I second the message above. File a complaint with the police then take him to small claims court. Sue him for the max, about 5 grand, (which should reimburse you for the cost of the plants, your time for work done in the garden, and the health risk of turning your garden into a toxic waste dump. If you have children or animals, I'd keep them away from that guy and the chemicals he's dumping. Also, 6'high stockade fencing comes in 8' lenghts, cost anywhere from $8.00 to $12.00 (keep an eye out for sales from your local lumberyard) a section and are very easy to install. You just dig a hole for the post, set the post in, pour 1/2 bag quick concrete, (dry) pour water over it to set the concrete up, let it dry, then just top with the soil. Then you just nail the fencing to the post. As an added saftey measure against his chemical dumping, I would dig a trench about 2'-3' deep and 2' wide along the fence line, fill it with quick set concrete too. This way if he does pour more herbicide there's a concrete barrier to protect your plants. I had a friend who had to go through this and the court was 100% on her side. She got reimbursed for all the above and the judge even threw in the cost of the fencing and concrete expenses incurred because she had to resort to this to protect her property and the health of herself and her family. She now has no problem with the neighbor and has turned the fence into a pretty focal point in the garden by decorating it with birdhouses and little flower pots. Really pretty. I hope this helps you. If you are in doubt talk to the police about what action you can take. I'm sure that they will tell you, just like they told my friend, to take him to court.

To start, let me say this: I am in the middle of a complete DIY kitchen remodel which I designed, planned and made my dream come true (yes, little ole 58 yr old woman, me!) And I couldn't have done it without this website and your blogs!! Thanks to all! To those who wonder why use a pot filler because the pot you fill with water will have to eventually return to the sink for draining anyway, I can say this: for me who has carpel tunnel and arthritis in my hands and shoulders, just cutting one trip to the sink (my cooktop is opposite the sink several feet away), justifies the need for a pot filler. Also, I chose a single bowl 33" sink (9" deep) and this will reduce "inconveniences" at the sink when I try to fill a pot while my son (or husband) is cleaning or draining something else. I chose a deck-mount pot filler (great price on the net) which requires just an extra hole in my new granite and no drilling or worries about something being installed on the back wall. This also means simple install because all I had to do was ask my plumber to draw a copper line horizontally from my fridge to the cooktop with a shut off valve, and then use a flexible heavy duty hose from the valve to the pot filler (easy access because I just remove the drawers under my cooktop to install it). And as I am one of those people who change their flexible water lines from the washing machine and dishwasher once every 5 years, I will add this line to the list. This way, no worries about leaks! Thank you thank you thank you to those who suggested Never-MT and Plugmold items. Wow! This is the type of convenient items I searched for on the internet all day yesterday! Love you guys!

I have been to people's homes where the host/hostess (which IS the PC term for this now?? LOL!) has appeared to be uncomfortable ..... for various reasons! AND I've been to functions/parties/meetings at home where the host/hostess is so at ease and so comfortable too! And always remember: while the host/ess has SOME resposibilities for the success of the function -- so do the guests! :) SOMETIMES (not all!) entertaining people gets easier when you do it often .... and "learn" as you go .... for the good stuff and the bad/funny/hilarious stuff too! My mum (now 88) was an expert at hosting all kinds of functions -- and she would have a "re-cap" session as she and my dad (now deceased) cleaned up after a party! They ALWAYS cleaned up after a party -- even at the wee hours of the morning! Mum hated to wake up to a messy kitchen! LOL! Mum believed that BOTH the host and the guest could contribute to the success of any function or party. Let's take another look at the wonderfully cozy parties of the beer ads -- the furniture is comfy and pulled into a welcoming distance (no shouting! LOL!) There are chairs, sofas, and tables to put down a drink or snack. There are warm fires (and firelight) -- as well as lamplight. Plus snacks to go with the drinks. Also -- notice that some folks have opened nearby books to take a look -- and have started another discussion. Yes -- I know that those elements would only work in some places and times -- but some of the basics are illustrated right there. Just for illustration again -- at some houses I have visited -- I have indeed pulled a chair closer to the sofa so I could hear the conversation. I have turned on a lamp in a dull room .... and YES - I DID ASK THE HOST FIRST! (sometimes ..... LOL!) Sometimes the music can be so loud OR the TV volume too soft (depending on the party!) Mum was also good at keeping a party moving along nicely -- by literally orchestrating the action (getting people to the buffet table, keeping the line moving, making sure folks had a drink and a snack, having people move to the living room for coffee and dessert -- and mingling with the guests) I have passed around the bowl or platter or tray of snacks (well-trained by my mum! LOl) And offered to help clean up afterwards too (sometimes accepted -- and sometimes not -- both are fine with me!) Just some thoughts! Hope nobody minds ..... Jan at Rosemary Cottage

As a couple whose husband recently retired (and was semi-retired for about 7 yrs, working part time for his old company), I would tred with caution about moving somewhere you are not sure of. Have you vacationed in this area and/or spent any time in that area, and/or aside from it being a lower cost of living, why did you choose this particular place? Assuming your financial position is fine (I wont give advice to consult any financial people), consider what it is you and your better half REALLY want to do. If you want to travel, why are you building a house? And can you resell the land you bought; and purchase a house for $200,000 less that you would love as much -- and not have to go thru the whole building experience (UNLESS that is something you really want to do). We were fortunate enough to have enough money to buy our retirement home a few years ago, when the market prices were still low, and use it as a vacation/getaway which we do year round. We will sell our main house (I am still working) when my young est is out of college, a couple years away. Retirement in itself is a big adjustment.... you need to really think what you want before jumping into such a big investment, one that is so much more than houses in that area. Another thought..would you be able to recoup the cost if you decided to sell the house you built? And the house you are selling where you are, will you make at least as much as the new build will cost you or more? Generally people downsize as they retire. What is your goal? To Travel, or retire to this area with a newly built house (or other house) or both? When will you start the build? And will you stay in your current house til it's done.... You are having second thoughts...is your better half also, but hasn't said anything? Might be a good idea to sit down and have a frank discussion of options/and how you feel about each. You dont say if you have family and if they are closer to the house 6 hrs away or if you are moving away from "everyone". Just a few thoughts from my perspective...I might have more later :o) but these come to mind off hand.