An Apple Tree Update

A few years ago I posted a story about an apple tree that almost wasn't. It was a tough little tree, determined to grow in spite of our worst efforts and the deer seeking it out. Finally rescued, it has grown each year.

You can read the original story posted on April 27, 2011. http://viewfromanemptynest-connie.blogspot.com/2011/04/little-apple-tree-true-story-with-happy.html


Last year I posted an update in which the little tree presented it's first apple.

Unfortunately for the tree, it is still in a pot on our deck. The deer can't get it, but a pot greatly limits its growth. On top of that, we store it in the garage all winter. If we left it on the porch the roots would freeze without the protection of Mother Earth. If we brought it in the house the temperature would be too warm to give it an adequate dormant period. So the garage it is.

The garage offers some limitations. The biggest problem is height. The section of our garage where the tree is kept has a low ceiling and it periodically needs to be cut back so the branches aren't damaged when we bring it in for the winter. Fortunately, apple trees are not tall trees to begin with and they probably benefit from pruning. Larry and I have a running discussion as to who has more knowledge about the proper care and pruning of plants. (Truth is--neither of us have much of a clue, but we are both convinced we know better!)

Last winter Larry got ready to trim the tree.

Me: You'd better talk to someone. You don't know anything about apple trees.
Him: I'm fine. It will be fine.
Me: You do a very good job trimming most trees, but you don't know anything about apple trees. (I'm not a very creative arguer--is there such a word? Just stick to the point and ram it home. That's my fightin' style.)

Resorting to the Internet we found a couple of good pages on how to prune an apple tree and Larry read them over. Then he proceeded to prune.

Another difference between us is that when I start to trim a bush, I'll take off 6 inches. He'll go for a foot or two. There was little left when he finished. (At least that's how I saw it.)

This spring when we brought it out into the sun, I wondered if any leaves would grow on the stubby limbs. No fear. This is a hardy tree! (Remember it's grim beginning?) Branches sprouted, leaves grew and then there were blossoms. Lots of blossoms!! I think Larry secretly hoped for a full crop.

The blossoms turned to apples. Most of the tiny apples dried up and disappeared, but a couple persevered. And here it is. August. Apple Pickin' Time.

Yep. We had TWO lovely apples to pick! That's a 100% increase over last years crop!

I have to admit, I think these are two gorgeous apples!

Best of all, they were two yummy apples!

Next year there will be a big change for the little tree. We plan to plant it. I have a spot all picked out. It's not in Pennsylvania, but that's a whole other post.

August--The Dog Days of -- SCHOOL?

I was talking to my daughter the other day and I asked her when she went back to work? She is a teacher so I was checking to see when school started. "We went back today," she answered.

Now, I grew up in Pennsylvania and school ALWAYS started the Thursday after Labor Day. To this day that is a sacred date for me. Any deviance from that date bothers me. I should also add that I taught in Florida for 17 years and both of my children attended school there. I am very familiar with school starting in August. There were a few years when I had to go back to work at the end of July!

And I HATED IT!!!! I still do! When she told me she had already gone back to work and the kids would be starting school on August 12, it was like a physical kick in my stomach. UGH! YUCK! EW!

I could hear the amusement in her voice as she heard my reaction. I know she was thinking, "What does it matter to you? You're retired." True, but so what? I still hate it.

August is for summer. It is the last hurrah for vacationers. The last chance for picnics. The sun still sets at 9:00. Why should kids have to be in bed by 8:00?

I know that in places like Florida the weather in August is just as hot as September. I know hurricane season really gets going in September. I remember well, the September of 2004 when 3 hurricanes in a row closed schools repeatedly and suddenly we were looking at makeup dates. It probably is just as good that we had a month of school in before the constant interruptions. (Ha. Truthfully, I'm just being Politically Correct on that one. Would it make any difference if school had been in session 10 days? Not really.)

There are other concerns as well. A lot of northern families I know take vacations in August. Half my neighborhood is empty right now with families getting in those final trips before September days roll around. After all, when the weather turns hot and sultry where better to be than at the beach or in the mountains?

