Now then, where were we? We were discussing something I love, now gone…

Maybe this Key Lime Pie with the Coconut Crust?

No, that’s not right. Oh yeah, now I remember!

TREES! (No, not those trees above, but still… Good trees.)

Previously on “Trees, Glorious Trees,” I verified the tree service being done at my condo complex was tree trimming, not tree removal, then (remember the poetic definition of ignorance?) blissfully headed off on my vacation.

Soon, the texts and e-mail started coming through:

“Did you know two trees out front were removed?”

“Wow. This is a tragedy.”

“We just looked outside. This is utterly shocking and HEARTBREAKING.”

“I am devastated.”

This might not look as awful to you as it does to me, but two of five loveable, shade-giving trees were murdered, and the other three were mutilated on the hottest day (so far) this year. Most of the lawn and surrounding plants were quickly scorched to death at sudden exposure to intense sunlight.

The reason for all this, according to the President of our HOA, was termites. (No proof provided so far. Also, ignoring the fact that – if truly infested – they could have been treated instead.) Having been told by another Board member that he’d be held responsible for his autonomous decision (a no-no, even in an HOA), the President’s response (to everyone):

KEEP IN MIND THAT NO ONE CAN “HOLD (his name went here) ACCOUNTABLE OR RESPONSIBLE”

Beside my GOD…

And that is just the tip of his blustery responses. (Yes, I know who he sounds like. Let’s not go there, OK?)

I need a little balance now. First, let’s return to a happy place:

Next, some “comforting” thoughts:

“Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could,
“well, an old stump is a good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.”
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.”
― Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

The End