gold hosta leaves
cover the ash tree stump
the tree that fell
during a storm in 2018
Poem from October 24, 2019:
SEASONS
once the tree grew tall
before the Emerald Ash Borer
and then a storm
hosta plants
grew green again
around the stump
in Spring
they grew large
and flowered well
so blessed by rain
and a red begonia planter
now there is an
orange pumpkin
on the ash tree stump
and hosta leaves are gold
in the brilliant morning sun
With many ash trees lost in our area, the landscape will take time to recover and learn a new beauty. I have written about the loss of our ash tree, and the new beauty with the way hosta plants grow around the tree stump.
Posts about ash trees:
Ash Firewood Done – May 16, 2019 – “Work and photo are by Karl.”
Hosta and Ash Tree Stump – May 27, 2019 – with photo
Seasons – My poem on October 24, 2019
Errands and Ash Trees – April 16, 2022
When I visited the Town of Holland Sheboygan County – Wisconsin site yesterday, I saw they have “Information about Ash Tree Management in the Town of Holland.”
They link to ROOTS “Restoration of Our Trees – Sheboygan.”
My poem, Seasons, is from October 24, 2019.
SEASONS
once the tree grew tall
before the Emerald Ash Borer
and then a storm
hosta plants
grew green again
around the stump
in Spring
they grew large
and flowered well
so blessed by rain
and a red begonia planter
now there is an
orange pumpkin
on the ash tree stump
and hosta leaves are gold
in the brilliant morning sun
We lost power last night, overnight, and power was restored mid-morning. Otherwise Karl would have set up our generator. This was the second time this summer. We wonder about the many dead ash trees, and have seen work in the general area to remove them. We have lived here a long time, and good to have experience. We have LED lanterns (powered by batteries) and Karl is able to use his cell phone from the second floor. He knows where the cell towers are. So we got updates from the power company. A large area was affected.
early September
old trees in the sun
and blue sky
hard years show
and then new growth
old trees in the sun
Karl pruned bushes and trees this year. There are also many dead and dying ash trees in our area – so it looks like some trees in the landscape have already lost their leaves. The power companies keep the lines clear. We watch to make sure trees are attended before a storm can cause damage. One year, a tree fell on our garage roof. Good tree services in the area.
Karl is an engineer and has done some good deeds for COVID-19 needs. He helped with the technology for virtual visits at nursing homes.
The branches outside my study window inspire with how an evergreen branch can show a hard season, and then new growth in a new month’s sun. Resilience.
Yesterday, we bought groceries. All of us wearing our face masks and practicing social distance. A peaceful atmosphere, and grateful. We wash our hands as soon as we return home. Then lunch and laundry. Books, music, blogs. Thank you.
This morning I learned more about the Plaza Renovation Project at Mead Public Library in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
I also note their Mead Public Library Blog and recognized the WordPress theme.
Creative note from October 14, 2019
SEASONS
once the tree grew tall
before the Emerald Ash Borer
and then a storm
hosta plants
grew green again
around the stump
in Spring
they grew large
and flowered well
so blessed by rain
and a red begonia planter
now there is an
orange pumpkin
on the ash tree stump
and hosta leaves are gold
in the brilliant morning sun
October 24, 2019
reading memoirs
and then the view
outside today
I am happy and honored that my poem from this blog was published in a new anthology. The book is available at Amazon.
All the Way Home:
Aging in Haiku
Edited by
Robert Epstein
Middle Island Press
West Union WV
Post from November 14, 2019
Afternoon Light Post
Lake Michigan
Oostburg, Wisconsin
November 14, 2019
Photos by Karl
daylight
some clouds the colors
of birch trees
new books
by poets, editors
and publishers –
their time to shine
and readers blessed
gratitude
for the many gifts shared
blogs and books
Today I began reading Another Trip Around the Sun: 365 Days of Haiku for Children Young and Old. edited by Jessica Malone Latham. 2019, Brooks Books; Taylorville, Illinois.
Post from November 26, 2019. Please visit Brooks Books Haiku for more information.
I would like to conclude this post with a few images from Reusable Art.
Pot of Tulips is by Kate Greenaway.
There is a category for Kate Greenaway at Reusable Art.
A Merry Christmas Sled is by Ellen Clapsaddle.
And wpclipart is another well-organized site, for education and art.
Thank you – Ellen Grace Olinger
early Fall
some beginnings
of new colors
and yet with
the dead ash trees
away from the roads
it looks like a later time
other years when
some leaves
have fallen
corn growing tall
in some fields
and the next field
fallow this year
times of rest
and then new beginnings
With thanks to all who did so much tree work this year, from yards to keeping power lines clear.
Karl took this photo in July, of the begonia and ash tree stump. The front yard had a new look this year.
The hosta flowers were especially beautiful this year.
Photos by Karl – July 2019
Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 