Fall trees; Tree falls

As I sit at my computer, I hear the whine and screech of a large chainsaw and occasional exchanges of loud shouting. My kitties and I have been startled and dealing with this all morning. Armani and Curious can't understand what is going on, but out of my office window I can see the tree surgeon dismantling a very large tree that has stood about 15 feet from my window for these 15 years I have lived here. It has been a friend and neighbor.

The tree is dead, so I guess it is right that it should be removed. Otherwise, if we get another Sandy, it could fall on our building, or our neighbors. Nevertheless it is sad in a way. A few minutes ago, I leaned out the window, and man who was strapped on to the tree trunk and working away at the upper branches waved at me. It is quite amazing how they can take it all down without damage to anyone. Other trees continue to live. Above are some sights from my Sunday jog in the park …