The Town Hoard House

After a dozen times of passing this house on the way into my hometown, I had to have a photo. My family told me it has looked this way for at least 6 months. No, the neighbors haven't complained.

My new favorite show is "Hoarders" on A & E. I've never devoured any TV program like I do this one. Scott can't stand to watch it. It freaks him out. The various hoarders all have houses that are packed with crap. All kinds of crap. One 21-year-old guy was convinced he could not throw anything away, especially the shedded fur that came off his beloved dog. He was terrified that by disposing of the fur, he was shortening his dog's life.

An elderly couple hoarded cats. They were not sure how many cats they owned, because most were in hiding, inbred and antisocial and diseased. Finally, Animal Control came to visit, with a court order. Guess how many cats they found in that house? SEVENTY-ONE. Guess how many were alive? Thirty-five. Yes. 36 dead cats, from muffin-sized kitten carcasses to an old tomcat who had died draped over a box and had become a perfect, stiff square.

When the cleaner-outers of the house got to the garage (also, like the house, piled a foot deep in debris, cat poop, etc.) they lifted up a board and a skunk popped out and sprayed them, then ran like hell for parts unknown.

When I watch the show (Monday nights, 9:00 central time) I am, in no specific order, disgusted, fascinated, entertained, and made to feel deliciously, stupendously normal.

That is worth the 65 bucks a month for "extended basic" cable.