Snow III: The meltdown.

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For as long as I can remember, the State Bird of Texas has been the Mockingbird. I think that may soon change. I believe the replacement will be the chainsaw.

Bear with me for a moment.

The warm days following the Great Snow of 2010 made quick work of the white stuff. There are still small patches in shady areas, but they will not survive beyond today.

The temperature is on its way into the 60s and the sun is blessed bright. Thank goodness. With all the cool, cloudy and wet weather, I have been unwilling to play outdoors for any length of time. As a result, I have begun to resemble Sméagol Golem. It is not just a physical thing, either. I find myself repeating “my precious” far too often for mental health purposes. Fresh air and sunshine are my best hope for regaining a human appearance.

So, back to the bird, er, chainsaw. The heavy snow demolished thousands of trees in north Texas. Not artistically gifted enough to make signs reading “Help Us,” my neighbors devote themselves to cutting and removing the destroyed trees. For the past few days, the mating call of the chainsaw has echoed thru the neighborhood from dawn 'til dusk.

I suspect a competitive element here.

Hardly a house is without a substantial “brush pile” on the curb. My place is no exception. A branch 12” in diameter dropped from high in an Ash tree and grazed my truck on its way to earth. Yesterday and today, I joined the chorus, hacking and chopping to recover the full use of my drive. (Why does it always have to be the driveway?!) I am about half done with that branch. I have several others in less critical areas. They must wait their turn.  I may have enough lumber in my yard to complete my retirement home on the ranch. 

Woo Hoo?

Even after I gave up for the day, I could hardly hear myself think. “Vroom, Buzz, Whine,” went the saws. There must be dozens of them within earshot of my home. I estimate this will continue for another week. Maybe two. That should be long enough for the legislature to act.

“Mockingbird? No!  -  Chainsaw? Si!”
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