What defines a tree?
 

OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can
assure you.

No leaves on any branches for 2 years.

So I had it removed.

Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not
asking permission before I cut it down.

And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would
probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my
H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if
they can squeeze someone for $$$.

So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big
stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt?

At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood?

Matt wrote:
At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood?

It's always a tree. Sometimes a dead tree, but nonetheless a tree.

Here in my little community the city requires a permit before you can
remove a tree, dead or alive. They have been known to require the
planting of new trees before they will approve even a dead tree removal
permit. The result: people leave the dead tree until it falls down on
utility lines, and then the power company cuts it down. Apparently the
utility company can remove trees without a permit. Or maybe they just
pay the fines.

Your government in action.

Hmmmmm. I disagree. If something dies, then certainly it becomes
something else.

If an old human dies, he/she is no longer a human - he/she is a corpse.


An example: If a car were double parked, with a live 40 year old behind
the wheel, who gets the ticket?

Now, replace the 40 year old with a corpse. Who gets the ticket now?

A dead tree cannot be considered a tree; it is a pile of wood waiting
to collapse.

IMHO.

But, live tree or not, there are lots of trees on my humble lot.
Reading through the H.A. rules tonight, I noticed there aren't any
regulations about pruning a tree.

If I should start pruning a tree, and keep trimming, trying to achieve
a balanced look, and then ... suddenly notice that there aren't any
branches left, but simply an oversized stick stuck in the dirt..... did
I cut down a tree?

I think not.

On 4 Jun 2005 17:28:26 -0700, "Matt" wrote:
If I should start pruning a tree, and keep trimming, trying to achieve
a balanced look, and then ... suddenly notice that there aren't any
branches left, but simply an oversized stick stuck in the dirt..... did
I cut down a tree?

I think not.

In this case tell them you didn't cut down the tree. You simply
pruned off the dead material :-)

Yes, Exactly!

And I'm sure all the highbrows will be thrilled to see the 5 big sticks
stuck in the dirt as they walk by.

And when they ask what happened... I will tell the truth.

I cut down the one tree because it was dead, and it cost me $250.

In order to keep the other trees from dying, and the associated $250
fine - I pruned them back a small amount.

CAN I GET AN AMEN?

TY.

Matt wrote:
OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can
assure you.

No leaves on any branches for 2 years.

So I had it removed.

Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not
asking permission before I cut it down.

And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would
probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my
H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if
they can squeeze someone for $$$.

So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big
stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt?

At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood?


A tree is still a tree, even if it falls down when nobody is listening.
Read your HA documents - they print them for a good reason. It's a
stiff penalty, but it is probably written in the documents. If the tree
was dead before your purchased your home, you might have a chance if you
wrote the HA and told them it was a hazard and should have been removed
long ago. Or, let them put a lien on your house and die before you pay
it :o) In Florida, HA's and condominiums have a different set of laws,
and individual HA's or condo assns then each have their own
declarations, bylaws, blah, blah, blah. I believe there is a
per-incident limit on fines in Florida; wouldn't hurt to check out the
law where you are. Cheaper to pay than fight, unless you are absolutely
assured of winning. Loser pays legal fees here.

clipped
But, live tree or not, there are lots of trees on my humble lot.
Reading through the H.A. rules tonight, I noticed there aren't any
regulations about pruning a tree.

If I should start pruning a tree, and keep trimming, trying to achieve
a balanced look, and then ... suddenly notice that there aren't any

That's a code violation where I live.

branches left, but simply an oversized stick stuck in the dirt..... did
I cut down a tree?

I think not.

Matt wrote:
Hmmmmm. I disagree. If something dies, then certainly it becomes
something else.


Yea, a dead tree.

In this case, I would guess that the reason for the law would determine
if a dead tree would be included.

If the permit was required to assure that the tree was safely removed
without falling on a neighbor's car, then dead or live I would think you
would need a permit. On the other hand if the only reason for the permit
was to control what trees were removed or demand replacement, then maybe a
dead tree might not be included.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

That's a code violation where I live.

I have a master tree trimmer license.

Matt, 6/4/2005, 7:28:49 PM, wrote:

OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can
assure you.

No leaves on any branches for 2 years.

So I had it removed.

Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not
asking permission before I cut it down.

And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would
probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my
H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if
they can squeeze someone for $$$.

