On Thursday during the Hurricane Sandy outage, my work let us go early. So I traveled to Arthur's house since it was on the way back home. I haven't really seen or talked to him in a while. His neighborhood has been without power since the storm hit. Most likely due to a giant pine tree that was leaning on wires. Literally, the wires were holding it up. From what it looked like, they did not snap, but they certainly did a number on the poles- I saw two that were cracked down the middle. And this tree, was GIANT. It leaned into the street and took up half of it.

When I get to his neighborhood, I see that there is an area yellow tapped off. It was where the tree was- they were there to take it down! Awesome! This was the first step! Arthur's house isn't that far from it, so once I parked at his house we walked over to watch (he was on his way out to watch, I tagged along). We get there and stand with some neighbors outside of their house watching. Boy what we found out from them!

Come to find out that the electric company (they were the ones cutting it btw) was already out there a day or so before- ready to cut it. HOWEVER! The woman who lived there chased them away- screaming at them to leave her tree alone. Mind boggling right? I mean, even if by some miracle the electric was on, this tree is now a hazard, it HAD to come down. Yes, it is sad to see such a beautiful tree come down, but two things. One, it HAS TO BE DONE. People are freezing and without power. And second, they could actually use the wood for firewood for people who need it.

So how could some woman scare away the electric company? Apparently she has a lot of friends, A LOT of friends on the town counsel and is someone of importance. She threatened the company with whatever power she had- that her political friends would do.... something (I dunno) to the company if they took her tree down. Her alternative? Oh, just get a crane there, lift up the tree a bit, straighten it up, and pack in the dirt around it. No, I am not even fucking with you, THAT was her alternative. Yes, let's do that- risk it coming down AGAIN in another storm (even a mild one) and waste more time and resources.

Needless to say, a lot of the neighbors were pissed off as can be. Wouldn't you? If this tree situation was resolved, they could replace the poles, check the wires, fix the transformer that blew (pretty sure it did), and get power restored to the neighborhood. But because she was being selfish (yes, she was. You could fight with me all you want about “it's her tree and her right” but no. In these times, making such a fuss over a hazard as so IS SELFISH) the process is now delayed. I don't know if you know, but NJ, as other places, are dropping in temperature at night and day. It's is freezing outside. People without power are chilled to the bone at night. Not to mention, food is going bad, it's dark at night for them, and even just piece of mind- they can't watch the news or go online to find out what is happening. People need their power on as soon as possible, and little hang ups like this are unacceptable.

And her neighbors made it known- they told her how much of an asshole she is being about it. And she freaked out saying “and all the things I have done for this town!”. Well lady, if you really cared, you wouldn't be fighting this. I also do believe she had power OR had a generator running. I'm pretty sure, but not 100%.

Well, it didn't matter because today, that tree came down. We couldn't see, but we were sure she was out there bitching and moaning. The more they cut off, the less tension we saw in the wires. The poles straightened up too. They still have to be replaced though.

Now that that has happened, hopefully Arthur and more people will start getting power back. We can only hope.

He now has power ^ ^