Our backyard in Brenham appears larger than it actually is, because we have no fence. Besides giving us a beautiful view, we have the joy of seeing deer wander through our yard to get to the small wooded area on the property behind ours.
Between our yard and the woods is an easement on which we grow vegetables. The previous owners of our house had permission to use this sunny spot, and we followed suit. We also planted wildflowers on a bare patch of earth that had been used to burn trash, and erected a birdhouse in the middle of it. Technically we are trespassing, but we can easily and willingly remove these things if asked.
In Austin, we had a wooden fence around our backyard. It blocked the noise from the street and discouraged thieves. We had a dog at the time, and the fence kept him safe. While our cat could (and would) hop the fence on numerous occasions, she was relatively protected when she snoozed in the sunlight of our back yard. It also gave us privacy.
I grew up overseas where our yards were enclosed by walls made of either brick or concrete. One wall had jagged glass pressed into the top to prevent people from climbing over.
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to fences and walls lately: they provide security, privacy, and a clear property boundary. A wall has always been in the plans for the compound where House of Hope and Dignity is being built. If you are familiar with Liberia, you are aware of the issues of squatting, encroachment, and security. We have been advised to put up a fence to show demarcation and ownership to prevent these issues.
We are in a beautiful location off of a main dirt road, but we are vulnerable and we want our ladies to feel safe. We will provide more information on how you can help as plans shape up.
Between our yard and the woods is an easement on which we grow vegetables. The previous owners of our house had permission to use this sunny spot, and we followed suit. We also planted wildflowers on a bare patch of earth that had been used to burn trash, and erected a birdhouse in the middle of it. Technically we are trespassing, but we can easily and willingly remove these things if asked.
In Austin, we had a wooden fence around our backyard. It blocked the noise from the street and discouraged thieves. We had a dog at the time, and the fence kept him safe. While our cat could (and would) hop the fence on numerous occasions, she was relatively protected when she snoozed in the sunlight of our back yard. It also gave us privacy.
I grew up overseas where our yards were enclosed by walls made of either brick or concrete. One wall had jagged glass pressed into the top to prevent people from climbing over.
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to fences and walls lately: they provide security, privacy, and a clear property boundary. A wall has always been in the plans for the compound where House of Hope and Dignity is being built. If you are familiar with Liberia, you are aware of the issues of squatting, encroachment, and security. We have been advised to put up a fence to show demarcation and ownership to prevent these issues.
We are in a beautiful location off of a main dirt road, but we are vulnerable and we want our ladies to feel safe. We will provide more information on how you can help as plans shape up.
 | Kathy Beth Stavinoha Kathy Beth graduated from high school in Monrovia, Liberia in 1977. She retired from St. Edward’s University in 2022 after 21+ years of service. She lives in Brenham, TX with her husband and cat. |
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