Cedar Roots

Living in an old farm house that was built in the 1890s has it's challenges and privileges. Lots of 'old things' lying around is one of the privileges including the original trees that were planted in such a way to create a wind-screen for the house back when it would have been built in the middle of a field using horse hair as insulation (I have no proof of the horse hair, just sounds cool). Two types of trees were planted for windscreen purposes - pine and cedar. Many of the original cedar's (Eastern Red Cedar) have passed on. One in particular died many years back - after having survived for over 100+ years - I decided to dig-up the roots of this particular tree, washed it out, and let it dry in the sun for 3 years. The result is a well preserved jumble of roots nearly 4 feet long and 2 feet across at places. It made for the perfect chandelier for the dining area which I believe showcases the inherent beauty of nature as well as history of our property- the pioneers who toiled it, and thousands of years of indigenous peoples who would have used the same cedar trees in countless ways.