Thank God!!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Gini, I was thinking that it's too bad you don't life closer to my parents. My dad is a wood making fiend and he would be perfect for getting the branch off your house and cut up into firewood size logs in no time flat! He even special cuts logs for Terry and I so they fit in the bins we use in the motorhome.

But, since Wisconsin is nowhere near So. Cal. it occurred to me that Richard and his dad(?) or was it his brother(?) are always making wood. Maybe they could help which would help keep the cost down, which would make it more feasible to not tell the insurance company. Even if they can't, wood makers oftentimes know other wood makers and maybe they know somebody who would do it just for the wood? Anyway....just a thought....

[Cinder & Smoke]

12:20 AM Eastern time -

9:00 - 9:30 PM California time ...

Just got off the phone with "Mom" ...

The "Tree Guy" is supposed to show up in the early morning ...
but he might not "get to it" till Monday.

I suggested that if he doesn't get at least the broken branch removed
on Friday, "Mom" otta call the Fire Guys to come take a look at things.

Let's all THANK the Big Guy Upstairs for holding off on this till AFTER the BBQ ...
and ask that the Busted Branch doesn't fall on Gini's roof tonight.


/s/ a Thankfull Phred

[zippy-kat]

12:20 AM Eastern time -

9:00 - 9:30 PM California time ...

Just got off the phone with "Mom" ...

The "Tree Guy" is supposed to show up in the early morning ...
but he might not "get to it" till Monday.

I suggested that if he doesn't get at least the broken branch removed
on Friday, "Mom" otta call the Fire Guys to come take a look at things.

Let's all THANK the Big Guy Upstairs for holding off on this till AFTER the BBQ ...
and ask that the Busted Branch doesn't fall on Gini's roof tonight.


/s/ a Thankfull Phred

And the truth comes out....

Some will fall off porch steps to attract firemen, others just saw limbs off their tree.

[mruffruff]

Omigosh, Gini!

I'm glad to hear that everyone is OK.

I know you were saying that you needed to have the tree limbs trimmed soon. Who knew the tree wasn't going to wait?

Surely there's SOMEONE who can get it off your roof before Monday. Not a good thing for your nerves--or your roof.

How about a little something in that morning coffee?

[lbaker]

I replied in "Meetings" but will only add that I wish I lived closer (well for many reasons of course, but especially now). I have saws, ropes, saddles (for climbing trees you guys ) and know how to use them. This is what Baker (my husband) used to do for a living and he taught me. Please be careful Gini and don't stress, this WILL work out OK. Oh, and insurance? When the huge tree fell in my front yard - oak tree over 100 years old and over 100 feet tall - I was advised NOT to get insurance involved if at all possible. I too had a recent claim from a basement flood. That advise came from my insurance agent who also happened to be a friend.

[slick]

Just checking in to see how you are Gini?? Did you get any sleep?? Have those hunky guys showed up yet???

[momoffuzzyfaces]

How's Richard with a chain saw?
(now why does that thought frighten me? )

[catland]

Yikes! - I'm just glad that you and the kitties and the peeps (and yes, even the neighbors ) are all ok. That must have been so scary sounding.

I wish we were there to help - I took down a tree in my yard once, and found out that I really like chain saws

[slick]

Still no news. I guess she's out in the back 40 with a chain saw. God, I'm really praying that there is no roof damage. After all she has been through, that will just about do her in.

Check in when you can my friend.

[gini]

Well, here I am - it is almost 2 pm California time.

My own tree man that I have used for years came right on time. He looked the tree over and HE feels that it can be saved. However, his crew is so busy and once he saw the limb, knew that he needed a larger crew - it wasn't going to be a simple job - and he is booked solid. He agreed that the limb had to come down as soon as possible.

He also told me the fire department wouldn't do anything for me because it was on my private property (rear yard) and not causing a public hazard.

He gave me the name of another company that he has worked with. I called and talked to the owner who gave me a price. I about gagged.........but this was an emergency call and emergency costs more!! Six guys showed up in under an hour. They handed me a Proposal that I was to sign immediately. Great thing - reading!!! The proposal was nothing like what we talked about over the phone - and I was looking at $5,175.00.

I DON'T THINK SO!!

I jumped on the phone and called the owner and gave him a piece (read brick) of my mind.

In the end, all six guys were here for one hour. They reported NO roof damage, and I can't see any either. BUT, sadly, the foreman tells me he really feels as though the whole tree should come down. I wanted to just cry - I love this tree so much.

The tree is not down - yet.

It is diseased and over 60 years old.

I want to go back to my own man who I trust and talk to him some more.

My equity line took a nice hit today - but there is just too much to be grateful for to whine about that. (keep working Gini).

I feel about this tree exactly as I feel about my kitties. If I have to lose one of them - I want to know and feel that I did everything possible to save them before I make that final decision.

My man told me that this heat has contributed to the loss. Trees in severe heat reach down as far as possible for water and then shoot it out to all the limbs and branches. This made that limb very heavy. He also said that trees are crashing down all over the city and that is why he is so busy.

Thanks - to everyone - for your good thoughts and kindness. Yeah - I must have broken a mirror a while back or something

Enough already!!

[Pam]

How's Richard with a chain saw?
(now why does that thought frighten me? )

I am sorry to laugh, but I have just read this entire thread from start to finish and I think that this line was just the tension breaker that I needed! Good one MOFF!

Gini I am so sorry that you might lose your tree but very relieved that no humans or felines were harmed throughout this whole ordeal. Prices in California are sure different than here on the East Coast! I can understand your feeling of not knowing which way to turn. Conflicting *takes* on the situation have to be distressing. Even if the tree was deemed unsafe it would be somewhat comforting to know that everyone was of the same mind on this. I hope that you get some peace in your heart and mind as to know what to do. (((hugs)))

[zippy-kat]

We had our oak tree cut WAY back a few years ago. It looked TERRIBLE (think gigantic broccoli) but the tree was saved and it now looks better than ever.

{{hugs}}

[wolflady]

Gosh, I'm sorry that this tough decision was placed in your lap, Gini. I know how much you love that tree, as so we all who have attended the BBQ!

Perhaps having it trimmed way back first to see if you can save it would be the way to start. At least that way you'll know if you really do need to have the whole thing removed later.

**hugs**

[RICHARD]

I am sorry to laugh, but I have just read this entire thread from start to finish and I think that this line was just the tension breaker that I needed! Good one MOFF!

It figures....

Me, the butt of all jokes.

P.S.

Remember the last maniac with a chainsaw?

He had a movie made about him!

[gini]

I am so excited I just can't stand it.

After thinking and thinking about this tree - and looking at it carefully..........and "listening"............................

I made the decision to NOT remove this tree. I just talked to the Tree Surgeon and next week he will severely trim the tree back and treat it.

Then he will return in November to take a look at it and treat it again.

He said it may be several years before I see good solid growth - but we could be surprised.

The tree does not seem to have suffered any shock and the remaining branches and leaves look very healthy.

A huge thank you to all of you who expressed concern and advice. You cannot believe how making this decision has lifted my spirits.

♥♥♥ from my tree and me!