Didn't Hug It Enough

John came home the other evening after dropping off the borrowed moving truck (thanks, Ben and Nanette!). He came through the door and casually said, "So the tree fell over." I doubt my face changed expression much, since we both knew it was only a matter of time before the held-together-by-previous-tenants-via-bungee-cords tree in our front yard finally gave up the ghost. If I was surprised, it was only because the falling down took place on a calm, wind-free evening. I didn't see it coming so soon!

We called John's parents and asked them to pack a bow saw, since they were coming for the weekend. Shortly after his arrival, Mick had the branch sawed off and neatly stacked in the front yard. He even took some bigger branches home to burn in his stove. All was right in the world again.

Until yesterday. We got home from church to find a HUGE branch on the other side of the tree had broken and was hanging out in the yard. Can you believe this thing? I didn't take pictures of that event, just to punish my tree. When I woke up this morning, Mick was out in the yard again, sawing and humming. Tell me again why he can't stay all the time?

Needless to say, the future of this tree is undecided. We might keep it, attempting to save it through excessive watering in an attempt to force the roots to start acting their age. Or we might preserve the sanity of our roof by cutting the tree down and digging it out. Looks can be deceiving, as I really do enjoy how this tree provides shade and nice curb appeal. But if it's going to kill me someday as I politely walk to my car, it might not be worth it!

Where the branch is hanging over the driveway? That's where John's car would have been parked had he been home. Corolla Sandwich, anyone? What a blessing that no cars were harmed during a pointless temper tantrum of our front yard tree!