Tree Growth 101

My dad and I are building one of those cool sign posts with a bunch of arrows pointing in different directions, leading to all of the buildings at camp (as well as a "you are here" arrow facing down, and "heaven" arrow facing up).

Yesterday, my dad chopped down a 12 foot pine tree, cleaned all of the branches and bark off of it and then dug a deep hole to put it into the ground. It was a fascinating process for both kids and counselors, and as he dug the hole, he had a large crowd around him.

Now the pole is in the ground and S, C and I have been painting the arrow signs. Many kids and staff wanted to know what the pole was about, and being sarcastic, I said, "we are trying to re-plant this tree." All of the kids rolled their eyes and laughed and asked, "no really, what are you doing with it?"

Not the Assistant Program Director D. This was our conversation:

"What's the deal with the pole?" -D

"I'm trying to transplant this tree. I'm hoping it will begin to grow." -me

"Really? Can you do that?" -D

"Yeah, I think so. I think it will be nice to add some shade to this area." -me

"Yeah, you're right, this would be a nice place for a tree." -D

Then he walked away. J and I were standing together, dumbfounded and laughing. No way is he being serious. He's a 4th grade teacher during the year, he can't possibly believe it. He's joking right?!?

But later, D went up to my dad and wished him luck on the tree project. My dad didn't know what he was talking about and when I explained it to him, he fell over laughing.

Later, C and I were standing near the "tree" and D came back. "How often do you have to water it?" he asked. "Um, I'm not sure. I think my dad is taking care of it." -me

I think he's actually serious. And that just makes me feel bad for my sarcasm. I really thought he'd know I was kidding though. This morning, my dad dragged the hose over to it and set a box of Miracle Grow next to it. Now all of the counselors are in on it and we're waiting for D to figure it out. Deep down, I think he's the one playing me. He must be!

Except that right before lunch, J asked D if he could help him figure out the Miracle Grow instructions, and they were both out there, dumping Miracle Grow on the "tree" and D stood out there hosing it down for a LONG time. Again, I feel like the meanest person ever, but I also think it's hilarious.

D has a pretty good sense of humor and I think he will laugh when it finally occurs to him that you can't re-grow a tree that has been chainsawed off and cleared of all branches and bark. I hope he laughs...