Trimming...

In the Bayou Bend gardens at this time of year, a tree trimming service arrives to thin the limbs/foliage in the taller trees in preparation for hurricane season. The idea is to thin things out so that the heavy winds will blow through as much as possible without the canopy acting as sail that takes the entire tree down. Much sawing. Much noise. However, if it works, it may save the 80-year-old house and the collection from having a tree fall through it. It didn't save the 300 trees we lost on 9 acres during Hurricane Ike, but the house had no damage at all.

Many of these trees are very old. I'm thinking it's just as well for all of us, as we grow older, to divest ourselves of the excess on all fronts. Takes the weight off of our more fragile bodies and minds. Pares everything down to the most essential without trying to stunt our growth. It actually stimulates growth in the sense that it makes room for new ideas.

By the way, it would be really good not to have to deal with any big storms this year.