Central Maine is a very special place.
Lakes. Mountains. Rivers……..Beautiful.
Hurricane Irene came through on Sunday and though we fared much better than our neighboring states…….two very hefty gusts brought down limbs and trees in Smithfield.
“PHTHRUMP!”
I noticed leaves on the window…..and went out to inspect…….ohhhhh…. the largest birch that I have ever encountered was tired and now lay upon my roof and chimney…..and this was only at 2pm with the “heavy” winds to come (thankfully this was not so).
It was tired.
Quickly, and with certitude…..I turned off the furnace, electricity, grabbed my back-to-school teacher packet and went off to inform our volunteer firefighters that I am ok……and that I was off to stay with friends!…..they live in a house in a field!
Adrenaline waning on the drive….it was time to act…..time to start making phone calls to remove the tree…..so I drove to the home office of Carters Tree Service in Norridgewok…. dialed the number on the truck……and pleaded to help the tired birch to the ground it sought……a returned call…..a visit and estimate within 30 min……and we had a date for the next morning……and the day after that…..phew!
When will I see the grass again?
No school the next day….for the entire district!…..lots, and lots of brush to clear….(where is “W” when you need him?”)….the task is big and dangerous, with potential loss of property and life balancing with every decision……Dave, Alex and Derrick performed with such grace, determination and strength that the birch was down in a day with no incident…….tomorrow would be the oak that the birch had clipped……
Where once the chimney stood
First day of school for all teachers and staff……except for me…..the oak is massive and also takes all day….and an acre…… over 200 years old the red oak is dense and requires the technical experience of Dave and Anthony (owner) to take down…. impressive.
First day of school photos are records of history. Fashion. Hairstyles……..I now have one that reflects centuries. Centuries of growth, history and good, solid Central Maine values……I have learned much this first day of school.
First Day of School Photo - 2011
September 1, 2011 at 3:08 am |
I only have one word to let you know how I felt when I read about your first day of school: WOWZER! And one question: what did you do with all that wood?
September 1, 2011 at 11:51 am |
hmmmmm……thinking about building that wood-fired sauna that I have always thought about……….
Debi-Lynn has a great design!
September 1, 2011 at 3:47 pm |
Thank goodness you are safe Suzanne! Save the wood, build, create its amazing. Going to Pine Point Sat-Mon. how about you???/
Warm Love,
Laurie
September 1, 2011 at 4:51 pm |
The wood is beautiful…..and copious!
I think there is a piece of birch waiting to be carved…….
Thank you for the well wishes……
September 3, 2011 at 12:25 am |
I’m glad you are okay! Can you make Camille a play house too?
September 3, 2011 at 12:34 am |
Surrrrrre…..
I will add it to the list……..for next weekend?
September 3, 2011 at 6:40 am |
Wow! How I wish I had known sooner! Could have sent the troops out! Whew! Any damage to your home?