Yesterday and today

Yesterday we had the Norway Maple tree in our backyard cut down. We were convinced of the need by the number of huge branches, narrowly missing our power lines, house, and garage that had come down during each of the storms that have blasted through our area this summer. It was a bit of a sad/relieved feeling. Relieved we won't have to worry about the tree coming down on its own. Sad because our father planted that tree more than 50 years ago and it's been a constant in our lives.

We are hoping it will have a second life - as our new kitchen cabinets. We found a local company that recycles trees into lumber. Watching them maneuver the giant logs out of our yard yesterday was a nail-biter - but the loader was amazing.

This is all that's left of the tree today. Teddy, as always, sees it-climbs it. Dax always enjoyed lying in that spot when the tree was there. Don't know what she'll do when they remove the stump.

Tango likes to dig in the wood chips and chew on them.

And he thinks its funny. He's right. - Hope

I definitely felt a pang

A local organization, the Recyclery, that "rehomes" bicycles after refurbishing them was having a donation day today. So, this morning, Fran helped me brush the spiders and their webs off my old 10-speed stored in the garage and load it into my car. I planned to drive over to the donation site after work.

Just loading it into the car inspired some nostalgia - the unmistakeable "tk tk tk tk tk" of walking a 10-speed. I loved that bike. It was my birthday present when I was 15. Other kids were looking at getting cars - I knew we'd never be able to afford that. But I could get a brand, spanking new 10-speed bike. I researched for months - the best bikes, the best brakes, the highest consumer ratings. And I found my perfect bike.

Today, I gave it away. I hope it makes another short girl as happy as it made me. To her, whoever she is - I hope you enjoy your 19 inch, Grass Green, Nishiki Olympic 10 speed. It was painstakingly chosen - just for you!