So who was it that complained... The ones you thought it was?
~ Retired and Starting My Future In The Foothills ~
- Thread starter gryeyes
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- #582
Quote:
Yes and no. It came from the senior resident of the house from which I believed the complaint originated, not the younger guy. That is, there is an older adult male (his father) living there, and that's who made the complaint. The junior adult male "hangs with his father about it" according to the retiree next door. He described him as "Somebody who has to mind everybody else's business," and the ZONING ORDINANCE has been violated because I have less than an acre. Therefore, he took it upon himself to report it.
This morning, the Code Enforcement officer called me back. He's always been a very nice person, not nasty nor officious, just doing his job; has to follow up on complaints. Anyway, he said he already knew I would request the hearing, so the certified mail original citation sent to my mailing address is accompanied by the appropriate form. And the "request within 10 days" will not be firm, because of the USPS mail lack of haste in delivering the mail. AND because he knows already I will respond with my request for a hearing. He explained the process, advising he will call me when the date for the hearing is set; they're on specific Wednesdays and Fridays and he's off Thanksgiving week, so there's a good chance the hearing MIGHT be set for December 9th. Don't hold him to it, he cautioned, but at least I have more time to prepare for it. And he'll make a copy of the enforcement file on my violation available to me, if I so desire. (He took pictures on the first.)
"You have very friendly chickens," he laughed. They came to the fence and clucked to him while he was writing out the citation. When I told him I only had 10 ducks, not 12, he said, "Well, they were all in a bunch together - looked like about a dozen. But you have more than 30 chickens, too, just too hard to count them. They don't stand still all that much."
We ended our phone conversation with cheery "See you later!" closings.
Yes and no. It came from the senior resident of the house from which I believed the complaint originated, not the younger guy. That is, there is an older adult male (his father) living there, and that's who made the complaint. The junior adult male "hangs with his father about it" according to the retiree next door. He described him as "Somebody who has to mind everybody else's business," and the ZONING ORDINANCE has been violated because I have less than an acre. Therefore, he took it upon himself to report it.
This morning, the Code Enforcement officer called me back. He's always been a very nice person, not nasty nor officious, just doing his job; has to follow up on complaints. Anyway, he said he already knew I would request the hearing, so the certified mail original citation sent to my mailing address is accompanied by the appropriate form. And the "request within 10 days" will not be firm, because of the USPS mail lack of haste in delivering the mail. AND because he knows already I will respond with my request for a hearing. He explained the process, advising he will call me when the date for the hearing is set; they're on specific Wednesdays and Fridays and he's off Thanksgiving week, so there's a good chance the hearing MIGHT be set for December 9th. Don't hold him to it, he cautioned, but at least I have more time to prepare for it. And he'll make a copy of the enforcement file on my violation available to me, if I so desire. (He took pictures on the first.)
"You have very friendly chickens," he laughed. They came to the fence and clucked to him while he was writing out the citation. When I told him I only had 10 ducks, not 12, he said, "Well, they were all in a bunch together - looked like about a dozen. But you have more than 30 chickens, too, just too hard to count them. They don't stand still all that much."
We ended our phone conversation with cheery "See you later!" closings.
What still irks me is that the complaint was lodged when the only chickens you had on the property was a small handfull of chicks in a brooder INSIDE the house. I wanna know what Wade's dad was doing ON YOUR PROPERTY and lookin' in your windows on July 13th. I'd certainly bring THAT issue up when I go to court, for sure.
- Thread starter
- #584
I took today off work, too; I've picked up a head cold from somebody at work, dang it.
Because I needed feed, I took the opportunity to drive to the "more local" hay & feed store up here-abouts. It also carries the brand of dog food I feed to the WDs. (Wiener dogs, Zorro and Dooley.) As I was getting out of my RAV4, I realized the vehicle in the parking space next to mine was awfully familiar looking, just as HHandbasket and Farmer Lew said, "Well, look who's here!" They were picking up feed for the minions, which they'll collect later this evening. They've got a Freezer Camp coop and pen already set up, with an occupant. He won't be lonely for long.
