Probably my favorite nursery rhyme as a child was The Little Red Hen. This rhyme teaches independence in doing things yourself and other virtues to childen. The book has been illustrated and rewitten many times. I'm not sure there was an original author to credit. I have had to be The Little Red Hen on many occasions during my adult lifetime. Mr. Swede became very familiar with the book and its morale after we married. He did not know the book as a child. I highly recommend you find the book and read it, even though you are not three any longer so you understand this post and read it to your children or grandchildren.
Once upon a time The Little Red Hen had a beautiful Weeping Peach tree in her yard.
The Little Red Hen went to the nursery, purchased the tree, lugged it home and planted it all by herself. The tree grew and grew and grew into The Little Red Hen's favorite tree. She LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the tree each Spring when it bloomed.
Then a very nasty bad fungus came and killed the beautiful tree.
The Little Red Hen was SAD, SAD, SAD.
So as the nursery rhyme goes, The Little Red Hen asks for help removing the tree.
No, said the strong Ox.
No, said the mighty Horse.
No, said the helpful Cow.
So, The Little Red Hen says, "I will do it myself". And she did. She sawed off all the dead branches and drug them to the street for garbage pick up. Did I mention how huge those limbs were????
Who will help me take down the seven foot trunk?
Not I, said the strong Ox.
I will use my chainsaw said the nice neighbor if you will help me cut down my Pine tree limbs. And, he did. [I don't think that was an even exchange on my part!]
Who will help me take out the big stump?, said The Little Red Hen.
Not I, said the strong Ox. Nor the Horse, nor the Cow [you get the rhyme by now].
"So I will do it myself", said The Little Red Hen. And she did.
Now I have to fill in the hole. It doesn't look it from this view, but it is about 10" deep.
Here is another photo of the stump for Mr. Swede who is in Taipei today.
I have been killing myself in the yard the past two weekends. Went to the nursery and got 12 flats of annuals and 5 shrubs, so off to fill the hole and do some planting. Hope you are having fun!
Summer
Photos: Swede




