Windy Weather

The weather has been so very windy and wet recently that it has discouraged me for doing all but the most urgent of jobs outside. 

I recently looked across to a nearby hill to see that a dead tree that had stood for so many years as a reminder of how proud and tall it had once been had finally been blown over in the strong winds.  There is no bark left on the branches which have been weathered by the wind, the sun and the rain over the years since its death.  The remains of the tree will probably continue to provide a home and shelter to many insects for several years to come until it eventually decays into dust.

An old map of the area shows that the hill was once covered in trees, most of which are long gone leaving just a few for the shelter of animals, birds and insects.  I doubt that anyone will now plant any more trees on the hill and any tree seeds that do germinate will be eaten by the sheep that graze on the land.  Trees have been planted on other hills in the area so it will be a pleasure to see them as they grow and mature.  They probably all out live me.