ISN'T IT SAD?

Our poor fir tree (left of center above) finally gave up the ghost a couple of weeks ago. We tried all of the 'things and stuff' that we could do to save it, but our efforts were unrewarded. The tree had forked at about the three foot mark so as it got taller it was really two trees struggling to survive. We had the back fork taken out last spring thinking it might help the front survive. It worked for a while-- several of the branches actually started curving around to fill in the back. We fertilized, fed, sprayed, watered; anything we could do to help the poor tree. Spring started out great with lots of new growth and it was looking like it might actually survive... Then the needles started to drop. The first ten feet still looked pretty good but the top thirty feet or so was thinning and starting to die.

It was time to put the poor fir tree out of its misery. I really hated to see the tree go. It had been so beautiful for so long. It was a pretty big tree when we moved in but over sixteen years it had gotten really huge and provided great shade for our house all summer long. Now I feel like we are totally exposed... Oh well. We must embrace change (hard to do) and accept the fact that life is not static (shocking!). Now that the tree is gone it opens up the front to all kinds of interesting possibilities. Perhaps a bigger porch? A pergola? New steps and a sidewalk? Two rocking chairs for watching the sunset? (Not ready for that yet...) Anyway, that is a project for summer. I have plenty to keep me busy for the winter. Suzie seems to think the kitchen needs some work. I will keep you posted on that.

This was our lovely house when we moved in. The year was 1993. The house had not been loved for a long time and was in terrible shape. But it was a great deal and had such potential we decided to go for it. It was a DIY (do it yourself) adventure (and nightmare as the kids like to remind me. "Remember Christmas with no kitchen and plywood floors?") and we worked our way through the house one room at a time. Now, after sixteen years it has turned into a home that is obviously loved... And if I can be mushy for a minute-- it is also a home full of love. Even if it is loved I guess after sixteen years it is starting to look tired. Maybe the kitchen does need a face lift..

Oh, if you need some 'things and stuff' done in your yard, like tree removal, call Heidi and Lonnie. It was a kick watching these two petite girls swinging chain saws! They did quick work of our tree and they cleaned up after themselves!