Dr. Big's Fruit Cocktail Tree

I've heard of fruit cocktail and ambrosia, but a fruit cocktail tree?

Dr. Big planted one last year. It's supposed to produce peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots.

"How is this possible?" I asked Big.

"Grafting," he said. "With fruit trees, you can transplant limbs to limbs."

The admittedly small, logical part of my brain, the part that goes numb when I balance the checkbook, thinks Big got snookered. But my fanciful, nature-loving part is rooting for this little tree.

It may never produce a single fruit, but its pink blossoms have brightened our bald, winter-ruined backyard. One thing that amazes me: how did the tree's tag make it through the winter without fading or tearing?

I'm taking this as a good sign. Maybe this tree will be just as hardy.

Like all of you, I've been waiting and waiting for spring. The windows are open and a sweet breeze stirs the curtains. Big says he may have heard bullfrogs down by the pond--for sure I can hear the donkeys bray (they're fond of doing this at 3 a.m.--in case you're wondering, it sounds like a foghorn that got caught in a meat grinder).

I love country living and feel blessed to live on this hilltop.
Happy Easter!

XXOO