I took this photo of a pine tree near my home on Tuesday, after we received snowfall that shut down every school district in the state but my own.  When I came around the last curve before home on the return journey, I saw our old friend in her new white cloak, and I breathed a sigh of relief.  

This tree has supported many a child over the past 15 years that I have known it.  I remember years ago when Adella and her little friend climbed to the very top in their Crocs (Remember them?) and called down to us, laughing.  We had turned our backs for three seconds and missed the climb.  There they were up in the sky enjoying the sunset and the sight of their parents hopping around in dread, though they probably mistook the sight for a happy dance.  Down they came and all was well.  

As the years have rolled by, more and more little kids have climbed this tree and done the same thing even as footwear styles have changed.  This tree has supported all children regardless of their shape, size, or disposition and delivered the safely to the sky and the earth again. Someday, I'd like to be as gracious and graceful as this tree.  Meanwhile, I watch and learn.

Today's Flowers