Tikkabik

The tree people are here. They're pulling out quite a significant amount of tree growth from our yard -- mainly oaks and scrub. They're doing it for a few reasons -- one is that some of the trees are just junk. They've crowded other trees or created problems, such as a build-up of moss and lichen on the roof, and need to go. The guys are also trimming quite a bit of dead wood and low growth that doesn't do anyone any good as well.

But the part that I'm sure Al Gore would punish us for is the removal of this big oak tree from the left side of the driveway. The problem with the tree is that it blocks part of the driveway, which would otherwise be wide enough for two cars to sit side-by-side in. That's right. We're cutting down a tree to make more room for automobiles.

Back shortly after we moved in, my mother sideswiped the tree with her car, so it's already proven to be a menace. I won't miss it. Plus, its removal is opening up that part of the yard to light, which is very nice.

A completely untamed patch of forsythia is also being pulled out -- I have jokingly said that I'd like to put a hot tub and a gazebo over there, but no shit, it really is big enough -- it's gotta be at least 100 square feet of space that's being cleared.