The wrong tree died

Biggie's cat tree had a fatal accident last night. I moved it a little in what proved to be the straw. The pole hole no longer screws into the base. It's moorings are stripped. The pole itself is three sections. If I can separate them, I can then toss the broken one and use the other two to screw into the base. I'd also kill the middle landing and make the whole thing more simple.

But, the pole is fat and I cannot get nearly enough torque on it to unscrew any of it by myself. Not even close. I sent a note to my neighbors across the hall this morning. They are a young (well younger than me) couple with strength. I'm just not sure they are here or check email.

I feel like I could just take it and stand in the hallway and catch anyone passing by - 'got a minute to help me unscrew?'

It's not a tragedy. The thing was really too big and smaller would be better anyway. Biggie noticed and was really only mildly disconcerted. He'll be fine with smaller.

It's 9 am and the troops are gathering for the football game. It's still chilly enough to keep the door closed but, honestly, I don't mind the noise. I like hearing the sounds of goings ons.

No plans for today other than the usual.

Tree Update

My neighbors DO read their email (good to know) and Doug came over and rescued me. As much as was possible. We got one section apart and were able to cobble together a way smaller tree. It was so nice of him. He came in all masked up and I didn't even have mine on. I was embarrassed but got it on quickly.

After he left, I 'fixed' it probably into oblivion. The top was too wobbly for Biggie to use so I tried some washers and some padding and by the time I finished trying I'd nearly stripped that hole. I'm sure someone with infinite Home Depot patience could fix the thing up right but I've gotten good years out of this tree - and if it's at end of life, so be it.

I dug out my Gorilla wood glue and filled the hole and coated the surface thickly and screwed it back in. The base is heavy enough to provide perfect curing weight. By noon we'll know if my fix worked or if it's off to Amazon to order a new tree.



Biggie's watching it.



He discovered for sure today that his cat door is gone and there's no way through the screen. He tried hard. Of course he does not have front paws or claws to work with and so probably thinks that's the issue so we're not done yet but so far today he's given up.

Better than ever! Go Gorilla!

As of right now, the cat tree (tree-lette) is more stable than it's ever been. Pretty darned solid. The glue might not last forever but I think it's a great fix for now and I love the look of the new size in relation to everything else around it. Plus easy to move around when needed. And if Biggie wants to get up there now I won't worry.

Score.