fallen tree

We only have four trees on our property, all of which are in the side yard. After this recent snow storm, we are left with only three. The combination of the rising temperature and some light rain was too much for one of the lilac trees.

This picture is from yesterday afternoon:

1/19/2012 2:27pm

This picture is from this morning:

1/20/2012 7:25am

The lilac tree collapsed under the weight of the snow and landed right on top of Oliver's guest house. Oliver has been sleeping in his guest house lately because he has made his larger home available for Mama Kitty and the kittens. It appears from the tracks in the snow, that Oliver was home, probably sleeping when the tree crashed down on his house.

Oliver has not been seen since.

Thankfully, the kitty houses are super sturdy, so there was no damage to the structure. We spent the morning clearing away the tree.

This is what the yard looks like now with one less tree. 

Oliver's larger home is behind the Rhododendron bush and is more visible to the yard now that the lilac tree is gone.

It is very wet outside today as the light rain has shifted into a soaking rain. Snow has turned into slush as it goes away. Thus far, Oliver has been absent all day, which is unusual. I'm wondering if he'll return and feel safe sleeping here again after such a horrible trauma.