I need information and clarification.

[graciegirl]

We arrived Friday night and met our new neighbors, nice folks, retired from New York, two doggies.

However. Their front yard is full of potted plants, big urns on either side of their driveway with artificial flowers in them (strong colors), artificial flowers stuck in the ground. many Halloween decorations, but that is for a finite time.The back yard, we abutt Odell Rec Center, and have a lovely stone wall belonging to Odell that defines the space. She has many animals and birds on top that wall, four bird feeders on the wall too, and has hot glued plastic flowers to the wall. Also wind chimes in Odells bushes. It isn't pretty, and I don't want to start an ugly situation. I/we have never had problems with neighbors in our whole life. I know I shouldn't be petty, but it literally makes my stomach hurt.

She told me they had received notice, but said. "What can they do to us" and shrugged.

[tucson]

They will keep coming back to check on that I'm sure of it, they made me take down a small trellis on the front of my house (24" wide) and told me I could put it on the side of the house (as long as it wasn't facing the street). I have been told by many people that the Village Watch doesn't enforce unless a neighbor calls and complains. If your neighbor continues breaking the covenants it'll open many others to also do the same. Just take a look at what happened to the older sections here and you can understand why TV enforces the rules against all the ugly stuff that some people put in their yards.

[Peachie]

Awwww, Gracie... complain and do it now to the neighborhood enforcers. Mr. Peachie and I had neighbors like that once and I hate to tell you this, but in the end we sold and moved. The indiocyncrasies of many of those decoraters seldom stop in yard. We're sorry to hear your Villages homecoming was "trashed" and encourage you to call the authorities patrolling TV ASAP and often, if necessary!

[tkret]

Graciegirl,

Hello. The advice posted by both tucson and Peachie is excellent and should be seriously considered. If your neighbor, who agreed to the CC&Rs when he/she moved into TV, have violated rules which you adhere to ... well, you have a choice to ignore it or have it enforced. Everyone wants to be a good neighbor and your neighbor should be one, too. When Peachie says that on one occasion she and Mr. Peachie sold and moved because of a similar circumstance, you have to decide now if it bothers you enough will you want to incur those headaches and those expenses as you get older.

On a sidenote, have you seen Jo since your arrival? I could be wrong but I seem to recall that she is in your neighborhood, though not the person we discussing here.

Good Luck.

[Peachie]

GG, Mr. Peachie and I were having a discussion about your dilemma and were wondering if you and Sweetie had thought about hosting "clothing optional" parties in your backyard? :22yikes:

[tkret]

GG, Mr. Peachie and I were having a discussion about your dilemma and were wondering if you and Sweetie had thought about hosting "clothing optional" parties in your backyard? :22yikes:


Good one, Peachie. But, GG had better make sure FIRST that her neighbor isn't into that, too. Good one by you. :laugh:

[Cassie325]

GG, Mr. Peachie and I were having a discussion about your dilemma and were wondering if you and Sweetie had thought about hosting "clothing optional" parties in your backyard? :22yikes:

Careful....they might be the type of neighbors that would come join in....and want to help decorate for the occassion!!

[chelsea24]

awww GG, I just read this. That's awful. I would call right away also. A friends of mine's Mom was like that and believe me, there was never enough. She just kept adding to the junk. Do yourself and your neighborhood a favor and call. That's really bad. :yuck:

[Boomer]

GG,

Although we have never really met, and it is not exactly like I really know you, for some reason this thing is really :cus: me off!!!!!

When I read your post, my first thought was, "GG, are you sure that you did not play a practical joke on your neighbors the last time you were here, and now they knew you were arriving so they are getting back at you?"

But then I realized that this is serious.

And this is wrong. They knew the drill coming in just like everybody else who signs on the line.

But let's think about this a minute......

While this is most certainly a problem for you (which I am incensed about, btw), this is an even bigger problem for the developer himself.

Here's why........

Even though TV may not have been hit quite as hard by the woes of the real estate market, the sales I am sure have not been so easy as in the past. And those Boomer Bucks that so many have planned on taking to the bank are not so easy to come by as was once thought. The developer knows all this.

