Tree removal, snow and a very nice neighbor

Along with a lot of the US we got quite a lot of snow!  The day before it started we had 5 trees taken down in our back yard and some others trimmed.

I love trees and it was a tough decision, both financially and mentally. A very large split tulip tree was vey close to the house and if it fell it would have destroyed our home.  Likewise a large pin oak tree that was leaning toward the house would have destroyed the end of the house if it fell.  Now we have had experience of trees falling down on our previous property.  Fortunately, they were not close to the house there. But we know it can happen, and didn't want to take the risk.  Two smaller trees were dead and we would have cut them down ourselves in the spring. Finally, a split oak tree along our fence-line was leaning over the neighbor's property behind us and was dead.  If it had fallen it would have destroyed the back end of their house.

It was a hive of activity.  Two large cranes, two Caterpillar bob cats, a large trailer for the logs and a very large wood chipper for the branches plus 15 men. They had to take down the new fence on one side to get the equipment into the back yard.  

The very tall pin oak leaning towards our house

The dead split oak tree back left, leaning over the property behind and the two spindly dead ones in the centre

The very tall and large split tulip tree which was very close to the middle of the house

We were devastated to have to have them removed but safety has to be our main concern.  Last year, prior to us buying this house, some very bad storms came through this area and took down a lot of trees and a lot of homes were badly damaged.  They cleared away all the mess they made and put the fence back up.  Very little damage was done.  There are a couple of dents in the back lawn we will need to fill up with dirt when the snow goes away.  They were caused by the crane's stabilisers. And one pop up cover for the excess drainage was broken.  Must see where I can buy a replacement for that!

Last night our very kind neighbor from across the street cleared our driveway for us.  This is the first direct contact we have had with any of our neighbors.  Hopefully, this has opened up the channel of communication with her.  Have to find a way to repay her kindness.

We finally got to see my husband's new Primary Care Doctor at the VA clinic here in town.  That is a relief. He was still covered by the VA but his PCP was 100+ miles away until we could get the transfer finalised.  Now all of his providers are either at the local VA clinic or the nearby hospital.

I get to see a nephrologist next week here in town who will take over my kidney disease care.  I think it is stable and as long as I continue to remain stable, all is good.

We have to go outside this afternoon to blow and sweep the snow off of the vehicle. The sun is out even though it is below freezing so some snow is melting slowly.

Hope all is well with you all and you are keeping warm and safe...