Tree

Yesterday a neighbor of ours, around the corner, hired a tree service to cut down a couple of trees. They were evergreen trees and were gigantic. I could see why they were cutting them down; they must have been a nuisance being overgrown and so close to their house.

I watched the tree-trimmers go about their business taking down the trees, branch by branch. They had a bucket that looked like it would be fun to get in and go real high. It must be a tough job, making sure the branches would not hit anything on the way down. It took them all day to cut down those evergreens, and when they were done how different their backyard looked. I could see the house the trees blocked from my sight, and even down the street. Interesting, I thought.


Today, they were back, much to my dismay, taking down another tree. It was a great big old maple tree in their backyard. Their backyard backs up to mine and that tree was like an old pal. I couldn’t watch this tree go down, and I didn’t find it interesting at all. The noise bothered me and a couple of times I found a tear running down my face as I went about my morning routine.



I didn’t know this could affect me so much. I felt for this tree. I told the other trees in my yard they were not going next. Do you think they know? Do you think they are bothered by their friend going? I know I was.

Butterfly

I was outside looking at the flower pots on my porch, and I spotted a butterfly. She was fluttering around between the wheelchair ramp and the house. I went down the ramp and tried to get closer. `She was a pretty orange and black pattern that I hadn’t seen before. She started flying away …”Oh, don’t go!” I said.

I watched her go... and come back! She settled down on the middle of the ramp and waved her wings up and down. It was so neat; I rolled closer and closer to get a good look.
She seemed to like that, and fluttered up to look me over. She flew around my head, under my arm, and circled my chair. She then started flying between the ramp and the house again, going from leaf to leaf on the weeds that were growing between the cracks on the ground. I think she may have been laying eggs. I thought to myself, “Darn, why don’t I have my camera? Oh, maybe I should go get it….”
I went in and got my camera hoping that she would stick around a little longer. When I came out she was waiting at the bottom of the ramp. I rolled down to where she was, but by the time I got there she was gone. I waited for a while hoping she would come back… but no, I guess she was camera shy.

I felt bad for a little bit, until I realized what a magical moment I’d had with one of earth’s littlest creatures. It was a thrill I can’t really describe.
It makes me smile thinking of it. It made my day.

Beth

PS I looked it up and I believe she was a Question Mark Butterfly. I really wish she would have let me take her picture!