I spent the day in the big orchard up at Finley Lane scything, weeding and inspecting. It’s a huge job. Over four hundred trees. I dive in, and move along at a meditative pace. If I look ahead I might wonder if I’ll ever get done. With different eyes I can see how much joyful life still remains to be experienced. In any event the trees always seem to respond very well to the TLC. Weeding the trees is a wonderful way to spend these summer days.

Today was also the day to harvest the Pie Cherries before the birds finish them off. Pie Cherries have mostly not done well here, but some years we do get a small crop. This year the “Surefire” tree is fruiting. They are incredibly tart. I’ll cook them up tomorrow and eat them with my oatmeal.