Let’s face it. A cherry tree in the backyard has pros and cons. This year the tree has produced an abundance of cherries. For five days I have been picking, pitting, freezing and canning cherries. I expect to see cherries in my dreams.
Many of the cherries are perfect. But a good number are getting moldy. I have been picking both the good and bad to clear the tree, filling a garbage bag with the rotting cherries. My fingers are stained with cherry juice.
The birds are helping out some–but I have discouraged them by hanging CDs in the tree. I did see a squirrel doing acrobatics in the tree as he plucked and ate a cherry.
As June moves into July, I expect the Japanese beetles to appear. They gravitate to the cherry tree, feasting on the leaves. And I will begin my practice of beetle control. Now and then, when I complain, my husband suggests that we could cut the tree down.
I am grateful for the cherries. We will have cherry pie, cherry scones and cherry sauce. It is good to note that cherries have many health benefits including vitamins, minerals. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. I tell my husband that the work is worth it.
As I work, I have flowers in the kitchen. The roses, bells of Ireland and mint are flourishing.
Care for the cherry tree is a bit like life. To achieve requires hard work. It is important to sort what is good and what needs to be discarded.
Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s prompt is: FACE. I am also linking up with Tuesday’s with a Twist and Sweet Tea and Friends and Senior Salon Pit Stop and also the Homestead Blog Hop .
Carol this is awesome! And that blossom is so pretty.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
xo
You were marvelling how you manage to face the work needed to harvest and care for the cherries every year.
I understand. For me it is blackcurrants and raspberries. These don’t all come at once, so the gathering season happens again and again. I’ve harvested and frozen 3 bags of blackcurrants and will have another bag left.
It is worth it, but it is not easy.
As you say, like life. Like children – really hard work at times, but totally rewarding.
Black currants! How do you prepare them? Yes, the berries and cherries are worth the effort. I am thankful for the amazing variety of berries and fruit that God has created!
I love cherries. Wish the season for them lasted longer. Not sure I would have your patience taking care of the tree though.
Over the years I have learned a lot about the cherry tree. Sometimes I have help from my daughter and the grandchildren.
I can’t quite see how this connects with the word prompt face, but I agree with the pros and cons of having fruit growing in your backyard. FMF7
Hmm, I was thinking of the verb form of face and my thoughts went to the cherry tree.
Delicious post! Going to get some cherry pie today, on your inspiration.
Enjoy! Cherry pie is a favorite.