We have a flat yard that plunges down into a ravine at the rear edge of the backyard. We own the slope (though it is technically native growth protection area). Many of our neighbors have fenced a few feet inside the slope. We have opted to use a temporary fence right now to keep our young kids from falling down the hill (it is STEEP) as we figure out what to do. It sounds like the view down the hill is not going to be very picturesque (rooftops) for you, but the view out is? I would stand in the yard and at various points in the house and figure out what/where you want to screen and at what heights. A fence, even a low one, could be used if you have pets/children to keep in. Otherwise, you could just use plantings. I would consider putting some trees on the back corners to help "frame" your pleasant view and then perhaps have a mix of shrubs and small trees along the back line for interest and screening the "not so pleasant" view. My grandmother had a similar situation to yours (houses below) and she just had a simple wooden split rail fence that ran about 75% the length of the house (behind the main living areas/patio of the house) a few feet inside the top of the slope. She planted her roses in front of it. It was quite pretty. A fence should be a few feet inside the slope and maybe even be built so the posts aren't sunk in the ground directly, but are attached to something else that is. That way, if the ground shifts, it doesn't take your fence down with it. Do you have any idea what the slope was cleared of? I'm guessing they did some clearing if there is hay on it? I'd suggest making sure that regardless of who ends up owning the land on the slope, that it gets planted quickly so it doesn't erode away. I'm not an expert here - but you may even want to contact a geotechnical engineer to assess the situation, especially if the soil looks especially loose or your house is within 30-40' of the slope.

No one has to prove anything to me. I just politely asked as like everything else in life I look for personal referrals. It's like when a member cuts and pastes information as a response to a post and it gives the impression of personal knowledge. I for one would prefer the referral to the website rather than just the verbage. I then can get a broader view of the reliabilty of the data, and there might be even more on-point information available. WOT is a fine reference to support human input. And as far as long time members, though it means nothing there are not many who are still here from when I arrived in 1998. (There were a core of us who for whatever reason lost our profile in 2001 and they had to be republished.) Please don't lump me in with the other side of the fence. DA This post was edited by damccoy on Thu, May 9, 13 at 15:37

Yeah, I think packaging them in pairs will help in making it seem like more. I was thinking of making a batch of chocolate chip cookies to make it more substantial but I am tired. They aren't elaborate or fancy or anything but I like them. So Happy Halloween and here you go. Oh, a little off topic, I am making meathead this weekend for a party! You will definitely get a picture of that! Here is a link that might be useful:

You are welcome. I don't have alot of freezer space..well I will once the Turkey comes out this weekend. LOL So I guess I have no excuse for getting ahead at that point huh? LOL I have several old issues of Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Cookie magazine..I love going through them every year and trying atleast one or 2 new recipes to me from them.