First snow of the season

First snow on the red maple. As you can see, not all of the leaves have fallen.

Red on the hill

Among our prized trees that we planted during 2013 was this red maple that we picked up from one of the big box stores. October is when it turns colors, although this year is a little late.

From 2014

With its deep red leaves to contrast the greens of the valley and drab browns of the grasses on the hill, this tree can be seen from nearly everywhere one can stand on the acreage (provided the walnut trees have lost their leaves.)

Seeing red on the hill is encouraging as it has survived summers of beetle infestations and 20 to 30 below winters. The droughts of 4 of 6 summers didn't help either.

This tree is a survivor.

Picture from this year as it begins to turn colors.

When doubt creeps in, I look at the top of the hill and I can renew my thoughts that we are doing the right thing. This will give us seeds in a few years and help supply our next plantings. A single renewable resource that has the potential of tens of thousands of additional trees.

About 10 yards up the hill is The Stranded Tree and I will celebrate when branches from these two trees will meet. (If I am still alive, of course.)

Legacy trees, pin oak and red maple

A good friend of ours retired earlier this summer and as a tribute to Bill and his wife, Kathy, we decided to plant a couple of trees in their honor. Bill picked a picked a pin oak and Kathy chose a red maple. Interesting choices in that we have a plentiful supply of seeds and acorns and typically transplant young sprouts each year although not close together.

That changed as I planted several pin oak seedlings in the row next to the hay ground in the same row as red maples that were planted a couple of years ago. Space was available after we lost several due to our ongoing battle with rabbits.

Here's a look:

Pin Oak

 Red Maple

I've known Bill and Kathy for over 35 years and our paths have come together and diverged at least a dozen times in that period. I know that they've supported us behind the scenes throughout the years. As an honor of them and our friendship, these two seedlings are a reminder of their legacy here in Iowa and I think of them each time I haul water, cut weeds and other work.

Just a small token of appreciation for a couple of people that made a difference in our lives.