Tuesday, December 7, 2010

If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?

Late Sunday afternoon, I decided to make a run to a local gift shop in the hopes of whittling down my Christmas list. I love this shop – it’s just a ten-minute drive north into Delaware, so I bundled up, said goodbye to the pup and my husband and happily started down the driveway.

As I came close to the main road, however, I knew I wouldn’t be going anywhere quickly.

 

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Nope. There was no way I was going to get around it. The top of an oak tree had broken off and was now blocking the road. So I put the Element in reverse and went back to the house to tell my husband, who promptly got the chainsaw out and began oiling it up.

I grabbed the camera and jumped into the car with him to help.

Exciting, isn’t it?

Please control yourselves, people.

 

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I’ve always disliked that old philosophic riddle, “if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?”

Of course it makes a sound.

Doesn’t matter if anyone’s around to perceive it as sound or not. It still makes a sound.

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My husband made quick work of the cleanup.

And the chainsaw made a LOT of noise.

 

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He’d probably be a bit miffed if he knew I was posting these photos. I’ll add them to my collection for the book I’m writing, entitled ‘From Behind My Husband’s Back’.

Not really, but that would be a funny book. For me, anyway.

We had the driveway cleared in about 15 minutes, and I was free to go. But by then, I didn’t feel like it anymore.

And besides, I had the scent of engine oil in my hair. I swear, we both stunk of it when we were done.

 

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As we drove back up the driveway, I snapped this.

 

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And later on, my husband snapped this. To those who have commented that the manor house looks haunted, it’s not. I don’t perceive anything paranormal here, and I’m an expert you know.

Not.

Seriously, though, I guess it just has that haunted look about it sometimes – especially at dusk. But it’s a peaceful place, and it feels like there was a lot of love in these thick stone walls that are over two centuries old.

A lot of love.

Until tomorrow, then . . .

123 Signature

PS ~ I went back to the tea shop and bought some more rooibos tea. This time I got lemon soufflé. I could become addicted to this stuff.

35 comments:

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I know that smell. It's the same with the leaf blower and snow blower. Lovely pictures and the manor house is lovely.

Hilary said...

That happened to me a long time back......took off with both dogs, forgot something, turned around, and by the time I got back to my driveway a huge branch had fallen over the end of my drive, and I couldn't get to my house.
Luckily two neighbors boys stopped, and then came back with a chain saw.
Love the photo of the lane to your house.
And I tell people the same thing about my old house.....the energy in it is all good.

Ellen said...

Nothing like the smell of gasoline in the morning! Not really, but it happens.

I think a calendar of your husband's posterior would be a hoot. Or you could do one of George and his back!

Flea said...

My Hunny has fallen in love with jasmine oolong from Teavana.

Michelle said...

The smell of chainsaw (and leaf blower) exhaust is really prominent -- and sticky! I wouldn't have gone anywhere with that smell on me, either. (And yay for more rooibos!)

Donna S. said...

MMmmmmm...now I want to try some of this tea.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

My 12-year-old daughter recently asked me why anyone would question whether a tree that fell in the forest would make a sound. She said of course it does. This was just a day or two ago. Weird.

However, let it be stated undeniably, that when a lemon souffle rooibos tea bag drops in a cup of hot water in Maryland, someone in Virginia definitely hears it. And can't wait to purchase some.

mrs mediocrity said...

I don't think it looks haunted, I think it looks wonderful.
Maybe next time your husband is getting on your last nerve you can use those pictures as blackmail.
Just a thought. :)

JacksDad said...

You'll have to tell us what he said when he saw the pictures!!

Dawn said...

Think of the money you saved by not going;)
Love the pics...and the book would be a great idea:)))

Love the house...I would want to visit- and sip that tea!!!!!

Tess Kincaid said...

This last image is especially wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Well, I wouldn't want you to finish your shopping before me, so good for the tree ;)

Your house is just lovely. Doesn't it make you just smile to drive up to it everyday?

