Right about the time of Covid, we watched our "Liberty Elm" tree wither up and die. It was a beautiful tree but a number of summers ago we had a Japanese Beatle plague and they infected the Elm tree with "Dutch Elm Disease". This is the reason there are very few Elm trees around this area anymore.

For our family, watching our "Liberty Elm" tree die while locked down in our homes against our will, was pretty symbolic of how we were feeling at the time.

It took a whole season before the tree completely dried up. Intending to chop it down last summer, we never actually got to it. I did chop down some of the large lower branches, but the majority of the top crown still remained. It stood in out front yard, looking sad for an entire year... but now is the time to finally get rid of it.

It was very satisfying pulling the top of the tree down. The children were no where to be seen, but when they saw the tree half-way down, they inspected it.

Then began the tedious job of chopping all the branches to be burned in as firewood. The wood is very dry, perfect for burning.

All that remains now is the base of the tree, which we'll finish off next Sunday.

Benjamin Turner: God fearer. Rooted in Messiah. Husband of @lturner. Father of SEVEN wonderful children. The guy behind the camera. Blockchain enthusiast.

Bless the Most High!