Friday, July 18, 2008. I got up at daylight, put on a bra and got dressed and combed my hair and put on lipstick. You gotta have your battle face on when you expect to do battle.

The loggers were already busy clearcutting the forest around my house. The sound of heavy machinery thrummed through the woods. I parked at the edge of my yard facing the disputed site of what the logger said he was gonna cut, and I said that's on my land, and you'd better not.

There was a light fog hanging like sheer curtains through the trees. Birds, frightened out of their habitat by the loud noises, flew around disturbed and frantic. I had my cell phone with me, to call the sheriff if necessary. I felt so alone, and called my cousin Bubba to come stay with me. Bless his heart, he came and sat in the car with me. The air was fragrant with the scent of fresh cut pine.

The logging machinery is very efficient. A boom with what looks like nail clippers on the end snips trees off at the base, then swings it around and strips the limbs off and puts it on a pile. It would be interesting to watch if I weren't personally involved with the trees fate. They are living things. As they are sliced from their roots, do they, like sentient beings, know their end has come? Sap runs like blood from their cut trunks.

10am. The loggers haven't appeared at the disputed area yet, so I came in and Bubba went home. I'm on high alert waiting for them to arrive, so will go for now. In the end, as always, whatever this day holds, I will face it alone. Susil

Comments:

Another suggestion: Take photographs to document the destruction. It can be valuable evidence. Stand strong, Sue!

comment by marta on July 18, 2008 7:37 PM ()

Hi marta; I realized later I need a camera, and will get one
this weekend--wish I had a camcorder. I'll get a panoramic
camera, think of it, that takes wide angle views.
Monday morning I'm gonna be ready.

reply by susil on July 19, 2008 10:03 AM ()

comment by tealstar on July 18, 2008 5:02 PM ()

Hi dear spunky teal; Ha! Our minds work alike--I've been thinking how
to monkey wrench the deal, and maybe mention of "lawyer"
and "tresspassing" might give them pause.
I've even gone so far as to call on the almighty to strike
them--which might work!

reply by susil on July 19, 2008 10:14 AM ()

Oh hun I hate that you have to do this alone...I wished I lived closer, I'd come sit and watch with you..*hugs tight* Give um Hell Hun..show them what true Southern Ladies can do when their pissed off..

comment by elfie33 on July 18, 2008 9:05 AM ()

Hi elfie; What really pisses me off is these land brokers and
big logging companies are so audacious they think they can
just roll over on an old lady like me--and they probably will,
but not before I raise hell about it.
Yes I wish someone would be there with me; there's strength
in numbers, even if it's only moral support.Thanks for your
good thoughts. Hugs to you too, Tennessee lady.

reply by susil on July 19, 2008 10:19 AM ()