Taking Liberties...

Here in the country, the rising price of land is a frequent topic of conversation. Even hillside acres which barely brought $250 30 years ago can average between $1500 to $2000 today. Then, as now, they really aren’t good for much more than running goats. I do have to note, though, at these prices there’s a lot more land for sale here than there are buyers. Last time I looked there was something like 600 parcels for sale in the county. For lake view lots, barely large enough for a decent sized home and yard, the asking price can easily be in the $100,000 range.

Nice price, if you can get it. But there’s often a chasm between what a seller believes his land is worth and what a buyer is willing to pay.

When it comes it neighbors there’s rarely such disagreement: the most valuable piece of land always seems to what’s just on the other side of the fence. I’ve seen come near blows about it, go to court about it, even read of murders over fenceline disputes.

The deed for part of our place is one of those old landmark deeds. One border runs to the bottom of the hollow, thence east to a corner where it starts back up the hill. The lowest point in that hollow is a branch which runs its length. The previous owner of our property told me since that branch is the lowest point there, it defines the border. Folks used to run their fences on alternate sides of the branch so everyone's livestock would have access to the water. I’ve accepted his word and that border for 30 years without incident.

Well my neighbor recently sold the place to a son-in law who right away hired a crew to go out and fence “what’s his.” By his interpretation the border is our side of the branch, giving him full access to it and us none. I pointed out the explanation given me and my longstanding interpretation of it, and the fact that it is the lowest point in the hollow. Nevertheless he put up his fence as he pleased, without regard for being neighborly.

Another neighbor has a road easement over a farm I watch. That road leads right to the entrance gate to his place. Presentation matters to him. A couple of years ago he started having his farm hands maintain the grass right on the other side of the fence. Then for a few feet out, then yards, each time wanting to “keep up” more of what wasn’t his. When they started clearing the trees on this side, I talked to him about it. Asked that nothing be done without contacting the owners. He agreed... probably for about as long as I was talking.

Hadn’t been to that end of the property in a while but now the trees are gone, new ditches are dug and there’s a grand entrance to his place on this side of the fence, And seeing what liberties he’s enjoying, the neighbor at the other ned of the property I watch ook down the fence defining the border and “cleaned up” the fencerow..

And I’m to explain how things got that way to the absentee owners, for only they have legal recourse I have no use for those who removed the fence, but I like the other guilty neighbor in a lot of ways, he’s an old man living alone and I don’t want to upset him, but...

When will human nature change and people not covet what isn’t theirs? When that day comes there will be less cause for wars and feuds, I bet.

Unusual appearances

So far this spring has been distinguished by two appearances I’ve not seen before. Wonder if it's cyclical or somehow a product of last summer’s drought.

First, there is an abundance of crane flies this year, not like anything I’ve seen before. Walk through a field or the woods and the rise from the ground in all directions, hovering everything in their awkward slow motion flight

Then there is the profusion of yellow locust blossoms.

In the 30 years I’ve watched the spring here I’v never seen anything like it. They are hanging heavy with drooping flowers, thick as leaves. You can catch the fragrance on the breeze. Look out the valley and they have taken over with the same occasional brilliance.... just as the dogwoods have faded from view.