whatsitallabout

Plant Life at 50 Orchard Commons-Episode II

What is wrong with this picture?

Notice that the robust-based pine tree on the left is a little deficient from the waist up? I included the tree's partner for comparison.

Grace, Elijah and I were walking yesterday, when I noticed that the top half of that tree was missing. My mind raced: Did it blow off during our recent wind/rain storm? Had it been struck by lightning? How long had it been down? Was it a rare disease that would render all my yard's trees topless?

After a consult with our neighbor, I knew that the top half went missing sometime in December, which all but confirmed another theory: Someone had mistaken my yard for a Cut-Your-Own-Christmas-Tree Farm, and helped themselves to a very nice tree, indeed.

So, what do you say? Is this an indictment of all Vermonters, who are supposed to be nature-loving, law-abiding, respectful citizens? Of the tourist trade that leads tourists to believe that Vermont is sort of like a big Disney World or Adventure Park, where, once you've arrived for vacation, you pretty much have the run of the place, and taking home a specimen of Vermont's vegetation is not only OK, but encouraged (particularly if the tree will grace a holiday living room)?

Or do you subscribe to the lightning or rare-disease theory? Or do you have a theory of your own? Please click on the Comment link below, and share.

Plant Life at 50 Orchard Commons-Episode I

This is the first of two entries. If you aren't all a-tingle with anticipation to read the two entries now, you will be crazed with excitement and eagerness at the end of this post.

Spring has certainly arrived here in Hinesburg, and I love, love, love the Spring. Crystal sighted the first crocuses, immediately outside our front door, upon our return from a recent trip to Boston. I knew that I missed the changing of the seasons when I lived in California, but it took the move back, and a couple tough winters, to realize how much. As unfortunate (how kind an adjective is that?) as Vermont's Winters are, there's something in me that stores up every bit of cold and longing for good sun, and then lets the blue sky, warm sun, new buds, and delighted, singing, giddy birds overwhelm them.

So, enjoy these beautiful crocuses, and stay tuned for Plant Life Entry II, which will yield shocking discoveries about Vermont inhabitants, their nocturnal habits, and their respect for the property of others.