Two trees

"I think that I shall never see

A poem as lovely as a tree"

Today would have been the great Spike Milligan's 93rd birthday and his simple but moving words on the beauty of trees have been on my mind today.

The willow tree at my Mum's house ( in the above pictures ) has had to be taken down today. The tree had just grown too big and the roots were undermining the house, causing damage and hindering our attempts to sell the property. It's a real shame to have to cut down such a beautiful tree - one which gave my kids so much pleasure when they were growing up. At least my Mum didn't have to see it happen because I know she would have been upset.....

And here's the ornamental cherry tree at my house, from a few years ago, in full blossom.

( Check out Sophie's bunny-ears! ) This tree is also going to come down soon, unfortunately. It was always a beautiful sight at this time of year, covering the road with blossom like confetti. Or it was, until some kids got into our garden while we were away on holiday and ripped some of the bark off, effectively killing it. Little shits! The tree struggled on for another Spring but has been dead now for a couple of years, and we've decided to have it removed before it becomes unsafe.

Chopping one tree down is bad enough, but two is a tragedy! At least we know we'll be able to replace the cherry tree at some point, although probably with something smaller.

C'est la vie I suppose.....

Soundtrack: Paris 1919, Andalucia, Graham Greene, Half Past France by John Cale