When potential buyers cruise TV, one of the things that stands out the most is how beautifully the properties are kept. That is a huge selling point. Thus, the restrictions.

Therefore, the developer surely figured out long ago how to not let this kind of bizarre protest take hold.

GG, this is not only about the eyesores that some consider beautiful, this is about money and profit. The developer wants to sell houses. Surely, something can and will be done. Your neighbors may fancy themselves a test case. But something tells me that this kind of thing has been tested before. The developer is not likely to tolerate anything that will interfere with sales.

Let me know if you want me to pull up in the Boomermobile that has the Bose speakers and blast my Rolling Stones CD with "Hey! You! Get Off My Cloud!" in front of their house at certain times of the day or night. (Remember Noriega?)

Wow, GG! This is sure making me grouchy this morning.

I wish you the best. I think the developer will get it covered. Lots of people are watching.

(Oh and I was just kidding about those Noriega tactics. Sometimes my brain does work that way though when I hear about something that is NOT FAIR!!!) These people knew coming in.

I am going to go see "Hairspray" at the theater this afternoon. That will make me smile while I remember all that work I did teasing my hair for all those many hours of my teenage years.

Good luck, GG.

I am watching.

Boomer

[redwitch]

First, welcome back!

I know it is hard to complain and you're always afraid it will backfire but it sounds like you're absolutely miserable. Hon, bite the bullet and complain. They are breaking the covenants they agreed to. Let CCWD handle it -- that's their job -- and it certainly beats you having to talk to her about her decor or coming home and seeing that mess. BTW -- When you do call be sure and mention the back. Community Watch only sees the front.

[tkret]

Boomer ... right on the money with your advice.

[Barefoot]

awww GG, I just read this. That's awful. I would call right away also. A friends of mine's Mom was like that and believe me, there was never enough. She just kept adding to the junk. Do yourself and your neighborhood a favor and call. That's really bad. :yuck:

Gg, I agree with Chels. If it makes your stomach hurt, you gotta call. :ohdear:

I know you're a nice person and you don't want to make "bad neighbours".
But they are blatantly defying the covenants, which are in place to preserve our property values.

[islandgal]

OMG, GG - Just reading your post has given me a headache. :ohdear:

Surely there are other neighbors who feel the same way. Perhaps several of you could schedule a meeting with the powers that be, rather than phone in a complaint.
Keep us posted..................I am so sorry - what a :cus: bummer...

[Cassie325]

I would imagine others in the neighborhood have already called if they have already received two letters! This person obviously does not care about the covenants that they signed.

She poised a good question though....what can they do to her? Does anyone know? Honestly GG....they can call her and send her letters and knock on her door....BUT what is the end result if she doesn't remove it?

I really am being sincere here....please take it that way. Even in the community outside of TV's where we are...there are strict rules...and if someone continuously breaks them....amentity rights are taken away.

I would think Tal or zcaveman or 07 might know this answer.

Red has a point too....make sure you point out the back....she is "decorating" TV's property....

Oh yuk~!! I hate fake flowers outside!!barf

One thought is.....if the complaining doesn't work....get a group of your friends together for dinner on a night when you know they are not home....and have a clean up the neighborhood party....;)

[tkret]

I would imagine others in the neighborhood have already called if they have already received two letters! This person obviously does not care about the covenants that they signed.

She poised a good question though....what can they do to her? Does anyone know? Honestly GG....they can call her and send her letters and knock on her door....BUT what is the end result if she doesn't remove it?

I really am being sincere here....please take it that way. Even in the community outside of TV's where we are...there are strict rules...and if someone continuously breaks them....amentity rights are taken away.

I would think Tal or zcaveman or 07 might know this answer.

Red has a point too....make sure you point out the back....she is "decorating" TV's property....

