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Apocalypse Now

Sitting on my deck yesterday morning, I was enjoying my first cup of coffee and listening to the plethora of birds. One of the things I like best about being nearly surrounded by wilderness - is the early morning bird calls, songs and sounds. It's peaceful and musical.

 So, there I am sitting, enjoying, soaking it all in when suddenly and seemingly without warning, I hear the grating sound of chainsaws quickly followed by the nerve-shattering sound of wood chippers. My peace was no more and the only image that came to mind was of Robert Duvall's character in "Apocalypse Now" when he steps out of his tent, taking a big breath and declaring "There's nothing like the smell of napalm in the morning" as helicopters zoom and hover in the background midst smoke and fire. While it wasn't napalm, it felt as destructive!

 They're starting construction on a house in the lot next door. The lot that has stood empty for these 11 years that we have lived here. It feels invasive and sad because we have been fortunate to have been surrounded on two sides by wilderness. ~Sigh~ As my friend Kris would say, "first world problems"!

 The shock will wear off and I will succumb to the new reality and welcome a new neighbor to the 'hood. But for this moment, I just want to yell - "Do you have to start with all that noise so frickin' early???"

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