The Hemlock Tree

O hemlock tree! O hemlock tree! how faithful are thy branches!
Green not alone in summer time,
But in the winter's frost and rime!
O hemlock tree! O hemlock tree! how faithful are thy branches!
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

We didn’t know Longfellow's poem in 1999 when we broke ground, but now we do; and we can relate. This Eastern Hemlock standing strong and sturdy right outside the sunroom window? No accident. We intentionally aimed the big sunroom window at its faithful branches. Graceful, old branches that comfort with their steadfast presence day in and day out. Year in and year out.

As I reflect on 2015, I think of the 365 journey I embarked upon in July and the warm welcome I received from all of you. What blessings you are! Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, kind comments, and favs. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2016!

[Milanie]

A lovely shot to end the year - I'm so glad you joined this wonderful site - I truly enjoy your photos and your well written commentary. You have a great gift with words. Wishing you and wonderful 2016.

[Jane Anderson]

I never knew of this poem! Happy New Years to you too, Janet!

[bkb in the city]

Nice

[Nova]

Lovely capture and Happy New Year to you too Janet. All the best in 2016. :)

[Lynne Hart]

Gorgeous shot, so beautiful. Instant fav

[Gena Pegg]

Happy New Year to you. What a lovely soft image. Love the poem as well...Fav for me.

[Janet B.]

@eyesmile Thank you, Gena, for both the comment and the fav! Wishing you all the very best in 2016 and beyond! :-)

[Janet B.]

@milaniet Your sweet comment warms my heart, Milanie. So, so kind! I'm very thankful for your support, and I wish you all the best in the new year and beyond. :-)

[Janet B.]

@cejaanderson Thank you for your comment and fav, Jane! Wishing you health and happiness in 2016 and always!

[Janet B.]

@bkbinthecity Thanks so much! :-)

[Janet B.]

@novab Thank you so much, Nova! :-)

[Janet B.]

@lhart Thank you for your comment and fav, Lynne! :-)

[Julie F]

Very nice shot.

[Janet B.]

@jaffacakes Thank you so much! :-)

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Nice shot.

[Yeshanghai]

Beautiful capture with great Bokeh

[Velina]

Lovely color and bokeh!

[Janet B.]

@elisasaeter Thank you, Elisabeth! :-)

[Janet B.]

@yeshanghai Thank you so much! :-)

[Janet B.]

@velina Thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate you stopping by! :-)