Oh yuk~!! I hate fake flowers outside!!barf

One thought is.....if the complaining doesn't work....get a group of your friends together for dinner on a night when you know they are not home....and have a clean up the neighborhood party....;)

I believe that the HOA can levy a monetary fine against the homeowner and, if not paid, a lien can be placed against the home. The home cannot be sold until the fine is paid and the lien satified. Of course, there could be different rules in TV than elsewhere, but I bet it's the same.

[In awe of TV]

Darn, GG, I was so hoping everything would be perfect for you upon arriving at TV. :sad:

How awful for you and all the surrounding neighbors. Some people regardless of walk or level of live have no taste or class.

When I lived in CT, the HOA imposed a fine of $75, if after the first 3 warnings, nothing was done to recify the issue. Another $75 fine would be imposed the next month, and so on. The fines would appear on their monthly maintenance fee statement.

Per my current HOA by laws, fines cannot be invoked, however, the property management company can and do disable their pool pass if any of the covenances are ignored after warnings have been issued.

There just has to be something the management can do. If there isn't, this issue should be brought up at your next HOA meeting.

[chuckinca]

A couple Pink Plastic Flamingos in the front lawn don't seem so bad in comparison.




.

[thegreenerside]

I like the fact that GG's made a point that the neighbors are from New York. :22yikes:

[beady]

You have to call and report the neighbor , for yourself and your neighborhood....I have a neighbor who decorates his house at Christmas and it is awful... I shutter to think what that yard would look like if he was allowed to "decorate" all year around. That is the point of the covenants...call,call,call.

[Shirleevee]

I like the fact that GG's made a point that the neighbors are from New York. :22yikes:

???

[SteveFromNY]

I like the fact that GG's made a point that the neighbors are from New York. :22yikes:

And you like that why?

[graciegirl]

I like the fact that GG's made a point that the neighbors are from New York. :22yikes:

I truly was sincere in that statement. They are nice. They are from New York. I mean, they could have been from Idaho. Or Texas. Or Ohio. I usually kid around, but I wasn't trying to be funny or sarcastic.

[Frangyomory]

One of the blessings of living in the Villages are the covenants. If you drive over to the historical side you will see some houses that are "over decorated". This is one of the reasons that the developer put in place rules about how we can decorate our front yards and actually, in all but CYV, all our property.

You would be doing your neighborhood a favor if you called the Compliance office. They drive by here in Tall Trees, Cherry Vale Villas, at least a few times a month and routinely tell people to get rid of the lawn ornaments which are not in compliance.

While I love wind chimes, I wouldn't overdo it. I have two in my back yard just outside the lanai.

Do yourself and your potential ulcer a favor. Call compliance. They are supposed to keep it confidential when a neighbor complains.

Hope this works out well for all. Maybe she just has too much time on her hands and finds the dollar store to her liking!!! Anyway, it is one of the good rules around here and one with which I totally agree.

No jockey on my front lawn!!!!

[fizzbyn]

GG...
Even though I don't want to be, I'm more of a hawk than a dove and I get in a lot of trouble taking up "causes", but I'd lay off this one if I were you. It looks like other neighbors have complained already and some action has been taken. If the Village committee that takes care of such things ignores the situation, then maybe I'd complain. Wait and see what happens before you get involved. You have to live in this neighborhood for a very long time and maybe they will live here too, so it would be much better to not have a hostile neighbor. At least in our neighborhood, the accused has a right to know who his/her accusers are and that hasn't made for pleasant relationships around here and even some retaliation. One couple actually moved a couple of blocks away just to get rid of the hostile neighbor. Some things just aren't worth it. You don't know how crazy these people are.
I know how excited you are to be in TV and I'm sorry you have this neighbor. I hope they aren't right next door, but if they are, that's even more reason to not be among the people on their "hit list". You're much too nice.