I've decided I'm going to abandon the shed I built at the rental property, after I remove all my stuff from it and the back yard there. Yes, it wasn't cheap, but I figure it's gonna be a real PITA to disassemble (save all those screws and bolts and stuff as I break it down, climb on a ladder to get the roof and trusses unscrewed and off, number everything with a Sharpie pen to keep the pieces straight, transport it all, re-assemble it... naaaah) AND I hadn't been able to complete the thing in the first place. It wasn't exactly level, so the last two pieces of the roof in one corner WOULD NOT fit. Auuughhh! Once something like that has been put together once and taken apart, it probably won't be all that great to build it again. So the former land-lady and/or her new tenant can deal with it, once I have my stuff removed.
Found the exact same shed model for a little bit more than I paid for it... with NO sales tax and FREE SHIPPING. Oh, only one window instead of two, but several different shelves are included, plus a battery operated interior light! The original was a stripped down model which had to be delivered by Lowe's and that cost an extra $79.00.
On my way home from the feed store, I made a quick side trip into the area where John the contractor lives. Y'know, just to see the 'hood.
As I'm driving into the area, I see this fella by the side of the road in front of a very nice house.
So I HAD to pull over and get a straight on shot. Isn't that just a hoot?!?!?
Back in the car, I drove deeper into the community. Very spread out, all private roads, mixture of very fancy manufactured homes, not so fancy "stick" homes, skinny driveways - most of which were gravel covered and not paved - and lots of barns in various conditions. Some shiny metal ones, some slightly "aged" wooden ones, very picturesque. In amongst all the trees. The street entrance off the highway may be about a quarter mile from the entrance to the road on which I live, but the way into the area is a good few miles back. Some of the houses have yards right on the edge of the middle fork of the Cosumnes River. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosumnes_River
John has told me he built four of the houses along the river; he and his father live in one of them. I think I identified the house, but it could have been someone else's house, needing handy man work (John's work van was parked there). On my way back out, I believe I saw his father stopped at the community mail boxes, talking to a couple of other drivers in their cars, too, picking up their mail. At least the car looked like the one John pointed at when we passed it on the dump run, and the gentleman standing by it had what I would call a familial resemblance.
No, I'm not a stalker.
I also drove up a side road which leads to the houses and property "behind" mine, just to suss out where I might have to go to ask to buy half an acre adjacent to my own back yard. Whoa, those folks up that road are serious about privacy! Also all private roads AND part of those roads lead directly to long, skinny driveways plainly marked "Private Drive" and "Private Property - KEEP OUT." I had to back down one of them to get out of there, because there was no turn around spot outside of the well-signed gates. Interesting.
Back at home, I filled up all the feeders and stored the full bags. Then I watched the flock for a while.
Kate and Angus worked together at the stock tank, Kate in it and Angus on the ramp, to remove a large stick which had fallen into the water. They each grabbed an end of the stick with their bills and maneuvered it up and out of the water, dropping it on the ramp. I was fascinated with their coordinated and successful effort. Kate resumed playing "bottoms up" in the tank and Angus meandered off to yank on apple tree branches, hoping to knock down an apple.
Minerva Golden Lakenvelder is now molting. Samantha - an EE and my first GrandChick - is recovering from hers. Everybody got BOSS as a treat. The geese still will not eat from my hand, but Angus is getting really, really close to doing so, maybe. I scattered a lot of it on the ground for all the youngsters who have to dash in and out amongst their elders to get treats.
Gonna rain later today. I secured all the tarps on the danged furniture still not inside my house.
Because I needed feed, I took the opportunity to drive to the "more local" hay & feed store up here-abouts. It also carries the brand of dog food I feed to the WDs. (Wiener dogs, Zorro and Dooley.) As I was getting out of my RAV4, I realized the vehicle in the parking space next to mine was awfully familiar looking, just as HHandbasket and Farmer Lew said, "Well, look who's here!" They were picking up feed for the minions, which they'll collect later this evening. They've got a Freezer Camp coop and pen already set up, with an occupant. He won't be lonely for long.
