I think I've had more comments and emails than I've ever had for any other post before -- thank you all so much for the tremendous support. I can't say how muh I appreciate all your advice and input and love. It was sorely needed.

I had no idea how physically ill the removal of a bunch of scrubby trees would make me...it's nice that I haven't had to do it alone.

I've closed all the curtains and blocked out all the windows to the back of the house -- I'm slowly weaning myself into getting used to the idea that I once lived in a forest...and now I live in a desert. I expect my electric bill will go up quite a bit now that the late afternoon sun is unimpeded -- and I suspect that some of the less-hearty plants that were once protected will now die.

Not that they wouldn't have died in the 101 degree heat anyway. :)

I'm trying to think and plan and come up with new ideas...I'm trying to see this as an opportunity instead of a tragedy...I'm trying not to decide to give up and sell my house and move to a different country. And I wish I had the money and the resources to fix it all and do it yesterday -- but this is one of those times when the superhero guise fails and I realize that I am just one woman against the world.

Good thing THAT doesn't happen very often. :)

::::hugs:::

Love,
Lee