Views

Aspen trees are not native to our altitude.    They are an amazing tree that thrives and shines in it's natural habitat.   They are almost synonymous with Colorado and there are great stands of them in the mountains.   But, at 6000 ft, they will not flourish.   Their happy place is over 8000 ft.      Of course, everyone plants them in their yards and businesses.  But eventually, they will start to put out long runners, sending up small trees in manicured lawns and garden beds and among the flowers.     And often, coming up in the neighbor's yard.   They are hard to eliminate and it's like a game of 'whack-a-mole'.       So far, we have had to remove several trees. After trying to reproduce by runners, the main tree dies off, limb by limb.    When you see a runner, you know the nearby aspen is in it death spiral and won't last but a few more years.       We have 2 left on the east side of the house and I see the changing seasons thru our windows.    But they are dying and I will really miss them,    Others, out of my vision,  seem to be doing OK for now.     Our HOA no longer allows aspen to be planted  and recommend the river birch which is similar but just not the same.  

The Uncompaghre River along the bike trail.

In the foreground  are the  cuttings from the heirloom 'Christmas Cactus' .   My parents inherited the plant from the previous owners in 1961 when they bought their house.   It was huge then and probably about 20 years old.   My sister Maureen took possession after my parents were gone but apparently it did not like the change and became despondent.    So, Sandy, the plant whisperer, took it to her house and it has thrived.    We all have cuttings from it and this is the result of 4 tiny shoots growing heartily for about 9 months.      In the background is my 2 year old  Home Depot "Thanksgiving cactus", vigorously budding, right on time.  

This is the mother plant, probably about 70 + years.   I read where they can live to be 100..... I think it needs to be in the wills.  

 

Not all golf outings have happy endings.     The master mechanic has identified the problem, parts are ordered and it will be functional once again......unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating.