For Friday, November 8th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 2013

20 days until Thanksgiving

43 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

47 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Sunrise:7:09 am

Sunset:5:15 pm

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It was on this date in 1923 that John Davey, one of the world's leading experts on trees and tree surgery, died.  Davey was born on June 6, 1846, in Somersetshire, England. As a child, he assisted his father, who managed a farm. It was not until Davey turned twenty-one that he became an apprentice, hoping to specialize in horticulture. After spending six years as an apprentice and completing his education, Davey immigrated to the United States of America.

Davey arrived in America at Castle Garden, New York. He soon moved to Warren, Ohio, where he worked as a school janitor. In 1881, he accepted a position as caretaker of the Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio. By 1890, many Kent residents referred to Davey as the tree man.

In 1901, Davey published his first book, The Tree Doctor.  In the book, he detailed his suggestions for tree care. The book made Davey an instant celebrity. He traveled extensively, lecturing on the care of trees. In 1906, Davey organized the Davey School of Practical Forestry to educate others in tree care. This institution eventually became known as the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery and, eventually, as the Davey Institute of Tree Science. In addition to these education efforts, Davey, with his sons Wellington and Martin, a future governor of Ohio, established the Davey Tree Expert Company in 1909. In 1911, Davey received permission to treat trees on the grounds of the United States Capitol Building.

If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees.  

Hal Borland

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer, "Trees," 1914

Another year is fast flying past us and our trees have been very busy providing us with all sorts of gifts. Some of my best memories include trees.  I remember the hill across from my grandparents home.  It was full of trees. What a beautiful sight it was.  I remember camping in the woods.  We loved all the shade in the summertime.  I remember all the fun the children would have making a huge pile of leaves and jumping into it. I remember fondly all the Christmas trees we had over the years and loved the pine scent filling the house.

In all seasons, from all corners of the globe, trees supply us with so many goods to enhance our lives, directly or indirectly. It can be said that you almost can’t make a pie without a tree, from cherry to apple to lemon, to peach, to pecan – and on it goes.

The remarkable benefits from trees seems endless. Studies show that trees filter the air, provide oxygen, shade and shelter for us and animals, cut air conditioning and heating costs, add value to our homes, and much, much more.

Right now the trees are getting pretty bare but the leaves that remain are a welcome sight as we have had several days here with gloomy wet weather. Their color is like a bright splash of sunshine!

The pictures today are old ones and I’m sure I’ve shown them before but they fit the topic today which is all about trees. 

I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

I have counted at least 3 things I'm thankful for this past year and have now reached my 1000 gifts.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1112. for trees

1113.  for the beauty of the falling leaves

1114. for pies, especially apple and pecan, two of my favorites

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

May brooks and trees and singing hills
Join in the chorus too,
And every gentle wind that blows
Send happiness to you.

Irish Blessing

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma