Bald Cedar

     The storms of the Gulf of Mexico produced in years past many of what were called Bald Cypress- Cypress trees with the tops torn off by hurricane winds. Some of those mammoths were 10-15 feet in diameter. This drawing shows us the Kansas version. Cedar trees that have suffered a similar fate from Kansas storms, whether tornado, or something less violent. There do seem to be a number of these old wizened specimens though maybe not the size of the ancient trees. Cedar trees, especially early on seem to lean with the prevailing winds, or leaning up hill all seem to be headed to the same ridge. There are millions of younger cedar taking over abandoned pastures as small acreages are left untended. But it is the older ones stuck along the creek draw, or on the silent farmyard itself that have survived the blows of many a spring storm. Though they have lost their crown and may never be as tall again, they do not give up spreading and thickening up. They give a sturdy image.

      This house along 24 Highway heading east from the Tee Pee is now gone. Glad I got this one done before it was downed. Though I do think the trees may still stand.

      There are some recent additions to the Thumbnails page you may want to see.

      Also there is a NEW page – the Kids Korner – where you can get a little encouragement to get the kids drawing...