tim-brrrrrrrrrrr . . .

In 1996 we took down all the nasty old scrub pines in the front yard and looked for something more substantial. Then seven year old Katie's only request was that it be big enough for her to climb. The tree expert suggested a Laura Oak and said by the time she was ready, it would be ready. Twelve years later, it is a monster, and oh yes, Katie spent many an hour in that tree.

But the time has come for it to be pruned back. It is dwarfing the neighbor's magnolia, drooping out over the house, soaking up all the lawn's sun . . . the men came today. The deed is done. It looks so much better with a hair cut and our lawn is happy to once again see the light of day.

A little side note: After the hurricanes, the power company work crews were all over the area cleaning up, working feverishly to get our electricity back on. I heard voices in the yard and took a peek. There under the spread of the tree were 10 FPL guys taking their break enjoying the only shade in the cul-de-sac, that hot August day.

I dearly love this tree.