A Wondrous Tree

The family tree. No, just kidding. I'm really referring to the gorgeous madrone tree. Twisting and turning always to the sun in its growth, the madrone reminds me a lot of the rainbow eucalyptus trees we have at home. If you are familiar with the latter - if not, check the link - you'll see the resemblance to the madrone below. 

There are a lot of madrone trees on the property but one particular huge specimen is over the house and part of the yard. As it sheds, it drops bit of bark everywhere. At first I thought it was wood shavings from some project blowing around. Actually, it was shavings, bark shavings, and the project is seasonal change. 

Truth is, it is up close and personal that this tree really wows me. I mean, it's 'just a tree' right? Wrong. It's magical to more eyes than mine, a symbol of the Pacific Northwest. While it doesn't have the girth or jaw-dropping hugeness of a redwood, on its more human scale it has a warmth and charm and whimsicalness that hugely appeals.

Madrone Facts (from Puget Sound Shorelines)

Broad-leaved evergreen tree.
Can reach 75 feet high.
Can live over 200 years.
Coppery-brown peeling bark stays cool to the touch year round.
Flowers in the spring, strawberry-red berries form by late summer.
Berries may linger until winter, unless the birds eat them.
Thrives in dry western exposures.
Cannot tolerate root disturbance, too much water, or fertilizer.

Plus, it's use as a carving wood is way into the splendid zone. I found this photo with no credit to the artist except that it's from some guy who lives in the Pacific Northwest off the grid who carves using madrone. I found this pretty marvelous. Wish I knew who he is.

This particular madrone, the one in the yard, not the one that's a fish, has its own unusual feature. 

The International hasn't grown any but the tree certainly has done so.

The plan is for the flat bed of the truck to hold a deck of sorts but that is for another day. I'm thinking hot tub and a pool boy but that's just me.

Have a take it to the top Tuesday. Do something telescopically, thrivingly transformational .