So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big
stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt?

At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood?

This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a
Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to
maintain my house and what color it should be. However, based upon the
rationalizations I hear coming from you I can understand why they have
done this. You would be better off going to the board pleading
ignorance and asking for forgiveness. Something tells me that you have
****ed them off in the past and this is how they are coming back at you.

--
No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously.

Sorry, golfer****head; the voices in your head are lying to you again.

I spent $120,000 bringing this house up to par, reversing the last 20
years of neglect.

"Matt" wrote in message
oups.com...
That's a code violation where I live.

I have a master tree trimmer license.


So do I. It was made by Stihl.

I wonder why people voluntarily move to areas of the United Soviet Socialist
Homeowners in the first place. Uncle Nikita will review your request to trim
the dead tree on your property. Mr. Gorbachev called, he said your garage
door is open.

I hear ya, Ed, I hear ya.

I moved here to get away from people like me, I suppose.

Matt, 6/4/2005, 10:26:39 PM, wrote:

Sorry, golfer****head; the voices in your head are lying to you again.

You have just proved my point.

--
No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously.

What, that you are a pompous, horse's ass?

In article .com, "Matt" wrote:
I hear ya, Ed, I hear ya.

I moved here to get away from people like me, I suppose.

It'll never work.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?

It'll never work.

Yep.

Reminds me of you.

Matt, 6/4/2005, 10:35:48 PM, wrote:

What, that you are a pompous, horse's ass?

You must wonder why people pick on you all the time. You ought to run
for the President of the Homeowner's Association. Your personality is
perfect for the job.

--
No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously.

You must wonder why people pick on you all the time. You ought to run
for the President of the Homeowner's Association. Your personality is
perfect for the job.

Wrong again, badgolfer****head.

No one 'picks' on me. Your terminology is funny though. Best as I can
recall "picking on someone' was something that happened in grade
school.

Get back on the short bus, Son.

Matt, 6/4/2005, 11:13:32 PM, wrote:

You must wonder why people pick on you all the time. You ought to
run for the President of the Homeowner's Association. Your
personality is perfect for the job.

Wrong again, badgolfer****head.

No one 'picks' on me. Your terminology is funny though. Best as I can
recall "picking on someone' was something that happened in grade
school.

Get back on the short bus, Son.

The fact remains you have been fined for cutting down a tree on your
own property by a bunch of people you gave the power to do that. The
method of communication you are using with me will certainly not
provide any relief if you use it on them. If it makes you feel better
to insult me go ahead, I'm not the one forking out $250 to some
pinheads for not asking their permission to do some yard work. Hey,
make sure you cut the grass before they send the sheriff out to get you!

--
No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously.

The fact remains you have been fined for cutting down a tree on your
own property by a bunch of people you gave the power to do that. The
method of communication you are using with me will certainly not
provide any relief if you use it on them. If it makes you feel better
to insult me go ahead, I'm not the one forking out $250 to some
pinheads for not asking their permission to do some yard work. Hey,
make sure you cut the grass before they send the sheriff out to get
you!

You get out of the house much, golfer****head?

Never mind, that was a dumb question.

Hey - I hear your mommy yelling for ya!

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
"Matt" wrote in message
oups.com...

That's a code violation where I live.

I have a master tree trimmer license.



So do I. It was made by Stihl.

I wonder why people voluntarily move to areas of the United Soviet Socialist
Homeowners in the first place. Uncle Nikita will review your request to trim
the dead tree on your property. Mr. Gorbachev called, he said your garage
door is open.



Gosh....every city in the US of A has gone commie, I guess. Just
because I spent $500,000 on my dream shack and I don't want a neighbor
raising hogs in the back yard. Nyet!

Someone wrote:
This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a
Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to
maintain my house and what color it should be.

Our sympathy: maybe over regulation? In the name of 'Preserving property
values'!

Following is possibly a myth? But;
Story few years ago (in the UK?) that a local authority, or whoever, 'got
after' a certain homeowner to paint his somewhat neglected house.
He did. In many varied colours: Purple, yellow, green, orange etc. and using
combinations of stripes, chequered patterns and polka dots.
Very 'colourful' it was said.
Local authority were apparently not impressed; but the homeowner had
complied with the order to paint!

BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I
gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio
antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are?
Trusting that in accordance with "Due respect be paid to any/all national
flags" etc. flags are respectfully lowered, folded and stored at sunset.
Also that flags do not flap and cause a 'noise nuisance' during the evening
and night time hours? TV and other antenna being essentially quiet.

clipped

This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a
Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to
maintain my house and what color it should be. However, based upon the
rationalizations I hear coming from you I can understand why they have
done this. You would be better off going to the board pleading
ignorance and asking for forgiveness. Something tells me that you have
****ed them off in the past and this is how they are coming back at you.


I will not ever be a strong advocate of HA's or condo associations,
BUT...I have lived next to neighbors who raised rabbits and chickens in
their back yard and piled all of the refuse ever owned along the
property line. So, every setting has drawbacks :o) And almost every
condo board has a goon who will do as they wish until someone removes or
objects often enough and strongly enough. Right/wrong, good/bad,
feasible/idiotic, or economical/wasteful often have nothing to do with
decisions. Absolute power........

We have a board member who likes to turn on sprinklers when people are
in the yard. Who assaulted me for turning it off. Don't believe it?
Why are they still on the board? It has to do, probably, with property
values, how the board votes on remodelling or approving new purchasers,
who gets in without a credit check, and how tough they get with
delinquent monthly assessments :o)

Oh, and I ran across a semi-definition (is that a word?) of "tree",
which described one as a self-supporting, straight woody stem with clear
trunk of at least 10' blah, blah, blah.

And when it comes to house colors, I drive by a bright purple house once
in a while. Don't mind seeing it. Would it drive me wild if I lived
next door? Don't know :o) Bright pink should be outlawed.

clipped

That is why it is important to buy land in the right place. Do a little
snooping. Find out what the neighbors have and what the town zoning (if they
have any) allows.

Also find out whether the municipality ENFORCES their code.


We have zoning to take care of the potential major issues, but I don't need
approval on my house color, I can leave my garage door open while I'm
working around the garden or in my shop, I can have overnight guests park on
the street all night with no permission. Basic courtesy takes care of most
problems.


Basic courtesy? I remember that.

clipped

BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I
gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio
antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are?

Florida had enough flag/antenna battles that they finally passed a law,
at least as applies in condo's. In condo's, one flag, and the right to
have TV antenna. Now, our little satellite dish must face the southern
sky and in the forseeable future a tree with grow enough to block it's
view. So.......

Trusting that in accordance with "Due respect be paid to any/all national
flags" etc. flags are respectfully lowered, folded and stored at sunset.
Also that flags do not flap and cause a 'noise nuisance' during the evening
and night time hours? TV and other antenna being essentially quiet.


There recently was an article about some folks in a mobile-home park
with a long term, running
skirmish. One has lights and cameras directed at neighbor, and the
neighbor has all kinds of flags and windsocks. One of them will
probably become exasperated enough, some day, to have a heart attack and
die. Otherwise, no end in sight :o)

BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I
gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio
antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are?

A Brit poking sticks at US freedoms? That's a good one.

Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend:

'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if
a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.'

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303

On 06/05/05 12:03 pm Matt tossed the following ingredients into the
ever-growing pot of cybersoup:

BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I
gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio
antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are?


A Brit poking sticks at US freedoms? That's a good one.

Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend:

'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if
a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.'

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303

At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak
times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the
distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and
include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike.

It sounds like a great idea.

Perce

In article , "Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:
On 06/05/05 12:03 pm Matt tossed the following ingredients into the
ever-growing pot of cybersoup:

Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend:

'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if
a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.'

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303

At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak
times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the
distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and
include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike.

It sounds like a great idea.

You don't get it, do you?

The point isn't how much they charge, or how they compute it, but rather that
the national government would be tracking the location and movements of every
private vehicle 24x7.

If the Brits see nothing wrong with that... well, that's why we're citizens,
and they're subjects.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?

On 06/05/05 12:34 pm Doug Miller tossed the following ingredients into
the ever-growing pot of cybersoup:

Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend:

'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if
a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.'

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303

At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak
times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the
distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and
include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike.

It sounds like a great idea.

You don't get it, do you?

The point isn't how much they charge, or how they compute it, but rather that
the national government would be tracking the location and movements of every
private vehicle 24x7.

