There’s a dead tree in my backyard. It’s tall, it’s narrow, and it’s very dead. But the tree is still standing. The top has already fallen into my neighbor’s yard. My landlords are trying to find someone who can take the tree down safely. The race against Mother Nature is underway. We have 20-30 mile per hour winds tonight. I’ve already had several small branches thunk against the house, and I see another one in my neighbor’s backyard.

My dilemma? If this tree falls and comes through the roof, it will cut me in half as I sleep. Do I sleep in the bedroom in a nice comfortable bed and take my chances? Or do I sleep on the pull out couch in the living room or the fainting couch in the library? I’m not sure yet. The wind is still gusting. That tree is awfully dead. Alternative sleeping arrangements are sounding better all the time.