Neighborhood Renovations, Dumpster Finds, and a Backyard Rescue

Before we get into today’s update, here’s one of those “never thought we’d type this” moments: a short segment we filmed with the OWN crew is airing this Sunday during the Super Soul Sunday season premiere. We’re still a little stunned at the thought of hearing our names on TV — cue fainting couches and dramatically fluttered fans.

Dumpster Treasure That Got Away

Now for the neighborhood happenings — first, the one that got away. A few blocks over a neighbor was mid-renovation and had a big dumpster in their driveway. One day we saw outdoor furniture peeking above the rim: chunky wicker, iron chairs, a table — all looked intact. Could this be the perfect, free addition to our sunroom?

We started imagining a classic trash-to-treasure rescue. Maybe a little cleaning and some rust-proof paint, and the pieces would be good as new. But maybe the items were trashed for a reason. Would it be awkward to knock on a stranger’s door and ask to rummage their dumpster? The thought of salvageable furniture going to waste nagged at us, though.

We debated for a couple of days — genius idea or borderline crazy? Before I could work up the nerve, John told me he’d noticed the dumpster had already been emptied. Cue disappointment. Maybe it was only junk, maybe it was treasure — we’ll never know. At least the idea left us amused and slightly tempted to scout other curbside possibilities.

When Neighboring Landscaping Saves the Day

On the brighter side, the family two doors down started a major landscaping project with things like an outdoor fireplace and a stone patio. Their progress was contagious: their crew working nearby inspired us to act on a problem we’d been postponing. Tree removal done a few months earlier had left our yard uneven — some high spots, low spots and stubborn piles where grass refuses to grow. What looked like small mounds were actually significant hazards; some areas were as much as 15 inches off, enough to twist an ankle.

We had planned to wheelbarrow the soil and mulch away ourselves, but this felt like a job for heavier equipment. Renting a mini dozer was an option, but even a small rental cost several hundred dollars a day. Then we realized the neighbors’ crew might be able to help if we asked — and it was worth a shot.

I walked down, found someone who seemed to be in charge, and asked if they could spare a minute to flatten our yard while they were in the area. They were friendly and willing, but reminded us to have Miss Utility mark underground lines so they wouldn’t hit pipes or wiring. A quick call to 8-1-1 and a couple of days later our yard was flagged and cleared to work.

With the yard marked, the crew came by and gave us front-row seats to a mini “digger show.” Our kid loved it. What we expected to take hours was done in about thirty minutes by a pro who clearly knew his way around equipment. John was only a little jealous.

The operator even moved the too-acidic mulch into our wooded side yard and spread it out so it wasn’t an eyesore. After the quick flattening session he asked for $60 — an absolute steal compared to renting and spending the time ourselves. The front yard still needs grass, but it’s flat and ready for seed, which is a huge step forward.

We might get a quote from the landscaping crew to deliver a layer of topsoil before seeding. It’s not essential, but a fresh layer would help our first season of grass. They also mentioned we could perhaps piggyback on a delivery they’re already making to the neighboring property — a smart, efficient solution that could save money and effort.

So: one missed opportunity and one well-timed ask that paid off. Small neighborhood moments like these — dumpsters that tempt you, crews that inspire you, and quick yard rescues — remind us how much change can happen when you simply knock on a door and ask. Also: our railings have little decorative ends that kind of look like hamburgers. I’m seriously tempted to paint them in honor of our dog, Burger.

What are people doing in your neighborhood lately? Now that the weather’s cooling and school is back in session, it seems like many homeowners are tackling projects — new fences, fresh paint jobs, landscaping — and it’s been fun watching the little transformations unfold.