These are hedgerow oaks which are protected by law so can't be felled but the farmers don't like the obstruction to their tractors caused by low level branches nor the light restriction which reduces crop yields.
As they can't be felled, there is a special kind of pruning known as 'émondage' which consists of cutting off all of the branches except the top-most one which is known as a 'tire-sève' - literally 'sap puller' which keeps the tree alive.
I was about to say that I'd never seen a tree shaped quite like this but then your commentary explained just why they have a most unique shape. Great B&W subjects.
that story here is incredible - it seems even more cruel to be tormenting them with this constant pruning. the image gets a fav however because it is awesome and really shows the story!
Never seen anything like this before... what an education we get from 365! Great shot... if these were children this is what you'd get if you asked them to stand in line according to size!
@yrhenwr Thanks David - this is actually far from the first time trees like this have featured in my project... Mrs S calls them microbe trees or bottle-brush trees!
@jacqbb Thanks Jacqueline... sadly, no not really. I had more blood tests on Wednesday and on Thursday the locum phoned me to discuss the results with me (they do that in France) and then asked that I see her in the afternoon. More blood tests this morning and I have another appointment to see my own doctor again on Tuesday. It seems sure that it's not in fact gastroenteritis but what it actually is is not clear at the moment. Thank you for being so patient - I haven't forgotten you.
@jacqbb Thank you - I get the blood test results via internet about 2 hours later so I already know that some things have improved but most have stayed the same.
@vignouse Sorry for not paying full attention Richard! But perhaps you haven't photographed them like this? They are very striking. Sorry the blood tests demand that you visit the doc. They phone me too but I ignore them because it would only raise my blood pressure!! And that brings on the AF! Bodies, eh?! Hope you feel better soon
@yrhenwr About 2 years ago I managed to actually visit my cardiologist whilst I was in full AF - she then felt informed enough to change all of my medication, since when I haven't had any re occurrence. YESSSS!
@vignouse I did the same in 2017 and got the diagnosis (in A&E) They wanted to keep me in the hospital but the emotional bullying after I questioned that turned me against them. I left after signing the disclaimer! Then I investigated possible triggers such the usual suspects (coffee and alcohol) as well as intense exercise. I concluded that it was minor day to day stresses. (whatever would major ones like moving house or divorce do to me?) I had a few very minor, very short episodes for a couple of months but have had no recurrence since. Fingers crossed for us both!)
This photo looks like the trees are reflected in slightly moving water. The small branches are fuzzy and the trunks have interesting jigs in them. Wonderful
I pray that whatever is troubling you is discovered and can be treated easily.
I pray that whatever is troubling you is discovered and can be treated easily.
Hope all is well with you very soon, Richard.
These remind me of a Dr Seuss story...