How do I get us out of E-Hell?

[PoisonIvy]

I have to confess, I'm the guilty party here...

On Boxing Day (December 26th) my OH and I had a couple of friends over for nibbles and drinks.  As is wont to happen during the holidays, the drinks part of the evening outlasted the nibbles by quite a bit, and at about 9.30pm, our rather flustered (and 6-months-pregnant) next door neighbour (Carrie) knocked on our door and asked us to turn the noise down - we'd been doing a bit of impromptu karaoke, and didn't think we were that loud, but the singing must have been excruciating.  (To be honest we weren't all that loud and it was a holiday, but I can imagine Carrie's not feeling in as much of a party mood lately given her pregnancy.)   Of course we complied straight away and apologised profusely. 

Our neighbours are nice people and we're friendly with them, so I'm feeling rather red-faced over the whole thing.  I was thinking of baking some cookies or something as an apology.  Or is that sucking up a bit too much?

[Lisbeth]

I don't think it's sucking up too much, but rather than just baking cookies I'd ask Carrie if there was anything I could do for her at this time that she would especially appreciate, and if it's possible and practical, I'd do it.

I think a note of apology would also be helpful.

[Alida]

I think you've already done what you needed to: turned the noise down and apologized.  Anything else is above and beyond and, I'm sure, would be appreciated by her.

[Clara Bow]

I think that AlidaDmed is right here. I think that I would bake some cookies and attach a "I'm Sorry" note to them and be sure to keep the noise level down in the future. They'll have a new baby before too long and they will definitely need the quiet.

[IndianInlaw]

I lived next door to three single young guys (aka The Chick Magnets).

Once they had a loud party (we lived in single family houses) and I called them to ask them to turn it down please.  I mean it WAS LOUD!

They complied immediately and earned my respect forevermore.

As long as you did what you did, you're home free.


Everyone loves cookies though.

[MerryRaven]

I always invite neighbors to noisy parties.

Seriously, I usually let the neighbors know there will be a party ahead of time and ask them to let me know if anything bothers them. 

Then they are forwarned and feel free to let me know if we are too loud too late or anything.

[Virg]

I'm with the rest for the note; a handwritten note of apology would certainly serve well.  That said, you might want to offer something other than edibles, like perhaps a visit to help clean or something.  Families getting ready for a new baby are always in need of time-savers.  Also, be sure to state in your note that you invite her to call or knock on the door at any time if there's a problem, so she doesn't feel uncomfortable doing it, and as said above be sure to notify them ahead if there's going to be a party.

Virg

[Morty'sCleaningLady]

I also like the note of apology. 

I live in a condo.  Sadly, when I purchased the only unit open was above the social room.  One Friday night, when I was on the couch with the flu, I noticed the floor vibrating and I couldn't hear the television over some music.  An idiot from the 6th floor was trying to create a disco (complete with four foot high speakers) in the social room.  (Think of a room full of folding chairs, a kitchenette and some leftover furniture from Great Aunt Edna's attic.)  I politely asked for them to turn it down.  I went down three times.  The idiot didn't know I'm on condo board.  (Um, that's why I sit at the special table for meetings!) He's been banned from the room for life.

Turning down the volume was respectful of your neighbors.  An apology would be lovely.  I am sure your neighbor thought long and hard before knocking and disrupting your fun.