The thumping started today.

They are upgrading the Interstate by our town, and are completely rebuilding both the interchange and railroad overpasses. To meet new earthquake-proof standards, all four overpasses are being connected to bedrock with steel pillars. And these are pounded in the ground to reach that bedrock.

We are at least six blocks away, but I can still feel and hear each thump. Fifty-six thumps every minute (I've counted them). For hours all day, with short breaks when they switch to a new pylon. Must drive the folks who live closer absolutely crazy.

Not like this is a surprise. They rebuilt the west-bound overpasses last year, and we enduring the thumping for months. Really.

Now it's the east-bound lanes. Was reminded that the construction season was coming when the trains started blowing their whistles in early April. They blow as a warning each and every time they approach the construction area. We're only two blocks from the tracks, and the whistles are loud and clear, especially now that some windows are occasionally open.

I like the train whistles. Even early in the morning. But the thumps I can do without.