Say Goodby to the Palm Tree

This huge palm tree sat in the middle of my front yard and completely blocked the view from my front window, plus blocked the light.  Then I found out critters were living in it along with bugs.  It is hard to hate a tree but let's say the Palm and I have never bonded over the five years I've been living with it.

So, when I got the mailing from a company that buys Palm Trees I jumped at the chance.  Last year Troy, the owner came to inspect the tree.  He said at that moment it had been trimmed too far up and needed to have some time to regenerate so it would survive transplant.  Troy said he would see me next Spring.....and happily, "Spring is Here" and so was Troy.  Today the tree is on a truck heading to Texas and I have a clear front yard and a little money in the bank.  The following pictures of the process will give you an idea of how big a deal it was to get this tree out of the ground and on the truck.  Most of my neighbors were out with there cameras....loving the entertainment.  I should have charged admission!

Just the beginning
 

Now the work begins
 



"Chain saw cutting a square around the tree to get the root ball out
 

Can you see how big the chain saw is???
 

 

This was like a huge chain saw that cut through everything and down about 4+ feet

Just part of the equipment..."Tonka Toy Time"  on steroids
 

Big scarey swinging hook...way to close to my house
 

That crane was swinging that big metal hook so close to my house, for a while I thought I might be getting a skylight
 



Here is comes

It coming out of the ground , pulled by that huge crane
 

Now that is what I cal a "root ball" even if it is square
 

Joining the other palms on the truck

Swinging from the giant crane
 

On the truck and heading for Texas
 

The yard is now a clean slate....I'm thinking it will have something low growing and beautiful by next Spring.

St. Augustine, Florida Visit

Dancing the night away

Girl's Just Got to have fun!

St. Augustine Cross
 

The Lion on the Lions Gate Bridge

Pelicans in mating season all dressed up with yellow hats.

Enjoying the Ecco Cruise

In February I flew to Jacksonville, Florida and met Sandy and we drove south to St. Augustine so I could see her new home and spend some relaxation time.  Turns out I love St. Augustine.  Sandy has a nice condo that was very comfortable and close to everything we wanted to see.  We went to a great Unitarian Church, went on an Ecco-Cruise where we learned a lot about the birds and fish and dolphins.  Ate wonderful seafood, toured historic places and went out (after dark) with some of Sandy's new friends and even ended up dancing.  It was a great trip and a great visit....If you haven't been to St. Augustine, Florida, go!  It is actually the oldest town in the United States....lots of great history and buildings to see.  So here are the pictures:

Sandy at the Hydroponic strawberry farm

Local musicians at the Farmer's Market
 

On  the Beach at the Atlantic Ocean

 We really had a great time.  I'm looking forward to going back for another visit.  Sandy actually lives on an Island across a couple of bridges from St. Augustine.  It is just the right place to be, close enough to all the attractions of St. Augustine but out of the tourist crush....I think she will be there a long, long time.


THE GARAGE SALE FROM HEAVEN

KLUTTER BUSTERS....Remember that name if you are ever in my area and need someone to organize a garage or an estate sale for you.  Sharon is the next "wonder of the world"!  When I came back from my summer in Washington (or as Sandy calls it "Summer Camp") I was determined to get real about downsizing.  I knew I needed help and the Universe brought me to Klutter-Busters.  Sharon came over and in 2 days had my garage looking like a boutique,bookstore and hardware store.  She was amazing.  All I had to do was get everything I wanted to sell into the garage and stay out of the way.  Here is what the garage looked like on the night before the sale.

 This is what was left after 2 days of selling.......and this is me and Sharon the Wonder Women

 

 

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