who is making noise outside the apartment

The small patio right in front of my apartment seems to attract random visitors and their conversations. Whenever such a conversation ensues, the dog is always the first to notice it. Inevitably, he barks, triggering me to investigate the source of his concern. Nine times out of ten, the noises outside are coming from the neighbors across the drive who evidently believe that our patio is their private phone booth. Is seems as though whenever one of the three neighbors receives or makes a heated phone call, she feels it is more appropriate to carry the conversation out of her own apartment(so as not to disturb her roommates) and onto my patio (as to disturb ME)!

Considering the small size and lack of furniture and lighting on the patio, I fail to understand the attraction to it. However, it must hold some value that I am overlooking.

Another item in the apartment that holds a value that many overlook is the exercise bench. While many recognize its value in their quest to get fit and be healthy, only I know its true value as a storage shelf!