(no subject)

[averygoodun42]

Whelp, they have finally started work on the backyard. I wish someone had let us know ahead of time that they would be chopping down our backyard tree, though. Geoff said he saw a shadow, both literal and metaphorical, pass over my face as I watched the tree come down. I was surprised by how strong a reaction I had, considering I now hate maples with something close to a passion. Nasty, nasty weeds that they are. (Did I mention that our neighbor's tree put out at least ten pounds of seeds this spring? I'm basing that measurement on the five pounds of seeds that collected in our driveway (and I am not exaggerating, either).

But, yeah... I mean, I knew that tree was basically doomed anyway, given that maples really don't do well with their roots being covered (adding 1" per year is the rule of thumb. There's at least 10" going on its root system this summer, if not 24"), and how it's been a stressed little maple for some years... But, well, it was still an unpleasant sight. And it made me pretty teary for a good chunk of the day. Well, that and the headache. ;-)

And I was shocked and dismayed at the way they used a backhoe to remove our neighbor's fence from the ground, rather than doing anything that would save the panels. I wonder what the fallout will be between that neighbor and other neighbor's fence panels (both good and bad condition) being carted away by the landscaping company... (And part of me wonders if the manager's dislike of fences had something to do with it. He's a big enough ass that he might have told the landscapers that the fences weren't being saved, against the direct wishes of the owners. Plausible deniability exists for the manager, given that he doesn't communicate with the owners directly anymore due to his extreme lack of people skills.)

On the other hand, the landscapers showed extreme care for some of the larger plants that are worth saving (but didn't get moved), including the three large hostas I'd decided to sacrifice so as not to break my back to move them. Some decent sized shrubs were also saved from neighbors' yards by the backhoe.

Anyway. It's really not that interesting, except if you're actually here watching the destruction. Then you get to see the air of confusion the local cats' suffer as they walk through this completely new territory.

Meanwhile, Geoff took the day off work today with the intent of cleaning up the basement. He spent the day reading Percy Jackson (The Lightning Thief) instead. Well, he has helped with the laundry a little bit, but, yeah. It was not a terribly productive day. However, he probably needed the day off. And maybe he'll take tomorrow off, too, to actually do the cleaning (I've told him it's his responsibility, seeing as most of the mess is his). In the worst case scenario, he'll spend the time between putting Page to bed and my return from the airport with my mum in tow (Wednesday night) to get that room to a more-than-livable state. Or else we will be sleeping down there, and she will get our room.

*shrugs*

However, I am pleased that I got several things off my temporary and perennial to do lists today, since that will free up my mind for other things tomorrow. I'm even hoping to be able to break out the paints again this week, preferably before my mum arrives, as I'll have entertaining to do after that. Both her and Page (his last day of school, a half day, is on Thursday).

But, I should go advance the laundry. If it's all done, then Geoff'll have that much less of an excuse to not clean tomorrow. :-D

Comments

[dickgloucester.livejournal.com]

It's always sad to see a tree go, even if it's a hideous one. *hugs*