When we got home Saturday, we noticed a little pink flag with a bag and a piece of paper out by the big tree in front. When I checked it out, it was a utility map sketch of the neighbors, showing various things criss-crossing their back yard.
Now Margie notes that there are a plenitude of little paint marks and such all over the back garden beds, along the perimeter of the property. Some extend out into the lawn. Upon closer examination, they’re mapping both phone and electrical lines.
So … what gives, we wonder. Some upcoming utility work? Some of the perimeter (but not all of it by any means) of our back yard is a utility easement, so I hope that doesn’t imply there’s digging in our future. But that wouldn’t explain the marks where there isn’t an easement.
The neighbors did get a new phone line in last year some time, and we noted that it was (as Qwest has done with us in the past) lying open on the ground along our side of the fence. But that area’s not easement, either, and if that line’s going to be buried, it should be buried on their side of the fence (which is mostly grass) not our side (which is all plantings).
Stay tuned …
UPDATE: Margie contacted the electric co., which, after digging around, determined it’s the cable co. Question remains, after we determine the easement, what’s the sitch?
Perhaps it be Long John Silver’s treasure map! Start diggin’, me hearty!