Umbrellas and Trees

Observer: Estella Yee
Date: 11-3
Location: East of Waller Hall, stairwell beneath Grand Fir
Time: 1515-1530
Weather: Rainy, 50˚F

Seeking shelter beneath the spreading branches of a Grand Fir, I can not help but revel in the prowess and beauty of nature. Sitting on the steps donated to the college by the class of 1925, I stare at the marvelous fir that still stands for nearly a century. Grand indeed, the cones were large and hefty, pointing vertically upward, sitting upon the branches. A branch swung low over the entryway to the chapel, forming an arc to welcome the visitors. Few could find a drier spot on this drizzly day. Most people walk by either oblivious of the water pouring down their necks, snuggled within their cowls, or else holding their umbrella imperiously over their heads. It’s hard sometimes to appreciate nature for its ability to provide the same shelter. In this technologically laden world of today, trees are primarily seen as landscape ornaments. Rarely does a person cast aside their aluminum-nylon shield to bask in the brisk weather. That’s not to say, we should all strip and dance in the rain. Birds themselves are wise enough not to fly about too much in the rain, preferring rather to conserve their energy. they seek the warmth of their homes beneath the tree branches, a few, including the black-cap chickadees, singing their songs. The larger birds, most notably the American Black crows are the few species that hang out on tops of the buildings, cawing at one another from a distance. Flights are kept short. Speaking of flying, mayflies seem to enjoy my lunch, one landing directly onto my meal. As I left, I saw a flying insect that was intriguingly straight and narrow, like a stick, about 1.5 inches long and flying in such a way as to keep its body slanted at 45˚. Perhaps it was a damselfly?