The last of our trees to show fall color, the Japanese maple we planted 17 years ago was looking very beautiful today. It is not as close to our kitchen sink window as the photo suggests but it does frame one side of the view into our backyard. Over the years, I have pruned it to create a canopy over the stairs that lead from our deck into the yard. I hope the new owners of our home continue with the practice, as it creates a very strong connection between the house and the great outdoors.