We got back home form a long family gathering. Carmen was looking through mail as I unpacked. A letter appeared from our HOA (home owners association). Apparently Laurel Lakes Home Owners Association had ordered us to fix some window screens, and a light fixture that was loose.

Fines for not complying (no idea how far back fines might be, as I didn't know about these horrific violations ) Could be up to $10 per day. But we can report to the a hearing before the board and plead our case, and it was suggested we bring our lawyer. I'll have the trivial repairs done by tomorrow, but the other stuff, that never really ends.

They seemed to pick out these frivolous things to fix to make for sure our house is uniform with all others, as if that helps the value; or who knows what goes through those small minds. I would think that if a prospective buyers got word about what it's like to live under rule form this HOA, the home values would really take a real nose dive.

No way in Hell we'd lived here, if anyone had forewarned us about the kind of crap these people  can and do pull. I pay  $175 a month HOA dues to mow grass and pick up trash. And so they can jerk me around whenever those amateur politicians want to feel important. During the sell they were advertised as a service that would be helpful, like they would be just working for us as homeowners.

Now I'm working on the home under the of threat of legal action. Community service, I guess you could call it. I guess I should wear an orange jump suit that says "inmate" on the back, to show them I know my place.