Mixed feelings 38 hours from closing. My neighbor's fire was arson.

[DemoTex]

The two dudes who looked at my house several weeks ago are LEOs. Their real estate agent came out after I had a contract with the new buyers to look at some furniture I had for sale. She was cute (real cute!), and claims a PhD in Psychology. I admired the cute, and questioned the PhD.

The reason I questioned the PhD is that she did not figure something was going on when she showed two guys my place, they took photos of everything, especially the ham radio gear, and that was the only place they looked at in Transylvania County (NC). When I pointed these things out to her (and she verified other points to me) she was horrified.

Anyway, I have about 38 hours of ownership in this mountain retreat left. We close the sale Wednesday morning. After that I have until 3/31 to vacate. Tonight, I am heavily armed (relatively speaking, for an anti-gun guy). I have borrowed a 9-mm handgun and a 12-guage shotgun from a B-I-L in Greenville (I am a competent shooter of both). All of my gasoline supplies are locked away.

Today, on the gravel road above my house (200' above, 1500' laterally), was a big white arrow - on our private road - pointed directly to my house. Tomorrow, I'll go up there and take a picture with my digital camera and post it here.

Anyway, I'm leaving a place I love. I'll post notes and pics over the next few trying weeks. Watch for them.

Mac


Summer on the mountain


SOLD!


Our new digs (101 years old).

[blm]

Where are the new digs, SC or NC?

.

[DemoTex]

Greenville, SC

Near Crescent.

[LastDemocratInSC]

32. My grandparents lived on Crescent Avenue

I spent thousands of days in that wonderful house from childhood through my younger adult years. It was a magical experience. I dream about it often, even at my age.

Congratulations on your new home. It looks wonderful.

[DemoTex]

36. My street runs between Augusta and Crescent.

Great neighborhood! I am a half block, or less, from Crescent.-

[MadMaddie]

1. Your new home looks warm and inviting....

Be safe....

[DemoTex]

10. It is both ..

Plus, it is cool! Frank Loyd Wright cool (not a FLW, but close!). The Greenville Prairie Cottage (SC). Notice the grand piano in the room to the left. That was Dr. "D's" Christmas gift from me. That is the music conservatory room. In a few weeks it will be the repository of a new F. Loree oboe! Mine .. all mine!


The new digs!





The new oboe!

[land of the free]

31. new oboe?

Ok, the new house does look nice, but I'm more interested in the instrument. :)
(I just finished three hours of oboe & EH reed making)

Congrats on all your new stuff!

[DemoTex]

43. Yep, selling my old Loree.

Sold, actually. Tell me more about the reed making (PM if you must). I buy my reeds on line. If you make quality reeds, I might need to talk to you.

Mac

[Atman]

2. And you post all this on a public forum WHY?

Sheesh! Cool digs, though! Congrats, I think.

[blm]

25. It's been an ongoing story - I guess a few folks missed the relevance

of some of the "visits" to Demo's house over the last couple months.

[salin]

37. I have missed the back story

sounds... YIKES! Be safe DT!

[DemoTex]

47. And your problem with my post is what?

???

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

3. LEO = Law Enforcement Officers? Why would they care about photographing

your stuff and "surveilling" you?

Because you're an evil Democrat who hates America? :shrug: :sarcasm:

[file83]

11. Probably because they mistakenly think he might attempt to

burn his own house down and commit insurance fraud? That's the only reason I can think of. The photos would be added evidence for a case against him. What else could they be thinking? The white arrow-->So the fire trucks know where to go if his house starts burning.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

12. There isn't enough information, for me, in the original post, to determine

what DemoTex is communicating, what specifically he is getting at.

Is he saying the LEO guys who photographed his stuff would torch his place? He's moving anyway... why would they do that?

Confusing...

[file83]

33. Well, it would be nice if he would humble us with some feedback...

:eyes:

[file83]

4. So are you worried that those 2 guys

are going to burn you house down or rob it? If they have already been there, why do you think they would need to paint a white arrow on the road to your house?

[file83]

7. Wait a minute - I think I know what's going on....

...you said your neighbors house was "arsoned" - did the police ever catch who did it?

If not, then maybe the "LEO"s (police) that photographed your stuff think that maybe their is some insurance fraud going on - so they came by your place to photograph what you have JUST IN CASE your house mysteriously burns to the ground. That way, if you try and file a false claim (meaning they suspect you might be involved) then they would have photographic proof to charge you.