[Peachie]

fizzbyn GG...
Even though I don't want to be, I'm more of a hawk than a dove and I get in a lot of trouble taking up "causes", but I'd lay off this one if I were you. It looks like other neighbors have complained already and some action has been taken. If the Village committee that takes care of such things ignores the situation, then maybe I'd complain. Wait and see what happens before you get involved. You have to live in this neighborhood for a very long time and maybe they will live here too, so it would be much better to not have a hostile neighbor. At least in our neighborhood, the accused has a right to know who his/her accusers are and that hasn't made for pleasant relationships around here and even some retaliation. One couple actually moved a couple of blocks away just to get rid of the hostile neighbor. Some things just aren't worth it. You don't know how crazy these people are.
I know how excited you are to be in TV and I'm sorry you have this neighbor. I hope they aren't right next door, but if they are, that's even more reason to not be among the people on their "hit list". You're much too nice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fizzbyn, I'm confused... why would the offender need to know the individuals' name that pointed out the violations of TV restrictions? If they were accusing the neighbor of gossip or drug trafficking, maybe, but it is the duty of TV's to implement the rules established and to which we all agreed to abide when we purchase in TV's. Inspection of the offending property can be done by TV without involving any names. I would find it difficult to live anywhere if intimidation kept me from enjoying my home to the fullest.

[redwitch]

The fact she's received two notices doesn't mean there have been any complaints. Community Watch will notice things like urns, etc. in the front and report it to the District who will send a letter. So, it may be that no one has reported these neighbors at all and Community Watch isn't going to check the back unless someone complains.

[F16 1UB]

Have no fear - Sadies here - almost Nothing is sacred, as many of you have heard, with her around. For a fee I'll rent her out. Fresh brownies or a bag of peanut butter M & M's. Call Sadie @ 1-800-GONE.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/F16-1UB/SadieSnow3-8-2008002.jpg

[Peachie]

Ughh, Sadie! What is that awful white stuff on your muzzle and under your beautiful paws? :yuck:

[SABRMnLgs]

I am neither pro or con on this issue. But I did want to put my two cents in here. When we moved here, we were given a raft of papers to fill out and sign. I filled some of them out but not others as I did no "AGREE" with them. The exact words I was told upon returning these papers was, "Either you "agree" to these covenants or you can't live here". I did not agree with them then and I do not agree with them now. Yes, I did sign them but I really don't care about trellis', frogs or any other thing someone might like unless it endangers.
I have had many "discussions" with some of my so called neighbors and no, I do not not put chochkies in my front yard, but if I could I'd have a lot of them. I had them everywhere I ever lived and not once did they hurt anyone nor did the world stop.
But it was a feedom I had to give up or "agree to" if I wanted to live here
in Florida's "Friendliest home town".

[Russ_Boston]

Hey I learned a new word - chotchkies!

I don't have too much of an opinion on this since I don't live there yet but it seems to me that rules are rules. It is that simple.

If TV turns into chotchkies city do you really think it would maintain its value? Maybe some don't care about the value of their investment but most people do. You should never sign something that you don't agree with and if you do sign then you should honor your promise. I understand that you do but obviously others don't.

I hope GG keeps us informed of the eventual outcomes.

[Taltarzac]

Check the Village of Hadley (?) covenants and such GG. They should spell out what happens after violations of the covenants. I would think that a fine would be mentioned in them somewhere for violations with respect to front lawn decorations.


I do not think you need to do anything about this as the fines will probably start coming at some point and in this economy unless you have a neighbor with deep pockets and or a very stubborn disposition, the lawn will start looking more presentable.

I wonder how close a "neighbor" has to be for the Village Watch to do something about eye sores?

This might be of interest--

FL. Stat. 720.305

"(2) If the governing documents so provide, an association may suspend, for a reasonable period of time, the rights of a member or a member's tenants, guests, or invitees, or both, to use common areas and facilities and may levy reasonable fines, not to exceed $100 per violation, against any member or any tenant, guest, or invitee. A fine may be levied on the basis of each day of a continuing violation, with a single notice and opportunity for hearing, except that no such fine shall exceed $1,000 in the aggregate unless otherwise provided in the governing documents. A fine shall not become a lien against a parcel. In any action to recover a fine, the prevailing party is entitled to collect its reasonable attorney's fees and costs from the nonprevailing party as determined by the court. "

[KathieI]

SAB and Russ....... if you're gonna use the Jewish term for ornaments and bric-a-brac, you should spell it right....

