This Old Tree

The other day while sitting in the shade of one of our maple trees, I got a little misty thinking about all the wonderful things we get from this tree. Right now, in the heat of the summer, we get shade and plenty of it. From under its bows I can watch the kids playing. It's nice to have a shady spot. To be out in the air, but away from the heat.

I love to watch the birds and the ambitious squirrels dining at our birdfeeder that hangs from one of the many branches. Their songs are a welcome wake up call.

Late last summer, at a natural history class, we learned that you can eat roasted maple seeds. A few days ago we opened one of the developing helicopters and the seeds aren't quite ready for planting or eating. But soon, we'll be harvesting a new treat from old reliable.

Then in the Fall we'll get leaves... tons of them. I get exercise raking while the girls have fun playing. How many pictures have I taken of the kids throwing the golden leaves up in the air? Countless. And hopefully there will be countless more to come.

From winter to early spring, there are lessons in patience, as I wait those cold couple of monthes between November and February for the start of the maple sugaring season which will take us into April. Even now, in the shade of the summer, I count the tap holes, (there are four), and think about next season. Wondering if it will be early. Will I recognize its arrival?

The tree doesn't need the Weather Channel to know when the season is upon us. She is the weather. She and her sisters are the guardians of the backyard. Their roots tap into the goodness of the earth and bring it forth all seasons long.