When we lived in Florida it was difficult finding a time to get together when my family always had to be home by the beginning of August. We have aunts, uncles and cousins from up and down the east coast, including Canada, and we gathered in Connecticut. Some of them were in school until late June. August was the traditional month to get together. But my family would be heading back to school.

All this is just Stuff, I know. In the long run everything works out so while I may vent about it, it doesn't change anything. Teachers and kids do just fine going to school in August. I survived just fine when I did it.

But each year, when in early August I hear people talking about school starting 'next week', it still feels like a kick in the gut to me!

So, to my buddies in Florida, it may not be as big a deal to you, who grew up there, than it was for me, but today you have my sympathies! Just remember, vacation may be over, but there is still 6 weeks left of summer, so PARTY ON! (on the weekends.) I'll be sitting on the deck, book in one hand and screwdriver in the other! (NO! Not the handy tool, silly. The one with Florida Sunshine!) This one's for you!

I'm Too Old for This! -- Part 3 of the Family Visit

It started innocently enough. 2 months ago my daughter asked if I'd like to keep her two kids for 5 days when she and her husband came for a visit this summer. They planned to visit for 2 weeks, but the first week she wanted to travel with her husband while he worked in Canada if I would keep the kids. Truthfully, I may be crazy, but I was excited! I couldn't wait!

Then the day drew closer. I started thinking about what toys I needed, how I would keep them busy, what activities we could do. There is the vision... order, activities, control...

And then there is reality...

Staying with my grandkids during the day is one thing, but when I realize I'm responsible for them while their parents are away I'm always a little apprehensive. Willing, looking forward to it, Sure! But aware of the responsibility!

Day 1: 6:00am--everyone is up to say bye to Mom and Dad. Terror, Apprehension, Excitement, Happy--how do you feel all four at once? I do.

Paberry laughs as he sees me scope out the PBS and Nick Jr. Schedule. When is Curious George on??? A MOST important question. Answer: 8:00am and 3:30pm. Followed by Sesame Street.
I am armed with knowledge.

11:00am--I take the kids to Fun For All, the local arcade, and ball pit. Warren disappears as soon as his shoes are off. Samantha is too little to climb up into the gigantic climbing house, and I'm too old to go up with her. (I don't bend well enough anymore.) "Emily" (9?) offers to help Sam up to the next level. Off they go.

Watching them play and searching for arcade games Warren can do is fun. I don't get to do 'grandma' stuff like this very often. But I'm not naïve. It's day 1. This is as much an adventure for them as it is for me. And adventures can wear off when things become routine.

Warren and Samantha help me make dinner. We mix and roll meatballs, and then make muffins. Dinner will be a hit as long as there are muffins!

7:00pm--Was it the muffins? These kids are crazy! Warren has been 'building towns' all over the house with blocks. He and Samantha are zooming everywhere, singing (loudly), building 'Maggie gates' with pillows. transforming orderly into.....? "Vision" is gone. "Reality" is here.

Dinner, bath, bed....the day has gone smoothly, but I am tired. I grab a shower and then sink into the couch. Ahh, shhh....do you hear that? Peace!

Day 2: 6:00am--REALLY?? I have to get up now? If I want to get up before the munchkins roll out of bed and are off and running, the answer is yes. Brushing my teeth I can barely see myself in the mirror. I'm an 8am person. Not 6.

11:00am--We've made Play Doh. The sky is gray but the weather man has promised it will clear this afternoon. I desperately need to mow the grass and most of the week has rain in the forecast. I sit down to check the weather. The local forecast is about to come on. The couch is comfy. ....

"Granberry? Are you asleep?"

OOPs. I open one eye and give a little nod to Warren. The local forecast has just ended!  Thank goodness for DVR. I replay the forecast. If I can get the energy, I'll be able to mow while Samantha naps. But for now, I can't budge off the couch. Yep. It's only been 30 hours and already I'm beat. 3 more days to go.

9:00pm--"OW."

That's all I can say. My feet hurt, my back is so tight it is hard to stand up. I have no idea why I feel so tired. I've mowed the grass for the last 6 years so that shouldn't be it. But whatever it is, I hurt. Sam is in bed, but not asleep. Warren just went to bed and crashed. My shower is done.

