Friday, June 4, 2010

our live oak tree

there are many wonderful stories about our ten acre wood, but one of
my favorites is the travels of our giant live oak tree.



live oaks are prized in the south for their massive spreading crowns to
bring coveted shade in the long, hot summers and lovely evergreen
leaves throughout the winter.

hans' grandfather desperately wanted one for his property, but he lived
too far north for a live oak to survive.  so, he did the reasonable thing
. . . by planting it 150 miles north of houston on a willing farmer's field.

he then repeated the 150 mile trek northward every three years, until
the lovely tree came to its final resting, i mean growing place.

isn't that a romantic effort to bless the next three generations?

"they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord."
isaiah 61:3

love,
lea

23 comments:

Vee said...

You know how to get a gal's attention! That story is about the most interesting tree planting story I've ever heard. We have a public garden here where the creator of the garden (not God) babied his trees and shrubs and flowers and so there is an extensive selection of trees that are not supposed to be growing in this zone. But he did nothing like Hans' grandfather. That is a wonderful gift to the area. I also never knew the difference between a live oak tree and a regular one. All terribly interesting and the scripture is perfect!

Rosie said...

oh Lea, that is ingenious I have never heard of such a thing...that would not be an easy feat. What an amazing story...once again...
sending you a hug, and a big smile send you into another weekend...love Rosie

Poppies and Sunshine said...

What a lovely post!! Thank you for the comment :) I appreciate it!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I was fascinated by the live oak trees I saw in San Antonio, Texas and by the plantations in Louisiana. They are beautiful trees! Your tree has such an interesting history!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story. It's such a beautiful old tree I can see why you like it so much. There is nothing like sitting in the shade of an old tree and siping lemonade on a hot day :>)

Susan B said...

Such a beautiful tree, and what a lovely story. I love oak trees. We have some old ones in our neighborhood, that were saved when the homes here were built. We have a lovely one across the street from our house. Thank you for sharing your sweet story.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Now that is a great story!! We had a TINY tree our son planted and we moved a short distance away, so every time we drive by the old place, we say 'there's Tommy's tree'... and it is also growing taller. I love the generational thing! and... I love your verse!

christy rose said...

What a great story!! And a beautiful tree!! :)

Mountain Mama said...

What a smart man! Fun to hear how the Oak got to its final destination.

Can't wait to read about your in-laws.
blessings,
ashley

Gloria said...

I love oak trees, they are so majestic! We have quite a few near where we live.. up against some of the rolling hills (green in winter, and golden in summer)they make a beautiful showing!
What a wonderful story you have shared!
Have a blessed Friday.
@}`~}~~~ Gloria
p.s. you have a new follower.

Jenners said...

I love big trees.

But I wasn't certain what you were saying ... are you saying the every few years he moved the tree more north to acclimiate it to the weather until it could grow where he wanted it? Wow.

koralee said...

What a lovely story....we have a huge maple in our front yard..I could never live without her..she really is a part of the family. Hugs. xoxo

Anonymous said...

Lea,
You left the same comment 5 times on my blog! Hehe! Oh well!

myletterstoemily said...

oops! sorry, emily. don't know why
it repeated it so many times!

Anonymous said...

It is okay! It reminded me of what you say on your comment page! Just push comment again!

Unknown said...

Oh, wonderful! Amazing story, how inspiring. I really want to plant a tree and just watch it grow for years and years and years, if I start now, I just might make it! Have a lovely weekend! XO!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Romance and history all rolled up into one!

You know how to write a post, girl! And you know how to add the perfect scripture too!

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful gift!!! Reminds me (have I already told you about this book?) of 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein, only your tree has travel stories too! :)
Have a lovely weekend, Lea!

Anonymous said...

Hans has a very rich heritage. Not a play on words, spiritually speaking. Love your writing. You are gifted my friend. A

myletterstoemily said...

thanks, annie, my sweet, sweet friend!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

I love what an oak tree represents.... stability, strength, shelter, longevity..... and to think that's how God describes those who choose Him.

Jeanne Oliver said...

What a beautiful story. There is something so amazing and peaceful about trees. Living in Colorado I don't have the large, gorgeous trees I grew up with and I truly miss them.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I love the majesty of old trees and its so wonderful that you know its story. I look at the grand old trees in my garden (some like yours from a different climate) and wonder by whose hand they were planted and what were the dreams of those who planted them.

Thank you for this lovely story.