Anniversary, The New D and The Edge of America

I just got back from my home group meeting.  It was my sponsor's anniversary of 19 years.  We had some refreshments at the meeting, signed a card, and lit a candle to remember just how special these anniversaries are.  His XIX medallion was given to him by his sponsor who was given it by my sponsor.  Literally, what goes around, comes around in Al-Anon. 

After the meeting, we headed to the local Chinese restaurant for some fellowship after the meeting.  This is the country so the restaurants are not too varied.  The Chinese one is sporting a sign that reads New D in neon red.  It is supposed to say New Dragon, but I like New D better.  It sounds a bit sportier to me. 

Next door to the New D is Po Boys which is the local pool/beer hall.  We heard Jethro Tull's Aqualung coming through the cracked door as we were going into the New D and then heard Sympathy for the Devil when we were coming out. Midway through the General Tso's chicken and the steamed dumplings, someone at our table said, "Do you smell marijuana?".  I just about snorted the hot mustard due to laughing.  This is back country SC where more than tomatoes are grown.  And that reminds me of Steve Earle's song Copperhead Road.  Sure enough, there is an actual Copperhead Road on the island where I live.  Maybe they are referring to snakes, maybe not.

I got a call from a sponsee today who is fed up and anxiety ridden over having altercations with neighbors who have late night parties and barking dogs that go on and on all day.  He and his wife are at wit's end.  This seems like an outside issue to me, but I suspect that there is a tradition or step that will help even in this situation.  After all, I am reminded most days to "practice these principles in all our affairs". 

I didn't tell my sponsee that buying a town home in a town that is nicknamed "The Edge of America" was probably not the best thing to do if a person is looking for peace and quiet.  When he explained that the duplex he bought is shared with a duo next door who are yelling and screaming at all hours and who have yelled and screamed at him for complaining about barking dogs,  I was reminded of why I am glad that I live on enough land where I can't even see my neighbors. 

We discussed appropriate boundaries such as calling the police and possibly the need for him to buy some ear plugs or make an appointment with a therapist who could help with his great anxiety and pent up anger about the neighbors.  I think that there are choices to be made: call the police, put the unit up for sale or talk to a therapist and get some medication to help with the anxiety.  I have the most trouble with these outside issues that appear to be related to recovery.  I have learned that ignoring a problem until it grows to a huge resentment is not going to make the situation any better.  Life is too short to spend in agony over unruly neighbors and barking dogs. 

Well, I am tired and have had another full day.  Not too much drama.  Just enough to be grateful that I can sleep with the sound of the spring peepers going crazy in the wetland near the house, and that I don't have neighbors or a bar and grill next door.  Good night from the country.