Just before Christmas my neighbour asked if I'd cut down and clear up a wind blown Beech. All he asked was that I'd plant something in its shadow. He wanted it done before he died, I have a good work ethic so told him not to worry. He is 84. His Christmas was spent in hospital. A lingering infection following an ankle replacement five years ago left the surgeon no option other than to amputate his foot. Yesterday I collected some Beech saplings from my Ranger friend at Lochore Meadows. I've planted a dozen or more. I hope I can get John back up onto the hill to see them
The day we pulled the Beech down we interrupted John's ploughing, his dog ran up and down each furrow at least twice. The dog looked lost in the yard yesterday.
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I hope he recovers enough for a little ride in the new Disco to see the saplings.
Bonne courage.
Good man. And yup, fire up the disco....
He's a wit. Before he went into hospital he stopped by Muriel at the lodge with a turnip. It was a cold December morning, he reached out and touched her cheek to show how cold his hands were, then apologised, saying he didn't want to be painted as being Fife's Donald Trump
Respect.
You are a good man.
good stuff. Making the world a better place one small thing at a time.
In the grand scheme of things it might be a small kindness, but to the man that matters it's a huge one.
You're a good man McMoonter.
+1
Thanks folks.
At what point does a sapling become least vulnerable to damage from Roe deer?
Muriel at the lodge with a turnip
Is that Rural Edition of Cluedo?
(Nice work, sir.)
At what point does a sapling become least vulnerable to damage from Roe deer?
We are using 700-900mm tree guards for the next 3 years. Contractor is using shorter ones 🙄
good stuff. Making the world a better place one small thing at a time.
This. Nice work.
I'm in Orkney having just watched the sunset from the cliffs at Yesnaby digesting the news the John died this morning.
He surely had a sense that a season was about to change. Farmer's intuition
Oh, arse. You tried. Condolences.
How sad... A wise man once told me that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. Probably rather apt given the circumstances. 🙁
Ach.