War on two fronts?

Well, it certainly feels like we're being assaulted from both sides. At seven yesterday evening, the power tools started on side side as the interminable (but very worthwhile) building work continued. It was noisy til nine. So, no wonder we had to wake Looby Loo this evening. I've checked with the planning department and there's no restriction (as there would be on a larger development) on working hours: they can go on after six if they want to. Back to wandering around and suggesting it's very unneighbourly to makes us eat our supper to deafening noise and put our six-year old to bed to the continuance to the same. I feel very annoyed about this: for a second summer sunning our back garden is overlooked by workmen and noisy during the day plus we get noise inside at antisocial hours. Maybe I should have objected when they needed to put up the scaffolding in our garden.

Ten minutes after the noise recommenced, the neighbours on the other side decided to light the bonfire. It's huge: six foot high, at least that wide, and entirely composed of recently grubbed up privet hedge with lots of green leaves and gnarled roots. It's overhung by our mulberry tree, which I don't want to see incinerated. We choked for the twenty minutes of so when the smoke blew directly onto the back of the house, where I was reading to Looby Loo in her bedroom. Then, fortunately, the wind changed. The fire didn't take. I left, after we'd taken some photos, I suggested to M that if there was any sign of paraffin being put on it, he phoned the fire brigade. I talked to environmental health this morning. There's little they can do about bonfires but they're sending someone out to have a look. With luck, there might be someone in next door. The house stills smells a little post November 5th without the memory of pretty fireworks.