Quick Walk

If we took a quick walk before heading out to Christmas shop, we might pass by this little oak who was very popular with some young buck in his past. (That velvet is so itchy!)
When I first moved to the woods and naively planted expensive fruit and nut trees hither and yon, this is how they all wound up ... except, unlike this oak, they died.















Above is a huge brush pile in flagrant slumpnicity. I rarely take the time to build the fancy State Wildlife Department model brush piles. The critters seem to appreciate them just as much whether I use a borrowed tractor to shove it all together or spend time building it like it was a gingerbread house.
This one was about twice as high originally, and will soon be just a nice pile of humus.














Whose "nekid" bark is that above?


















This magnolia (or maybe a Loblolly) was a 3 foot stick when I planted it years ago. I deliberately planted it in the forest shade, because I wanted a tall straight tree rather than a spreading one. It has taken a while to get to this stage, but seems to be growing great now.

I like this tree (for a lot of reasons) because it is one I transplanted from the first swampy piece of ground I ever bought. I've sold that piece now, but this is a little living connection to my first real estate adventure.

Now, I really must go join the gathering throng and spend all my money Christmas shopping.


On a serious note, I'm joining Wayne of Niches in wishing Libby of Roundrock Journal a very speedy recovery from her operation. Pablo, Libby and their family will be on my mind today and I wish them all the best.