I'm done. OW.

Day 3: 6:00am.--Here we go again. I'm amazed. Advil kicked in while I slept and this morning I feel fine!

It's sunny but storms are on the way. We hit the playground first thing in the morning (after I remembered to slather on their sunscreen--what a good grandma am I!) and then came home for lunch. Sam napped. I did errands. I think I'm hitting my stride.

Last night, as I brushed Sam's hair, she leaned against me and said "I like you Granberry." Ahh, no sweeter words for a long-distance grandma!

Today, she loves me enough to start ignoring me. She ran away when I called her, 3 times! (The kids are hitting their stride, too.) Both learned what 'quiet time' meant, and Sam discovered Granberry can be tough, as I took away her two pink kitties for not listening to me.

We may have reached an understanding as manners were now on high display during dinner. But the after dinner crazy time continues! I haven't mastered the art of settling them down to sleep.

Day 4: 6:00am--Sleep! Please!! A bad storm last night had me awake for over an hour. With every thunder clap I had to check and see if it woke up the kids. They, of course, slept through the storm, but were up by 6:30.

Instantly they were into everything and each other. Larry just looked, shook his head, and said, "It looks like you're in for a rough one."

8:00am--Curious George--better known as Granberry's Magic Moment-- is on. Ah, Quiet. The key is to keep them focused. As soon as George is over, we head outside to ride bikes. (Take advantage of sun when it's here! It's supposed to rain in the afternoon.)

10:00am.--Kids are at the kitchen table with the Activity Box. Do-A-Dots, paper, foam, markers for Warren. Sam has a tub of mixed dried beans she is measuring, scooping, and pouring. I've vacuumed, done 2 loads of wash, and the dishwasher is finishing up. Peace reigns. I'm feeling pretty good about myself!

10:45am.--I was only out of the room for 3 minutes! I swear! (Maybe 4, but still!!!) I checked something on the computer and came back to see 2 cups of dried beans scattered on the kitchen floor! "WHAT happened?" I asked. Warren ducks his head busily working on his project.

"I have no idea," he says.

I ask Sam. "I don't know." she answers innocently.

11:30am--Sam is almost finished picking up all the beans. Gotta give it to her, she can stick to a task.

2:00pm--Sam is down for a nap. I carry the last load of laundry upstairs to put away. Maggie follows me. We both eye our beds. I lay down for a sec. Maggie does the same.

It feels so good, but I have visions of a police officer at the door asking me why the "5 year old is 3 blocks down near the busy highway". Inspired, I drag myself downstairs, but I have a new understanding for news stories when 'the mother was sleeping while her toddler wandered away from the house." I'm too old for this, I think to myself.

How, I wonder, do all those young moms have time to hop on Facebook and post pictures of their adorable kids? I've barely had time to look at my iPhone, and I fall asleep watching the weather!

Day 5: 6:00am--Waking up is a little easier. Is it becoming more natural, or is it because I know today is the last day I will have to be up before the two little ones? Tonight, their mom and dad are coming home. Tomorrow, Jan will be the one to wake up early! YEA!!! That sounds pretty good!

4:00pm--We are on our way to Chambersburg to see Nanny. The rest of the family will meet us there for a mini-family reunion. I can't wait to see everyone!

Jan calls to let me know that they are stuck in LaGuardia Airport for the 2nd time this week. They don't know when they will get in. A series of phone calls ensue as they explore options. "Mom, you're sounding a little panicky! Ready to get rid of two little kids?" she asks?

OK...here comes confession time. Up to this point this post was written several weeks ago while I was taking care of the kids.

Jan, Mike and Larry finally made it to Chambersburg at 11:30pm. I was sitting in a dark hotel room while my two angels slept waiting for their mommy and daddy.

With the passage of time I can look back with some perspective. I am no longer exhausted. My ears are no longer ringing. A happy surprise....I lost 2 pounds that week )and it has stayed off!) My house has returned to normal...a house for 2 and not for 10. Already I miss everyone. Yes, I am too old for this.

But I bet I'd do it again in a heartbeat.