Tree No More

The old walnut tree in front of our house fell over this morning! More like it fell to its knees and then slumped over in quiet aquiesence: falling over was bound to happen. Whoever planted it didn't watch how it grew. It was always leaning out into the street; there must have been so much stress over the years with thousands of leaves and every so often heavy snow like the snow this storm plopped down onto it. The tree produced many, many fine walnuts - even though in recent years the squirrels and crows would get every last one before they were ripe enough to fall to the ground giving us a chance at them, the rascals.
It has been beautiful today, both with the sun and snow filled wonderland outside and all the new light inside - plus we can see much more of Forest Park a mile or so across the river. Oh, a bonus, too: we get to plant a couple new trees! I want something with good winter color and wouldn't mind something slow growing, too, we are digging the new, sunny vista.