Neighbor's new fence

The contrast between the old fencing is drastic. What's interesting is this section of fence was replaced only a year or two ago. I wonder what happened.

The hardscaping company got back to me today with the paperwork that includes the plan and price estimate for the patio. It will be around $13,000. Wow. I knew it would be costly, but that's still a lot. I still want to go through with it, but Jill's iffy. It's her decision in the end.