Suddenly protective

Here is the apple tree that sits in our backyard.



Year after year, it produces these tiny, ugly apples.



When asking a landscape guy about cutting down our overgrown rose of Sharon & tired, mangy evergreen, he said, "Oh, and you know that apple tree in the backyard? It just has wormy apples. I could cut it down for you, too." And suddenly, I was very protective. I told him that he could prune a few branches from the bottom, so it'd be easier to get a lawnmower under it, but that was it. Why was I suddenly protective of the little tree? I mean, I've never harvested a single apple from the tree. We just let them rot & fall to the ground.

Two days later, I happen to be in the backyard, with a bottle of RoundUp in my hand, and I really look at the tree. I see a few apples that look mostly intact. Okay, somewhat intact -- with lots of bumps and black dots. These things are really ugly. And I think, "Someone who was starving would probably be thrilled to take the time to cut up these apples, dig out any icky bits, and eat them. Why are perfectly good apples, within arm's reach, sitting here, destined to rot away?"



Before I knew it, I had picked three apples. I wasn't even sure they were all that ripe ... just that they let go of the tree fairly easily. I was determined to cut them up and dig out the icky bits, and maybe do something with them. I have to admit, I was pretty sure I'd be grossed out and find worms inside. Well, guess what? I peeled and cut up all 3 apples, and not a single worm was in them. Turns out they are just super ugly. And I would still prefer to cut them all up, just to be sure. They made some very tasty applesauce, though.



So, I will probably make more use of the apples in the backyard this fall. I may even borrow a friend's ladder to reach the ones that are out of my reach. Because they really are quite tasty. Just goes to show you ... it's worth paying attention to your instincts. And to be properly grateful. Who knows ...I may register the tree on Neighborhood Fruit. And even try to learn a bit about how to make apple trees grow better apples.

Aw ... bummer.

We tried to go to our local Ethel's Chocolate Lounge ... only to discover it's gone. There's "for lease" sign in the window. I grant you, I did not go there on a super-regular basis (my thighs say, "thank goodness!"), but it was absolutely my favorite spot to hit for high-end chocolatey goodness. I am sad. On an up note, though, I guess this means I get to try other chocolatiers. Oh, why didn't I stock up on Jeff's truffles when he brought them to Jason's wedding?!

Shared with me via email ... and amusing enough for me to share with you!

Gentle Thoughts for Today


Birds of a feather flock together and then crap on you or your car.

A penny saved is a government oversight.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

He who hesitates is probably right.

Did you ever notice? The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are XL.

If you think there is good in everybody, you
haven't met everybody.


If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.

The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

Did you ever notice? When you put the 2 words 'The' and 'IRS' together it spells 'Theirs....'

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra.

You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

In the words of Willy Wonka: Strike that ... reverse it.

Are you singing & dancing along the way ...

...or did you get pulled into the hoax?