The dogs hate being left alone in the house when we work outdoors. When I have a stationary project, I bring them along to lounge in the shade. Croc, my big boy, tries to put his leash on by himself if I’m a little slow.
This ragged stump is all that remains of a stately pine. When we moved here forty years ago, it was part of a thick stand. We cleared quite a few out for a lawn and garden but I was partial to this one.
I hung one end of my hammock on it. My children played in its shade, It survived tornado damage but was eventually done in by lightning. We planned to fell it but before we could, red-headed woodpeckers set up housekeeping in it.
The time was never right to remove it as they built nests all up and down its length. We loved the woodpeckers so we left it.
Finally, the wind blew it down before the nesting season. About thirty woodpecker nests lined with white dog hair stretched along its length. The woodpeckers abandoned their wrecked home to set up housekeeping in a neighbor’s snag across the road. We hear but never see them.
We built the flagstone patio and incorporated the stump into the landscaping. Last year, ants made it their home. I couldn’t tolerate the ants, so that’s another story. This sad bit is all that’s left.
Today, I drilled numerous holes in my old friend, filled them with earth and flower seeds. I’m in hopes we will enjoy another season together.
Nutsrok 
This tree is truly something special. Amazing that it was a home for thirty woodpecker families. Wonderful! It withstood so much and I love how you still take care for it.
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I spent a lot of time out there today grooming the flower bed around it. I’m just not ready to part with my old friend.
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I get that completely!
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What a great idea to put seeds in what is left of the pine tree. I hope you have beautiful flowers show up. I love woodpeckers and see and hear them often in my yard and the neighbors.
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I hope so, too. Will update if it looks good!
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What a great idea.
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I will update when it’s bloomed out.
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Nature teaches us so much. Enjoy your outdoors and happy spring!
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I hope you do as well
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Forgot to say I love the. photographs in this post….
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I didn’t know if I should include doggies, but they love that area too. Thanks.
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I am so glad you did…xx
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Me too!
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I love the story about the ‘stump’. – It has been habitat and more for so many. I’t’s also lovely to see your face and hear your voice through cyber space. Fingers crossed my computer seems to be up and running and much better than before. (it has a new battery}xx
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Thank you. I am always happiest outdoors. I’m not getting a lot of writing done now because I’m feeding my soul outdoors.
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That is so good for you….continue to enjoy :)xx
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I certainly hope to.
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I liked that last photo, no a bird I see here
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Oh, they’re wonderful and I love the sound of their hammering in trees.
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Great tale of an old friend! Long may your garden grow!
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Thank you.
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