The Oak At Heck Of A House As Photo Opportunity
Most recurrent Heck Of A Guy visitors are familiar with the Oak in our back lawn. Because Heck Of A House was originally situated on this site in large part to present the Oak1 to full advantage, the tree is framed in the windows of the family room, the office, the exercise room, the conservatory, and my bedroom. Consequently, it is hardly surprising that, in the process of building a portfolio consistent with my self-anointed title of “The Indoor Ansel Adams,” the Oak is a frequent and easily recognized subject of my photographs.
Oak in mid-summer and winter
And, when it’s not the primary focus, the Oak is often the backdrop for the many photos of deer, wild turkey with poults, coyotes, and other critters displayed in these posts as well as a serving as a handy, photo-worthy maker of seasonal and meteorological changes.2
The Diagnosis
Ice storms this winter featuring especially cold temperatures resulted in a higher than usual number of felled trees. In arranging for the removal of these, including one that had fallen across the driveway to the neighboring corn/soybean field, the arboreal specialist (AKA “The Tree Guy”) assessing the situation and estimating the cost mentioned that this might be a good time to prune the deadwood from the Oak. When I recovered from my apoplectic episode, we discussed this further and set a date for the procedure.
The Surgical Intervention
After a delay or two because of still more snowstorms, the team performing the multiple limbectomies arrived yesterday.
Oak prepped and draped for surgery
Treatment team members take their stations (Click on image to expand)
Exploratory confirmation of diagnoses
Note scalpel hanging at right side of operator
The first pathological specimen removed
The procedure (click on image to expand)
The Oak is said to be in good condition and should be fine.
Information regarding my status is being held pending next of kin.
- When we purchased the land, we were told this was the oldest Oak tree in McHenry County. I had no idea how that could be determined; I was wise enough, however, to very carefully avoid asking any questions or exploring the issue in any way, a course of action I have steadfastly continued to follow even unto the current day↩
- It is, admittedly, less clear why I think viewers will enjoy or benefit from photos of a given day’s snowfall on the Oak when they have already been treated to the Oak being covered with snow that fell three days ago, eight days ago, and sixteen days ago. You folks just never get tired of it, I guess.↩
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