So we finally start moving in, we’re getting to know the neighbors as time passes, and Loli [short for Dolores] (the little old woman who lives on the second floor across the street) comes down the stairs, this fragile little thing dragging her cane behind her like an after-thought. “Gracias a dios que se fue la vieja.” ‘Thank god the old lady left.’

My jaw drops.

“What?”

Apparently, from what she chose to disclose, she and the previous owner had it out for each other. I mean really, really had it out for each other. They’d purposefully do things to upset each other.

The previous owner would complain about the trash placement, and guess who would drag trash right up to that spot from across the street and up the stairs. The previous owner didn’t like ducks, guess who’d feed them (on our side of the street) so they’d gather at her front porch.

Loli would play music at noon, while she made lunch and offered anyone who passed by coffee through her kitchen window. It looks out to the road that circles the entire neighborhood, and the neighbors and maintenance guys would come by and humor her.

Now, due to covid, she wears her little mask and serves with gloves on, most people bring their own cups or disposable ones. So everyone knew, once the music started playing grandma was in business and they could pass by for their little shot of *FREE Cuban coffee.

*Free: Though she keeps a glass tip jar to help pay for ground coffee.

Apparently the old owner (from my unit) didn’t appreciate the noise, so she’d call the association, the cops, the Pope if she could. She’d complain that her music annoyed her, and she claimed she was selling coffee out of her house.

I mean it was the pettiest of battles, but you could tell they had had enough of each other. So finally, the other one moved out and we moved in!