Neighbor I watch you from the window, my neighbor. Your sweater is red and bulky. And soon it will be winter. Shall I bring you out a coat? But your sweater ends up mounded at your feet, Slender red arms revealed Outside my window All winter. I watch you from the window, my neighbor. Daring dress in blooms of red. Yet they say more snow to come. Does the cold wind make you shiver? Then your flower dress ends up flying in the breeze, Pale green camisole revealed Outside my window In spring. I watch you from the window, my neighbor. Your coat is dark and heavy. And your arms this time are longer. Aren't you baking in the sun? But your parasol ends up shading all our games, Loving gratitude revealed Outside my window All summer. I watch you from the window, my neighbor. Your coat is baked and done. And green fades to hint at red. Are you mixing to be brown? But each leaf ends up turning cardinal color, October Glory revealed Outside my window In fall.	Space holder text	March 31, 2006 October Glory red maple flowers
Julie Walton Shaver Sept. 30, 2003

Purpose of the tree: privacy. Photographed from the kitchen window.

1999 First year neighbor

2004 five years later.

April 13, 2006 Flowers are followed by samaras, which birds and squirrels like to eat. They can't possibly eat them all though.

April 19, 2005 . . .

. . . same hour, same tree . . .

. . . each birth unique.

Mature Samaras also known as 'helicopter seeds,' ready for flight. We love to watch them fly. Samaras everywhere! Can you hear them clicking? May 6, 2006 Making a seed storm is one of our favorite activities. Glorious shade!   Summer Leaf

November 2002 Weather conditions this year were absolutely perfect for a good fall color show. See Butler University's explanation about why trees change color, and why some years the colors are better than other years.

Red branch tips help keep winter interesting. Midnight in January 2005 Morning The next day

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May 1, 2006 Root flare at the base of the tree is expected.

But, surface roots in the grass are becoming a problem.

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May 9, 2006 Those roots are creeping me out!