Looking On The Bright Side

  We had several hard freezes this past winter.  Not many but enough that it caused problems and is still causing problems.  In the Deep South, it is not uncommon to see citrus trees growing in our yards.  Usually, the lack of winter cold makes for fine growing for these trees but that one cold snap that sees the temperatures drop in the teens for a few days harms the trees.  This year, we had a few of those hard freezes that damaged the citrus trees.  In spite of my efforts to protect the trees, a good many of the limbs were killed.  My citrus grove looks terrible but there is nothing to do but trim back the limbs and hope for the best.

  Recently, I was out wandering behind the house when a delightful aroma wafted through the air.  Ahh, citrus blossoms!  Yep, the satsuma trees were blooming on the few branches that remained green! This sight gave me hope that at least the trees would attempt regrowth!

  The blooms that I inspected looked good and had the tiny oranges intact.  No, we will not have a bumper crop this year.  No, the grapefruit trees do not have blooms nor do the navel oranges and lime trees but the satsumas and lemons are bursting forth with new leaves and blooms!  Somehow, that makes things all better.  

  There is nothing like a tiny leaf or blossom to make you realize that life goes on regardless of hardships.  That one step forward is all it takes to make things better.  I figure if a rag-tag tree that has been put through the mill can grace the yard with its heavenly scent, then I can face whatever is thrown at me.  Here's to looking on the bright side!

Oranges...Apples...they are the same, right?

  After the couple of hard freezes that we had this past winter, I was afraid that our citrus trees were just about kaput!  We did lose all of the lemon and lime trees but the Satsuma, Navel Orange and grapefruit trees must be of hardier stock.  Each one lost all of its leaves and looked a good bit worse for wear a couple of weeks after the cold spells but, now, they all appear healthier than ever.  Perhaps that old saying "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." speaks a certain truth.  

  Today as I was out cutting grass and trimming a bit in the yard, I could smell the sweet aroma of the wisteria blooms.  The yard always smells so divine this time of year!  But, something was different than just a few days ago.  The scent had changed.  I pondered about this until I noticed that the Satsuma trees were in full bloom!  Usually, they bloom at a slightly later date than the wisteria but this year, the warm sunshine pulled the blooms earlier.  The trees were filled with blossoms.  Seeing this caused me to check the other citrus trees and, sure enough, they are loaded with buds as well.  Hopefully, winter is through for the year and no late freezes will damage the tiny fruits.

  The bloom-filled Satsuma trees made me smile.  It was just this past November when Mark and I shipped a box of the fruit to our little granddaughter in Georgia.  When the box was opened, Mary was so happy to see the fruit.  When her mama, Joanna, asked "What is that, Mary?"  The sweet tot smiled, picked up a Satsuma, held it to her face and said "Mmmm!!  Apple!"  Now every time I think of Satsumas or even of something delicious, her innocent exclamation comes to mind. Children are amazing!  

  So, given we have no unforeseen weather instances that damage the fruit, Mary will receive her box of Satsumas in late fall!  Mmmmm!  Apples!