Getting arboreal: A Nature Collection

Julie and I are at it again.

Last time, we went From Sea to Shining Sea -- a cinch if you live in coastal Connecticut and your pal lives in San Diego. But not so easy for others. Not everyone has an ocean in their backyard.

So this time, it's trees. If you'll pop over to The Land of Lost Luggage, Julie will explain the "rules." I hope Julie doesn't mind if I speak for both of us, but it's only rules in the broadest sense. We welcome stretching, pushing and general creative expanding.


Case in point: Here you see many trees, not just one. Why? Well, I just plain couldn't decide. So at the top you'll see a crabapple tree. Wait until you see how gorgeous this beauty looks in the fall.

Next up is the old Center School, now Board of Education headquarters, and the home of the 1902 Constitutional Convention pin oak. That's Connie at the far right of the building. You can get a better look at him directly above.


This is Connie, too. He was planted in 1902 to commemorate the Connecticut Constitutional Convention. One sapling was planted in each Connecticut town. The trees have thrived, unlike the movement to tinker with the constitution. That was defeated -- and continues to be defeated. Hooray, Nutmeggers!

This lovely is a Japanese maple. Not the small, lacy kind but the larger, sturdy tree with scrumptious fall color.

Maybe my favorite leaf shape of them all.

So lovely.

This is Rover, our backyard pink dogwood. OK, the name is silly, but what else should I call a dogwood? If people can name their golden retriever Dave, why can't I call this guy Rover?

Not into naming trees? No problem, not everyone is quite as nuts as I am. In fact, I have MORE trees, but they'll wait for another time. Now Julie and I would love to see your trees. And as Julie mentioned, if you include a leaf shot as well, I'll do my best to identify your arboreal friend.

Ready to play?