The white arrow? Perhaps they are so convinced you will burn your house down, that they painted the white arrow in the road so that in the event it does start to burn, the Fire trucks will be able to find your house easier - thus putting out the fire quicker - which aides the Arson Investigators in their locating the cause of said fire.

I wouldn't worry if I were you. But be careful walking around outside your house with a gun, because if the cops are surveilling you in these final 38 hours, you wouldn't want to give them a reason to open fire.

Of course, my theory only makes sense if the police haven't caught the arsonist of your neighbor's house.

[hang a left]

27. I think I remember his original post a while back talking

about these two men coming in and just photographing his radio equipment and nothing else.

[NoSheep]

61. but we may never know. it's a family secret.

:popcorn:

[Nickster]

5. Wow, the new place looks awesome. Congrats!

[EFerrari]

6. I've made moves like that.

Take what you can fit in your heart.

:toast:

[WilliamPitt]

8. Who burned what where?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

13. Color me confused.

[NoSheep]

57. fuchsia here

[DemoTex]

15. A neighbor's log house burned a few weeks ago (SW NC mountains)

Who, we don't know. Burned: Norm Soward's retirement house (he flew B-17s in WW-II). What: the major stucture of a 1500 sq. ft. log home was destroyed. Where? LAT 35.065 LON 82.87. Why: ????

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

16. So is the primary reason you are moving because it's too remote

(though beautiful), and you are worried about a similar, terrible, thing happening to you? I remember you posting about this before, but it all seems a bit out of context now.

[WilliamPitt]

23. Jesus.

I'm glad you're keeping an eye out.

The house is incredibly beautiful.

[madokie]

9. I'm glad to be reading a followup to the post of your

sale of your place and I hope everything will be ok. Sometimes hope is not much but sometimes hope is all we have.
Peace

[Wcross]

14. Very nice homes. How do you justify the hypocrisy though?

"Tonight, I am heavily armed (relatively speaking, for an anti-gun guy). I have borrowed a 9-mm handgun and a 12-Gage shotgun from a B-I-L in Greenville"

I find this statement incredibly hypocritical. You're anti-gun and have decided to arm yourself?

I wouldn't even worry about it as described. As long as you still have homeowners insurance until you move your personal belongings there won't be any problems.
Just for laughs go up to the white arrow and point it in another direction.

[DemoTex]

17. Join me on the mountain tonight, my friend

It is as quiet as the A Shau. There is no hypocrisy.

[Pirate Smile]

18. Can you give us any details about what happened to your neighbor's

house?

Beautiful homes. The new one looks gorgeous. Congrats!

[DemoTex]

20. Details? It burned to the ground.

Why and how? See my original text.

[Pirate Smile]

29. I thought some additional details on what happened with the neighbor,

like who did it, why, etc. might clear up some of the confusion about exactly what is going on.

I guess I'm just not clear. Did someone who was NOT the owner burn down the neighbors house which is why you are worried for yours? If the cops are worried about you doing it to your own home, you know that isn't a problem.

Sorry. I feel like I'm missing a few pieces of the puzzle.

p.s. I'm not the one who called you a hypocrite or anything. I was just trying to figure out exactly what was going on.

[Wcross]

19. Why do you describe yourself as anti-gun?

Obviously you are not a confirmed anti-gun guy. If I could get there in time I would be there with my M1a and my experience as a Marine corps rifleman. An anti-gun guy holding a shotgun and pistol is like "sort of" being pregnant.

[DemoTex]

22. I descrtibe myself as anti-gun because I am anti-gun!

Christ on a fucking crutch! I hate fucking guns! GET MY GOD DAMN DRIFT! Perhaps you should not get close to my property. I might just shoot you with my water pistol.

mac

[Wcross]

28. Anti-gun unless YOU need one.

Typical, "I know what I am doing but nobody else should have the right to do what I am doing". Call it what you want.

[Thtwudbeme]

44. You don't have a clue in hell as to what you are talking about

I have been to the mountains where this house is many, many times.

Can you not comprehend "I don't like guns, but feel like I need one right now?"

Give me a flipping break; while you are trying to sound "ethical" you really just sound like a jerk.

