PROTECTING OUR BORDERS

To stop the influx of illegal immigrants into the United States, the Department of Homeland Security installed miles of fencing and has employed close to 18,000 border patrol agents in an effort to deter breaches in security along our borders. To deter deer from wandering into our gardens this summer and keep our curious puppies from chasing wild animals, we erected (what felt like) miles of fencing along the border of our home and side yard. While we aren't terribly concerned with the security of our home, the feisty dogs that protect it are anxious to capture the creatures that wander by everyday. While the ideal wooden fence would cost close to $18,000, for under $500 we installed ours in less time than it would take George Bush to point out our borders on a map. Whether you're installing a dog run, securing your backyard, or designing a garden and want to keep your pets and other animals out, building your own is far less of a pain than the security you will gain!

PATROL YOUR BORDERS

This was quite possibly one of the easiest projects we've attacked so far. We purchased 6' tall posts, placed them 8' apart and unraveled the fencing (comes in packages of 50' in silver, green or black to blend with your background), attaching it to the hooks on the poles and adding extra security by wrapping them with zip ties. In a little over an hour we gained a secure playground for us and our pups.

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: 1 hour, 15 minutes

COST: $450.00 for fencing and posts at the Home Depot

STRESS LEVEL: Feeling good without erecting wood: LOW