Tchotchkes

I can tell you're not NY born and bred, cause even an Italian knows this word!! Mazel Tov!!!

[Taltarzac]

SAB and Russ....... if you're gonna use the Jewish term for ornaments and bric-a-brac, you should spell it right....

Tchotchkes

I can tell you're not NY born and bred, cause even an Italian knows this word!! Mazel Tov!!!



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tchotchke

I would not mind some of the other tchotchke's in TV. Of course, this is in the eye of the beholder. To a 75 year old, a 57 year old could be a "pretty young thing."

[Peachie]

Tal, you are a wealth of information, lol. Thank you for the clarification and now the ladies will know we are not being referred to as brick-a-brac if called a Tchotchke. :pepper2:

[KathieI]

OMG, I never heard that definition before??
But what do I know, I'm only a goyeh!!!
But you can call me a
Tchotchkes
any day!!

[tkret]

But you can call me a
[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]Tchotchkes
any day!![/CENTER]

..... yeah, and I can think of some other things to call ya! :1rotfl:

. . . . . . . . . . .

Kath, you are hot! :pepper2:

[nONIE]

You guys are cracking me up to the max!!! I LOVE IT!!! :1rotfl:

[fizzbyn]

I like the idea of complaining anonymously if that is really true. Still, GG, I would wait and see what happens next. We live in a golf course senior community now and I know that people find out who files a complaint against them.
So if anyone can complain anonymously, everyone should file a complaint. GG said her house backs to the Odell rec center. The offending house shouldn't be too hard to spot. I'd like to see the fake flowers glued to the back wall. I know if I were in TV, I'd certainly drive by.

[KathieI]

Talk about High-jacking a thread!!??
OMG, all this for a lot of
Bubkis!!
and Gracie's neighbor's Tchotchkes!

[Bob45]

Gracie,
Sorry I missed you. Linda and I were there from the 1st to the 24th. Now were back home. Met a lot of nice folks on here. Maaybe we'll meet next time.
Anyhow,
I found this in the deed restrictions in the "Nuts and Bolts" section below. As I see it the owners don't have to do anything. Might be up to the neighbors. Good luck with it. I know I would be upset.

5. ENFORCEMENT: All Owners shall have the right and duty to prosecute in proceedings at law or in equity against any person or persons violating or attempting to violate any covenants, conditions or reservations, either to prevent him or them from so doing, or to recover damages or any property charges for such violation. The cost of such proceedings, including a reasonable attorney's fee, shall be paid by the party losing said suit. In addition, the Developer shall also have the right but not the duty to enforce any such covenants, conditions or reservations as though Developer were the Owner of the Homesite, including the right to recover reasonable attorneys fees and costs. Developer may assign its right to enforce these covenants, conditions or reservations and to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs to a person, committee, or governmental entity.

[graciegirl]

The new folks told us that tomorrow, Wednesday, they are having a lot of landscaping done so they don't have to look at their neighbors. I was told that landscaping has to be presented to someone too, but I am trying not to antagonize.We will wait and see and hope for the best. Sigh.

[Peachie]

Good luck, GG, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! :wave:

[Taltarzac]

The new folks told us that tomorrow, Wednesday, they are having a lot of landscaping done so they don't have to look at their neighbors. I was told that landscaping has to be presented to someone too, but I am trying not to antagonize.We will wait and see and hope for the best. Sigh.

This will probably get the developer's attention. I would just sit back and watch the fireworks. This sounds like a well travelled area too??

[Boomer]

GG,

I am still quite aggravated that you have to put up with this.

I agree with Tal that this is an issue for the developer.

I also bet there is some history on this kind of thing having been pushed by others. It is a look that does not sell houses. That is the bottom line. As much as this seems to be your problem right now, it is an even bigger problem for the developer. Surely it will be handled by the developer. To ignore such an attitude, to let it take hold and spread, just does not make business sense.

