I pulled into the driveway and parked my car. Putting the car in park, I waited for Aubrey to emerge from her friend’s house. While waiting, I glanced around the front yard, noticing a bird feeder hanging from a shepherd’s hook, a shovel leaning against the garage, and a big, old tree.

Upon closer inspection, the tree seemed almost ideal for climbing. If a couple of 1×4 pieces of board were nailed to the trunk, one could reach the lowest branches.