The predators are really my neighbors, but...

[Warfrost]

Definitely make sure you are allowed to have chickens. Bottom line, though...you should not ever cater to people like this. They are nothing more then miserable bullies. I would also suggest that you NOT babysit for them anymore, and if you cannot help yourself, then inform them what your hourly rates are. Don't cave on this...you mustn't let them use you on top of bullying. Get your composter back, and live your life- I wouldn't even stress until the police ACTUALLY show up at your house. If you are within the boundaries of the law, you have no problem.

 

[Just a Country Girl]

Quote:
Next time she gets locked out I would call the Police and tell them theirs a child locked out of her house in the cold and her parents arent home. They won't be able to get there fast enough and I'm sure her parents won't be happy when their finished with them. Leaving an 11 year old alone all the time for long hours isn't right

 

[Boyd]

and in Michigan it can cost you your kids....... CPS or police

 

[purpletree23]

I agree with overrun chickens....I never would have gotten rid of the composter! You have just as many rights as she does. And whats this about her dropping off her daughter for babysitting without payment or a thankyou? Is she just dropping the kid off or are you giving her the O.K.?
You have to stand up for yourself now or you'll never get any peace. If you are not agreeing to babysit and she drops the kid off again tell her no and if she leaves call the police. Get a tiny tape recorder and keep it with you at all times. Can I come stay with you for a week? I'd have way too much fun.

 

[Attack Chicken]

Get a couple of longcrowers

Make sure you put their coop next to their house!

 

[gel2727]

Quote:
Actually you aren't supposed to tape record people without their permission, if you were to try to take it to court or something, it wouldn't be admissible. That's why when you call the credit card companies or something they have the recording that says your call may be recorded.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Actually you aren't supposed to tape record people without their permission, if you were to try to take it to court or something, it wouldn't be admissible. That's why when you call the credit card companies or something they have the recording that says your call may be recorded.

I believe that in such instances you can record the conversation. I think that only one side needs to be aware of the tape recorder. Business transactions, such as credit card calls, might be an exception because of their nature. In most places it is perfectly legal for a private individual to tape their own conversations. Check your local laws.

ETA:
http://www.rcfp.org/taping/

State by state laws
http://www.rcfp.org/taping/states.html

 

[Lucy4]

No further word from Sylvia on the chickens. But...

They told their daughter not to speak to us anymore. I sort of knew that would be coming... but my poor son. He's three. He was crying today because their daughter kept ignoring him when he called to her over the fence. He sobbed, "Mommy, why doesn't M like me anymore?" It broke my heart.

I guess it's just proof that some folks are really evil. But I just can't get over it. To tell your child to deliberately hate someone else and hurt a toddler over a few chickens?!? It blows my mind.

Sorry for the off-topic. I'm just really upset about it.

 

[MaggieRae]

Demon neighbors...

Sorry you have to go through this.

 

[Malou-La-Croix]

Ok maybe it is time for some reverse psychology. What if you made up a cute little basket with some fresh eggs, tied on a ribbon, and put in a note saying something like "let's just be friends"? Set it on their doorstep. I just think a lot of times people work themselves up for a big fight because that is the only way they know how, and if you reverse tactics it floors them completely. What harm could it do? Either they end up feeling like jerks and acquiesce, or they ignore you. I say extend the olive branch--but just once.