Last night it rained. This morning the air was damp and the skies were threatening rain. However, to seize the moment, I quickly dressed and began my daily walk with my dog Missey, the Cockapoo. With Missey on her leash, iPod on arm and camera around my neck, I was doing my nature and techie walk around the neighborhood. I was certain to discover the fresh and vibrant color nature takes on when it rains. The grass is greener, sidewalks are dark with dampness and the trees! Oh the trees! The trees display their splendor, with bright green leaves clothed with sparkling water drops.   As I walked my usual path, I noticed patterns in tree trunks, that were not noticed the day before. Other people walking their dogs, stopped to stare at me, as I closely examined what appeared to be an ordinary tree. The expressions on their faces clearly indicated they thought I was a little strange.  I peered up and down the tree trunks examining, smiling and marveling how nature reveals itself to the unsuspecting, casual passerby.
There is a saying, “Stop and smell the roses”.   There were no roses in site, but the tree trunks and branches dampened by last night’s rain was an easy substitute.

As I thought about the value of trees. I decided, I love trees! Yes, go ahead and call me one of those “tree huggers”.   Trees are nature’s providers for most items we utilize for our everyday functioning and enjoyment.

Trees provide the wood for building homes.  Our furniture is made of wood.  And what about paper? Paper in all forms is essential.  Tree wood provides the raw material for pencils, cabinets, firewood for cooking and heat. The list goes on …. but today,  I simply enjoyed viewing trees for just being a tree and not a utility.
Next time it rains, check out the patterns on tree trunks and tree limbs. And while no one is looking, go ahead and hug a tree! Tree Trunk Gallery.