Trees are good - most of the time.

Trees provide an invaluable resource to all of us living on earth - they clean the air, provide shade, block the wind, keep soil from washing away, provide shelter for animals and birds, and even dead trees can provide food and shelter for insects. Trees make our world more beautiful and provide wood for the homes we live in.

Yesterday I spent some time around a variety of trees in a beautiful city park as I headed out on the amazing trail system in the park to get some exercise (remember, I will exercise for food!). It was my first ride on my cyclo-cross bike for the season. The trails were perfectly dry and the trees provided their wonderful shade in the heat of the afternoon. I found one tree to be located in a particularly difficult spot to navigate. As I hit the tree, luckily at a fairly slow speed, I was forced to appreciate the roughness of the bark as it rubbed against the skin of my forearm and shoulder. While cursing the tree definitely crossed my mind, I couldn't quite blame it for my poor bike handling skills. Hopefully a few more rides will tune my skills, and I will continue to see the good in trees - until I hit the next one.

The ride was followed with a lovely summer salad with chicken. All is well!