Nooooo!!!  The most horrific event happened in my neighborhood this morning!  Our town’s Department of Public Works took away my branches!  I was helpless to intervene while the maintenance workers slowly moved along our street inserting the fallen branches into their wood chipper.  If only I had thumbs so I could open the door to go outside to stop them!  I tried barking, but alas my pleas were drowned out by the maniacal grinding.  I admit I’ve been slow at gathering them and bringing them home on my daily walks.  But I’ve been putting in a good effort!  Besides, it’s hard with Asa slowing us down.  Not to mention I have to keep correcting him and telling him it is branches we want not pinecones.  Such a sad loss of sticks.  How will I explain this to Dad?!  We have this bond where I bring home the sticks and he begrudgingly adds them to his burn pile.  He claims we don’t need them and I’m adding to his yard work, but I know deep down he secretly enjoys it.  I would hate to disappoint him.  However, tomorrow is a new day, and with each new day comes the potential wind storm, and more sticks will need to be rescued!  I vow to bring home each and every branch I find from now on!