ALABAMA!!

[Tomtommom]

I'm shaking and close to tears and I know it's stupid and I know it's minor in the whole series of stuff.. but I just can't handle any more.

City code enforcer came by and said someone called to complain about my screaming rooster. So I told him he's gone, he's been gone for a week. Then he tells me that they got a call that my dogs aren't licensed.

So... I have a week to get my dogs licensed. He didn't see my cats, but I asked and I now know they need licensed too, just in case they get out. Probably going to cost me about $100 total.

Now HOW someone even figured out my dogs aren't licensed is beyond me, since they never get out of the yard and they're not near a road or walkway.. Only person who could see them in my neighbor behind me with the fence that keeps getting taller.

He was really nice and said my chicken area looked clean for a chicken area. Told him it was about time to rake it again. He said they're ok as pets, as long as they don't become 'agriculture' as in, you grow them to sell them. They're fine as pets. He talked a bit to me about random stuff.. but I am just so shook up. It's violating to me when folks call the city on me. Not the first time either, this is like the third time now.. Always something. Weeds too high, junk in my yard (stuff I was taking to the landfill the next day).. He said if he comes next week, he would maybe say something about my grass, but I would probably have cut it by then. Yeah, I cut it once a week... Can't help that it has weeds that grow so rediculously fast.

I love my home, but I really wish I wasn't in city limits. I want to build a high fence around most of it, so I can just ignore the world. I've about had it with the world.

*sigh*

The straw that broke the camel's back.

 

[Orps]

I'm shaking and close to tears and I know it's stupid and I know it's minor in the whole series of stuff.. but I just can't handle any more.

City code enforcer came by and said someone called to complain about my screaming rooster. So I told him he's gone, he's been gone for a week. Then he tells me that they got a call that my dogs aren't licensed.

So... I have a week to get my dogs licensed. He didn't see my cats, but I asked and I now know they need licensed too, just in case they get out. Probably going to cost me about $100 total.

Now HOW someone even figured out my dogs aren't licensed is beyond me, since they never get out of the yard and they're not near a road or walkway.. Only person who could see them in my neighbor behind me with the fence that keeps getting taller.

He was really nice and said my chicken area looked clean for a chicken area. Told him it was about time to rake it again. He said they're ok as pets, as long as they don't become 'agriculture' as in, you grow them to sell them. They're fine as pets. He talked a bit to me about random stuff.. but I am just so shook up. It's violating to me when folks call the city on me. Not the first time either, this is like the third time now.. Always something. Weeds too high, junk in my yard (stuff I was taking to the landfill the next day).. He said if he comes next week, he would maybe say something about my grass, but I would probably have cut it by then. Yeah, I cut it once a week... Can't help that it has weeds that grow so rediculously fast.

I love my home, but I really wish I wasn't in city limits. I want to build a high fence around most of it, so I can just ignore the world. I've about had it with the world.

*sigh*

The straw that broke the camel's back.

I'm sorry.

Don't you wish they have talked to you first.

Talk to Dr. Parker in Montevallo Animal clinic. He is a very nice guy and probably can give you a price break. They only need the rabies shot.

 

[Wisher1000]

Tom. I am sorry that you are under so much stress. When it rains, it pours. I know you are feeling overwhelmed but try to break it down to one issue at a time. Sounds like your zoning officer is trying to be reasonable and to help you. Repay him by making it possible to leave your place with an "in compliance" report in his hand. Cut your grass, get the dogs registered. If you can't afford to get them all done this week, get one or two done (I don't know how many you have) and be prepared to tell him when you will be able to get the others done. Ask if there are any other issues or potential violations you need to address. That officer will see you as the "good guy" and the complainant as the problem. Don't get angry with the officer, he is responding to reports of violations which is his job and he is not being a jerk about it.

As for your location, some people live in the city so they can expect the neighborhood to have no loud noises like crowing and no unregistered dogs. I live in the country so no one decides what I can and cannot do on my property ( as long as its legal.) It is not close to any stores or gas stations (convenience is another tradeoff) and it was really hard to find, but it is worth the trouble. If you really want to live in the country, start working toward that end. Good luck, and I hope things calm down for you soon.

