Can We Talk 2

The Wind Took Its Toll

         We were one of the lucky ones in that we didn't lose power this weekend due to the high winds like many in our region. However, the best laid plans still go awry.

         I was prepared to go do a charity thing this morning, and go suffer at the gym afterward. I had time to spare, so I was eating a bowl of bran flakes and blueberries, feeling very healthy, when a knock came at the front door. I thought it was weird because my neighbor always rings the doorbell and it was still early. Some guy wanted to cut the tree falling in my driveway, (it sounded like falling). We have a lot of old trees, and the tree guys really hit our neighborhood on a regular basis. So I said not today, check back. "No, it's on your car. You can't get out."

         "Right now?" I asked, startled. I followed him into the cold air with no jacket. Oh my goodness. At the end of the house--my front door faces the street, but not my driveway, because the street curves and we're at the top of the hill--my car was covered by a huge green monstrosity and my dad's SUV was completely hidden by this tree. I had a clear view of my neighbor's driveway and garage which had always been blocked by this wide tree.

         My bedroom is on the street side of the house, the garage to one side. You'd think I would have heard the crash during the night. Maybe it did wake me up, but the noise didn't register. I've been waking every 45 minutes to an hour for the last week, and have trouble falling asleep. But the wind has been up for several days. Or it might have fallen while I was in the shower this morning. That was the first I knew of it. "Don't leave," I told him. Something would have to be done.

         I ran in to tell the homeowner who makes all big decisions. He is elderly and wasn't quite ready to face the world. I don't think he believed me at first. I had to yell the news, since he's almost deaf. We did engage the man who made quick work of it and freed our vehicles. He has to come back one day next week with his chipper, and haul the debris away. He has many more trees to cut today.

         We lucked out. Some pretty big dings in my dad's car and a lot of scratches. Minor scratches were all that my car took, since it's smaller and got more of the top part of the tree. Next week will require several trips to the car dealer for estimates, since I have to drive each car. Dad only drives nearby now because of his vision. We can't let him far from home on busy highways. Then it's haggling with insurance companies. I'm in favor of fixing my car, and taking the money for his and applying to a trade-in. His is older and needs replacing. Even if we fix it, the dealer will reduce the trade-in value if it's been in an accident.

         After the guy churns up the branches and cuts up the remaining trunk, still near its base, we have to rake and clean up the driveway. I'd like to plant a dogwood tree in its place. It doesn't grow as tall. And maybe a lilac bush for the fragrance. We won't have as much shade in the summer, but we won't have all those pine cones under the tires or needles to sweep.

         Life happens and messes with our to do lists.