OH, NUTS

     Whew! I survived the latest massacre. The beetles infested our forest so intensely this year after decades of drought conditions. Dozens of trees that stood with me for hundreds of years are now gone. I stand alone now in my corner of the world. Still as tall as the clouds, rooted firmly to face what life brings next.

     The squirrels still scamper quickly up my trunk and run wildly through my branches playing Hide & Seek. I need to bump up my production of pine cones if I’m to be the only provider of pine nut seeds to my quick and hungry, little friends. Blue Jays pop in to pester me regularly. Woodpeckers continue to drill holes and more holes. I look more like a pin cushion that a Pine Tree.

     My air is clean and my soil is moist. The sun is warm and life is good. I am happy to be! Admire me. I am beautiful. Say hello when you’re in the neighborhood. I love to hear your voice.