To: "homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org" <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [Homestead] Check out the neighbors!
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 07:02:34 -0500
The biggest mistake people make when choosing a place to buy is not
carefully checking out local attitudes on religion, politics,
cronyism, etc. Here is yet one more example:
Dear Gene,
I moved to the Berryville, AR area six years ago. I read your book
and did my homework. I own a lovely 16 acre property with an 1870
home, barn plus many pastures, ponds, outbuildings. You name it, I have it!
However, I inherited a "crazy" neighbor from whom I bought the
property. He has vandalized and sneaks into my home weekly. (It was
his home, his turf.) Locks do not stop this guy. No report w. the
sheriff or anyone else ever is processed. Ex deputies tell me he
drinks coffee w. the sheriff. From what I have learned from the
natives; he is a barn-burner, grudge-holder, sexist abuser who is
from one of the most troubled families in Carroll Cty. He lives on an
contiguous piece of property and built his new home so he overlooks
this place. I remember your book mentioning problems w. the locals:
the Eminence, MO family who moved away. In a nutshell, I must move
on. It turns out this guy is a "stalker" and watches me constantly.
I'm single and use to run around in the buff. I have seen him so it's
obvious who is doing all these petty crimes. His son also is "in" on
it: paw is near 70, sonny, 45.
However, I'm a writer and realize, aside from this awful experience,
I am to live elsewhere. The cosmos is screaming. However, now that
I'm savvy on neighbors and the preponderance of these kinds of
people, what can I do to insure this never happens again? I thought
maybe you address this more in your newer edition if there is one.
Also where do I move is my own question? I find the Bible Belt
stiffling even though I grew up in MO. It just screams, "these folks
are not your clan".
Thanks,
[Homestead] Check out the neighbors!,
Gene GeRue, 06/11/2006