Why the 'Burbs are NOT for ME

I grew up in the country on what one might call a small farm. We had chickens, rabbits, turkeys, a 1/2 acre garden, and cats, lots and lots of cats; but that's a different post. Since being married we have owned two houses; one in the suburbs of Oklahoma City and the other here in the DC area.

One aspect of living in one of these "communities" is the home owners association you are required to belong to and pay dues to. The one we currently belong to normally isn't too bad. Our dues are only $35 a month and they have been that price for the last 8 years or so. $35 is really very good considering the beautiful landscaping of the communal property as well as the well maintained playgrounds, stocked ponds, and groomed walking paths.

Recently our association went all tyrannical. We got a nasty gram regarding the discoloration of our siding and were ordered to have it cleaned within 30 days and then contact the association president once our home was once again in compliance. Now, don't get me wrong. We are out of compliance, but we just recently noticed the "green growth" ourselves and were waiting for nicer weather to have it cleaned. It has been winter here recently and lately we've had more rainy days than sunny. Really I would have expected a nasty gram possibly in May at the earliest. Anyway, now I'm stressing over what other violations we may have. Do we have too many weeds? Is our grass too long? Do we need to trim the bushes?

I need a place where I can get away; far, far away from the suburbs.