Re-negotiating existing contracts /agreements

In this current economic climate, everyone is doing their best to cut costs and tighten up the budgets.

We have a large lawn, but it isn't to (foo foo) no real flowers (black thumb here) just grass, some shrubs, Ivy that WON'T die (I don't water it!) and some kind of flowery things in the front.

We have our lawn mowed every week and for an extra fee quarterly the gardner goes up the slope and pulls the ivy off the trees so they don't die. He has planted some Tulips for me (I brought them back from Amsterdam but they didn't do so good) and he occasionally will cut the long stragly limby things from one of the trees in our back yard.

We constantly get flyers on our yard and door from new gardners trying to get our business, I used to ignore them but with my ongoing salary cut and a looming cut for my husband I have to look at all expenses.

Please keep in mind when re-negotiating a contract how long the person has been working with you and the quality of their work. Also remember they have been hit by the economy too, we all need to work together to make it thru.

I sent my current gardner a letter letting him know that I valued his services and would like to continue to engage him and could he meet the price I recently received, I also sent a copy of the flyer.

I did state however that I would continue to pay extra for the Ivy upkeep and I would pay extra in the future for services he included in the past (i.e. planting flowers or trimming trees) at no charge.

The fact of the matter is if he can lower his price 40% I will stay with him because of the length of time and quality service he has provided. Be fair but be firm.

New Patio Cover

I recently got my patio cover installed - after 9 years of "gently" persuading my husband (aka nagging to hear him tell it!)

It looks really good except it is oh, hmm, let me see, 6 FT SHORT! - They are coming out to see for them selves, hmm, it isn't like it is hiding anywhere, it isn't like this is a small amount! Jeez we will see what happens next.

So besides being too short, it is really nice! We got it (ok, ok, I got it) because I want to be able to relax in my backyard, there are some unintended consequences which turn out to be GREEN!

Our Bedroom and Living Room have high ceilings and sliding glass doors so they tend to be warmer then the rest of the house, the cover reduces the amount of sunlight and heat which reduces my need for A/C which inturn lowers my Electric Bill - (insert happy dance here!)

The patio also shades a lot of my yard, so since CA is in a drought and water is rationed my grass a'int lookin' so hot, I am hoping the shade will help my grass recover from the lovely yellow it currently is to a nicer shade of ... wait for it.... GREEN