The Old Willow Tree

This old willow tree sits across the street from us on the back side of my neighbor's property. I've presented the picture in black and white, so no, it's not THAT dreary here in central NY. It's just the way I edited the picture!

I have silently cursed this tree. Yes, silently, because I don't like using nasty words out loud, but much to my dismay, they creep into my personal thoughts all the time. Yes, I'm working on that one!

Anyway, I have silently cursed this tree for dropping its debris onto my lawn after a heavy wind storm. Willow trees have long, spidery branches that reach out across the tree. They are pretty fragile, so after a gusty wind goes through, the branches break and fall in all directions. Unfortunately, this particular tree loves to send its branches in my direction.


Above is a picture of a willow tree with its full foliage. It's is not the tree across the street from me, but I wanted you all to see one in its fullest glory.

The other day, I was looking at this tree and realized that I truly love this tree even though it annoys me at times. It's immense in size. I have no idea how old it is, but I imagine it's old. I've seen people passing by, stop their cars, jump out, snap a photo and then drive away! It's probably the most photographed tree in the area.

I love to watch its spring buds peep out and then I know that spring is on its way. I love to watch it lose its little tiny, annoying leaves in the fall, because then I know that winter will be here soon.

This tree has a character of its own. It loses some rather large branches once every two years or so, but it still keeps growing. I wish I had a picture of it when we first moved into our house almost 15 years ago. It was a bit smaller at that point. It seems to grow wider horizontally more than it does vertically.

Many large birds have built their nests in this tree. Baby birds have been nestled in their cocoon-like environment surrounded by this tree, waiting for mama bird to bring them a morsel of worm, a scrumptious bug, or a tiny fly to eat.

After a heavy snow, the branches bend towards the ground under the weight, but it still looks majestic as it regally tries to hold it's limbs upward.

On a summer day with a light breeze in the air, I can stare for quite awhile absent minded, watching the swaying branches dancing in the wind.

The other day when I realized that I loved this old tree, I snapped the picture through the kitchen window. I realized that every morning upon rising out of bed, this tree is the first thing that I anxiously scramble to the window to look at.