I file this one under "What the?"

This morning Benjamin and I watched as our neighbor's tree was cut down. I was a little put out because they were using a chain saw under the window where Christopher was napping. After saying a prayer that he would be able to sleep through it, we watched until they were finished...just about half an hour.

The livingroom was a mess with toys and couch pillows strewn all over, so I went about tidying up, not paying attention to the fact that the chain saw had started up again. At that very moment Benjamin, who was still looking out the front window, exclaimed "Man cutting down our tree!" I looked up in horror to find the two men who had been next door using the chain saw on our front tree! I rushed to the door (quite a feat for a 34 week pregnant woman!) and ran out to get someone's attention. They stopped and I asked, "Excuse me; what are you doing to my tree?"

One of the men came over to me and said, "Oh, we were just cutting some branches to open up the view of your house."

"Well, my husband takes care of trimming this tree."

"Oh."

"I would have appreciated you asking my permission before cutting whole branches off!"

"Well, I'm sorry."

"I would would like you to stop now."

At that he turned around with a slightly bewildered look on his face and told his buddy to stop. I stood there to make sure they left.

They were actually surprised that I was unhappy with them! They didn't stop to think that I like the fact that the tree branches block some of the view into my house from the street! So reader, be warned that if two guys show up in an unmarked white van with an orange light on top, they might just try to do some home "improvements" on your property without you knowing.