Farewell

This is the week that we say goodbye to my neighbor Jeri's magnificent maple tree. It is hard to believe that something so beautiful must come down, because from a distance, the tree looks healthy and vigorous and strong enough to last another several decades. Unfortunately, the tree is diseased. A large branch came down in a spring storm and upon closer  inspection, the trunk was found to be almost hollow and eaten away by insects and disease.

The tree has quietly provided beauty and shade as well as a

 wonderful space beneath its branches to share a glass of wine with our friends Bill and Jeri.

It is always sad when a large tree has to come down. Farewell fine Sir. You will be missed.