When I was six some entrepreneurial types bought a peach
orchard in Dekalb County Georgia. They knocked down a few trees paved a road,
and built six spec houses. My parents bought one. Next door on one side lived
Sparky the literal red headed boy next door who would dance with me on Saturday
and steal my crayons and break them on Sunday. On the other side lived Linda
who was considerably younger than me and followed me everywhere. I loved her
and made sure she was included in everything.
You could learn a lot about life living in an orchard. The
beauty of the blossoms in springtime was breathtaking. Sitting in a tree one
day I saw a twig moving on its own! Turns out it was a very cool bug known for
good reason as a "walking stick". Summertime brought the thudding
sound of peaches hitting the ground for what seemed to my young mind to be
miles. I have never tasted the likes of the homemade peach ice cream
(personally hand cranked by Linda and yours truly) or the peach pie that was
enjoyed on the picnic tables in the backyards of Gresham Road. But as all life
lessons must include, to this beauty there was a dark side. If you have spent
any time near an orchard you already know what it is. BEES! In the trees, in
the utility shed, lighting on your peach pie, on the ground . You know we went
barefoot, right? Aaahhh!! Annie Marks
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