TV residents take well-deserved pride in how beautifully the properties are kept. It is a big part of the reason so many have bought in. I keep thinking this just has to turn out OK, otherwise it would indicate that things are being allowed to shift overall. This is a much bigger picture than just a big bunch of gee-gaws out in somebody's yard. I really think it is the developer's problem to handle.

Boomer

[TomW]

Like Boomer, I am also aggravated that you have to endure this. My experience is that these thing rarely improve by themselves. You might want to consider that an early, continuous and vigorous push back to their breaking the covenents. You may want to tell them that you want to be good and friendly neighbors but you will defend your property value from any illegal actions that injure you. At least they will know where you stand and won't be surprised if you have to take more formal action later.

[Barefoot]

This will probably get the developer's attention. I would just sit back and watch the fireworks. This sounds like a well travelled area too??

Please let us know what happens GG, this is of interest to us all.

[graciegirl]

The landscaping is in and it is lovely really. However, all the geegaws in front are back, minus, I think the flowers stuck in the ground. The landscaping does not screen the backyard things. I feel like Alice Kravatz peeking out my window. The landscapers lined all the animals, birdfeeders, American flag, little people, birdhouses, etc. on the wall. The flowers are still glued in place. I think I will go over to the Odell Center and see if they might be able to do something since it is their wall to oversee.

I cannot express how I hate to start trouble of any kind. Henry feels the same way.

[Cassie325]

OMG!!! I know that this is not what you expected to find when you arrived...and I know that this horrible for YOU....and any others in the neighborhood to have to look at....and it just shouldn't happen in TV's...actually it should not happen anywhere....

BUT....I am betting there are MANY people that just want to drive by and see this disaster! I, personally can not stand the fake flowers and Tchotchkes in the yard (in your home is fine if you like but not in the YARD!)!!

Are there statues too? I have seen some spitting water out into a bird bath....maybe an angel or a fairy or one of the saints....

I know that I may sound snobby and some what of an elitist (isn't that the word that is used in political)....BUT it is TV's~!!

So....I guess the point of the post is....Gracie....can you post some pictures...or a video...something?

It just has to be seen to really understand the whole picture! I am not making fun...I really empathize with you....but we need to understand the depth of your torture! Seriously GG....a picture PLEASE~!!

[ConeyIsBabe]

GG...... you have my sympathy and support !

I know I'm only a wannabee , but it could be me - living next door to that eyesore - so I'm following this topic and anxious to know the outcome.......

:popcorn:

[graciegirl]

Thank you Coney.

Cassie, I wouldn't post pictures. Everyone has a different idea of what is lovely and the more that I think about it, the part I really don't enjoy is in the back, it isn't hurting anyone really. The front will be taken care of by the powers that be. These people put these things up because they thought they were pretty.

I think people who are here on TOTV have a great advantage about knowing what is allowed before they move in.

I can't understand why this is bothering me so much .Is it that I am controlling? I am a rule follower. I am not selling the house. No one can really see the back but us and the people on the other side of them who just moved in. I think some big bushes are going to be purchased soon by us.

[Cassie325]

Gracie....it is obvious that most every one on TOTV that has responded agrees with you~

Although there are different opinions on how to deal with the situation....

I would say that.....what ever makes you comfortable and happy in your piece of paradise....is your answer. If it makes you comfortable to put plants up in order to avoid it....or to call the villages and report them.....then this is what you should do.

I understand that you don't want to post pictures.....you are right about the fact that everyone has different taste's and someone on here might actually like it!!

Personally....I can not stand fake flowers, statues and yard balls.......but this is my opinion.....hope there is not a yard ball! barf

[Boomer]

...........
I can't understand why this is bothering me so much .Is it that I am controlling? I am a rule follower. I am not selling the house. No one can really see the back but us and the people on the other side of them who just moved in. I think some big bushes are going to be purchased soon by us.

Oh GG,

You are not being controlling. You just want things to look nice. It's what you bought into. Daggone it. Of alllll the yards in alllll The Villages, why did this one have to be next door to yours.