I've decided I'm going to abandon the shed I built at the rental property, after I remove all my stuff from it and the back yard there. Yes, it wasn't cheap, but I figure it's gonna be a real PITA to disassemble (save all those screws and bolts and stuff as I break it down, climb on a ladder to get the roof and trusses unscrewed and off, number everything with a Sharpie pen to keep the pieces straight, transport it all, re-assemble it... naaaah) AND I hadn't been able to complete the thing in the first place. It wasn't exactly level, so the last two pieces of the roof in one corner WOULD NOT fit. Auuughhh! Once something like that has been put together once and taken apart, it probably won't be all that great to build it again. So the former land-lady and/or her new tenant can deal with it, once I have my stuff removed.
Found the exact same shed model for a little bit more than I paid for it... with NO sales tax and FREE SHIPPING. Oh, only one window instead of two, but several different shelves are included, plus a battery operated interior light! The original was a stripped down model which had to be delivered by Lowe's and that cost an extra $79.00.
On my way home from the feed store, I made a quick side trip into the area where John the contractor lives. Y'know, just to see the 'hood.
So I HAD to pull over and get a straight on shot. Isn't that just a hoot?!?!?
Back in the car, I drove deeper into the community. Very spread out, all private roads, mixture of very fancy manufactured homes, not so fancy "stick" homes, skinny driveways - most of which were gravel covered and not paved - and lots of barns in various conditions. Some shiny metal ones, some slightly "aged" wooden ones, very picturesque. In amongst all the trees. The street entrance off the highway may be about a quarter mile from the entrance to the road on which I live, but the way into the area is a good few miles back. Some of the houses have yards right on the edge of the middle fork of the Cosumnes River. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosumnes_River
John has told me he built four of the houses along the river; he and his father live in one of them. I think I identified the house, but it could have been someone else's house, needing handy man work (John's work van was parked there). On my way back out, I believe I saw his father stopped at the community mail boxes, talking to a couple of other drivers in their cars, too, picking up their mail. At least the car looked like the one John pointed at when we passed it on the dump run, and the gentleman standing by it had what I would call a familial resemblance.
No, I'm not a stalker.
Back at home, I filled up all the feeders and stored the full bags. Then I watched the flock for a while.
Kate and Angus worked together at the stock tank, Kate in it and Angus on the ramp, to remove a large stick which had fallen into the water. They each grabbed an end of the stick with their bills and maneuvered it up and out of the water, dropping it on the ramp. I was fascinated with their coordinated and successful effort. Kate resumed playing "bottoms up" in the tank and Angus meandered off to yank on apple tree branches, hoping to knock down an apple.
Minerva Golden Lakenvelder is now molting. Samantha - an EE and my first GrandChick - is recovering from hers. Everybody got BOSS as a treat. The geese still will not eat from my hand, but Angus is getting really, really close to doing so, maybe. I scattered a lot of it on the ground for all the youngsters who have to dash in and out amongst their elders to get treats.
Gonna rain later today. I secured all the tarps on the danged furniture still not inside my house.
- Thread starter
- #585
My GOODNESS it was cold last night! I have a vent-less fireplace I have moved TWICE, in my bedroom. I bought it many years ago when I lived in a mobile home. Moved it to the house I rented for the past four years, and moved it again to my new home. It uses "canned" gel specifically made for such things, and I decided to put in and light two more cans along with the one already burning, because it was mighty chilly in the house.
Found out fairly soon the smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the bedroom works really well. I'd closed the bathroom and second bedroom door to keep the heat in my master... how silly, but "mistress" bedroom sounds bad..... anyway.... to just heat that bedroom and the living room. Once I fought my way past the sonic barrier of the alarm, I opened the doors to the other bedroom and the bathroom and the alarm stopped sounding.
Y'see, I haven't figgered out how to operate the propane fireplace/stove in the living room. I wasn't present when the propane guy hooked it up and demonstrated how to use it.... they came on a work day for me, so HHandbasket and Farmer Lew performed the "be present" role for me. But.. uhhh.... since then, we never thought to have 'em show ME how to operate it.
