Thursday, November 29, 2012

I Cry For Broken Trees


Hurricane Sandy claimed a few trees as victims in our yard as her trailing winds blew through the Northeast Ohio region. Our home remains upright and dry, for we were not, in any way, in the eye of the storm and for that, I am grateful.


I can't help but feel a tinge (OK, that's an understatement) of sadness over the loss of those trees. We live in typical suburbia. Our home is found in a planned neighborhood where sidewalks run down every street, where lot sizes are the size of matchbox cars, and where finding trees in the yard is like finding a Yankee in Mississippi - trees are precious commodities. So, when we end up losing two trees, it's a pretty big deal. It changes the landscape, especially in this case. The two towering pine trees we've enjoyed for years acted as a natural privacy fence to the neighbors behind us; so much so, I don't even have drapery coverings in the kitchen because we've always felt shielded from view. Not any more:-(

The view before the chainsaw.
I now stand at the kitchen sink, more aware of the flood light above my head as it spotlights my pan-washing abilities to the neighbors. And, I'm sure it's no picnic for them, either. I now have a clear, unabated view directly into their family room. If I stare long enough, I can see the video games the kids are playing on their computer. I'm not sure what's worse: that our lives have been exposed to one another or that this new view may cause unjust arrest for voyeurism. I want my privacy back!!!



The view after: hello neighbor!
We can't plant new trees until Spring and it won't be a quick fix anyways. Do you know how many years it's going to take for those trees to grow to the size of their ancestors? As I am tempted to put up a For Sale sign in the front yard and move to the forest, Super Hubby calms me down and gets all "positive-talk" crap on me. But, all I want to do is sulk and be upset at something I cannot change. Grow up, Lilly. I read some of my old posts as if I were a new visitor to this blog and the words of wisdom (that I, myself, wrote) started to absorb through my thick skull. Just another bump in the road. As my Dad says, "You get used to it." And so, for now, I'll have to learn to get used to it. I will spend the next hour perusing the Blinds.com site and see if a nice Roman shade above the window sink might be a good solution in gaining privacy. I will think about all the people on the East Coast trying to find where their kitchen sink used to be. I will be thankful that a loss of a few trees is the only thing I've got to be upset over.
 
Even our Pear Tree needed some work.
It's truly all about perspective and my sadness over a loss of a few trees and $700 (the unexpected expense of cutting down the trees, stump grinding, and peforming tree surgery to another tree that split) is trite compared to the devastation seen by so many out East. But, reality is truth. So, here's the truth dear family and friends: unless you are under the age of 12 years old, there will be no Christmas gift for you under our tree this year. There will always, however, be an open door where we welcome you with open arms, a set table, and an abundance of good food and even better love to share with y'all!
(and for all the neighbors to see - bonus!)
Every tree is worth trying to save in our yard!

Now, go hug a tree!

5 comments:

Lefty said...

You better not move! :)

I think you are totally entitled to your sadness over the trees being gone. It did create amazing privacy for you. Yes, you'll get over it...but it's sad...especially when you were the one that planted the trees and you have watched it grow like your son!
I think it's awesome that you get a view of the video games....wait until you see the kids fighting with each other! That's the view we get into that house at night!
I feel for you! I do!

Look on Pinterest for creative blind/roman shade ideas that you can make. I think there will be some sticker shock when you see how much blinds.com cost!

If there is a positive....at least the chipper truck was great entertainment for my second born! Right up his alley! :)

I am LOVD said...

Lefty, thanks for sharing my pain. Yes, sticker shock to-boot!!! I'll check out the Pinterest. My mom is amazing with a sewing machine so I think your idea is a great one!

Thanks!

Fights, huh?

Suzan Wood-Young said...

I too feel your pain for the loss of the trees...and the cost (We paid $1300 to get rid of that one Ponderosa Pine). So glad to see they could save that tree with a bolt! I bet Mrs. Pear Tree will be happy too!

I am LOVD said...

Suzan, thanks for the chuckle about Mrs. Pear Tree! Thanks to you we connected via Facebook to continue stay in touch.

S. Hub. said...

Never realized it until now, but that pear tree over the years has been home to many a partridge (literally, and I do mean literally)! Never thought that song made any sense. Hmmm. Hope it survives.

 

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