Mowing by the light of the silvery moon

Now, today I've got a problem. I'm a journalist who's learned and taught "never to ASS-U-ME." I'm also an avid lawn aficionado. Though I haven't yet fired up the Sears Craftsman during this balmy winter, I do have concerns.

In this morning's Daily Bee (the local paper that readers can trust), I read that the Sandpoint City Council is planning to adopt a "junk/noise" ordinance next week. Therein lies my problem and my need to ASS-U-ME dire consequences from what I read about the ordinance.

The sentence in the print version of today's paper (www.bonnercountydailybee.com) states, "The proposed ordinance would also prevent loud noises from musical instruments, loudspeakers, power tools, lawn mowers and vehicles between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days per week."

What's a person to think?

Am I correct in ASS-U-MING that Marianne, the mad lawn-mowing junkie, will have to start her hours-long process long after dark? As one who appreciates a well-kept lawn, I'm very concerned. As I get older, my night vision continues to deteriorate. I'm also scared of the creatures that go bump and spray in the night.

Worst of all, it's very possible that if I do my mowing at midnight, my lawn will likely look like a nightmare the next day. I can't handle the thought.

I can, however, handle the thought of Bill being prevented from playing his tuba during the daylight hours, but when I'm trying to sleep and suddenly start hearing "oompah's" on the back step, it could get ugly around the Love house.

Speaking of ugly, the ordinance also states that beat-up old cars can remain in city yards as long as there's a six-foot high fence hiding them from view. I think this ordinance is very inequitable to those of us who take pride in proper lawns.

Why should owners of junkers sitting in two-foot high grass get the advantage over those of us who want to maintain Sandpoint as the West Best's Small Community by mowing our grass properly in the light of day?

This travesty of governmental regulation needs to be addressed----before the grass grows!

Maybe the Daily Bee will take on the issue.