In which The Gay Recluse becomes increasingly obsessed with trees.

We were waiting a long time for the copper beech (Fagus sylvatica “Dawyck Purple”) to open this spring.

We had only planted it last year so didn’t know what to expect.

We were worried when everything else was in bloom and the beech showed no signs of life. We were like: “Wake up, Mr. Beech!”

But last weekend it happened.

After all this shitty weather, we bet it’s kind of regretting not taking another few days off.

But we’re happy it’s here.

And not just because it’s beautiful and can live for thousands of years.

But so we pretend we don’t live next to an abandoned shell, which is going to take a thousand years to be fixed.

It’s a good reminder that sometimes covering up a problem really is the best way to handle it.