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

We rented a log cabin in Vermont two winters ago and brought snowmobiles, borrowed from a friend. Let me tell you about SMELL. The whole house stunk of the fumes from those things and outerclothes, hair... I had such a headache from it!...

Your photos behind your husbands back are lovely, I'm sure he appreciated that they exist :-)

Caroline said...

hahaha...of course it makes a sound! I agree with you too! Great shot's Kate. Love the one's of the house...so beautiful.

Sweetpea said...

CG, the "best laid plans" often lead to other plans, yes? Especially when where you live is certainly not haunted and country life just simply is what it is. There is space to breathe which can seem strange & unfamiliar if one isn't used to it. There is no mistaking love.

Hope you can still make that ***10 minute drive*** :>D

Anonymous said...

Here in an old neighborhood of Atlanta,racked by drought and fear of falling things,lots of trees are falling.I've always hated that "sound "question,it gets a slap in this poem
http://poetpeteet.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/when-trees-fall/
love that last pic.

Nancy said...

My husband says the smell of oil in my hair is very sexy... we obviously need to get out more!

Love the photos of your house. :)

Gail said...

The joys of rural living!

Good fire wood to warm that beautiful home.

Mental P Mama said...

I can attest that that house has nothing but wonderful energy. And, now? You have to work on this book! I have an idea!

BB said...

I think that house looks AMAZING - would so love to visit and photograph it!! At least it's not as snowy as at Debby's place (Life's Funny Like That).
:-)
BB

Nurse Nancy said...

Sorry you did not get to shopping but I love the photos of the house.

Country Gal said...

Great post ! Our hubbies seem to get alot of their back up in photos lol
I love the look of the manor . great photos, hows your photography class coming along, I bet your enjoying it.
Were did you get your country girl signature I love it ! Have a great day !

beth said...

you know....you just totally crack me up !

The JR said...

That tea sounds soooooo good!

Looks like a day around here, cleaning up an unexpected mess.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Know what you mean about the smell of engine oil in your hair - the farmer next door spent yesterday spreading liquid cow manure on his fields - can you imagine how my clean washing smells?!

Unknown said...

I agree with MPM! Write the book, I will buy it, promise...smiles.

Marilyn said...

Maybe you and PW could join up and do one of BOTH your hubbies "backs"!!!! And the suggestion of one of George.....from the front only please....his face is too beautiful to ignore....
and I so agree about trees making noise....
stay warm Kate.....
M

Daryl said...

I was remembering last winter and that horrendous snow ... and this morning I had some Bigelow organic rooibos tea with Asian Pear... quite yummy especially with some raw sugar in it .. this throat thing craves sugared tea ..

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh.. any opportunity to use the chainsaw and my husband is all over the job. HE LOVES... no, I mean it... HE LOVES his chainsaw! If I had teeth like a beaver that could cut and make dust of a tree like his saw, I'd be swimming in diamonds!

Di

ELK said...

you make me smile ..I am writing that SAME book!! hope that your list was whittled as the tree in the road!!

Joe and Joanne said...

You crack me up! I seriously love reading your blog. Paranormal wasn't coming to my mind when I saw the pictures of the house in your previous post, but Anne of Green Gables sure did! Love it!

Oh, and that tea sounds divine. I'm an herbal tea fan. I swear by Traditional Medicinals teas for everything from unwinding to getting over the winter blues. Not nearly as fancy, but tasty all the same!

Lili said...

When I saw your long winding driveway, my first thought was oh my goodness that's a lot of driveway to plow. And yes, know the chainsaw oil smell way too intimately. The manor home is so gorgeous, it must be so fun to live there Kate! xoxo ~Lili

Angela Hemming said...

That's your DRIVEWAY? Wow. Swimmin' pools, movie stars ...

Mary said...

You have such a cool driveway, and I think the house is beautiful -- not at all spooky!

Deb said...

I like your book idea...when my son was a baby...all the pictures of me where of my butt bent over...not a pretty sight for sure...