Thursday, August 6, 2009

Loss of a Loner


We had some spooky wind earlier this month. It made the house moan for only the second time in the 12 years we've been here. When it was done, I walked around the yard to see what the damage was. Our big trash bin was moved half way around the house. A two wheel dolly was slid across the driveway apron. The attic access panel in the garage ceiling was sucked into the attic. That was about it. . . I thought. Then I looked further from the house and saw we lost our original singular tree on the land. We've planted plenty of trees from day one, but this was the only original tree we had. It was never 'beautiful' but it had a royalty sense about it because it's been here so long, all by itself. So this weekend I'll be using the chainsaw to cut up what I can for firewood and haul the rest to the burn pile, and the land will begin it's next chapter without its lone sentinel.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a shame. At least you have commemorated the tree in a sketch and perhaps you will find a nice decorative branch to fix up somewhere.....

nanke's stuff said...

Sorry about the loss of your tree. I know how you feel - we lost 2 "original trees" to wind last year. It made the front of the house look completely different. Your drawing is a nice way to commemorate its passing! nancy

Anonymous said...

This is excellent writing---I loved reading it and the tree sketch looks as you discribed it--I can see what you saw I felt..winna

MaryO said...

Aw, sorry about your tree, John. We had the same experience in Maryland last week and lost three trees. We were just happy none fell on the house!

Alex said...

Sad story, I am sorry you've lost an "old friend" and of course your reaction of planting more trees is just great.
Nonetheless it's a beautiful page and what better way to remember an old friend right? ^^

Sandy said...

Always sad to lose a good tree - I love on the coast of CT and the town next door had a confirmed F1 tornado last week - Trees down - EEK we are not supposed to have those around here, only hurricanes !

Deborah said...

Sorry about the old tree. In one of the villages in France the dead trees were carved and turned in sculptures. Very lovely idea. Nice to catch up with my favorite blogs.

Claire M said...

How sad to lose your special tree. At least you have a special memory page to remember it with.