 

[Tomtommom]

Oh no, I wasn't mad at him at all and I was very compliant and I asked about the cats myself and I mentioned cutting the grass today (actually had wanted to do it yesterday..). It's just so much to deal with.. Too much to deal with. It's an emotional thing more than anything else. I feel so violated when I feel like I am being monitored by people. It doesn't help that court (ongoing custody thing) has us constantly monitored as well.. It's not his fault folks call. I am mad at the people who keep calling the city. He even said that some folks just have nothing better to do than drive around and call the city.

I'm just like.. talk to someone, you know? Instead of calling the law right away. And I am honestly not certain it's not spiteful exes doing it instead.

This house is a love-hate thing to begin with. It's an eyesore to me.. and I want to fix things so badly, but there's just only so much you can do at a time. The grass is well.. more of a field of weeds. Tall weeds. You can cut them down, but they're back up in a matter of a few days.

I've wanted to sell it, but it's a wreck (A LOT of hidden water damage found after we bought it). But with everything we are putting in it, I feel like I can't sell it with all the memories and personal things we add, that and we could never recoup the money spent on fixing it. I had considered just letting it go. Let the bank have it.. but that's not me.

That's life, ain't it?


My mom's memorial is today.. cremation tomorrow. I wasn't able to fly to Holland.. so it's not a good time for me to deal with any added stress. But I think cutting the grass will do me good. Noone can see you cry when you're pouring sweat

 

[Wisher1000]

I understand that you are not mad at him. I was just trying to get things in some positive light (he's not out to get you and is being nice) and to try to help you keep it all in perspective. I know how it feels to be overwhelmed. The best way to handle it is one day at a time. I find it helpful to make a list of what all needs to be some and just take it one step at a time. I also have to prioritize the items by urgency. I wish I could help you more.

 

[AParmer]

Tomtom,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your current situation.

It's never easy to lose a parent. You and your family are in my thoughts. That coupled with your recent visit from the city, I'm quite sure you are seriously overwhelmed. Take it day by day sweetie. You seem to be strong willed and know what your priorities are. That's a big plus in your favor. Please do allow yourself to grieve properly so a bad situation doesn't get worse. I hope you have some close friends or family near that can help you. It's never a bad thing to ask if you need it. You're welcome to message me privately if you'd like. It helps to have a compassionate and empathetic ear. Remember things will get better, a little at a time you will feel the burdens lifting.

 

[chickadoodles]

I'm shaking and close to tears and I know it's stupid and I know it's minor in the whole series of stuff.. but I just can't handle any more.

City code enforcer came by and said someone called to complain about my screaming rooster. So I told him he's gone, he's been gone for a week. Then he tells me that they got a call that my dogs aren't licensed.

So... I have a week to get my dogs licensed. He didn't see my cats, but I asked and I now know they need licensed too, just in case they get out. Probably going to cost me about $100 total.

Now HOW someone even figured out my dogs aren't licensed is beyond me, since they never get out of the yard and they're not near a road or walkway.. Only person who could see them in my neighbor behind me with the fence that keeps getting taller.

He was really nice and said my chicken area looked clean for a chicken area. Told him it was about time to rake it again. He said they're ok as pets, as long as they don't become 'agriculture' as in, you grow them to sell them. They're fine as pets. He talked a bit to me about random stuff.. but I am just so shook up. It's violating to me when folks call the city on me. Not the first time either, this is like the third time now.. Always something. Weeds too high, junk in my yard (stuff I was taking to the landfill the next day).. He said if he comes next week, he would maybe say something about my grass, but I would probably have cut it by then. Yeah, I cut it once a week... Can't help that it has weeds that grow so rediculously fast.

I love my home, but I really wish I wasn't in city limits. I want to build a high fence around most of it, so I can just ignore the world. I've about had it with the world.

*sigh*

The straw that broke the camel's back.

Tomtom,
I am so sorry! I just pray that God will continue to bless you and your family!

 

[chickensval]

Anyone from around Grand Bay or Bayou LA Bare? Maybe Irvington?

 

[AParmer]

I'm looking for some game hens around East Central AL. I'm not sure how all my girls are going to do sitting eggs next spring, and I have heard that American Game Hens are the way to go.

 

[chirpingcricket]

Anyone from around Grand Bay or Bayou LA Bare? Maybe Irvington?

Hey, from the area, Tillman's Corner, but living across the bay now in Fairhope...I think there are a couple of folks in west Mobile, Semmes area. Welcome to BYC...