Today is one of those days where getting work done will be a major effort. My home office faces the house next door and the new owner is in the process of carrying out some major renovations.

Chain sawOver the past few days (with a blessed break on Sunday) the chain saws and tree removal equipment have been actively employed as no less than ten pine trees were felled. Never mind that two sixty foot trees were timbered right outside of my window this past Friday, sending a seismic rattle through our home that spooked our two tabby cats.

Somewhat amusing is hearing the comments of neighbors and others who have been passing by taking in the clearcut scene, “I knew that John didn’t like trees, but good Lord!” Yes, there are precious few walnut trees in our Walnut Hills subdivision, as pines and oaks seem to relish the clay soil. Our yard is very shady while the one next door has been denuded save for a line of trees at the rear of the property.

Like it or not the work will progress but there is one silver lining to all of this — a long neglected house (read: eyesore) is being fixed up breathing new life into a neighborhood established some 40 years ago.

If only John could have left a few trees in place.