And then HHandbasket stopped by this afternoon and half froze to death in my house whilst we caught up. I'm a coastal kinda gal and wear sweatshirts and fleece and woolies quite well. But yes, it was pretty cold in here. "Where are your electric baseboard heaters?" Uhhh... crap, I forgot about them!!
The house is now much warmer and I don't see my breath before my face. Sometimes I am such a dork.
It started raining around 4:30 this afternoon. The new gutters work very well. I have noticed more water splooshes out of one downspout in the front than from the other one at the other end of the porch. Now, I thought they were supposed to be REALLY EVEN, what with John using his Magic Construction String. Hmmm. I will have to quiz him about the situation.
The electronic dog door I ordered has arrived, so I have a new project for him to do. I will also <*ahem*> ask him how to operate the propane fireplace heater.
Gotta share a rooster story:
The other day when I was home sick, I saw one of the cockerels sidling up to Carl, who was resting on the ground, not standing up. The youngster, already as tall as is Carl when he is standing, took a step closer so he was right next to Carl's tail feathers.
Not even getting up, Carl turned his head and only slightly raised his hackles (neck feathers). The young roo decided he needed to go do something else. Doot de doo, not doing anything around here, nosirree! Carl went back to his nap.
I thought it was a hoot.
Found out fairly soon the smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the bedroom works really well. I'd closed the bathroom and second bedroom door to keep the heat in my master... how silly, but "mistress" bedroom sounds bad..... anyway.... to just heat that bedroom and the living room. Once I fought my way past the sonic barrier of the alarm, I opened the doors to the other bedroom and the bathroom and the alarm stopped sounding.
Y'see, I haven't figgered out how to operate the propane fireplace/stove in the living room. I wasn't present when the propane guy hooked it up and demonstrated how to use it.... they came on a work day for me, so HHandbasket and Farmer Lew performed the "be present" role for me. But.. uhhh.... since then, we never thought to have 'em show ME how to operate it.
And then HHandbasket stopped by this afternoon and half froze to death in my house whilst we caught up. I'm a coastal kinda gal and wear sweatshirts and fleece and woolies quite well. But yes, it was pretty cold in here. "Where are your electric baseboard heaters?" Uhhh... crap, I forgot about them!!
The house is now much warmer and I don't see my breath before my face. Sometimes I am such a dork.
It started raining around 4:30 this afternoon. The new gutters work very well. I have noticed more water splooshes out of one downspout in the front than from the other one at the other end of the porch. Now, I thought they were supposed to be REALLY EVEN, what with John using his Magic Construction String. Hmmm. I will have to quiz him about the situation.
The electronic dog door I ordered has arrived, so I have a new project for him to do. I will also <*ahem*> ask him how to operate the propane fireplace heater.
Gotta share a rooster story:
The other day when I was home sick, I saw one of the cockerels sidling up to Carl, who was resting on the ground, not standing up. The youngster, already as tall as is Carl when he is standing, took a step closer so he was right next to Carl's tail feathers.
Not even getting up, Carl turned his head and only slightly raised his hackles (neck feathers). The young roo decided he needed to go do something else. Doot de doo, not doing anything around here, nosirree! Carl went back to his nap.
I thought it was a hoot.
- Apr 11, 2011
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Linda,
I just love your writing. You need to post everyday!
Because of you, I am vicariously living in the Sierra Foothills! Thanks a million!
I just love your writing. You need to post everyday!
- Thread starter
- #587
Quote:
Why, thank you! Sometimes I worry I am wasting bandwidth and boring folks with my observations and natterings. But now that I've moved up here, I am so thrilled I live here and can hardly wait until I no longer have to spend 13 hours a week day at work or in the commute Down The Hill and home again. ESPECIALLY now that I only see my flock when I startle them awake by flipping on the light in the coop to fill their feeders and gather eggs.
Today, HHandbasket dragged me out of the house to go to a luncheon buffet at one of the Amador County wineries. And taste wine, too, of course. I have always tended towards hermiting myself at home but I had promised I'd go to this event. She called to remind me about my promise.
