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In 2013 I wrote about this picture: 



In the post, "Signs of an Ancient Civilization" I talked about the futility of doing the same things over and over again without any real understanding of their purpose. 

Well, today I passed that same spot. For the first time since 2013, it looks different.




For the first time since that long departed tree was cut down, they have stopped mulching. I'm not sure if this is a step in the right right direction. I think it is. Now it can cease being a memorial to a dead tree and become a part of the lawn. Finally.

Of course, this being Columbia and all, we may soon have folks writing letters to the paper and turning up at CA meetings to complain that the public wasn't informed of this change. They will have anecdotal evidence of how Rouse intended mulch to be used. A grassroots group will be formed on the issue. Signatures will be gathered. Meetings will be held.

Soon village leadership will set its sights of Re-inventing the unsightly circle. Perhaps they al
ready have plans to redevelop it. Who knows? And if I went to such a meeting and spoke on allowing the grass to return and ceasing the endless mulching, what would the response be, do you think?

"How long have you lived here?"

The fact that I can imagine this scenario in such exacting detail proves that I may already have lived here too long.

Enjoy this Spring day, friends. And remember: don't over-mulch.

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