Are you trying to create a "screen" for privacy? I agree that the yew may be too big. Plus they would require periodic pruning. If you don't care about privacy, I like Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’ .

If by Santorini cave style you mean rough plaster, white walls, yes that would work. But I would suggest that no matter what style, you keep it clean and simple, with streamlines furniture, and minimal artwork. What a great view!

think in tree shrub time... which is years ... or even decades ... not one season or two ... all plants releader ... if you have the patience to wait for it ... this injury is not going to change the genetics which tend toward pyramidal yes.. you can guide it along ... but i would give it at least a year and a half to see how it sorts itself off ... thru next summer .. with no insult to the roots ... it should respond quick enough ... perhaps next fall .. you can select one leader.. and remove any extras ... to further the process .. now.. all that said ... if its right out the front door.. and simply going to drive you insane ... just get rid of it ... and move on with your life ... its not some rare specimen ... replace it.. if it will cut out any stress ... maybe move it out back.. where it wont bug you so much.. and plant something else here ... ken

After looking over the various mats I decided to order the one that had little half spheres, it should arrive today and I will probably make treats tomorrow. However, I have to figure out a training dilemma. I have read that one should reward a desired action as soon as possible after it is done so that the dog associates the reward with the action. So I would give the command 'sit' holding a treat in my hand and give it as soon as her rump hit the ground. But it turns out she was sitting for the treat, not the command. On our walk this morning with no treats, she would not sit when I told her to. I do have a little treat holder or could just put them in my pocket but then there would be a delay between compliance and reward, but that is all I can think of.