I would make copious, dated notes of all conversations with the the logger and the land-owner/developer, so you are not relying on your memories 2-4 months down the road. I would also go out and take your own photos, as many as you can, to have a clear documentation of the damage. Photos all along the line of clearing might not be a bad idea, either. Just be careful about trespassing onto his property, as he sounds as though that might possibly cause problems - it's OK for him to do but not you. And I may be maligning him.... Walking your property line, if you know clearly where it is, and where all the pins and stakes are, and marking it with flagging tape will also make you more aware of what is at stake, and make him aware that you are keeping an eye on things. It will be more money on your part, but if your land was not recently surveyed, it might be an idea to get a new survey run, with GPS as well. At a minimum, do the common property line, so it is VERY clear what is yours and what his. If he hasn't done this, he's a proven idiot (sorry, but this sort of run-around makes me mad!) and you can at least ask for him to pay the costs. Try for a hurry-up job, as it sounds as though the land-owner/developer is not being reasonable and not going to go slow on this. I also second (third?) the advice given above to think long and heard about WHAT you want to get out of all this, and how hard you are willing to work at it. If you push for the maximum resolution, it may take a LOT of time, it will take a LOT of money, and it will be a MAJOR lot of wear and tear on your emotions, energy and psyche. Being willing to settle for some specified mnimum may be OK, but it sounds as though you should ask for more than your minimum, to be sure of being able to bargain down to that. You just have to be clear, going in, as to what you will settle for, what you would reasonably expect to get (which may not be the same as the first item) and what you would like to get, in an ideal world. That way, you probably won't find yourself giving up and settling part way through for less than your minimum, and being sorry 6 months later. I don't know how large a town is near by, nor how rural an area it is, but if the owner is local, sometimes a good "gossip" story can "shame" him into doing what he should have done in the first place. That sort of tactics needs to be VERY subtle, so it doesn't backfire on you, but as a last resort..., and if you feel you will NEVER be speaking to him again, it might work.

Kay, how are you? I haven't been around for a while, I had to take a break and get myself together. To everyone I want to tell you that I am so sorry for your loss and sadness, it is the worst pain anyone can have BUT it does get better, I promise. My heart and soul mate died 14 months ago and I wanted to die with him, I was in so much pain and so scared of what was going to happen to me without him; life must go on. I was told that it doesn't get better but it gets different and they were right. I still weep and some days are bad but I have more good days as time goes on. Life won't seem so alien after a while, I just felt like I didn't belong here any more, not in my home, my job or this world but I did finally settle with my feet back on the ground. It's not easy but you have to push youself to live and it eventually gets easier. Please take care of yourselves, get help if you need it and work hard at being strong, we will never forget and we will always love them and happier days are ahead. God Bless all, Mav.

I'm wondering the same thing, what's "illegal day labor"? If I'm thinking the same as what it sounds, be very careful. There's plenty of "legal" handymen that can do the same work for a very reasonable price since they don't have the overhead costs. These guys work just as hard and most of the time, are very experienced. The only problem is that you can't sue them if something goes wrong. If you find a good one, they're reasonable about guaranteeing their work. This is my opinion only, so please, no debate; but, I'd rather give my business to a "legal" day labor. I'm currently hiring someone just as that to rennovate my kitchen. He's not a licensed contractor because in order to do so, he'd have to get an education in order to get a certificate. He feels he's too old to get any words in his head. Like my brother, most people learn to fix here and there at home at a young age and gain much experience as they grow older. They can do just as good of a job if not better. My handyman is very detailed oriented, very careful and know what's he's doing. The price is very reasonable and I can trust him coming in and out of my home. (I can't say the same about contractors that use subcontractors.) He's done other repairs at my house for almost 2 yrs. now. I've never seen anyone as prompt and as hard at work as he is. I'm not sure I could get the same services from a licensed contractors. Look at HD and Lowe's so called licensed contractors, how many have complained? Oops, so sorry for going off the topics :)

OH Nancy. That looks like a device of torture. I can see how it would be easier to do if not working. I hope it helps. I totally understand the job stress. Dealing with the same myself The stress for me brought on the worst flair of psoriasis I have ever had. Still suffering from it. Better though now. Been over a year and a half I can barely walk. Like you low pay no befits and yet a couple councilmembers want to own me. Well it is not going to happen. I work approx 6 % or less of the year for my job and the other 94% is my own. They are NOT taking that away from me. Already talked to my boss about it and he said keep facts and figures close at hand as this will be challenged at the next meeting when I finally get the FIRST raise I have had in 4 years. I do not plan to resign because if they fire me I will get unemployment. They have no excuse to fire me. I have done nothing wrong. One councilperson even wants to control my PERSONAL home answering machine. Says the message is not acceptable for a person of my position. Well HELLO this is MY phone. In fact my message is this. You have reached the home of Me and hubby. Since I am the one that pays this phone bill I choose who I allow to annoy me. Leave a message and you will be lucky if I call you back. Now is that so bad?? Yes it is but I have had city phone calls at home starting at 6:50AM up to as lats as 10:30 at night. What makes a person think I want to talk to them about their water bill in my living room. I do have an office. Since I have had this message my phone calls have been reduced to about 90%. PHEW and my health is improving. I no longer answer the phone at home unless I hear who it is and want to talk to them. I refuse to pay for caller ID and then have to grab phone book and try to figure who it is calling. Since I took charge of my own feelings and voiced my opinion to several people my health is improving. Nancy do what you want to do. I hope you heal. I know that Lymphedema is nasty stuff. Stress is nasty stuff. We need to avoid it as best as possible. One little thing I have been doing is taking Holy Basil. It is a great calming herb. No prescription needed. Just be sure to check with your doctor about it first. Sorry I did not come over this side sooner. I forget about this side. How did the interview go??