Birch Tree

I’ve been making archival copies of our pictures and came across this 1977 one of Andy’s parents. They came down to visit us and brought a small lilac and birch tree from their home in Montana.

1977-260

Here’s a picture of Kaitlin watering the birch some time later.

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It did well and eventually grew to be between 20 and 30 feet tall.

2009-029

It burned in the fire, of course, but sprouted again from the roots.

7-06-12-BIrch-Tree

When Kaitlin, Torben, and the pups were here last summer Andy cut down the old burned part.

7-04-13-Land,-From-Kaitlin-1

And it seems to be thriving again.

5-30-14-Birch

It takes time to label pictures so we can find them again, but we think it’s worth the trouble. What about you?


 

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12 Responses to Birch Tree

  1. Alan G says:

    I think that is great and without a doubt absolutely worth it. And once again, isn’t it great having all those photos to enhance the event and story! 🙂

  2. Rummuser says:

    Wonderful! In our part of the world, destruction by fire and regeneration is considered to be holy phenomenon.

    • bikehikebabe says:

      I found out that fires are healthy & needed for regeneration. Before the NOVA (TV program) about forest fires, I thought those fires were pure evil.

    • Jean says:

      I feel the same way. That’s why we didn’t take the insurance money and go elsewhere.

  3. tammyj says:

    the boys above said it for me…
    always worth it.
    and out of ashes … the phenomenon of the phoenix.
    i love all old pictures. they’re wonderful.

  4. KB says:

    Wow, that birch is amazing. It’s done so well. I didn’t know about your fire… it looks like it came very close. I’m glad you were okay.

    • Jean says:

      We actually live down here in an apartment, but Andy goes up there essentially every day. It’s an hour drive each way because part of the trip is over rough dirt roads. We bought the first 40 acres in 1976.

      The fire burned every tree except one on the 80 acres. The last time Andy looked it was still living. Our partially built house, our well house, sheds, greenhouse, etc were all totaled. On the other hand, we do have a great view with no trees in the way. 🙂

      Andy was up there when the fire came — here are some pictures he took as he was on his way out. https://www.flickr.com/photos/8185675@N07/sets/72157627127902816/ He took them from the next ridge over. The flames are on our land as it went up in smoke.

  5. Cindi says:

    Whoa! where have I been?
    I’ve just read and commenting on a ton of posts! LOL!
    Time got away from me.
    I thought I got notices of new posts in my email..but apparently not.
    Anyway! –
    Those Flickr photos are something to see!
    Frightening.
    Could you just scan the photos
    and label and save them that way?
    Maybe share them to Flickr and put them in Sets and Collections?

  6. cathy in NZ says:

    good to see the “re-flourishing” of your forest and home – but not great about the “tracks” in – still Andy always needs a project!

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