My neighbor passed away in her home just two weeks shy of her 102nd birthday. When I think back on the 33 years we "shared a fence", I cannot remember her ever being stressed about anything. The other neighbors have also commented on this phenomenon. We never saw her angry, upset, tense or worried. She loved everybody. We think this is the secret to her longevity. She was such an...

In Palos Verdes Estates, we are blessed with the "Art Jury" (Homeowner's Association) which is to approve any exterior changes to your home. This is everything from the color of your home to shutters, doors, driveways, rain gutters, fencing -- you get the picture. The good news is that it keeps the neighborhood looking nice and not "too far out". The challenge can be when you sell your home. A...