I got up twice, once to go fill the feeders in the coop, and the second time after my "just a couple minutes" nap which lasted about 3 hours. It's really easy to fall asleep when it's chilly and you have two wiener dogs and a fat, fluffy cat snuggle with you.
The flock was outside, foraging. All my little feathered friends came running towards me when I stepped out onto the porch for my first smoke of the day. I thought it might be nice to go check for wind and rain damage. Tarped furniture still covered, okay. But you would never know I actually have a driveway with some asphalt, as the pine needles and twigs have covered everything. I was shadowed by at least 9/10ths of the flock, with Kate and Angus walking by my side and the chickens trailing behind us. Many of them began to fall to the side to scratch in the new layers of pine needle duff, but the geese accompanied me all the way to the left side drive gate.
It's an area mostly frequented by the young cockerels. Riley - the RIR minion who gets to stay - spends most of his day along the front fence line, challenging other cockerels and snatching some pullet lovin' away from Carl's view. Hitchcock often patrols over on the left side of the driveway because that's the side adjacent to the neighbors who keep several hens in a coop and covered run. Hitchcock frequently flies to the top of the tarp-covered furniture and tries to impress the imprisoned ladies on the neighbor's property.
Angus realized he could poke his head through the fence to reach new grass growth perfect for nibbling. Kate followed his example. The chickens were spread out and didn't follow me back to the house. I was worried I'd have trouble with 'em when I had to open the gate on that side and drive through it, but they all scattered to the sides and none of 'em went through the gate.
There are a whole slew of wineries I have NOT visited, in El Dorado county where I live and Amador county, through which I drive on my commute to and from work. I have two wonderful friends who vet them first, though, so I only "have" to go to the nicest ones with the best wines. Hey, what do *I* know about wine? I am learning, though. I'm probably never going to buy a bottle of wine for less than 10 bucks from the grocery store again. Unless it's one of the more expensive ones I have discovered I like and it's on sale....
Never knew wine has - or should have - "legs." And apparently all the red wines I've imbibed in the past were really crappy red wines.
I look for the legs on my wine when I drink it, now.
As for wineries... how can you not like an establishment with signs such as these in its landscaped areas?
At the luncheon buffet, we met some great people; we were alone at a table for 8 and there were five in their party, so we asked them if they would like to join us. A couple married 65 years, their daughter, son-in-law and young adult grand-daughter. The world is SUCH a small place; the eldest man at our table had been retired 20 years from his job as a DISPATCHER, and had started his career WITH MY AGENCY. The grand-daughter gave me the name and number of one of her friends who does fancy ironwork. Her dad was awful cute, but her mother was also an attractive woman. Grandma and Grandpa were a hoot. They respected our suggestion for a particular wine to have with lunch and then joined us in finishing our bottle of a different one. (Granddaughter was the only one not having a glass - she was of age, just not into wine.)
It was a great day.
Oh, I also bought some Pecan Pie In A Jar.
You just fold the contents of the jar into two mixed eggs and some butter, pour the mixture into a pie shell, and bake. (See, I can use cooking terms like "fold," so there!) I just may inaugurate my oven with this item.
Why, thank you! Sometimes I worry I am wasting bandwidth and boring folks with my observations and natterings. But now that I've moved up here, I am so thrilled I live here and can hardly wait until I no longer have to spend 13 hours a week day at work or in the commute Down The Hill and home again. ESPECIALLY now that I only see my flock when I startle them awake by flipping on the light in the coop to fill their feeders and gather eggs.
Today, HHandbasket dragged me out of the house to go to a luncheon buffet at one of the Amador County wineries. And taste wine, too, of course. I have always tended towards hermiting myself at home but I had promised I'd go to this event. She called to remind me about my promise.
I got up twice, once to go fill the feeders in the coop, and the second time after my "just a couple minutes" nap which lasted about 3 hours. It's really easy to fall asleep when it's chilly and you have two wiener dogs and a fat, fluffy cat snuggle with you.