[Wcross]

62. Just pointing out a fact.

Its too bad you can not see the hypocrisy. Being anti-gun implies you are for laws that ban civilian ownership of firearms. Merely disliking guns is an entirely different matter.

[lectrobyte]

21. Pardon me for jumping in here, but

I'm not getting something. You've sold your house, but you think someone is going to burn it down, but the police are staking *you* out? Sorry, I am not understanding what's going on, but as a fellow NC resident who occasionally dreams of retiring to just such a place, I'd like to understand your story. Thanks.

[file83]

34. This guy sounds kind of weird to me. He posts some paranoid

and vague statement about cops, arson, moving, "white arrows" on the road, for no other reason than to post it. He even posts pictures of himself and his house he has sold. When others ask him for more details concerning the "arson" (which he seems so damned concerned about) to see if they can help him make sense of the situation, he acts as if we are the ones being weird for asking(!?!). He then goes on to say he's "anti-gun" yet says that he is armed to the teeth with guns. :silly:

Sounds like someone has been spending a little bit too much time out in the woods, if you know what I mean.

[leftchick]

38. Demo is not "weird"

:grr:

He is a beloved DUer to many of us who has been going through some serious issues regarding his property and person. Many of us have been following it for a while now. If you don't get it, search his previous posts to fill you in rather than insult him. That is so uncalled for.

[DemoTex]

41. Thanks Leftchick

File83 obviously missed previous posts on this subject. Too bad. Thanks for the defense.

On edit: File 83 also knows little about the LTTEs and Op/Ed pieces that I have had published in the last three years (many of which I have shared with DU), or of the hate/threat mail with respect to those articles. For File83's edification, I'd suggest a basic DU article that can be found at:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/articles/04/02/21_lies.html

Mac

[leftchick]

42. It should go without sayin!

You are a DU icon! And one of my personal DU favs of all time!


Peace on!

:)

[NoSheep]

56. I feel very deeply for whatever is going on with you. But this IS a

public message board and it isn't all that damn weird to have people question this who don't have a clue what has happened with you. We are all here to help each other. Have you and your "in crowd" forgotten how to be kind?

Sorry but this just reeks. There are many here who have, are and will experience the fallout of this fascism. Perhaps you should have your own private forum if you can't tolerate people who don't "GET" your "private" story.

[Nevernose]

49. His taste in barbecue, however, leaves much to be desired

Perhaps if I ever make it out to the Atlantic coast, I can set him straight at an old fashioned DU barbecue.

[anitar1]

65. Yes . I remember his posts and have wondered

what has hapened to him.

[Thtwudbeme]

45. I've been reading this man's posts for years

How is having two guns "armed to the teeth."

His story might sound odd to you if this is the first time you are reading it, and aren't familiar with the Appalachian mountains....but, my first impression of you is "Drama Queen."

[anitar1]

66. Has it occured to you that these people are NOT

'cops?

[Freedom_Aflaim]

24. Maybe the Cops were a couple

And they were just looking for an away love nest

:)


Seriously, Im not sure what you are getting at. What are the guns for? Are you planning to shoot some cops if they raid you (Ill seriously assume not, but Im puzzled by what you are implying).

[file83]

35. Or maybe the cops were HAM radio buffs and admired his set up?

Who cares.

[DemoTex]

46. Maybe

I certainly don't care what you think. You are new here, right?

Mac

[MissB]

26. Congrats!

Looks like you're moving from one beautiful home to another. :toast:

[shanti]

30. i love your new home

congrats! :hi:

[Missy Vixen]

39. DemoTex, I hope that you and Dr. DemoTex

enjoy your beautiful new home.

I'm sending all our best for a safe and uneventful evening and closing. Be safe. We're all thinking of you.

Julie

[Avalon Sparks]

40. Closing is always stressful....

Good Luck! Beautiful houses...

[FogerRox]

48. DemoTex-- welcome home-

Did you fly Phantoms?

[DemoTex]

50. Nope. SP-2E's

But the Phantom drivers loved us. We helped the Sandies and the Jolly Greens pluck the F-4 drivers from the trail. The Ho Chi Mihn Trail. Biet?

[FogerRox]

52. just an Air buff

[PsN2Wind]

53. Dontcha wonder Mac

how these guys get 1000 posts and know nothing about what has gone on here for years? Ignore them. Anybody that flew Peter2Victors is OK.
Keep yourself safe.

