cherry picking

Everything comes to a natural end, even trees ... And so it came to pass that the old, hollow, half-fallen and not very mighty cherry tree came to earth. The Woodbury site was empty when we bought it, except for a tatty old cherry tree that many a storm had damaged and several nor-westers had almost brought to its knees. But not quite. And therein lay the problem: could the tree be saved, and incorporated into the plans? Finally, no - it would have ended up in the middle of our living room and wasn't, when it came to it, entirely save-worthy. So down it came (a year ago, actually) but it will live on, as Keith is keen to turn the wood into a table, or little desk, or whatnot at the top of the stairs ... or something decorative, at any rate.

This has caused a dear friend of ours some concern - Kenn, who has asked plaintively about the fate of the tree (without having actually seen it) for the past year, is convinced we are philistines. Kenn, take heart: when you come to stay, you can lay your copy of 'Bonsai for Beginners' on a cherry wood bedside table, or stroke the cherry wood whatnot at the top of the stairs. And if you don't like that, there's a packing case with your name on it. The photo says it all - wood for the turning, not burning. So let's hear it for recycling in this most positive manner. And yes, we'll take you up on your offer of a new tree, planted by you (but where we say) when the section's ready for new life. Positive comments welcomed but not required.