If the Brits see nothing wrong with that... well, that's why we're citizens,
and they're subjects.

When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various
govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in
NY but in NJ and MA as well.

Brits may complain about the particular government that's in power at
any given time, but (unlike many Americans, ISTM) they do not usually
fear government as an institution as such.

Sure, George III was a bad ruler, but he would have died in due course.

Perce

On 06/05/05 12:50 pm Percival P. Cassidy tossed the following
ingredients into the ever-growing pot of cybersoup:

On 06/05/05 12:34 pm Doug Miller tossed the following ingredients into
the ever-growing pot of cybersoup:

Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend:

'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if
a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.'

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303


At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak
times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the
distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and
include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike.

It sounds like a great idea.


You don't get it, do you?

The point isn't how much they charge, or how they compute it, but
rather that the national government would be tracking the location and
movements of every private vehicle 24x7.

If the Brits see nothing wrong with that... well, that's why we're
citizens, and they're subjects.


When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various

Make that "When I lived in *NY* and . . . "

govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in
NY but in NJ and MA as well.


Brits may complain about the particular government that's in power at
any given time, but (unlike many Americans, ISTM) they do not usually
fear government as an institution as such.

Sure, George III was a bad ruler, but he would have died in due course.

Perce

"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message

When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various
govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in
NY but in NJ and MA as well.

And in PA, MD, DE and lots of other places now. Th EZ Pass is a volantury
system. It is ot being used to track people on a regular basis. If you
don't like the idea, just pay the tolls at the booth. Yes, we are giving a
"potential" for abuse, but until that happens, I like the benefit.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message
When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various
govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in
NY but in NJ and MA as well.

And in PA, MD, DE and lots of other places now. Th EZ Pass is a volantury
system. It is ot being used to track people on a regular basis. If you
don't like the idea, just pay the tolls at the booth.

Sort of. To coerce people into using the transponders, Illinois has
doubled the cash toll; i.e. where your transponder clicks off 40 cents,
the cash lanes charge eighty cents.

I have responded by avoiding the toll roads. And, miracle of miracles,
it's really cost me extremely little in extra time or mileage (provided
I plan my route sanely).

--
I miss my .signature.

If you're in Florida, the Homeowners Association is required to have a
separate committee for appeals to homeowner fines. Perhaps in your state
there's the same capability. If so, you should be able to go to the appeals
committee and tell them that you removed the tree because it was dead and a
hazard, and that the logical alternative was to leave it standing (and
unsightly) until it fell on something, for which you would have been liable.

The real question, though, is what do the Association documents and rules
require. Prior notice of any landscaping changes? Approval for contractor
to enter the subdivision? A good board can't let a violation of the rules
go by without taking action, because it creates precedents for others to
ignore rules. That's something you signed on for when you joined a
Homeowner's Association.

And -- eventually -- why we moved OUT of a homeowners' association community
to a better area. Regards --



"Matt" wrote in message
oups.com...
OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can
assure you.

No leaves on any branches for 2 years.

So I had it removed.

Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not
asking permission before I cut it down.

And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would
probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my
H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if
they can squeeze someone for $$$.

So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big
stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt?

At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood?

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
...

"Norminn" wrote in message



Gosh....every city in the US of A has gone commie, I guess. Just because
I spent $500,000 on my dream shack and I don't want a neighbor raising
hogs in the back yard. Nyet!


That is why it is important to buy land in the right place. Do a little
snooping. Find out what the neighbors have and what the town zoning (if
they have any) allows.

We have zoning to take care of the potential major issues, but I don't
need approval on my house color, I can leave my garage door open while I'm
working around the garden or in my shop, I can have overnight guests park
on the street all night with no permission. Basic courtesy takes care of
most problems.

We **** in our lawns here!

On Sun 05 Jun 2005 06:16:42a, Terry wrote in alt.home.repair:

Someone wrote:
This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a
Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to
maintain my house and what color it should be.

Our sympathy: maybe over regulation? In the name of 'Preserving property
values'!

Following is possibly a myth? But;
Story few years ago (in the UK?) that a local authority, or whoever,
'got after' a certain homeowner to paint his somewhat neglected house.
He did. In many varied colours: Purple, yellow, green, orange etc. and
using combinations of stripes, chequered patterns and polka dots.
Very 'colourful' it was said.
Local authority were apparently not impressed; but the homeowner had
complied with the order to paint!

BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave".
Because I gather there even are US residential areas where external TV
or radio antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are?
Trusting that in accordance with "Due respect be paid to any/all
national flags" etc. flags are respectfully lowered, folded and stored
at sunset. Also that flags do not flap and cause a 'noise nuisance'
during the evening and night time hours? TV and other antenna being
essentially quiet.

Three stories come to mind. The first, when we lived in a rather upscale
gated community in NE Ohio, we installed a very tasteful solid copper
weathervane on our chimney. Almost immediately we received a notice from
the HOA that we had to remove it. A thorough reading of all the HOA
documents revealed that weathervanes were not covered by any regulation.
We did discover, however, that television and radio antennas were covered
and allowed, up to a size approximately 10 times the size of our
weathervane. The easiest response to the HOA was that we would agreeably
remove the weathervane, and would install in its place a 15 foot tall
television antenna of a rather complex design. We were quickly advised to
leave the weathervane in place.

The second was in the same community, the HOA allowed only one home per
street or cul-de-sac to have an installed flagpole.

The third involves a lovely 1920s vintage two-story frame home with double
front porches in a nearby neighborhood. The homes and streets lined with
huge old trees are picturesque and evoke another era. The house involved
was on a prominent corner lot. At one point it was put up for sale and
purchased fairly soon afterward. A few months later I happened to drive
through the area and discovered that the house had been painted a vivid
lavender with bright yellow trim and shutters. It soom came to be known as
the "Easter Egg House", and has remained that color for over 20 years.
There is no HOA, nor any local code or regulation that could force the
owner to repaint the house in a more suitable color scheme.

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

On 6 Jun 2005 07:51:59 +0200, Wayne Boatwright
wrote:

The third involves a lovely 1920s vintage two-story frame home with double
front porches in a nearby neighborhood. The homes and streets lined with
huge old trees are picturesque and evoke another era. The house involved
was on a prominent corner lot. At one point it was put up for sale and
purchased fairly soon afterward. A few months later I happened to drive
through the area and discovered that the house had been painted a vivid
lavender with bright yellow trim and shutters. It soom came to be known as
the "Easter Egg House", and has remained that color for over 20 years.
There is no HOA, nor any local code or regulation that could force the
owner to repaint the house in a more suitable color scheme.

My friend's old house on a shady street with cute Dutch Colonials and
adorable cottages, has been recently painted fluorescent mustard by
the new owners. I assume they wanted to express their individuality
and make a statement, and were not satisfied doing so on the interior.
Ironically, they are not even the ones who have to look at it from
their windows; the people across the street do.

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!

On Mon 06 Jun 2005 05:07:37a, Curly Sue wrote in alt.home.repair:

On 6 Jun 2005 07:51:59 +0200, Wayne Boatwright
wrote:

The third involves a lovely 1920s vintage two-story frame home with
double front porches in a nearby neighborhood. The homes and streets
lined with huge old trees are picturesque and evoke another era. The
house involved was on a prominent corner lot. At one point it was put
up for sale and purchased fairly soon afterward. A few months later I
happened to drive through the area and discovered that the house had
been painted a vivid lavender with bright yellow trim and shutters. It
soom came to be known as the "Easter Egg House", and has remained that
color for over 20 years. There is no HOA, nor any local code or
regulation that could force the owner to repaint the house in a more
suitable color scheme.

My friend's old house on a shady street with cute Dutch Colonials and
adorable cottages, has been recently painted fluorescent mustard by
the new owners. I assume they wanted to express their individuality
and make a statement, and were not satisfied doing so on the interior.
Ironically, they are not even the ones who have to look at it from
their windows; the people across the street do.

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!


Clearly there is no accounting for taste!

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

Matt wrote:
OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can
assure you.

No leaves on any branches for 2 years.

So I had it removed.

Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not
asking permission before I cut it down.

And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would
probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my
H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if
they can squeeze someone for $$$.

So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big
stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt?

At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood?


Simple. A tree is a tree whether it is growing or
dead. Write a letter that tells them that you had
the tree removed for safety reasons because of
immediate danger. Tell them that you will pay
the fine if they are in favor of dangerous
situations and don't care about safety to
neighbors and negiborhood kids.