An old oak tree

There is an old oak tree across the ravine, visible through our woodland forest, transformed by my gardening companion over the last decade into a truly lovely and restorative place.

We see this forest from our upstairs porch, kitchen, and at the ground level: my studio and his space (it used to be the green room, because of its wall color  -- now, it's the French room, as he works on learning and practicing French for hours each day).

This evening's light highlighted the trunk of this tree, now dead for several years.  We've been surprised that it hasn't fallen yet.

But it's a white oak, with sturdy timber, even after photosynthesis has ceased.  The wood strengthened sailing ships centuries ago.  Perhaps it's not surprising that it's still standing.

A dead white oak, still standing