Not one single thing that happened today was as epic and worthy of mention as the felling of our pine tree.\u00a0 The crane arrived shortly after 6:30 am, and Laurent saw them parked on the street when she was leaving for college.\u00a0 The rest of the crew came quickly upon their heels. We hid the dogs away in the girls’ bedroom and hoped they wouldn’t go too crazy, and went out to see if anything could be done about the white van.\u00a0 You see, it is in serious need of an alignment, and Paul declared that no one must drive it until that has been accomplished.\u00a0 So when Laurent left for the day, she took my van, but didn’t bother to leave her keys here because I said “I’m not going anywhere, so I wont need them.”\u00a0 Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that the crane operator would be coming along and asking me to move the van so he could park along our front sidewalk.\u00a0 I called Paul and he suggested I try to get into the van, because sometimes it can be started without a key. (Don’t ask.\u00a0 It’s old.)\u00a0 Well, I managed to get the back driver’s side window open, but couldn’t reach the lock to the driver’s side door, so it was moot.\u00a0 Thankfully the crane operator then backed up into the driveway, and said it would be no problem to work from that angle.<\/p>\n
At that point, I went inside, got my camera, and went about documenting the proceedings.\u00a0 The rainfall was intermittent, and the somber skies added even more drama to the occasion. It was terribly, terribly loud, between the crane engine, the chain-saws, and the wood-chipper.\u00a0 I was happy to see all the workers wearing protective glasses, but I didn’t think to look for ear plugs.\u00a0 Really hope they use those, or they’re likely to lose their hearing at a very young age.<\/p>\n
When they finished the front, the crane left, and three guys came to the back yard to assess what needed trimming on our other fire-damaged pine tree.\u00a0 While they were figuring that out, my attention was captured by the loveliness of the oleanders, drinking up the heavenly refreshment and glistening with droplets.<\/p>\n
So here, without further ado, are my pics o’ the day.\u00a0 Enlarge, and enjoy!<\/p>\n