EXHIBIT A: 311 Windsor Avenue, Haterville, New Jersey, 2014
Missing is the 100-year-old tree that was cut down. It would have been to the left, just out of the frame.
EXHIBIT B: 311 and 313 Windsor Avenue, Haterville, New Jersey 2018
First World Problems, right? I know, I know. It's not like a hurricane roared through. But honestly. Cheap, shoddy construction. And that two-car garage perfectly aligns with my front yard. And the developer has charmed my husband by assuring him this improves the price of our home. Except that we don't plan to sell while I'm working, so why would that matter?
Well, as luck would have it ... if you can call it lucky to be home sick ... the builder is showing the property on the left today.
I am under strict orders from Mr. J: "Don't embarrass me!" Excuse me? You embarrassed yourself by swallowing the snake oil and calling it a cure.
So I have positioned my Truth in Advertising messages at the end of the driveway:
EXHIBIT C: RESIST, PERSIST, AND RISE
The fact that the car is old and ratty only adds a poignant touch.
I know that three of my six readers are Hillary supporters, and I hope you'll forgive me for being a far-left Democratic Socialist. But even you must admit that this pairing is more effective than a Hillary bumper sticker would be. (and yes, I most certainly voted for Hillary.)
Readers, my dudgeon is high not only because this project uprooted beautiful trees and decimated green space. It's also high because the buyers of these homes, in search of everything new and shiny, are basically purchasing high-end housing that was built with low-end products and labor. It's all show and no substance, which apparently is good enough for some millionaire who wants to purchase something in "move-in condition." With a mud room.
Ah, and now for the 662nd day in a row (not excepting weekends), workers are running something loud and motorized over there.
The greed is naked. The disdain is obvious. There's only one way I can respond that will give me any sort of quiet satisfaction ... and that's the way my ancient ancestors responded when the lord of the manor did them wrong.
Hexes all around. Mark Ryan, snake-oil salesman and greedy capitalist -- HEX! P.J. Ward, original hatcher of this travesty -- HEX!
And to my neighbors who happily sold their land to these greed-hounds from Hell -- HEX.
FROM ANNE JOHNSON
Across the Street
PS to Kimber: I heard about that earthquake, and I hope you and yours are all right. My own problems pale in comparison. Sedna says she's upholding you.
