Maple

I knew that the big old maple tree on the edge of our dune, that gives us shade every afternoon, had a problem.  Too many dead branches, all on the same side of the tree. Until the arborist came by and checked it out yesterday I held out hope that it might be treatable, but no such luck.  It has a root fungus and presents a moderate risk of falling into either our house or the one next door.  It will only get worse, so arrangements will be made to have it removed.  The news made me very, very sad.  I know, getting emotional over a tree isn't entirely rational, but it is what it is.  The other trees on our property are all healthy he said, and aside from needing some trimming and perhaps some feeding, are in good shape.  My next door neighbor, whose father planted the tree, was philosophical about it, saying that it has been a lovely tree for a long time.

Worse from the angle shown below.

Today I knew I needed a bike ride, and as usual had a hard time getting started.  By around 11 I had loaded the bike in the car and driven to Ransom Park -- since the PSPS is apparently too far away for me to get to from here, I started closer.

So a 16 mile ride became less than 12 miles.  But there was a diet red pop with caffeine in their refrigerated section, making it worth the effort.  It's been a long time since I've had one.

Face coverings are required inside the PSPS, as they are everywhere these days.  My insurance company sent me one that matches my Liquigas shirt.  I didn't wear the mask while biking, and my helmet straps were fastened while I was riding.  As often happens, the bike ride altered my brain chemistry a notch and the world looks a little less grim.  But damn, I am going to miss that tree.