After my interstate trip of just a few days, I returned to find that while my back was turned my husband had taken the opportunity to do a little yard cleaning.
A tree feller had been called in to assist him in a deed most foul. Two mature trees that I had been passionately protecting from the axe for years, had each been reduced to a pile of woodchip.
The first was a tall gum in the front garden that had been dropping heavy branches each time a strong wind blew. (And which is why, my husband had constantly reminded me, they were once referred to as 'widow-makers'.) Well not any more - not this one anyway!
The other was a paper-bark that I admit was rather too close to the house, but which I appreciated for the shade it shed over the clothes line.
The dear old Hills hoist now stands in full sun.
I won't need to worry about bird droppings on the washing any more -- or the sheets getting caught up in the branches. Just remember to wear a hat when hanging out. And to bring everything in before it gets too faded.
In compensation there were quite a few barrow loads of mulch. 
Moving it was really good exercise.
Now when I stand under the clothes line I can see clear across to the vegie patch.
Only two barrow loads of chip to go!
What a shock that must have been, Jude! And how sad about the paperbark, I just adore those trees. Still, your wash will get dry faster and with less bird poop. We had a lively discussion about clotheslines a while back on my blog, and the consequences of it being near a tree bearing blue berry fruit. http://carltonrules.blogspot.com/2006/09/another-final-bat-update.html
Posted by: Val | September 30, 2006 at 07:29 PM
Are you still taling to him?
Posted by: Tjilpi | October 05, 2006 at 01:47 PM
Sorry, I meant
Are you still talking to him?
Posted by: Tjilpi | October 05, 2006 at 07:09 PM
What is it, I wonder with men and chainsaws, axes, spray-packs on their backs?
They seem to lose all control of their senses and actions! ;)
Posted by: Lee | October 06, 2006 at 10:48 AM
All good things must end and the new sunny area is just a good place to plant more stuff!!
Posted by: Tabor | October 13, 2006 at 03:52 AM
Nah, us blokes is underrated.
Youse women will come screamin for 'elp if summin climbs the fence.
Unless youse can throw throw the Jap back over the Owen Stanleys by yourselves..that is...
And then get rid of MacCarthur...
Posted by: Tjilpi | October 16, 2006 at 10:10 PM
*Douglas MacArthur
Hard to remember a blokes name who wasn't on our side.
What do you call a bloke with a shovel in his head?????
Dug.
Posted by: Tjilpi | October 16, 2006 at 10:15 PM
What a sneaky feller.
Posted by: Anna | October 21, 2006 at 02:22 AM
YOu have been gone for almost two months now. Gardening keeping you busy?
Posted by: Tabor | November 18, 2006 at 07:11 PM
YOu have been gone for almost two months now. Gardening keeping you busy?
Posted by: Tabor | November 18, 2006 at 07:11 PM
Jude, are you still mourning those trees?
A lapsed blogger stopping by to wish another lapsed blogger a happy and serene holiday season!
Posted by: Val | December 20, 2006 at 08:30 AM
Where are you,Jude? Happy Christmas. Come back soon.
Posted by: Anna | December 20, 2006 at 10:54 AM
Hi Jude, just stopped by to wish you a Happy Christmas.
Hope things are well for you.
regards
Della
Posted by: DellaB | December 25, 2006 at 02:26 PM
You'd better post something soon, Jude.
Otherwise Boxing Day will turn into a Punch Up!
Posted by: Tjilpi | December 26, 2006 at 10:06 AM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Walter
Sugar Mtn Farm
in Vermont
Posted by: Walter Jeffries | December 27, 2006 at 08:11 AM
Wishing you and your family a Very Happy and Peaceful 2007!
I miss you! Come back soon!
Posted by: Sonia | December 31, 2006 at 12:45 AM
Happy New Year, my dear. Let us know how you are doing even if just briefly.
Posted by: Tabor | January 01, 2007 at 10:38 PM