Jim and I worked briefly on the side yard today, the side between us and the neighbor I’ve mentioned. You know, the neighbor I’m going to punish by taking out the hedge. The neighbor who staked the property line while we were out of town.

I emailed the wife on Thursday to find out what was with the stakes. Her reply: “R wants to do some kind of landscaping thing on the side, so had them come do the stakes so we don’t mess with your side! :0)”

Jim raised an interesting question: why is it only R’s project? Whenever Jim or I tell someone we’re working in the yard, it’s always “we’re” not “Jim” and not “Rachel.”

Anyway. Jim took a machete to the horrid Bird of Paradise. That thing is toast. Tomorrow we’ll dig out its roots. YAY! Some people think a Bird of Paradise is pretty. We do not. Jim then got the hand saw and chopped down one of the hedge bushes. As he lopped branches and bagged, I took the saw and chopped down another hedge bush. For those who are familiar with the house, that means from the garage to just past the window to the computer room is hedge free. Yay! Then, while Jim and RTY fished, I took a shovel and dug up one of the root systems from the hedge I chopped down. That was a lot of work, but sooooo rewarding when Jim helped me yank that beast out of the ground.

And then my back resumed hurting, so we were done.

While Jim cooked dinner, neighbor boy came home and began yard work. He dug a trench the entire length of the property line. I was aching to know what he was doing, so I gathered a bag of garbage and ventured out to throw it away (the can is on that side of the house) so I could strike up a conversation with neighbor boy. Jim told me to be nice.

Me: Wow. That looks ambitious.
NB: **jumped** You startled me.
Me: I’m sorry. Are you digging a moat?
NB: Happy New Year.
Me: Happy New Year. Are you digging a moat?
NB: Did you have a good Christmas?
Me: Yes, and you?
NB: Santa Clause was very good.
Me: Did A make out like a bandit?
NB: Kids usually do.
Me: Is she still at the age that the box is a better present than the toy?
NB: No, it was the wrapping paper.
Me: **chuckle** So what are you doing?
NB: Enjoying the weather.
Me: **sarcastic laughter** Um… Okay then… I look forward to seeing your vision of the side yard. **walked away**

Cryptic.

We’ve decided he’s taking more border blocks and putting in mulch like he did on his third of the triangle. But I’m hoping he’s building a brick wall between us!

I’ll take a picture tomorrow if he’s not out there.

Next week, I’m borrowing a chain saw. Bye bye hedge.

wRitErsbLock