The flock was outside, foraging. All my little feathered friends came running towards me when I stepped out onto the porch for my first smoke of the day. I thought it might be nice to go check for wind and rain damage. Tarped furniture still covered, okay. But you would never know I actually have a driveway with some asphalt, as the pine needles and twigs have covered everything. I was shadowed by at least 9/10ths of the flock, with Kate and Angus walking by my side and the chickens trailing behind us. Many of them began to fall to the side to scratch in the new layers of pine needle duff, but the geese accompanied me all the way to the left side drive gate.
It's an area mostly frequented by the young cockerels. Riley - the RIR minion who gets to stay - spends most of his day along the front fence line, challenging other cockerels and snatching some pullet lovin' away from Carl's view. Hitchcock often patrols over on the left side of the driveway because that's the side adjacent to the neighbors who keep several hens in a coop and covered run. Hitchcock frequently flies to the top of the tarp-covered furniture and tries to impress the imprisoned ladies on the neighbor's property.
Angus realized he could poke his head through the fence to reach new grass growth perfect for nibbling. Kate followed his example. The chickens were spread out and didn't follow me back to the house. I was worried I'd have trouble with 'em when I had to open the gate on that side and drive through it, but they all scattered to the sides and none of 'em went through the gate.
There are a whole slew of wineries I have NOT visited, in El Dorado county where I live and Amador county, through which I drive on my commute to and from work. I have two wonderful friends who vet them first, though, so I only "have" to go to the nicest ones with the best wines. Hey, what do *I* know about wine? I am learning, though. I'm probably never going to buy a bottle of wine for less than 10 bucks from the grocery store again. Unless it's one of the more expensive ones I have discovered I like and it's on sale....
Never knew wine has - or should have - "legs." And apparently all the red wines I've imbibed in the past were really crappy red wines.
As for wineries... how can you not like an establishment with signs such as these in its landscaped areas?
At the luncheon buffet, we met some great people; we were alone at a table for 8 and there were five in their party, so we asked them if they would like to join us. A couple married 65 years, their daughter, son-in-law and young adult grand-daughter. The world is SUCH a small place; the eldest man at our table had been retired 20 years from his job as a DISPATCHER, and had started his career WITH MY AGENCY. The grand-daughter gave me the name and number of one of her friends who does fancy ironwork. Her dad was awful cute, but her mother was also an attractive woman. Grandma and Grandpa were a hoot. They respected our suggestion for a particular wine to have with lunch and then joined us in finishing our bottle of a different one. (Granddaughter was the only one not having a glass - she was of age, just not into wine.)
It was a great day.
Oh, I also bought some Pecan Pie In A Jar.
You just fold the contents of the jar into two mixed eggs and some butter, pour the mixture into a pie shell, and bake. (See, I can use cooking terms like "fold," so there!) I just may inaugurate my oven with this item.
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Man. How far is a drive from Modesto to you? I want peacan pie. I love reading everything on this thread. I did lose track for a while. Brain not working as usual. I don't always post, but I always read. I'm so sorry you're having trouble about your birds. My one of those people with the Meth labs will up a half acre or so for you. LOL
I sure hope next year that life is nicer to me and I have a way to find something where I can have all the birds and animals I want. Figures I'm too old to enjoy them the way I want, but I'll be happy with being able to own them and relax somewhere that I don't have to call 911 because the drug dealers are throwing eachother on my car.
I keep hoping for something to happen, but for now I love reading this thread and living through you. You're like a good book while drinking hot cocoa.
I sure hope next year that life is nicer to me and I have a way to find something where I can have all the birds and animals I want. Figures I'm too old to enjoy them the way I want, but I'll be happy with being able to own them and relax somewhere that I don't have to call 911 because the drug dealers are throwing eachother on my car.
I keep hoping for something to happen, but for now I love reading this thread and living through you. You're like a good book while drinking hot cocoa.
My personal favorite place for wine! Did you try any Sobon? Had their Old Vine Zin tonight, a family and customer fav! We carry lots of wine from Amadour County in my wine shop, wine & brew Bar.
What about having your realtor who screwed up originally hunt down a half acre adjacent for you to buy? Seems like she should have the tools to find the owner info and contact them without lots of legwork.
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