lot of business and dumped off box, Chocksett Rd.
10:21 a.m. Complaint about barking dog throughout night, Kitchener Rd.
7:28 p.m. Child bitten by dog, Kendall Hill Rd.

Thursday, March 18

2:12 a.m. Motor vehicle rollover accident, George Hill Rd. Found to be in Lancaster
4:39 a.m. Report of vehicle off the road, door and hood ripped off., Osgood Rd. Stolen vehicle, no accident
11:43 a.m. Bicycle appears to have been taken out of water, Waushacum Ave.
5:37 p.m. Escort service, assist person retrieving personal belongings, Patriots Way
6:18 p.m. Australian cattle dog found wandering in middle of road, Redemption Rock Trl.
6:18 p.m. Police search property on Worcester Road, no one found

Friday, March 19

8:41 a.m. Investigation regarding pickup truck passing school bus, Boutelle Rd.
11:10 a.m. Lost black and white kitten, Redemption Rock Trl.
12:29 p.m. Black and white cat found, Griffin Rd.
1:28 p.m. Holden PD reports calls regarding baby moose in area of Legg Rd. and Redemption Rock Trl. Environmental Police will relocate animal back in woods
1:55 p.m. Someone winched caller’s car, put it on tow truck and left. Car was repossessed, Leominster Rd.
2:14 p.m. Caller requesting an officer: neighbor moved trees and boulder on her property, Heywood Rd.

Saturday, March 20

5:17 p.m. Loose dog found, Redemption Rock Trl./N. Oakdale Cutoff

We got a dumpsta

Having a way to get rid of stuff is necessary, but not sufficient for the task of getting rid of stuff.

Neither are the hard rules ("Keep seven years of tax-related records." "Throw out anything you haven't worn in two years." "Do we really need three cans of spray de-icer?" "If you haven't needed that piece of peg board in the last 20 years, ...." ). The rules help, but only if the decision can be based on logic. We're not logical. We're human.
We're hopeful and think that that this piece of clear plastic might be useful in some creative future that probably won't come. We're fearful that, if we throw out these old, faded pictures of unrecognizable old Finns, we're disrespecting my parents. And the roof rack in the shed? Does that belong to my current Subaru or the one that's going to our grandson? I'd better check, but, later, when I have some time (forgetting that we've used a roof rack just once in how many years?).
And won't this brain of mine just shut up and let me throw stuff away? Of course not.

Classical physics says that gravity is a function of mass, but can't explain why a little object such as this stays in place because I don't know why I have two of them that I just might need.
Finally, though, as with everything, it's about doing the best that you can. We set a goal of emptying our attic and we completed that. We set another goal of emptying one of the two sheds and we completed that. Those leftover roofing shingles - gone. The rusty chains and aforementioned peg board - gone. It's better. It's not all better, but it's better.
And, in the course of things, we got to talking with our neighbor who had some scrap lumber that he was pleased to toss. He also had a couple of pallets that we reclaimed for use for next year's firewood stack. He also had a few stories. Sometimes, being a good neighbor means just listening to one neighbor telling stories about another neighbor. I'm sure that there a few stories about us, too.
"You aren't moving out, are you?" he finally asked.
"No, we're just cleaning. Nearly 30 years of stuff - something's got to go."
"That's good, that you're not moving."
"Not any time soon," I said.

We got a dumpsta

Having a way to get rid of stuff is necessary, but not sufficient for the task of getting rid of stuff.

Neither are the hard rules ("Keep seven years of tax-related records." "Throw out anything you haven't worn in two years." "Do we really need three cans of spray de-icer?" "If you haven't needed that piece of peg board in the last 20 years, ...." ). The rules help, but only if the decision can be based on logic. We're not logical. We're human.
We're hopeful and think that that this piece of clear plastic might be useful in some creative future that probably won't come. We're fearful that, if we throw out these old, faded pictures of unrecognizable old Finns, we're disrespecting my parents. And the roof rack in the shed? Does that belong to my current Subaru or the one that's going to our grandson? I'd better check, but, later, when I have some time (forgetting that we've used a roof rack just once in how many years?).
And won't this brain of mine just shut up and let me throw stuff away? Of course not.

Classical physics says that gravity is a function of mass, but can't explain why a little object such as this stays in place because I don't know why I have two of them that I just might need.
Finally, though, as with everything, it's about doing the best that you can. We set a goal of emptying our attic and we completed that. We set another goal of emptying one of the two sheds and we completed that. Those leftover roofing shingles - gone. The rusty chains and aforementioned peg board - gone. It's better. It's not all better, but it's better.
And, in the course of things, we got to talking with our neighbor who had some scrap lumber that he was pleased to toss. He also had a couple of pallets that we reclaimed for use for next year's firewood stack. He also had a few stories. Sometimes, being a good neighbor means just listening to one neighbor telling stories about another neighbor. I'm sure that there a few stories about us, too.
"You aren't moving out, are you?" he finally asked.
"No, we're just cleaning. Nearly 30 years of stuff - something's got to go."
"That's good, that you're not moving."
"Not any time soon," I said.

the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty

The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 1

... nothing could be more ill-judged than that intolerant spirit which has, at all times, characterized political parties.

Resisting the temptation to quote the whole darn thing ...

Among the most formidable of the obstacles which the new Constitution will have to encounter may readily be distinguished the obvious interest of a certain class of men in every State to resist all changes which may hazard a diminution of the power, emolument, and consequence of the offices they hold under the State establishments; and the perverted ambition of another class of men, who will either hope to aggrandize themselves by the confusions of their country, or will flatter themselves with fairer prospects of elevation from the subdivision of the empire into several partial confederacies than from its union under one government.

Early thoughts on House passage of health care reform

• This was a good thing about which many people from both parties should not be proud of how it happened.
• Kudos to the Telegram for being able to get the late story into the print editions.
• As the coaches tell each player - when you get to the end zone with the football, behave as though you've been there before.
  Nevertheless, to my family and friends who were/are Scott Brown supporters - this is how the morning of January 20 felt.
• Best tweet: Is Nancy Pelosi trying to filibuster herself?
• As with any major piece of legislation, the unintended consequences will be the most interesting part to watch, the stuff that's going to happen 10 and 20 and 30 years out. Social Security and Medicare made extended retirement possible, making life after 60 more like life and less like waiting to die.
  The entrepreneurial possibilities of universal healthcare coverage will lead   to a lot of innovative ideas in the marketplace and a lot of other stuff.
  
  
  
• To Jeff's point, no one should confuse healthcare coverage with health for all. People will still get sick, live in pain, and die prematurely because our systems for delivering medical services and helping people to stay healthy doesn't know how to or doesn't want to make all that happen. Sickness and health are too complex for any piece of legislation. 
• We don't have enough primary care services available for the expected influx of new patients.
• I'm not a lawyer, let alone someone who's very knowledgeable in the area of liability law. It's my impression, however, that most liability law is at the state level and, as such, out of the scope of the federal government.
  Do the Republicans who are howling about tort reform want to expand federal law to override state liability laws?
• We're fortunate to live in Massachusetts where the otherwise uninsurable, such as yours truly, can get coverage. Even in Massachusetts, this new legislation will have a direct impact on me and my family, notably in the area of prescription drug coverage for retirees.
• I'm glad that it's over, even if it isn't really over yet. We get our president back.