June 17 Day 831: Sadness Mixed with Fascination

Posted byJenny QuinnPosted innature, reflectionsTags:

I watched as the huge evergreens in my neighbor’s yard were removed by professionals. Sitting in my study, I was previously surrounded by greenery. Birds and squirrels frolicked in the branches.

Photo taken in January 2021. The trees were so thick they blocked the light.

Now it feels too open. Too exposed. These trees provided us with shade and privacy for many years.

Many of the lower branches have been removed.
And now they are gone.

I have to admit that it was amazing to watch the process. A true feat of engineering, strength, and geometry. Notches were carefully cut to guide large sections of the truck as they fell safely to the ground. And our house shook with each piece that got dropped.

Coming back from running errands this evening, I almost missed my turn off the main road because the landmarks were all wrong.

They were not my trees. They were not in my yard. They were not my responsibility. I miss them already.

Published by Jenny Quinn

Mathematician. Mother. Wife. Leader. I am the Executive Director of Seattle Universal Math Museum after many years working as a professor of mathematics at the University of Washington Tacoma. Mother of Anson and Zachary. Wife to Mark. President of the Mathematical Association of America 2021-2022. Past-President of MAA 2023.

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