And I know we Cincinnatians can sometimes be too polite for our own good almost. But hey, we Cincinnati girls got our feng shui thing goin' on, too. (Sigh) Oh, GG, you must get those big bushes soon. And they will grow really fast in Florida I bet. (And I still think the developer has to deal with this. It just would not play well with potential buyers out cruising around.)

Boomer

[Cassie325]

Look up and down the street...are there any FOR SALE signs...if so...call the realtor and "give them a heads up" before they host an open house or appointment!! They will see it....have a fit....and the let the powers that be know about it!!

[njgrann]

I think sometimes, it's not so much what people have done to break the rules, as the fact that they're breaking them without a care for anyone's feelings.

Hope the problem gets resolved. Sounds like the big bushes will help a lot.

Jan

[islandgal]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/bj2island_2008/scan0001-1.gif

Phone no: 352-751-3912
Deed Compliance Director

[sunflower3630]

Oh Gracie, my heart is breaking for you. I know how excited you were to get to your new home, and now this!!! Living next door to that mess; yikes! What to do? Since you started this thread, it sounds like it might be getting a little better for you, with their new landscaping and your new soon-to-be-planted bushes. But you have to stick up for your rights, too! I think I'm in agreement with the majority - it needs to be reported. If your neighbors are allowed to do what they want, when they want, when will it end?

I understand how you feel. I really, really hate to make waves or have confrontations (so you'll never see me in Political!) In the community where I live, my neighbors across the street are snowbirds. They've been here a couple of weeks and from the moment they awake in the morning and go out to retrieve their newspaper, until they go to bed at night, their garage door remains wide open all day. Now, I know it's a little thing, but when I look out my front window, that's what I get to see. Unfortunately, our community does not have a rule against leaving the door open all day. If we did have a rule against it, I don't know if I could file a complaint or not. It's really a very tough call.

I see your situation and I really feel very bad for you. I hope these folks come to their senses very soon, and I hope that the enforcement folks pay them a little visit. I really do think TV won't put up with that tackiness for long.

We're all pulling for you GG. Please keep us posted.

Oh, and you're right - I don't think it's a good idea to post pictures. Sounds like it could be a liability issue that could backfire and get YOU in trouble. Just what you don't need!

Good luck! Glad to hear you made it down safe and sound! I hope you can get out there and have lots of fun and get your mind off the @#$%$ * neighbors next door!

[graciegirl]

Thank you Sunflower. And everyone. We are beginning to see that maybe there are troubles greater there than the menagerie. The front yard is fine now.Things are off the wall in the back yard and down in the planting beds and the bushes will keep my danged obsessive compulsive eyes off the not prettys. I straighten pictures and am just a little overboard on visual things sometimes.

Sometimes people are put in your path for a reason.

[Russ_Boston]

We are beginning to see that maybe there are troubles greater there than the menagerie.

GG - What are the bigger troubles? Do you mean from them or something else that is wrong?

Just concerned for you - Russ

[Barefoot]

Thank you Sunflower. And everyone. We are beginning to see that maybe there are troubles greater there than the menagerie. The front yard is fine now.Things are off the wall in the back yard and down in the planting beds and the bushes will keep my danged obsessive compulsive eyes off the not prettys. I straighten pictures and am just a little overboard on visual things sometimes.

Sometimes people are put in your path for a reason.

Graciegirl, you are very wise. I'm sorry for the health troubles that your neighbours are having. You seem to have come to terms with the "visuals" next door to you.

GG, I also believe that people are put in our paths to teach us life lessons.

[njgrann]

In reading the brochures about acceptable things, I got a kick out of "train sets." That's one thing I've never seen in a front yard.

[CJ]

I like islandgal's response. Truth is, we are all here and invested in this town. Inappropriate decoration of the outdoors impacts all of us. The Morse family has strict rules for us to follow in every detail, they need to get involved. I am sure there are more neighbors being affected by this than just you Gracie.
Since the family doesn't care what you think, maybe you realize they will not be your friend but with rules implemented and reinforced by the villages, you will both live in harmony. To do nothing will cause you more harm emotionally every day.
Deep breath...call the office.