Count Me In

We have a very large tree in our backyard that will have to come down eventually. We have started in on it in the last two weekends to remove branches that affect our neighbor's yard first. So how do you do such a thing as remove a tree?

First of all, you have a husband who has been trained by professionals and does it from time to time for work. Second, you invest in some serious climbing gear and ropes. When I say invest - this is no cheap side job, but over time and a few projects it will pay for itself - so we hope.

The professional up in the tree last Saturday.

Third, and this may be most important - you get friends and the whole family involved to provide a second opinion and be there to pick up the pieces. (The branches, not body parts, we were very safe!)

Our friend Ryan who brought more ropes, climbing gear and the ever important chain saw!

Seth wanted in on the action too - so dad gave him a little lift.

Seth will soon need his own gear as staying on the ground when the adults are in the sky is no fun!

I watched as Jason and our friend Ryan climbed and wondering if I had it in me to do such a thing. It looked pure painful to climb when Jason did it straight from the ground using only a rope. I asked if he would ever teach me to climb, at least let me attempt it. He offered to have me give it a go, TODAY! Being the adventure seeking woman I am, I jumped at the chance.

After getting the equipment resized to fit me, Jason gave me a few pointers and had me give it a run. He then hooked the saw on to my belt and I laughed thinking there was no way I would ever make it up. We are talking 30 some feet in the sky with only a rope to hang on to and MY limbs. Well, surprise - I made it all the way up and took out a few branches before coming safely back to the ground. Don't believe me? Check out the photos!

Here I am about half way up, as you can see, it's me and a rope. I like to think that is pretty cool for the lady of the house!

I grabbed onto a branch and just to show off, since I had the saw and all, cut a few branches down.

What a rush! I told Jason that he may need to include me in the business as a second partner and invest in some more ropes and another harness. I so want to do it again! Maybe after my arms are a little less sore though...