I'm the worst neighbour... EVER!

If there were an upcoming test on 'neighbourhood watch'... I'd fail, completely.

On Monday around lunch time, I was feeling sick and feeling sorry for my self, when I suddenly could smell smoke. So I went out side to investigate. I could see a little bit of smoke, but it seemed distant. So after just a brief little look, I quickly stepped  back in side before the smell of smoke could possibly  make me throw up my lunch for all to see.

Well some time later, about half an hour or so, I heard fire engines and just as I thought... "Hooray! I can't stand this smokey smell no more!" The Fire engine seemed to have all of a sudden reach its destination... at the front of my place!!! 

So I ran outside and saw fireman rushing in next door! Because we have a verandah going all around our house, our next door neighbour's house is so visible from it. I looked over and saw our neighbour's Matt work friend direct them to the back bathroom. Sure enough, there were flames and smoke coming out of the open window and the walls were completely black! I asked the work friend if everyone was ok and luckily there was no one home when it happened. They only just discovered it when they got home for their lunch break.

I felt terrible! All those episodes I 'd watched on 'Oprah' about being vigilant, observant and following your instincts had all been in vain! I've always considered my-self an observant and borderline snoopy neighbour, so how on earth did I miss this?! I could have saved their bathroom and half their kitchen had I simply looked a little more... like just around the corner more! 


Luckily, they are insured and Joe has already offered to help them out so they will be ok. But I'd hate to think what could've happened had Matt not come home for lunch. I'd like to think that I would have eventually taken another closer look! I've learnt my lesson though, and I'm definitely going to 'up the anti' on my snoopy observant neighbour skills. 

The scene outside my house! You can't see the police cars or ambulance, but they were all there... like a scene from a movie.