Another roller-coaster week of weather. So much ice that a local had to perform a hook rescue in the quay. Trees were dabbed with snow like a common Canadian oil painting. One small ferry had to keep the channel open for islanders. And gulls resorted to cannibalism.
But now the sad news. In 1927 a sapling Norway Maple was planted in front of newly-built 36 Wineva in Toronto. Fast forward, it was already over 65 when I got the place in 1987. One of the glorious row of trees lining the street with shade and shelter. It had literally always been there for me. It was way past the life expectancy of 75 years but survived as the last one standing on the street, admired by the neighbourhood. Then a neighbour alarmed us with the news that the city was taking it down. NOW.
Even in deep snow, the first crew removed the upper crown and admittedly brittle branches to about a foot in diameter. Stark and forlorn instantly.
Next day we went to see for ourselves as the second crew quickly removed the trunk or "peg". Amazing how fast a saw and a crane brings our icon down.
More sawing, more loading, and a last glimpse as old faithful takes a last ride.
For days, couldn't help but reminisce about that tree over the years. Who walked beneath it, who smiled as squirrels raced up and down, who was grateful for the shade upstairs. Then this morning an anonymous hand-made marker in respectful memory appeared on the spot! RIP, indeed. May the native replacement live another 100!
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