| Saturday Morning |
| By Kristen McQuillin |
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http://www.mediatinker.com |
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Gloria smiled grimly when I told her I'd take care of the old tree. She sent me into the woods with a flask of coffee and a kiss. They warmed me for a while, but I slipped my gloves on before I'd made it through the lower branches. |
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The tree was already dead when we bought the place ten years ago. I loved the shape of it, the biggest tree in our forest, winter stark branches towering over the lush green foliage every summer. |
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I put off the inevitable as long as I could. But a limb gave way and Jasper fell out of the tree on Tuesday. I didn't blame the tree--Jasper should have known better--but Gloria insisted. I took it down in measured steps: first the branches, then the top, and a long smooth cut to leave a level stump. |
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Jasper's going to be fine. Kids are resilient; her legs will heal in a couple of weeks. She should be up and walking again just about the time I get the logs split and ready to burn. Gloria will have some marshmallows for the occasion, I imagine. |
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