[NoSheep]

60. can i have some of what you're having? some "IN" juice????

mmmm..that's good. I'm ever so grateful.

[PsN2Wind]

64. You didn't get it from me

Mine only comes with a little gold star. No gold star, no "In" juice.

[EFerrari]

67. You know, that just isn't true.

There's nada here that a question and answer couldn't have taken care of. And most people are very good about attending to questions.

Take it easy. This is a big place.

[PsN2Wind]

69. My post was a reply

to a snarky comment about "In" juice.
I don't do Q&A with people that don't have a gold star because I feel they are here on my (and your) dime. I feel virtually anyone can come up with a coupla bucks to support the site but this individual with over 3300 posts doesn't have one.
I'm a believer in the saying from back in the sixties.

"Gas, Grass or Ass but nobody rides for free".

[NoSheep]

71. No. I haven't donated lately because things are a little tough.

More than just a little. It's all due to a millionaire ex-boss who riped me off in ways I never dreamed imaginable. Think "indentured servant". Some people know about that, some don't. But if you asked, I'd certainly not act like you were an idiot for doing so. But I'm going to be ok. I have also contributed thoughtful, informed commentary to many discussions here on this forum. In the past, those more fortunate than I have given me stars. That's the kind of place I know DU to be. But sometimes...things can get a bit "inside" if you know what I mean. And when I read or respond to posts about someone having a tough time, and the original poster seemed to be just that, I am doing it because I care about people. I'm on this site because I care about people. I may not have enough money but I have enough heart. Enough for you and me both it seems.

[davsand]

51. Aw, Mac, that is both good news and creepy.

I do hope you two find happiness in your new digs, and I hope you feel secure very soon.

Mac, I've read your stuff a long time here at DU, and I worried about you on 9/11. I knew what you did for a living at that time and even once I knew you were safe, I worried because I knew you probably had flown with those pilots and crew members.

You have absolute credibility with me and many others here. We are the ones who have known and loved you for the last few years. Do not doubt that for one second.

I find I am both sad and sickened at what I'm seeing in this thread from some of the DUers. I am like you--I remember when it wasn't like this on DU, and I remember when this kind of shit just didn't go on--either at DU or in our personal worlds.

As one old timer to another, I'll tell you, this is not the DU I grew to love, nor is this the free America I grew up feeling proud of.

These "DUers" acting like this in here tonight are not the heart and soul of the progressive movement here in the US. It is guys like YOU and guys like Skinner, Earl, Elad, Keph, Will Pitt and Truth is ALL, and a host of other DUers that are our backbone and our hope.

Keep your head down, and I wish I was there in the flesh to support you guys right now.

Peace to you.


Laura

[kineneb]

54. good luck, stay safe

your paranoia is justified...arson is ugly. Good luck on your move (I hate moving & know what a pain it is). Your new place looks lovely.

[politicat]

55. Good luck with the move and stay safe!

I'd question the estate agent, too - I'd find it odd if someone took photos of our household goods instead of the house when they were looking at it, too.

Be careful, and nolite te bastardes carborundorum.

(Lovely oboe, too.)

[Maddy McCall]

58. Will you adopt me?

I travel light, and I'm low maintenance...well, except for the four dogs, three cats, lizard, and and the kid. :D :silly:

I absolutely LOVE your new house!! Awesome! :woohoo:

Be careful. Those guys sound very suspicious! :scared:

I didn't know that you do ham radio. I'm thinking about getting into it...for storm spotter purposes and to communicate with cool people like you. Any advice for me? (you can PM it if you like)

[readmoreoften]

59. Holy Crap, DemoTex!

I'm concerned for you. Please keep us updated.

[REP]

63. I Don't Know The Whole Story But

Both houses are just gorgeous. Congratulations on the new house and oboe, and best of luck with everything.

[AnnieBW]

68. Both Houses Look Great!

Both your old and your new houses look lovely. I wish you good luck. I wish your house's new owners good luck and safety, too.

[catmandu57]

70. It's thursday morning now how did things go?

I'm making the assumption that everything went okay, I know how you're feeling about firearms. We don't have any in the house, but have ready access if we need too, I just feel better without any around.
I know you weren't a groundpounder, but surely there a few early warning tripwires you could throw out?