Loss of tree means gain of treehouse

The Lady of the House gave me some bad news the other day: Our friendly shade tree has to come down.

The tree’s roots are diving big-time into the family garden. This would explain why the tree had rocketed up in just a few short years. There’s lots of tasty stuff for it there like water and manure.

I wasn’t happy with the prospect of my old friend getting chopped down. I’m a big fan of trees, always have been.

When it comes to real estate I really don’t have much interest in barren tracts of land. While others may see lush green lawns, farming or ranching opportunities or big gardens, I just see a lot of work.

Ahh, but a shade tree invites you to come, sit, maybe lie down and just relax in the coolness.

My momma took a picture of me laying flat on my back under a shade tree when I was 7, someone took a picture of me doing it in my 30’s.

Yeah, on a blazing hot summer day a big ol’ shade tree is a good friend.

If you don’t have any shade trees around your home, there are still places to go.

I think top honors for one of the finest stands of trees in a town around here belongs to those around the Parmer County Courthouse in Farwell. If you haven’t been, check it out. Glorious shade in the summertime. A great place for a picnic.

So the friendly backyard elm is going to be cut down. It’s okay though. The Lady of the House says we can leave a big trunk and I can build that tree house I’ve always wanted. Then grapevines can grow all over it.

So, don’t be shocked when you see an arm sticking out and waving from a vine covered tree house. It’s just me.

Grant McGee is a long-time broadcaster and former truck driver who rides bicycles and likes to talk about his many adventures on the road of life. Contact him at: [email protected].